Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-05-2021

TUESDAY 4th May, 2021

No. 106350 SEE PAGE

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‘We must recognise how fortunate we are’; get vaccinated, urges First Lady

Guyanese travellers owed millions in refunds SEE PAGE

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― several regional carriers cited as errant parties SEE PAGE

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InterCaribbean Airways Airways,, Fly Allways destined for Guyana

Lovely Guyana! Lakhan Budhan, 68, a large-scale farmer at Tigerbone Banakari, Soesdyke-Linden Highway stands next to a bountiful coconut tree on his farm on Monday (Carl Croker photograph)

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Manickchand, Persaud call on women to leave abusive relationships

Businessman shoots home intruder

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

‘We must recognise how fortunate we are’ ― says First Lady as she encourages Guyanese to get vaccinated

GUYANA is one of the few countries in the world that has managed to secure enough COVID-19 vaccines to provide national coverage. Despite this incredible accomplishment, many Guyanese are still to be vaccinated.

On Monday, the country’s First Lady, Arya Ali, issued a broadcast message encouraging Guyanese to play their part in eliminating the deadly coronavirus

by getting vaccinated.

“Vaccines are one of the most successful developments in modern medicine.

It has made possible the eradication of small pox and provides hope for an end to this devastating pandemic, which has claimed the lives of over three million people,” Mrs. Ali said.

She emphasised that “Vaccines act as a protective shield, keeping our families and communities safe and bringing us closer

to a day when we can put preventative diseases behind us.”

The First Lady lamented the fact that for vaccines to effectively make a difference, they require investments, trust and confidence.

“With countries scrambling to access vaccines to protect their populations, we must recognise how fortunate we are to have access to vaccines,” Mrs. Ali acknowledged.

So far, 142,869 persons

have received their first ‘jab’ of the COVID-19 vaccines, while 5039 have already been fully immunised. Even so, Guy-

ana’s vaccination numbers are still below what is expected.

“I want to urge you to take action during world

First Lady of Guyana, Arya Ali

immunisation week and do the same. You must protect yourselves, your families, and communities,” Mrs. Ali advised.

So far, Guyana has already recorded 303 deaths.

With an adequate number of Guyanese vaccinated, the death toll could come to a halt, since vaccination is said to guard against fatalities and other serious consequences caused by the novel coronavirus.

“Get vaccinated; encourage your families and friends to ensure that they too are vaccinated; not only against COVID-19, but dangerous preventative diseases. Together, we can do this,” the First Lady concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

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Guyanese travellers owed millions in refunds ― several regional carriers cited as errant parties

THE Ministry of Public Works and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Monday convened a meeting with local travel agents to address issues of outstanding refunds to Guyanese travellers. The engage-

Jamaica exited the local market and filed for bankruptcy, following the 2018 crash-landing of one of its aircraft at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The accident resulted in six persons being injured. It was reported

menced to engage some of the errant airlines, particularly authorities in Jamaica. The GCAA head informed attendees too that local regulations do not require scheduled carriers to lodge bonds. Minister Edghill has expressed the

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill

ment, hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, was led by subject minister Juan Edghill and the GCAA’s Director-General Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field.

During the discussion aspect of the forum, representatives of various travel services steered clear of assuming responsibility for the unsettled payments. On the contrary, the travel agents registered complaints relating to airlines failing to honour their responsibility of refunding passengers in a timely manner.

Blame was particularly attributed to regional airlines namely Fly Jamaica, LIAT and Caribbean Airlines (CAL). In 2019, Fly

that the Toronto-bound airplane had suffered hydraulic complications.

As for CAL, travel agents are complaining of the drawn-out process of refunding customers who were affected by the closure of operations during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The meeting also heard complaints against Eastern Airlines, which has allegedly failed to compensate customers who were affected early last year. In some instances, airlines have issued vouchers, but failed to process cash payments in a timely manner. This was one of the complaints against LIAT. Field told the forum that efforts have com-

commitment of the GCAA to address the issues.

Additionally, Edghill said that government would be instituting new regulations to more effectively guide the operations of local travel agencies, especially as the local aviation sector continues to expand.

The minister, in acknowledging the importance of the aviation sector to the economy, pointed to the need for more internationally recognised regulations, where the rights of consumers are protected.

“Our government is pro-business. We want to improve the environment for business development, the ease of doing business, we don’t want to put burdens on people, but we want to ensure people are in compliance,” he said.

Edghill noted too that the existing legal framework under which travel agencies operate is very

vague. However, the Sale of Travel Tickets Act empowers him as the minister responsible for the sector, to implement regulations as he deems fit.

To this end, the Public Works Minister said that consultations are expected to commence shortly among representatives of the Ministry, GCAA and travel agents, regarding the specific regulations that are to be implemented.

“So, the conversation about the minister making regulations to ensure that we are properly regulated, I don’t want it to be a ‘top down’ where I sit in my office with some legal people and write regulations,” Edghill noted.

He said that consultations must be done to ascertain the areas that need be regulated, and the systems and procedures that require strengthening. “…and what needs to be changed,” Edghill added.

Some of the travel agents at Monday’s forum (DPI photo)

The minister noted that the consultations must, however, result in the creation of a draft regulation, along with a compliance document that will reflect the input of all relevant stakeholders in the industry.

“So, we are not going to encourage monopoly.

We are not going to encourage elitism and we are going to keep the door [of] business open, but we also want everybody who is in practice, in compliance… So I am suggesting that the work of this team wrap up in no longer than six months,” the minister said.

He also urged the travel agencies to regularise themselves, so that they are eligible to participate in the upcoming consultations. He noted too that agencies that have not yet registered with the Ministry of Public Works have 30 days to do so.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

InterCaribbean Airways, Fly Taxi driver robbed Allways destined for Guyana of vehicle, valuables

By Richard Bhainie

THE Government of Guyana has granted approval for Caribbean airline carrier, InterCaribbean Airways, to operate the Georgetown, Guyana route, joining the Surinamese airline carrier, Fly All Ways, which was granted approval in March this year.

This announcement was made by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) during an engagement with travel agents.

This marks an inaugural venture for the Turks and Caicos Islands-based InterCaribbean Airways as the aircraft has never plied the Georgetown route. Fly Allways airline, however, had first entered the local market in August 2016, but its service lasted for less than a year.

InterCaribbean Airways, which touts the slogan “Connecting you and the Caribbean”, offers flights to 27 cities within the Caribbean region, with plans for expansion of its network. The cities

include Havana, Cuba; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Kingston, Jamaica.

The Public Works Minister, during the engagement, also announced that the government is currently in talks with other airline carriers

in a bid for them to operate here. One such airline is British-based carrier, Virgin Atlantic.

“We are engaging new airlines to come to Guyana.

We have just approved, at the level of Cabinet, two

port (CJIA), Guyana will attract much more flights from across the globe and becomes a hub for regional travel.

“We still want to ensure that we can bring in the wider body jets, carry more

InterCaribbean Airways flight route map as displayed on their website

new airlines, FlyAllways and InterCaribbean Airways.

There are applications of other airlines that we are considering,” Edghill said.

He is optimistic that with the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Air-

passengers with capacity for greater cargo, to being cost down from the economy of scales, and perhaps when they get here, shuttle them to French Guiana, Brazil, Trinidad back into the Caribbean,” he said.

in Friendship

DELROY Adonis, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was robbed of a Toyota Allion car (PZZ 3220) valued at $3.2 million, a Samsung A20 smart phone valued $45,000 and $15,000 cash by three men posing as passengers.

Police said that the robbery occurred on Saturday at about 21:35hrs at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The car has since been recovered.

Reports indicate that 33-year-old Adonis picked up a passenger at Vreed-en-Hoop who requested to be taken to Diamond, EBD. The passenger requested that the driver stop to pick up a male and female, and it was there they robbed him of the items at gunpoint.

They made good their escape in his vehicle. However, the car was subsequently found along the Craig Public Road. Police are investigating the incident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

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Investment in education sure path to personal upliftment ― Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has urged residents of Albion and nearby communities to take full advantage of the 20,000 online scholarship programme being offered by the government.

Minister Singh told the gathering of mostly young people at the Albion Community Development Ground, on Saturday, that this initiative is a way of developing their communities.

“I want to speak about it at a household and individual level. Investment in education is the surest path to personal upliftment. We have all grown up in homes where our parents wanted us to have the

best possible opportunity.

“All of you grew up in homes where your parents wanted their children to have the best possible education

so that they can have the best possible chance of doing well in life; that is the dream of every parent. Take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

Dr. Singh urged the youth to uplift themselves and broaden their horizons with the opportunities being offered through the scholarships, which are being facilitated by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

However, he warned that it was not a competition and therefore the young people should encourage each other to apply.

“I will tell you this, in my experience, a rising tide lifts all the boats. The reality is that if all of us do better, collectively we will be doing better. There are 20,000 scholarships, enough for you and your neighbour.”

Minister Singh said these current developments at the

national level are strategic to enhance the standard of living.

“The skills that our people have will influence the level of production and productivity that we are able to achieve and will influence the prosperity of our country. It is logical, the more skilled you are, the more productive you are able to be, and the more effective you are, the more you are able to contribute to national wellbeing.”

“We want each and every one of you to further your education in your chosen afield.

