Issuu

TUESDAY 5th APRIL, 2022

No. 106684

IDB Invest explores support for private sector investment opportunities

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Guyana willing to provide platform

- for CARICOM to realise ‘enormous’ economic prosperity, says President Ali

Exercise professionalism and stop harassing people

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- Top Cop tells sergeants, charges them to forge and strengthen police, community relations

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Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken addresses police sergeants drawn from all divisions in the auditorium of the Police Officers’ Training Centre on Camp Road, Eve Leary, Georgetown (Guyana Police Force photos)

Shawn Phipps, a farmer from West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, visited the Agriculture Ministry’s head office on Monday to present this 36-pound cassava harvested from his farm (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

No Opposition GuyExpo to make Springlands fisherman Leader after big comeback feared drowned this year close to 70 days SEE PAGE

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Housing authority to soon deliver 100 houses in Berbice

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

No Opposition Leader after close to 70 days CLOSE to 70 days after the resignation of Joseph Harmon as Opposition Leader, this important constitutional post remains vacant, as members of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) squabble among themselves. Harmon resigned as Opposition Leader on January 26 of this year, amid mounting pressure from his colleagues to do so. In addition to pondering upon a replacement for Harmon, the Coalition, particularly its largest stakeholder, the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R), has to also decide on a replacement for Nicolette Henry, whose resignation from Parliament took effect on April 1. The status quo within the opposition camp remains the same, despite

Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir (Adrian Narine photo) several reported engagements among the leadership and membership of the PNC/R. Although the results of those engagements are unknown, Representative of the List of Candidates for APNU+AFC

David Granger believes that there still needs to be more “meaningful consultations” among the leadership of the Coalition to fill the vacant Opposition seats. A report from Demerara Waves had quoted

Granger as saying, “The Representative of the List has since written to Mr. Aubrey Norton, Chairman of A Partnership of National Unity, and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of the Alliance For Change, requesting their meaningful consultations on the nominations of candidates to fill the vacancies.” The process to fill the two vacant opposition seats begins with Granger informing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of the existing vacancies, and the names of the persons to fill them. The Executive of the PNC/R wants Norton to become Opposition Leader, but, from all appearances, not everyone in the party is in favour of this decision. Norton had defeated Harmon in the

PNC/R leadership race in December last year, in a contest that saw nonparticipation from more than 60 per cent of the voting delegates. The implications of the absence of an Opposition Leader extend far beyond just a vacant position in the National Assembly, as his/her input is important to the process preceding the appointment of a person(s) to various constitutional bodies and posts. Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir clarified that there is no hurdle to be crossed at the level of Parliament, since a new Opposition Leader and parliamentarian could be sworn in at the next sitting. Speaking on the sidelines of an event on Monday, Nadir said the possibility of this happening

depends solely on the urgency with which the APNU+AFC coalition submits the names of the persons to the Speaker. The Opposition Leader is a constitutional post that is filled by an election of the elected members of the National Assembly who are not part of the government. WITHIN MINUTES Nadir noted that the position of Opposition Leader could be filled “within minutes” of the swearing-in of the two new opposition Members of Parliament. “If names reach to me before the next sitting of the National Assembly, then those persons would be sworn in; once we have the members sworn in, it is the duty of the Speaker to convene a meeting of all the TURN TO PAGE 3

National Day of Fasting and Prayers set for Friday

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, is calling on religious bodies to unite under the banner of ‘One Guyana’ for a National Day of Fasting and Prayers on Friday, April 8, 2022. The day of Fasting and Prayers is being called at this time as three significant religious observances are overlapping this month – Muslims are observing Ramadan, Hindus are observing Chaitra Navratri and Christians are observing Lent. This rare occurrence offers a meaningful opportunity for Guyanese from all religious persuasions to come together to pray for Guyana. President Ali also sees this as an opportunity for the religious bodies and persons from all belief systems to join with each other to promote the spirit of togetherness.