Whatever interest you, we want you to be able to further your education, we want you to be able to uplift and improve your skills so that you can enjoy a better quality of

life,” he said.

Minister Singh said this current period in Guyana’s history is an exciting transformation period and government will ensure that opportunities to enhance and develop skills and improve education reach every county, town and area of Guyana.

Government’s GOAL initiative is a manifesto promise to improve access to education at every level from nursery to university.

GOAL aims to expand the middle- and upper-class category of the population through enhancement of access to tertiary education that will support manpower requirements of both the private and public sectors by the year 2025. (DPI)

Boost for fisheries sector through upgrades to Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station ― close to $40 million budgeted for works this year

WITH government announcing transformative measures for Guyana’s aquaculture sector, the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station is expected to benefit from a series of upgrades during the year.

Last week, the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture inked a $39,912,372 contract with Doodnauth Construction and Supplies, which will see a series of upgrades and expansion to the facility which is located on Agriculture Road, Mon Repos.

the facility and improve its ability to deliver on a wider selection of species for research, and make available to farmers for grow-out. Species that will be targeted are lukanani, patwa, tambaqui, kreteke/ snail, hassar, and arapaima.

Upgrades to the facility will include the construction of seven 46’ x 23’ concrete ponds, the construction of 540 feet of earthen road, as well as the erection of a 1690-foot fence,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha further stated that the upgrades

in Guyana, fisherfolk need to have access to a certain amount of fingerlings at any given period. This is why we needed to ensure we utilise the available space, construct additional ponds, and execute an overall upgrade,” Minister Mustapha said.

Apart from contracted works, Minister Mustapha disclosed that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will also be assisting the Fisheries Department with clearing 7.5 acres of land for the expansion and the construc-

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and other agriculture officials at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station

During the contract-signing, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha stressed the importance of having those projects completed in a timely manner.

With works scheduled to commence at the facility in the coming week, Minister Mustapha said that the works are intended to significantly increase the current capacity of the aquaculture station.

“The expansion of the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station will double the present capacity of

are in keeping with government’s plan to further develop the country’s aquaculture sector.

“Since taking office last August, government has been pushing and promoting development of the local aquaculture sector.

After closely examining the layout and land available at the aquaculture station, a decision was taken for several upgrades to be made to develop the facility and, by extension, the sector. If we are going to promote and develop aquaculture

tion of 23 earthen ponds of various sizes.

These works are expected to be completed by the first week in September of this year.

Over the last eight months, government has taken several steps to reorganise and rejuvenate the sector. Back in March of this year, the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation (GNFO) hosted its second national election after being dormant for some time.

Furthermore, Presi-

dent Dr. Irfaan Ali had announced that government will soon launch an aquaculture ‘master plan’ that will see the sector taking off. The Head of State alluded to the fact that, as a result of climate change and the changing landscape of the global fisheries industry, government

was encouraged to think outside the box and move to transition to an aquaculture-based operation.

The Agriculture Ministry has commenced sensitisation and consultation exercises with the local fisher-folk to reorganise the players and ensure that the sector is developed in

a sustainable way.

Guyana’s aquaculture sector is being targeted for massive development in both the long term and short term.

This year, $293 million has been allocated for development of the Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Finding the right balance EMERGING developing nations around the world today face a different playing field than did the old industrial giants of the 20th century global village, and this is an important consideration that directly impacts Guyana’s development agenda.

Although it may seem to be an unfair imbalance in the way that mankind holds up certain values for one set of nations and different values for others, the new worldview emerging in this century is a real factor, and cannot be ignored or circumvented. Today, 21st century progressive thinking pushes global development to consider the full ramifications of human socioeconomic progress, rather than just raw economic growth, with even the old measurement of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) undergoing a major shift in how the planet’s overall wealth is gauged. In fact, the new way aligns well with Dr Cheddi Jagan’s thesis for a New Global Human Order, which the United Nations has adopted.

Global leaders are working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the Glasgow Climate Conference in November, with the main goal and monumental ambition to cause a rapid transformation of mass consciousness across the international arena, away from that old way of seeing only raw economics, to a new way of placing clean climate measurements at the heart and core of development and progress across the planet. This applies to countries, companies, and communities -- the full gamut of human society.

For the first time in human history there

is a serious global movement of influential world leaders to cause mankind to live for a humane world, with the earth’s natural environment the uppermost accounting measurement in how progress is gauged, quantified and measured.

The Climate Conference is the 26th annual conference of the United Nations Conference of the Parties, called COP26, and organises a worldwide gathering of political leaders, business tycoons, and influential organisation heads from all over the world, to map out the new way of doing things in the world, with the main goal of causing a shift across the global village for development and progress to move away from the bare, raw, detached numbers of economic considerations, to always measure progress only in terms of impact on the global climate, on the pristine planet.

Guyana stands at a beautiful place in this emerging world scene, as a net-clean climate generator with upwards of 80 per cent of its natural forests intact, and as a major emerging global oil-and-gas producer. Guyana’s contribution to this new world order could well be to show the global village how these two seeming contradictory development paths could converge and complement each other, and lead to progress, peace and prosperity, while preserving the planet’s pristine nature, without compromising the earth’s integrity for sustaining life and maintaining a thriving natural ecosystem.

Much of the Guyanese leadership for

this resides in the hands of Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, whose work within the natural environment movement is wellknown around the world. His presence on the international stage as an advocate for sustainable development is second to none in the Caribbean, and his leadership on the local scene with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) equips him with the leadership acumen and knowledge to take on this agenda for this country.

More importantly, the government’s job is to fit Guyana within the new global framework on how development and progress happen, and how it is all measured and how accounting integrity aligns with ensuring that the single most important goal is a pristine planet, rather than mere raw economic boom.

COP26 aims to bring global influential leaders together to ensure that the Paris Agreement goals are achieved with positive results. This Climate Conference is different from past ones, in that it moves away from imposing mandates on countries to implement the goals of the Paris Agreement.

This strategy of mandated imposition was not working, with significant pushback and even protests disrupting plans and projects to implement the goals at national levels. At the COP26 gathering, a new way is rolling out, one that seeks to cause a shift in how mankind sees development and progress, whereby the underlying value that development and progress should aim for, and the accounting measurements that tell this story,

should align more with a pristine planet than with profits and the bottom line. What good, in other words, is a company or country or community that declares profits and black ink instead of red at the end of the financial year, if the pristine planet suffers irreparable damage from that profitable operation?

COP26 in 2021 is marking over a quarter of a century since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change commenced positioning global consciousness towards a more humane global order that aims solely for sustainability and preservation of the ecosystem, one that positions people to see only a pristine planet, rather than polished playthings that damage the earth’s natural ecosystem.

No longer can countries aim for mere industrialisation and building out industrial development, with concrete and steel marking the path of progress, as Europe and North America did over the past 100 years of the Industrial Age. In the new world, progress and development must align with preservation of the pristine planet, and for emerging developing nations such as Guyana, and even the big ones such as South Africa, China, India, Brazil and Russia, this new consideration which will be a new mass consciousness that could start sweeping the world by this year-end, would determine how the future unfolds and what the road ahead looks like, as progress takes on a new face across the earth.

Newer fire-fighting techniques needed urgently in Guyana I WISH to offer my sincerest sympathy to the owner of Sharon’s Mall, the various store owners who operated within that building and the hundreds of employees who are without jobs and incomes.

It is a sad reality that we lost a building of this magnitude! Lawyers, proprietors, expatriates and local Guyanese operated out of that building.

To think about the hundreds of families who are now without incomes, their families and the worry they must be going through at this time is truly saddening.

In various press releases, I have noted that there were only 20 firefighters tending to the fire at such an imposing building. This, to me, is totally ludicrous! A fire of such gargantuan proportions needed more personnel to tend to it.

This horrific incident has cemented my conviction that Guyana needs to undergo a certain evolution, some of which are as follows:1) We need to have modern buildings equipped or installed with fire-suppression systems. It must be a prerequisite for offices, commercial buildings and homes alike to have these systems put in place.

2) A great need for modernised trucks with automatic ladders that can reach a minimum of 10 storeys in order to prepare for the future.

3) The fire station needs to be moved from its current abode, Water Street. It is surrounded

by markets, vendors and bus parks, thus constricting the free flow of movement which is critical in tending to a fire in a timely manner. I believe that we are still locked in the colonial era, when that has always been the base for the fire tenders in Georgetown. Incidentally, that area is called “Donkey City.” We have evolved and we have to continue to evolve away from the old way of seeing and doing things in this country.

The government needs to act in haste on the following:* Consider the most modern fire system in this country. Nowadays, firefighters are forging through the flames with high-tech gear such as thermal imaging cameras to help them see where they are going, and drones to get an eyein-the sky perspective. Firefighting jet-packs are not just a fantasy for Dubai, they are the real deal. The water-propelled jetpacks were purchased by the United Arab Emirates in 2015 as a way to avoid traffic by turning to the SEA. Now, we may not be able to afford this at the moment, but this is something we can consider in maybe five or 10 years time as we progress as a nation. * To protect our firefighters with the proper gear/apparatus that does not burn in fires. * Fire trucks need to be at strategic areas, example, the National Cultural Centre, near the Seawall on Vlissengen Road, Mercy Hospital, near to the American and Canadian embassies.

We can also have one on the East Coast of Demerara, near the Shell Service Station or the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, on the East Bank of Demerara, near the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Those are some of the strategic areas we can place fire stations for more effectiveness. * All homes, all businesses must be compelled to carry fire extinguishers and sand buckets. Some people may say and very well so, that they cannot afford to purchase fire instruments, but the government can use monies from the Norway Fund to help the poor acquire these critical equipment that are so needed in every home! * There must be a system set up in this country to have people trained to use a fire extinguisher. People should be educated on how to use a bucket of sand to put out small fires. The bucket must be painted in RED. This education must be made available to the public via all social media platforms, and posted at all RDCs and NDCs. Even the primary and secondary school-aged children should be taught how to extinguish a fire by using an extinguisher or a sand bucket. They can in turn train their parents. The relevant fire personnel can also make special effort to visit schools to offer training. In fact, one person per household should be trained as a firefighter in this country. Every business--both public and private sector--should hold training seminars

for its employees as a precautionary measure.

Members of the Guyana Police Force can greatly assist in getting this proactive measure into speedy effect.

With reference to the Sharon’s Mall fire, I believe that these three-wheel vehicles can be very effective in Guyana, given the narrow, congested roads we have in Georgetown.

These vehicles are very popular in China, India and other parts of Asia. In Egypt, these three-wheeler extinguishers are highly used and has come in for high praises. One of my corporations can easily supply these vehicles.

They can carry chemicals and even small amounts of water to tend to small fires and in the interim, of large fires before the fire trucks get to the burning building. Had we been a forward-thinking nation, maybe that fire at the mall would have been halted to an extent.

It is contemptible that once again, fire trucks turn up at a burning building with damaged hoses, low or no water and fire hydrants not in good working order. Where is the preventative maintenance mentality?

How many more losses do we need? Are we really moving forward as a nation? We can do better. We must recover and triumph!

Sincerely, Haji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

147,904 vaccinated against COVID-19

By Richard Bhainie

AS of Sunday last, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health has administered 142,869 first doses and 5,035 second doses of three COVID-19 vaccinations distributed locally.

This is all part of efforts to vaccinate the population and achieve herd immunity as reiterated by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, during his COVID-19 update on Monday.

While the Ministry of Health was optimistic of administering 150,000 first doses of vaccines by the end of the last weekend, Anthony explained that the number of vaccines administered tends to decrease on the weekends, but an increase is expected during the week.

“On the weekends there is usually a drop-off in terms of intake, but during the week that would tend to increase, so we will be expecting that they will be more persons coming forward this week to take the

vaccine,” Anthony said.

An increase in the uptake of vaccines has been attributed to the dissemination of information and ministerial visits to various parts of the country, which are intended to encourage citizens to protect themselves and others by taking the vaccine.

On Sunday last, Dr. Anthony and a team of his Cabinet colleagues took to the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), as part of an effort to improve the willingness among the population to take the vaccine, especially since the town has recorded significantly low numbers of doses administered.

“While most regions now would have accounted for maybe 30 per cent or so of their adult population getting their first dose of the vaccine, what we have noticed in Linden, is that there are about 8.6 per cent of the adult population who have received their first dose.

“We ended up, at the end of yesterday [Sunday], with 119 persons taking their first dose, and I think that’s a positive step. This has been the highest so far in the region, where people came out to take their vaccines, and we will continue to encourage persons to come out and get a vaccine,” he added.

To date, Guyana has obtained collectively 265,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca, the Chinese Sinopharm and Russian Sputnik V vaccines, which have been made available countrywide through the national vaccination campaign.

The Ministry of Health in its rolling out of the vaccines to the population has gradually made it available to different age groups, with senior citizens being the first group to receive theirs. The age limit has since been reassessed to include those aged 18 and above.

Dr. Anthony noted, on Monday, that there is no intention to lower the age limit in the immediate term to include

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony

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― no reduction in age eligibility for vaccines younger individuals.

“The reason being is that all the vaccines that we are currently using, they have been tested for people 18 years and above and that is why we have been using this age limit of 18 years and above,” he said.

“There have been clinical trials that they are now doing with lower age groups, but the results of those clinical trials are not currently available because the trials are not completed. So, when those trials are made available and when we review the data then we can make those decisions,” Dr. Anthony related.

The Health Minister explained that children’s reaction

to the COVID-19 virus varies from that of adults and that there have not been many cases of severe forms of the disease recorded among children. He noted, however, that they can still spread the virus as adults.

“Children can be carriers of the disease and pass the disease on to adults, so it is important that we also monitor what is happening with children and if they do have symptoms pertaining to COVID-19, that we test them to understand better if they have or don’t have the disease and then if they have the disease, to take all the necessary precautions,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Minister Walrond pledges to support domestic tourism

TOURISM, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, on Saturday, said her Ministry is committed to promoting domestic tourism. She made this disclosure at the launch of the new Ride Along GY bicycle rental and tour service at the Carifesta Sports Complex.

Locals and foreigners alike would be able to access the new service, which was financed through a $1 million Green Tech Small Business Fund.

Minister Walrond said she is pleased that the initiative is a woman-owned and woman-driven business.

“When we move towards full remote reopening of international travel, the ministry will also target visitors from the diaspora who wants to reconnect

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and Ride Along GY CEO, Cherry-Ann Greene at the launch

with your heritage and the experience, the transformational changes taking place in our country, and essential components of this tourism thrust. This must be the type of activities and experiences visitors will have when they journey to the various destinations across Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the business, Cherry-Ann Greene, said she is happy that she was able to realise her dream.

“I’m very excited. I’m thrilled actually. It’s been a rough journey from unemployment to the pandemic and to standing where I am right now. It’s been a pleasure. It’s, I don’t know, words fail me, but it was indeed a quite an amazing journey. I had a lot of support from friends

and family that got me to this point, many sleepless nights but here I am proudly standing.”

Greene expressed gratitude to the government for the encouragement and support. She also said she hopes a bicycle lane can be constructed along the roadways.

This year, the government allocated $250 million to Small Business Development Fund, the largest allocation for small business development in Guyana to date. The Green Tech Small Business Fund is a component of this Fund.

The objective is to ensure small and micro enterprise receive the necessary incentives to strengthen their operations. (DPI)

Anna Regina Town Council starts campaign to rid public road of stray animals

By Indrawattie Natram

EFFORTS are currently being made by the Anna R e g i n a To w n C o u n c i l (ARTC) and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to identify pastures for the countless donkeys that are roaming the township’s public road.

This disclosure was made

by Mayor of Anna Regina, Rajendra Prabhulall, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Given the noticeable increase in donkeys on the Anna Regina Public Road in the last few months, he said members of the ARTC and the RDC will be inspecting lands in the “MCR” backlands where the animals will be taken after being impounded.

The mayor said a stern warning was issued to the persons rearing cows and sheep in the township, as

these animals are oftentimes seen roaming.

He informed this publication that the council’s stray

catchers are often threatened by the owners of these stray animals whenever they go out to round them up. Because of this situation, the stray catchers are most times unable to execute their tasks, he added.

recently met with the woman and she has promised to sell some of the animals.

Additionally, discussions are being held to identify pastures to accommodate stray cattle.

Several businessmen

ones who have to remove it to ensure that the front of the hotel is a pleasing sight for potential guests and visitors and is stench-free.

Several other business owners expressed similar concerns and related that

Mayor of Anna Regina, Rajendra Prabhulall

Stray donkeys on the Anna Regina Public Road

The flyer that was issued as part of the council’s campaign

Given the number of animals the stray catchers have to impound, the council is looking to acquire a low-bed truck.

Meanwhile, Prabhulall singled out a woman in the town who is rearing over 100 head of sheep. He explained to this publication that the animals are creating issues for the council. The council

in the township have complained about stray animals destroying parts of their premises. The stray animals are also a major threat to the town’s hospitality sector.

As recent as Sunday, a hotelier vented his frustration to this publication. He said stray cows would defecate in front of his hotel and members of his staff are the

it was time the town council steps in and implement measures to deal with stray cattle roaming around the town.

Businessmen noted that the messy scene in front of their businesses is not a pleasant sight for the countless persons who visit the town on a daily basis.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

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Local journalists talk about press freedom

ON Monday, Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Press Freedom Day, a day which is set aside to internationally recognise and commemorate the need for the press to have freedom to information, in order to properly carry out their mandate of keeping the public informed.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke with a few young local journalists to get their thoughts and perceptions on what press freedom means to them, and what are some of the challenges that continue to stymie press freedom in Guyana.

have policies being crafted, but journalists cannot interrogate the data which informs their formulation or evaluate their effectiveness because all that is released are spurious talking points. Real questions are deflected and those who ask them are sidelined and attacked. There are quite a few things that need to be done, but we can start by decriminalising defamation and properly activating the Access to Information Act.”

my colleagues and I who covered the elections for Kaieteur News, saying that our mothers should have snapped our necks at birth. The post was reported and reported. But I felt very real fear because of pointed attacks like that on my person. I felt that people were trying to incite violence against myself and my colleagues because of the work we were doing.”

Jarryl Bryan, journalist, Guyana Times/Evening News Years in the media: five “Press freedom for me means unencumbered access to information for the public good. That means, public officials making themselves available and answering their phones. It also means public officials being knowledgeable of the issues under their remit. I think public officials not answering

Rupa Seenarine, journalist, Guyana Times/Evening News Years in the media: three “Press freedom in my opinion is the power given to media operatives to execute their duties without fear, intimidation or any form of suppression. It is getting to the truth, holding authorities accountable, so that the population

Navendra Seoraj

Thandeka Percival

Kemol King

Jarryl Bryan

Rupa Seenarine

it is through the eyes of journalists that the public sees the workings of the state, events and other social or economic changes that occur. The ability to work without censorship is the dream of any journalist, as it affords them the opportunity to critically analyse any issue or topic, and properly inform the public of such. In the execution of their mandate, however, journalists, particularly in Guyana, have encountered a challenge or bottleneck in accessing information.

Without information there is no story, so it is imperative that public officers be forthcoming with information.”

when the press calls is a significant challenge in Guyana. I must say that some of them take their duties under press freedom seriously and do try to be as accessible and as helpful as possible. I just wish this was across the board.”

Navendra Seoraj, Assistant Editor (ag), Guyana Chronicle Years in the media: seven “Free press is the hallmark of any democratic society, as

Thandeka Percival, journalist, Stabroek News Years in the media: six “The most basic definition of press freedom includes access to information and the right to responsibly publish that information without fear of interference or attack from the state or their surrogates. Access to information continues to be a hindrance. There is an [Access to Information] Act but no Commissioner to allow for the act to be enforced. We

Kemol King, Senior Communications Officer, Department of Public Information (DPI) Years in the media: three “I believe press freedom means having environments where journalists, editors and publishers are not restricted by government overreach into their work, or by intimidation from the government or other institutions. I’ll go with a very obvious situation, in pointing out impediments to a free press -- the 2020 elections. Journalists faced intimidation from supporters of the then ruling party throughout the saga. Barriers, literal and otherwise, were also erected

by GECOM to inhibit journalists’ access to information.

A newspaper columnist wrote a piece and had it posted on Facebook by a popular radio host. The piece singled out

Kenlyn Parris

can be appraised [sic] of current affairs. Journalists have a responsibility to the people and it can only be achieved if there is liberty in the execution of our duties. However, there is the challenge of misinformation in the public domain which affects credible outlets. With inaccurate reports circulating on social media among other outlets, people are often misled. In tense situations, such as the protracted 2020 elections period, it is also a dangerous profession when in the field.”

Kenlyn Parris, reporter, Guyana Chronicle Years in the media: two “Press freedom for me is giving people a space where they can share their beliefs and stories without interference. The press is where many look to keep up to date with the everyday affairs of the world. Press freedom is the oxygen that drives credibility and integrity, but in Guyana we still have a long way to go.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Businessman shoots home intruder

A 20-year-old man was shot to the back, arm and abdomen during an alleged attempted ‘break and entry’ of the premises of a North West District, Region One businessman, who is a licensed firearm holder.

The suspect is currently under police guard at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.

It is alleged that the young man was shot on Sunday during his attempt to

break into Sheldon Baharally’s Settlement, North West District house.

Police Headquarters not-

ed that Baharally, a 33-yearold businessman, woke after midnight and confronted someone who was trying

to break into the house; he fired several shots in the person’s direction but the person managed to escape.

Police were immediately informed and investigations commenced. Acting on information, investigators picked up the 20-year-old male at his house in the Barima River.

According to the police, when questioned about his injuries, the young man said that he was at a house the night before and was shot.

Bandits rob Triumph businessman

ARMED masked bandits robbed a Triumph, East Coast Demerara businessman of his gold chain, after they forced their way into his home.

According to reports, the victim was approached by the perpetrators who were disguised with face masks. They then ordered him into the house.

His son, upon opening the door from the inside, quickly averted harm when one of the perpetrators discharged a round in his direction, hitting the door.

The bandits then relieved the victim of his gold chain and made good their escape. In the process of escaping, they discharged another round in the direction of the victim’s other son. Police are investigating the incident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Arson attempt on house of wanted man’s grandmother thwarted QUICK action by neighbours resulted in the prevention of what could have been a devastating fire at a house occupied by the grandmother of wanted man, Shaquawn Alleyne.

According to police reports, the Block 22 Wismar, Linden, house, owned by Mary Alleyne, was allegedly set on fire around 04:30hrs on Monday.

Reports are that a curtain hanging from one of the windows was set on fire from outside of the house by a lone male suspect, who was subsequently observed by neighbours running away from the scene.

It was the quick action of neighbours that resulted in the fire being extinguished before it could spread.

It is unclear at this time whether this attack is related to Shaquawn who is being sought by authorities for the alleged murder of his reputed girlfriend, 21-year-old Shonnette Dover, who had been reported missing since April 3.

After weeks of searching, authorities following an investigation, found the girl’s decomposed body on Friday last, buried in a shallow grave in the backyard of a house, at Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, which she purportedly shared with Alleyne

Alleyne’s father and Dover’s 15-year-old sister are in police custody over their involvement in the alleged gruesome murder.

The 15-year-old sister had confessed to the police that she saw when Alleyne shot and killed Dover on the night of April 3 and then later buried her in his backyard.

The teen disclosed that on the night the victim went ‘missing,’ Alleyne was oiling his “brownish gun” in the sister’s living room.

He then pointed the gun at Dover, who told him: “He like play and he should put away that thing.”

The 15-year-old further revealed that she then heard a sound like a squib and Alleyne said: “oh shoots, I shoot that girl.”

According to the teen, she saw her sister’s mouth open and blood on her face. She claimed she told Alleyne they should take her sister to the hospital, but he said “no she dead already.”

Alleyne remains in hiding and reports indicate that he has escaped to French Guiana. Investigations into this matter are ongoing.

Autopsy shows single gunshot wound to head killed Shonnette Dover

AN autopsy done on the body of 20-year-old Shonnette Dover has found that she was killed by a single gunshot to the head.

Dover, who was reported missing on April 3, 2021, was found dead in a shallow grave aback the Canvas City, Wismar, Linden house of her purported boyfriend, Shaquawn Alleyne.

Her body, which was found in a sitting position, was identified by her father and aunt. The autopsy on the body was conducted by Dr Nehaul Singh, at the Memorial Garden Mortuary, on Monday.

Parts of her body were also extracted for genetic analysis at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL).

According to police reports, Dover’s 15-year-old sister confessed to detectives that she saw when Alleyne shot and killed her sister on the night of April 3 and then later buried the body in the backyard of his

house, in the presence of his father.

However, from the numerous Facebook posts made by Alleyne, follow-

Dead: Shonnette Odessa Dover

ing the young woman’s disappearance, it appeared otherwise. He was even a member of numerous search parties for her.

Since Dover’s decomposed body was found buried, several voice recordings have surfaced with someone purported to be Alleyene making a desperate plea for help to escape to French Guiana.

Police have issued a wanted bulletin for Alleyne called “Iswe”, for questioning in relation to the alleged murder committed between April 3 and 30, 2021. Investigators suspect that he escaped to French Guiana, where he is hiding.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Shaquawn Alleyne is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 444-3406, 4443297, 444-3351, 4443512 444-24429, 4420759, 225-3650, 2261928, 911 or the nearest police station.

Man accused of snatching woman’s gold chains

DANIEL McArthur, who is accused of snatching a woman’s chains while she was sitting in a minibus, on Monday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was placed on $150,000 bail

by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

McArthur pleaded not guilty to the larceny-from-the-person charge.

It is alleged that he on April 29, 2021, at North Road, Georgetown, stole

from the person of Jeanetta Morris two gold chains valued at $126,000 and $98,000, respectively.

According to the prosecution, Morris, who was a passenger in a route 44 minibus, was seated behind the driver and was wearing her two chains. While travelling, the minibus came to a stop due to congested traffic which resulted from an accident that had occurred.

McArthur it is alleged, pushed his hand through

the window and grabbed the chains. He then made good his escape. An alarm was raised and the minibus’ conductor pursued the accused. The police subsequently joined the chase and McArthur was apprehended.

A search was conducted on his person, but neither of the chains was recovered.

McArthur later charged.

The matter was adjourned until May 17, 2021.

Wanted: Shaquawn Alleyne

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Manickchand and Persaud call on women to leave abusive relationships

IN view of the most recent cases of women being murdered by their partners, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindyha Persaud, recently took to their social media platforms to call on women and society, to be more proactive in eradicating domestic abuse and violence against women.

Since 2019 it was revealed in a UNDP study that more than one in three Guyanese women experienced intimate-partner violence (IPV) and some 20 per cent of women in Guyana have experienced non-partner sexual abuse (NPSV) in their lifetimes.

In recent days, two women were killed at the hands of their partners. On Saturday, 43-year-old Nicola Wilson was stabbed to death by her partner who later committed suicide, while on Friday, the body of 20-year-old Shonnette Dover was discovered in a shallow grave after it was revealed that she was allegedly shot dead by her boyfriend before he buried

her in his backyard.

In her post, Minister Manickchand pleaded with women to get out of abusive relationships and not wait in the hope that things would get better.

her answer most likely would have been something along the line of ‘he does want knock, knock meh but he won’t kill me.’ If you were to ask Shonette whether her partner would do that, up to

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand

“If you are in an abusive relationship you need to get help to get out. They can and often do escalate and become fatal. In any event, living in fear, worry, under control, is not living,” Manickchand declared.

She added: “If you had asked Nicola the day before he knifed her to death, whether he would kill her,

the day before he did, she most likely would have told you ‘nah man’.”

Reminding women that they deserve to “live a beautiful life,” Manickchand highlighted that unless an abusive partner commits to getting “serious mental health interventions,” he “will not change,” no matter what a woman does to try to please

him.

“You can’t love him hard enough. You can’t serve him hard enough. You can’t behave hard enough. Him beating, cursing, belittling you has nothing to do with you

If there is an argument, do not use your fists or weapons or words to harm or kill. She is not your property to be used and abused.

Her life matters to all of us in this country,” Persaud

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud

and your behaviour. It is about him and what is in his head. And unless that changes you can become Nicola and Shonnette. So get help and leave. Please,” she said.

Minister Persaud in her plea reminded women that “each of their lives is priceless” and she called on men to refrain from preventing women from leaving a relationship when they want to, and to stop abusing women.

“The continuing horrific murder of women in Guyana by their husbands and partners needs to stop.

underscored.

She reminded that children also carry the scars when they grow up in such situations where domestic abuse is prevalent in homes. She called on persons to continue to utilise the ministry’s 914 Domestic Violence hotline number, and noted that her ministry is ready and willing to help wherever necessary.

“If it’s your family member or friend, call, report or encourage them to call 914. We are ready to help with shelter or

whatever is needed to get them out of the abuse that turns deadly quickly,” she added.

She also noted that her ministry continues to also work along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to improve systems they use to handle reports of domestic violence.

“The law has the provision for harsher penalties and must be used as it was intended to stop this violence. When women and girls continue to be murdered, the entire country is in pain,” she said.

She noted that her ministry will continue to work to improve its systems until the scourge of domestic violence is completely eradicated.

“Join me and help us to stop this senseless slaughter of our women by their significant others, report it, encourage them to leave and get to safety and call 914. No system is perfect, but we must keep on trying and working together until we save each life. This fight requires all the people, the law and all the agencies to work together,” she said.

She ended by offering condolences to the family of the two women who were recently murdered.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

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Make full use of opportunity to study at tertiary level ―Minister Croal tells Mahdia residents

MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, has urged Mahdia, Region Eight residents to take advantage of the opportunity to attain tertiary education through the government’s 20,000 Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme.

promise to enhance education nationwide.

“Nine months into office, led by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, we are able to launch here in Mahdia, the 20,000 online scholarship programmes for all of our citizens who will be eligible to apply.”

Minister Croal said the

tion, it does not matter your race.

None of that is part of this motive because what this does, is that it is making available over the next five years, for 20,000 persons to benefit from an online scholarship,” he said.

Minister Croal reminded the prospective scholars

Prospective scholars take a closer look at the application form

GOAL is a partner-initiative between the Ministry of Education and Ministry of the Public Service, providing 85 programmes for online studies at five recognised universities.

During the launch in Mahdia on Sunday, Minister Croal stressed the importance of applying, noting that the move will chart a new course for Guyana’s future.

He also said the initiative is the realisation of the PPP/C administration’s manifesto

programme caters for all Guyanese, noting that persons who do not have Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations certificates can also benefit by applying for the Bachelor Preparatory Programme.

“It now provides an avenue for wherever you live, I repeat, for wherever you live, whoever you are, it does not matter your age, it does not matter your political affilia-

that Guyana can only become competitive, and the lives of its citizens enhanced through quality education.

“Think about five years down the line, where you will have 20,000 Guyanese being able to turn up to a place to seek employment for which you have the qualification, and you are now able to do that by eliminating some of the hinderance [sic] that we may have, when we are located in the hinterland,” he said.

Ramesh Persaud is new DDL Managing Director AFTER spending more than 11 years at the Singh, Chief Financial Officer. helm of the Institute of Private Enterprise Commenting on his appointment, PerDevelopment (IPED), Ramesh Persaud will saud said: “Demerara Distillers Limited is take on a new role as Managing Director at known for delivering impressive results for its one of Guyana’s largest indigenous compa- shareholders through its visionary leadership, nies, the Demerara Distillers Group (DDL). committed team and quality products.

The company, in a statement, announced “The company is consistent in meeting that Persaud’s appointment took effect on and exceeding expectations of customers May 3, 2021. both in local and international markets. It is The DDL Group has steadily been grow- an honour and privilege for me to be joining ing and expanding, and the decision to appoint the leadership team in this great company. I a Managing Director was made in light of this look forward to making a meaningful contrirapid development. bution as we continue to navigate the Chairman of the group, Komal Samaroo, path of opportunities that will come welcoming Persaud to the company, said: “I our way.” am delighted to welcome Mr. Persaud to the The new Managing Director, DDL Group at this time as we prepare to a Chartered Accountant, and the embark on the next phase of expansion and holder of an MBA from Heriot modernisation of the group.

Watt University, has many years of “We have a very ambitious agenda executive experience. over the next five years with sevIn addition to his many eral projects identified. Mr. Peryears of managerial expesaud’s addition to the leadership rience, Persaud is curteam will certainly place us in a rently Chairman of strong position to successfully the National Insurance achieve our goals.”

Scheme (NIS), and sits Persaud is the newest adon several boards, indition to the executive team, cluding the Guyana which includes Allison Thorne, Sugar Corporation Director/Company Secretary; (GuySuCo), TOPSharda Veeren-Chand, Director CO (a Subsidiary of of Marketing; Moneeta Singhthe DDL group), and Bird, Director of Human ReCAGI, among others. sources; Sharon SueHang-Baksh, He is also a former Director of Technical SerChairman of the vices; Shaun Caleb, Chief Pro- Newly appointed Managing Director Private Sector duction Officer; and Vasudeo Commission. of DDL, Ramesh Persaud

Additionally, the minister pleaded with residents to

adhere to all the COVID-19 precautions and to get im-

munised against the deadly disease. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

ONEETHIRD OF THE POPULATION V

GET

VA

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

VACCINATED AGAINST COVIDD19

AX

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Scholarships will ensure Guyana has skilled, educated workforce ― Minister Todd

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, on Saturday, told Essequibians that the Government of Guyana’s 20,000 online scholarship programme will ensure that the nation has a skilled and educated workforce as new industries emerge.

Minister Todd was speaking to scores of young people of Johanna Cecilia and surrounding communities, who attended the launch of the initiative at the Johanna Cecilia Secondary School, Essequibo Coast, Region Two.

He was accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Service, James Cole, and Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) representative, O’Neil Greaves.

The minister said the initiative, which was spearheaded by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, would also allow people to be able to compete, and secure prime jobs and other opportunities in the new job market.

“Our attractiveness based on our oil and gas … potential is going to bring scores of people to Guyana and we

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, interacting with youths from Johanna Cecilia (DPI photo)

want to be able to give you the first opportunity because this is your country. We want to give you the opportunity to be at the head of the… job market,” he said.

Minister Todd said the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has always had a vested interest in educating Guyanese, from the primary to tertiary levels.

In keeping with this, the government, prior to 2015, had accomplished universal primary education and is now working to achieve universal secondary education.

The scholarships will ensure citizens across the country have access to tertiary education. Some 4,500 are to be awarded this year.

GOAL. Persons would be able to earn a Bachelor’s Degree, a Post-Graduate Diploma, a Master’s Degree or a PhD. Several youths took the opportunity to register for the programmes during the outreach. Chris Raphael, a teacher who hails from the Amerindian community of Mashabo, applied for the Certificate in Primary Teaching. He praised the government for launching an initiative that would allow him to become qualified in the field of teaching. “An opportunity like this is well accepted and I will make much as I can from it,” he said. Shomayne Edwards, of Onderneeming, said she would be pursuing a course in information technology since she has always had

Shomayne Edwards of Onderneeming (DPI photo)

The Minister said the initiative is a realisation of a promise made by President Ali during the PPP/C campaign leading up to the March 2020 elections.

“We had a very goal-oriented and results-driven manifesto. Among the many other initiatives, we made it clear in our manifesto that we are going to focus on tertiary level education…. We did promise also that we are going to bring the government to the people, so every time we have an initiative rolling out, we are going to bring it to the community,” he told the residents.

The programme is being rolled out through a partnership between the Ministries of Education and Public Service and administered by the

in interest in that field. The 18-year-old, who just completed her CSEC examination, said that after completing that programme she will move on to study law. She is urging other young people to make full use of the opportunity to further their education.

Guyanese can apply to pursue any of the 85 programmes, which are being offered from five internationally recognised universities. These are the University of the West Indies Open Campus, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), the University of Applied Sciences (IUBH), the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the JAIN “Deemed to Be” University. (DPI)

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Jayawickrama helps Sri Lanka clinch first series win of 2021 AFTER a dominating performance by the spinners, Sri Lanka won their first series of 2021 with 209 run victory against Bangladesh in the second Test.

Praveen Jayawickrama was the pick of the bowlers helping Sri Lanka to a 209-run win against Bangladesh in the second Test in Pallekele. His figures of 11 for 178 made him the first Sri Lankan to claim a 10-wicket haul on debut and the first bowler to take a 10-wicket haul on debut since Australia's Jason Krejza.

He is also the first bowler since Narendra Hirwani in 1988 to pick up two five-wicket hauls in his debut match.

The day began with Bangladesh resuming on 177/5, with Liton Das and Mehidy

Hasan in the middle. Bangladesh's hopes of a chase suffered an early blow when Jayawickrama trapped Liton lbw in his second over of the day.

With 254 runs required to win, Mehidy Hasan continued his efforts to chase down the target but didn't receive adequate support from the other end. Dhananjaya de Silva sent Taijul Islam packing for 2 after drawing an edge, finding Dickwella behind the stumps.

Ramesh Mendis added to Bangladesh's woes when he claimed the wicket of Taskin Ahmed.

Praveen Jayawickrama dealt the final blows, bagging the wickets of Mehidy Hasan and Abu Jayed in the same over, pushing his wicket tally to 11 wickets.

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings 493 for 7decl Bangladesh 1st innings 251 Sri Lanka 2nd innings 194 for 9 decl BANGLADESH 2nd innings on 177 for 5 Tamim Iqbal c Niroshan Dickwella b Ramesh Mendis

Saif Hassan c Suranga Lakmal b Praveen Jayawickrama

Nazmul Hossain Shanto b Praveen Jayawickrama

Mominul Haque b Ramesh Mendis Mushfiqur Rahim c Dhananjaya de Silva b Ramesh Mendis

Liton Das lbw Praveen Jayawickrama Mehidy Hasan c Pathum Nissanka b Praveen Jayawickrama

Taijul Islam c Niroshan Dickwella b Dhananjaya de Silva

Taskin Ahmed c Dimuth Karunaratne b Ramesh Mendis

Shoriful Islam Not Out Abu Jayed lbw Praveen Jayawickrama Extras 3b 2lb 1nb 0pen 0w Total (71.0 overs) 227 all out

24 34 26 32 40 17 39 2 7 0 0 6

Fall of Wickets : 1-31 Iqbal, 2-73 Hassan, 3-104 Shanto, 4-134 Haque, 5-171 Rahim, 6-183 Das, 7-206 Islam, 8-227 Ahmed, 9-227 Miraz, 10-227 Chowdhury Bowling : Suranga Lakmal 4 - 2 - 14 - 0, Ramesh Mendis 28 - 2 - 103 - 4, Praveen Jayawickrama 32 - 10 - 86 - 5, Dhananjaya de Silva 7 - 1 - 19 - 1 ( 1nb)

Sri Lanka won the series 1-0. The first match was a high-scoring draw.

Jayawickrama was adjudged the Player of the

Match while Dimuth Karunaratne was named the Player of the SePraveen Jayawickrama is the first bowler since Narendra Hirwani in ries. (ICC) 1988 to pick uo two five-wicket Hauls in his debut Test

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

CSA no longer under threat of defunding and derecognition …Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa has backed off after all the parties involved came to a suitable agreement

By Firdose Moonda

C

ricket South Africa (CSA) has avoided being defunded and derecognised

by South Africa's sports minister Nathi Mthethwa, whose office confirmed he will withdraw his notice to intervene in the organisation, which was published in the government gazette on Friday last.

Last week, Mthethwa informed CSA of his intention to use the National Sports and Recreation Act to strip them of their status as the governing body for cricket in the country, an act which would have left South Africa unable to play international matches.

But after the Members' Council - the body made up of 14 provincial presidents who hold CSA's highest de-

cision-making authority agreed to a majority independent board, Mthethwa will step aside.

"As the sole purpose of my intervention into the affairs of CSA was to facilitate a negotiated solution in respect of governance best practice, I have, based on the confirmation from CSA's Acting President and IB Chairperson, instructed my Department to immediately initiate the requisite process to withdraw the notice," Mthethwa said in a statement.

This means that CSA have agreed to a new memorandum of incorporation - a document which sets out the rights, duties and responsibilities of anyone involved in a company - which contains the framework for a majority in-

dependent board, something the Members' Council have been resistant to accept for almost a decade.

"When you're at the edge of the cliff your sponsors get nervous, your staff get nervous, and the country at large gets nervous," Stavros Nicolaou, interim board chair, said. "We had to do something to pull back from the brink of the cliff.

So we got together with the members council after the Special General Meeting and said in the interests of the game and the nation, let's try and work through these issues. For nine years they had been on a rollercoaster ride. We need certainty and predictability. That's what sponsors, players and everybody else wants."

CSA's new board will now consist of entities outside the provincial cricket structures (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

A majority independent board is considered to be a pillar of good corporate governance and would mean that CSA's board will be mostly made up of people from outside the provincial cricket structures, which could include those in the corporate or non-governmental sector.

The new board members will be nominated by a committee, which will be finalised in the coming weeks.

The establishment of a new board will bring the Mthethwa-imposed interim board's tenure to end on May 15.

The interim board will submit a final report to Mthethwa and will continue to oversee the disciplinary procedures of former acting CEO Kugandrie Govender and company secretary

Welsh Gwaza. It is also preparing CSA for an AGM, which was postponed from last August. The AGM and final report will mark the end of Mthethwa's involvement in CSA. CSA' new board will be made up of 15 members for the first three years, of which eight will be independent directors, five non-independent (chosen from the Members' Council), and two from the CSA executive - the CEO and CFO. The chairperson will be an independent member and will be voted on by the board members.

Nominations for the independent directors are currently open and will remain so until May 10, with CSA's AGM set to happen by June 12.

A nominations panel made up of the following individuals - one from the board of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, a former CSA president nominated by the interim board, a former South African international cricketer nominated by the South African Cricketers' Association, a person nominated by the Institute of Directors South Africa, a person nominated by the Legal Practice Council and one individual nominated by CSA's Members' Council - will be formed to appoint the independent board members.

With CSA on the path to better governance, the organisation will now concentrate on regaining their foothold in the international arena and intend to bid for the 2027 men's World Cup. "The bidding process for the World Cups for the next eight years will start very shortly, before the end of October," Rihan Richards, acting president of the Members' Council said. "We are going to target both the men's and women's and the under-19 World Cups. We are going to go very heavily for the men's, but it's not restricted to that. We're looking at 2027. We won't be restricting ourselves to one bid only." (Cricinfo).

New Zealand suffer Taylor injury scare before England tour WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand's preparation for their England tour suffered a jolt on Monday when veteran batsman Ross Taylor suffered a calf-muscle injury on the opening day of their training camp in Lincoln.

Taylor, who missed the first two one-day internationals against Bangladesh in March with a left hamstring injury, left the net session and went for a scan, the http://www.stuff.co.nz reported citing a team spokesperson.

"You're always worried about any injuries that happen, but someone of Ross's standing and calibre as a test player, you have a little

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor

bit of concern," coach Gary Stead said.

"Fingers crossed everything is good, and we've still

got time on our side, but we'll wait and see what the medical team say."

Taylor has gone 14 innings without a hundred but the 37-year-old would retain his number four batting position in England provided he remains fit and available.

"Ross has a great Test record behind him and we want Ross Taylor playing in our test team," Stead said.

New Zealand have scheduled two three-day camps before they leave to play a two-test series against England next month and the final of the inaugural World Test Championship against India in Southampton from June 18.

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Gateshead to host first Diamond League: fixture of the season GATESHEAD will host the first Diamond League fixture of the season on 23 May because coronavirus restrictions in Morocco are stopping the event from behind held in its capital city Rabat.

The meet is an important build-up event for the rearranged Tokyo Olympics.

UK Athletics chief Joanna Coates said the UK was a "lower risk option for athletes" because of the success of the vaccine rollout.

She added that a homebased event will help British athletes' preparations.

It is hoped some fans may be able to attend, subject to England's easing of corona-

virus restrictions as outlined in the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

"We know our athletes need more opportunities to compete at a high level this year and that Covid-19 has been a challenge for us all," she said. "Even with exemptions for elite sport, many athletes do not wish to take

Gateshead International Stadium has previously held Diamond League events as well as European Athletics Championships

Lawyer lambasts 'trial by media' in Maradona case BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - A defense lawyer involved in the case around the death in Argentina last year of soccer star Maradona slammed what he called a "trial by media" on Monday after the leak of a report last week alleged "deficient and reckless" behavior by the footballer's medical team.

Maradona, the revered former Boca Juniors and Napoli star who had battled alcohol and drug addiction for many years, died last November from heart failure after undergoing brain surgery earlier that month.

According to the report, a medical board formally appointed to investigate his death concluded that several members of his medical team acted in an "inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner," and said he was not properly monitored be-

Diego Maradona, the revered firmer Boca Juniors and Napoli star

fore he died.

That report, shared with Reuters and other media outlets last week, is due to be presented to prosecutors in Buenos Aires on Monday.

No charges have yet been brought in the case and the lawyer for Maradona's

psychiatrist said selective leaking was undermining the legal process.

"The evidence that was leaked, as well as the audios and witness testimony, the extracts, including edited audios and chats, involve less than half of the defendants, is not that striking?"

Vadim Mischanchuk told reporters.

"It would seem there is an intention to produce a trial by media, a trial prior to the delivery of justice, and that is not good at all."

Maradona's death rocked the South American nation, prompting a period of mourning and angry finger pointing about who was to blame.

A lawyer for Maradona's son Dieguito said the report showed "criminal conduct" in the case, adding he would press for full accountability.

New Zealand replace England as the No. 1 side in ODI rankings NEW Zealand have overtaken 50-over world champions England to become the No. 1 side in the men's ODI rankings, advancing by two slots during the annual update.

England, who have dropped to fourth in the for-

mat, have, however, retained their top position in T20Is, but New Zealand have also gained there - from fifth to third.

These updates eliminate results from 2017-18 and give a 50% weightage to matches played until May

2020, which includes the 2019 World Cup. As a result of New Zealand's 3-0 victory against Bangladesh in their only ODI series played in the 202021 season, they now have an aggregate of 121 points.

(Turn to page 26)

the additional risk of contracting the virus so close to the Games."

The Diamond League meeting in Rome, initially

scheduled for 4 June, will now be held on 10 June in Florence, while Oslo's Bislett Games has moved back from 10 June to 1 July.

The Olympics are due to begin on 23 July with the athletics programme starting on 30 July.(BBC Sport)

26

Georgetown Spartans cop honours in Wiltshire/Chung dominoes competition TOP Georgetown team, Spartans, took the winning ‘Snooks’ Shepherd Trophy and $175,000 when the joint promotion team of Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire and Arthur ‘Swagger Boss’ Chung-organised domino competition took place over the weekend at the Senior Supervisors Club in Linden.

Spartans came away as the winners and maintained their top billing after marking 80 games, edging out Providence on 78 who captaured $35,000; 15,000 for third place went to TNT who managed 76 games in an all Georgetown final, as Linden teams failed to reach the final stages of the tournament in the twelve team tournament.

However, it was Providence’s Junior Smith who was adjudged the Player of the Final with 16 games to receive $10,000 and a hamper, while no female prize was given out because of the lack of score-sheets to determine the top female player.

Oganisers, Mark Wiltshire (at left) and Arthur Chung (right) pose with the winners, Spartans, after the presentation

To reach the final, Providence with 63 games and TNT 65 were leading in the fifth sitting when Turning Point, on 50, turned off their challenge because of the unassailable lead by the two

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Renee’s half-century powers McGill to series win against MMZ FORMER national U-19 cricketer, Ronaldo Renee, struck a half-century to seal the McGill Super Stars Sports Club overall victory against Meten-MeerZorg (MMZ) Sports Club in their three-match series over the weekend.

After Canal Number One team, Mc Gill, had won the opener by 15 runs a week prior, the sides assembled again at the MMZ ground on Sunday for their second clash.

The home team won the toss and chose to bat, but only former national youth player, Richie Looknauth, dominated. His 54 included two fours and an equal number of sixes.

With little support, the side could only reach 117-9 in their allotted 35 overs.

Jermaine Maxwell, 13

Ronaldo Renee struck five sixes in a game-high 58

(1X6) and Leroy Miggins 11, (1X6) also reached double figures, but the home team was undermined by the bowling of medium-pacers, Daniel Basdeo and Diquan Murray.

The left-handed Basdeo finished with 3-25 from seven overs, while the right-handed Murray took 2-21 from three overs.

In reply, MMZ did well in their attempt to defend their total, but McGill, led

by Renee, were able to reach the needed total in 27 overs.

They lost eight wickets in the process.

Renee finished with a match-high 58, which included three fours and five sixes, while Basdeo struck two sixes in an unbeaten 13 towards the end.

Mahendra Dasrat with 2-20 from six overs and Maxwell with 2-22 from four overs were the pick of the home team’s bowlers.

McGill Super Stars and MMZ SC are two of the top clubs in the West Demerara Cricket Association.

New Zealand replace... (From page 25)

other teams and ‘chucked’ in.

Wiltshire thanked the teams which participated and promised to return to Linden for another tournament in August of this year.

Choo-wee-nam slams record 181 runs and grabs five wickets for RHLCC FORMER Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) cricketer ,Dion Choo-wee-nam broke his US clubscoring record when he competed in the New York National Cricket League Sunday 40-over cricket competition at Baisley Pond in Queens, New York, over the weekend.

The overseas-based Guyanese set a new individual record and club record of 181 runs after surging past his 174 set in 2020.

Richmond Hill Dion Choo-wee-nam struck 19 Liberty Cricket Club (RHLCC), who are the de- sixes in his record-breaking fending champions of the innings competition, batted first scoring his 181. in a reduced 35-over game For the first wicket, the against the Punjabi Lions in powerful opener added 133 the season opener. with Naresh Rambharos (50 Choo-wee-nam was de- runs from 37 balls with 7X4s, structive from the get-go. He 2X6s), while he and Altaaf struck nine fours and a whop- Habibulla added 125 for the ping 19 sixes off 91 balls in fourth wicket.

Habibulla finished with 52 runs from 48 balls (4X4s, 1X6).

By the end of the 35 overs, the predominantly overseas-based Guyanese cricket club, Richmond Hill Liberty, had reached 348-6.

Choo-wee-nam, who is a two-time, reigning MVP for the club, then returned with the ball to dominate the bowling.

His off-spin bowling undermined the top order as he grabbed 5-46 from 6.4 overs.

The Lions played well but were bowled out for 232- in 34.4 overs.

Jagchanpreet Singh finished with 65 and Hardev Singh Raju 49.

With his overall dominance, Choo-wee-nam is now Richmond Hill’s first cricketer to have scored a century while taking a five-wicket haul in the same innings.

New Zealand have moved from fifth to third place in the T20I rankings (Getty Images)

Australia have moved up by two places to be second with 118 points, while India have dropped down by one place to third, on 115, ahead of England only on decimal points.

England's slump to fourth came after they lost both the Australia and India series 2-1 as well as an ODI to Ireland in the last 12 months. West Indies have also moved up to ninth position, overtaking Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, England consolidated their lead in T20Is, still ahead of India by five points on the back of impressive performances in the last year. During that period, they drew a three-match series against Pakistan 1-1, defeated Australia 2-1 and South Africa 3-0 before losing an away series 3-2 against India.

For New Zealand, series wins over West Indies, Pakistan, Australia and Bangladesh meant they moved

up the order in the T20I list.

However, Australia slipped from third to the fifth place.

Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have gained a place each to be at eighth and ninth in the table, respectively.

West Indies have moved down by two places to tenth.

There has been no

change of places in either format for Afghanistan, Pakistan and South Africa.

Afghanistan are tenth in ODIs and seventh in T20Is, Pakistan occupy the sixth spot in ODIs and fourth in T20Is while South Africa are placed fifth in ODIs and sixth in T20Is. (Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday May 04, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Haslim Amla-101 innings (SA) (2) Viv Richards-114 innings Today’s Quiz: (1) Who took the first ODI hat-trick?

(2) Who is the first WI to claim an ODI hat-trick?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Amid Covid-19 concerns, IPL may shift entirely …BCCI is believed to be working on a plan that to Mumbai will minimise risks, especially in travel RELOCATING the IPL to Mumbai has emerged as a serious option for the BCCI as it looks to minimise the risks after several Covid-19 related cases were reported from both the venues currently hosting the tournament. If things go to plan, Mumbai could be hosting matches as early as the coming weekend.

This will necessitate a rejigged tournament schedule, with multiple doubleheaders.

There is also a likelihood of the IPL final being moved from May 30 to early June.

The biggest challenge for the BCCI in making its Mumbai plan work is to create the IPL bubble, which mainly entails finding hotels for the eight teams to be housed in and preparing the stadia . Luckily, in terms of match fitness, all the three key grounds in Mumbai Wankhede, DY Patil and Brabourne - were utilised during the first leg of the IPL

in April.

While the Wankhede hosted 10 IPL matches, the other two grounds, and the Mumbai Cricket Association's ground in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, were used by various teams for training purposes.

It is understood that the BCCI team made calls on Monday to various big hotels in Mumbai to verify if they were capable of satisfying the various SOPs needed to create a team bubble. No BCCI and IPL official was available for comment. Franchises, too, have not heard of the plan formally, but some say they will not be surprised if the Mumbai plan was acted on.

It would mean ditching the two-venue caravan model and reverting to the BCCI's original plan, when it was working out the IPL schedule, of having Mumbai as the hub. The schedule eventually released, on March 7, had six venues - Ahmedabad, Benga-

Mumbai has three venues available (BCCI)

luru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Chennai and Mumbai hosted the first leg while the second leg is being played currently in Ahmedabad and Delhi.

The IPL's next stage is meant to be in Bengaluru and Kolkata, from next week.

However, with India be-

Thompson-Herah runs season-best 10.78 for impressive 100m-win in Florida DEFENDING Olympic 100m champion Elaine Thompson-Herah ran a season-best 10.78s to win the 100m at the Pure Athletics Elite Meet in Clermont, Florida on Sunday.

Thompson-Herah’s time was the second-fastest in the world this season. Only the USA’s Sha’ Carri Richardson has run faster with her time of 10.72 at the Miramar South Florida Invitational last month.

It was a Jamaica 1-23 in the race as Natalliah Whyte clocked 11.08 for second place with Ashanti Moore third in 11.10.

The men’s 100m was won by Antigua’s Cejhae Greene who ran 10.02 to win ahead of Jamaica’s Yohan Blake who was given the same time. Incidentally, both men ran the same time, 9.98s, the preliminaries. The times were run with a trailing wind of 2.7m/s.

The wind in the final was 2.1m/s also over the allowable limit.

Devin Quinn was third in 10.03.

Defending Olympic 100m champion Elaine Thompson-Herah

Nickel Ashmeade, making comeback after a couple of years out after undergoing groin surgery, was seventh in 10.11.

Meanwhile, the Women’s 200m race was won

by Shawnti Jackson in 23.15s. Natasha Morrison, fresh off her personal best 10.87 in the 100m last weekend, was second in 23.21. Kristina Knott was third in 23.31.

Nathon Allen ran 46.85

for second in the 400m won by Michael Mathieu in 46.80. Musa Isah was third in 46.94.

In the women’s equivalent, Shericka Jackson was a comfortable winner in 52.01 over Kaylin Whitney 52.29. Tiffany James clocked 52.67 for third with Christine Day fourth in 53.57.

Janieve Russell won the 400m hurdles in 56.02. (Sportsmax)

ing enveloped by a second wave of the pandemic and the first cases emerging of the IPL bubble being breached, franchises, players and even some within the BCCI remain concerned about the pitfalls involved in travelling.

When the IPL began, Mumbai was the worst-af-

fected metro in India, with almost 10,000 new cases every day. It is now acknowledged that a corner has been turned in this respect - Monday's case count was 2,662, the lowest daily tally since March 17. It was a steep drop from a month ago - 11,163

covid-19 cases on April 4, the highest-ever number in the pandemic.

The impact on the WTC final If the IPL is stretched beyond May 30, it is bound to potentially have an impact on the World Test Championship final, between India and New Zealand in Southampton from June 18-22. With the UK recently blocking travel from India, the ICC, the WTC host, is currently negotiating quarantine norms and exemptions with the British government for the members of both teams who are currently playing in the IPL. One BCCI official, though, pointed out that moving the IPL to Mumbai could offer the advantage of the Indian and New Zealand players flying direct to England instead of the potential two-leg journey if the IPL final were to be played in Ahmedabad, as scheduled. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Bajan three no longer contracted

By Ezra Stuart BARBADIANS Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich and Shamarh Brooks have been axed from the list of contracted West Indies cricketers.

Investigations by NATION SPORT reveal new central contracts will be announced this week following a meeting of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) directors on Zoom last Thursday.

Sacked Test captain Jason Holder has retained his contract while his successor, Kraigg Brathwaite, who was previously stripped of his red ball central contract, has been reinstated.

One-Day International wicket-keeper/batsman Shai Hope has kept his white ball contract, along with his captain Kieron Pollard, who also leads the West Indies Twenty20 side.

Both Chase, recently promoted as Test team vicecaptain for last year’s tour of New Zealand and Brooks, who made an encouraging start to his Test career in 2019, were among many West Indian cricketers, including Holder and Pollard, who declined to

tour Bangladesh earlier this year due to COVID-19 concerns.

All-rounder Chase and Brooks, a stylish right-handed batsman, have now lost favour with the West Indies selectors and did not play in the home series against Sri Lanka.

The former missed selection for the One-Day series after failing a fitness test but was named as a reserve in the Test squad after passing another fitness test a few days later.

Chase, 29, has five centuries in 37 Tests since making his debut in 2016 while scoring 1 869 runs at an average 29.20.

He has also taken 71 wickets at 42.29 apiece with three five-wicket hauls, including a career-best eight for 60 to help the West Indies defeat England at Kensington Oval in 2019.

Brooks, 32, scored a maiden century against Afghanistan in 2019 in only his third Test and followed up with a couple of half-centuries on the historic biosecure tour of England.

But he endured a lean series in New Zealand last year, resulting in his average dipping to 28.13 after eight Tests.

Diminutive wicket-keeper/ batsman Dowrich has been a staple in the Test side for the

past five years before he returned home prematurely from last year’s New Zealand tour for personal reasons.

Thereafter, he has not made himself available for West Indies selection while his replacement, Trinidadian Joshua DaSilva has made an encouraging start to his Test career.

Dowrich, who suffered an injury in the first Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, has scored 1 570 runs in 35 Tests at an average of 29.07 with three centuries. He has 90 dismissals behind the stumps.

Meanwhile, attacking lefthanded Barbados middleorder batsman Kyle Mayers has been rewarded for his outstanding start to his Test career with a contract, along with batsman Nkrumah Bonner and wicket-keeper/ batsman DaSilva.

Mayers marked his Test debut in February with a marvellous match-winning, record-breaking double century at Chattogram. He scored 210 not out to propel an under-strength West Indies side to an unlikely victory over Bangladesh after being set a challenging 395 runs to win.

(BARBADOS NATION).

Enmore Community Centre gets $10M boost to enhance development Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. (centre) in discussion with members of the Enmore Community Centre. At left is President of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh. (Photo-courtesy of Newsroom)

EXPLAINING that he’s been given a job to ensure that community grounds are used in the best interest of communities across Guyana, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, on Sunday, committed ten million dollars to enhance the development of the Enmore Community Centre.

The minister’s gesture follows closely on the heels of similar disbursements, made last week, for community grounds in Buxton, Enterprise and Success, while those in Berbice: Rose Hall, Canje, Port Mourant and Line Path, previously received the same amount.

While interacting with members of the Enmore Centre

Council, NDC representatives and residents of the East Coast village as part of his drive to push the ministry’s ground enhancement initiative, the minister was also given a tour of the venue.

Minister Ramson praised the executives of the club for the immaculate upkeep of the outfield and advised them to focus on the priority areas when deliberating on the use of the sum allocated.

The main areas for upgrades include quality and durable covers for the pitch, a motorised roller, lighting towers to facilitate night activities and improvement on the existing washroom facilities.

Following the allocation of $1.5 billion to aid in sports development throughout Guyana, announced in February

by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, Minster Ramson has been working tirelessly to push his ministry’s ground enhancement initiative, hence the visit to Enmore on Sunday.

In order to improve community grounds throughout Guyana, expand their use as parks, and create premium, multi-purpose sporting facilities of international standards in Regions Two, Six and 10, GY$915.5M has been allocated for those purposes.

The installation of lights on community grounds, laying of synthetic materials at the athletic tracks in New Amsterdam and Wismar, and upgrading of other sport facilities are also on the cards.

Minister Ramson, who had also visited the Enmore Community Centre last year December to do a needs assessment, was accompanied by Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) president, Bissoondyal Singh and Technocrat Member, Anil Beharry, among other sports officials.

Over the years, the Enmore Community Centre has been renowned for hosting Regional First-Class and 50over games, as well as the National Schools Athletics, Cycling and Swimming Championship and matches in the Kashif and Shanghai year-end football tournament.

West Indies down to tenth in T20 International rankings

BCB weighing possibility of re-starting cricket with only vaccinated players THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is weighing the possibility of having only fully vaccinated players competing in their competitions when cricket resumes in the Ancient County.

According to a social media post

by BCB president, Hilbert Foster, on Sunday, the BCB is looking at ways of re-starting the sport “safely later this year”.

Foster and his executives had taken it upon themselves to halt the game due to a rise in the number of cases in early April.

According to Foster, who is also a vice-president of the Guyana Cricket Board, the BCB would not allow any person to place others at risk by refusing to protect themselves and, by extension, others.

“One possible rule that could be put into place by the BCB when our cricket restart is that only players and officials who are fully vaccinated would be allowed to be involved,” he noted.

It was also stated on social media that the BCB would announce its policy later this week after its monthly executive meeting.

TAKE THE VACCINE Foster, who related that he has taken the vaccine already, is encouraging others to also be inoculated.

“The sooner we all take the vaccine, the sooner our lives could return to normal and the cricket season can restart.

Please, please take advantage of the government vaccine drive and go out and take one. It could save your own life and those of your loved ones.”

Windies dip to 10th in latest ICC T20 charts BCB president, Hilbert Foster, is looking to safeguard his cricketers

The pro-active cricket official related that the vaccines are safe and that persons need not be afraid.

“I have personally taken the vaccine and had no side effects, and I would like to urge all my fellow Berbicians to do so. He said that the county needs to unite to defeat the virus or "it would destroy our way of life forever”.

The BCB, according to Foster, would be talking to the West Berbice Cricket Association and Upper Corentyne Cricket Association to organise vaccination drives in their areas for players and officials as it looks to get more involved.

According to the cricket official, the BCB has completed 19 finals so far and has another 20 competitions to complete or start in 2021.

LONDON, (CMC) – West Indies have slumped to tenth spot in the latest International Cricket Council’s Twenty20 rankings, just six months before they defend their title at the T20 World Cup in India.

Following the annual update Monday which saw results from 2017-18 eliminated, West Indies found themselves on 222 ratings points but still within striking distance of the three teams immediately ahead of them.

Bangladesh are ninth on 225 points, Sri Lanka lie eighth on 227 points while Afghanistan are seventh on 236 points.

England, meanwhile, remain the top side in the rankings with 277 and have extended

their lead over second placed India to five points.

New Zealand also gained in the rankings, leaping two places to third on 263 points with Pakistan two points back in fourth and Australia fifth on 258.

South Africa are in sixth, 10 points back.

West Indies have experienced a topsy-turvy run of form in the shortest format in recent years, with only four series wins in the last 12 while losing 14 of their last 23 games inside the last 2-½ years.

In their last series in March, the Caribbean edged Sri Lanka 2-1 in a three-match series to make up for their 2-0 thrashing in New Zealand TURN TO PAGE 22 ►

Amid Covid-19 concerns, IPL may shift entirely to Mumbai 27

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TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021