“I would like all of us to fast together, pray together, and stay together as ‘One Guyana’,” he said. The National Day of Fasting and Prayers will culminate with a grand interfaith meeting at the National Park in a time of prayer, songs and reflections. Similar activities are expected to be held in other parts of the country. The President stated that “the ‘One Guyana’ vision springs from our rich multicultural heritage and the need to ensure that our diversity remains a source of strength and not an instrument of division and disaffection.” The Head of State’s ‘One Guyana’ initiative also aims to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence with due respect for their rights and with equality before the law. (Office of the President)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Guyana willing to provide platform - for CARICOM to realise ‘enormous’ economic prosperity

President Dr. Irfaan Ali PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has called regional integration a fundamental pillar of Guyana’s economic development while speaking at a virtual panel discussion on Monday. The event, organised by the Global Business Leadership Forum, was chaired by the Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) Deodat Maharaj, and included other organisations from North America. The President said that CARICOM has “enormous” economic potential, and that Guyana is willing to provide a platform through which investors can realise that

objective. He also mentioned upcoming events to facilitate this, including the country’s hosting of the region’s Agriculture Investment Forum in May. The President said that although Guyana’s oiland-gas sector continues to make the headlines, his government remains committed to developing “a well-diversified” economy that will lead to a sustainable path to prosperity. “Not only country prosperity, but people prosperity, and a country that brings the region together and contributes significantly to regional prosperity,” President Ali said, adding: “There is a difference between eco-

nomic development and financial prosperity; we do not want people to have financial prosperity without economic development.” The President explained that while trade barriers still exist between CARICOM nations in a “major way”, there has been a greater push, recently, to remove them. He also used the opportunity to highlight the economic prowess of Guyana’s traditional sectors, as well as the issues that the country has faced in the past in realising its development priorities. “For me, oil and gas is just a catalyst to do the very things that could have been done decades ago,” President Ali said. PEOPLE TRANSFORMATION The Head of State said that one of the most powerful tools that Guyana has produced is its human resources. “People who are brilliant; people who understand issues, and people who are able to not only help Guyana, but to go all over the world and shine,” he said. Noting that Guyanese need to prepare themselves for the impending opportunities, President Ali said: “We’re not talking today, only, about preparing our young people

No Opposition Leader...

FROM PAGE 2 Members of Parliament not on the government’s side to elect a Leader of the Opposition, and that could happen minutes after we conclude the first sitting when the new MPs are sworn in,” he said. Speaking to the process of appointing a new Member of Parliament, Nadir said the Constitution dictates that the Speaker of the House, after receiving a resignation letter, must write

to the Representative of the List from which that resigned person comes; in this case, that person is former President Granger. The law then stipulates that once that letter is received, the Representative of the List would write GECOM, informing the body of the existing vacancies, and the names of the persons to fill them, at which point GECOM would certify that those persons were on the list, and

declare them to be duly elected. That correspondence would then be sent back to the Representative of the List, who then informs the Speaker. “I haven’t received a n y t h i n g f ro m t h e Representative of the List; what happens between the Representative of the List and GECOM, or GECOM and the Representative of the List, I cannot say at this time,” Nadir said.

for the oil-and gas sector; we want every single primary school student to have elementary training in coding and software development. By the time you get up to secondary school, you must be doing serious work on becoming specialized, or becoming specialists in software creation and development.” He said that school curriculums have to change to reflect the dynamism of the new path that the country is on. “So, in the people’s transformation,” he said, “education is the foundational pillar, ensuring that every Guyanese has access to the best possible education: Education to develop analytical thinking, education to develop transformational thinking, education to develop not only our understanding of an issue or comprehension of an issue, but our critical thinking path; that is the type of education that we were talking about.” President Ali also expounded on the country’s healthcare system, saying that Guyana is not only aiming to provide the best healthcare to its population, but also to the entire CARICOM region. He added that the country is also aiming to enhance its education and healthcare systems to earn funds. The President said that

another aspect of transformation is “futuristic transformation”, which will not only encompass building the economy for now and the future but will be driven by, among other things, technology (such as robotics), an energy corridor and food security. IMMIGRATION POLICY To support the country’s current development trajectory, it was announced that the government is working on a holistic immigration policy. This, he said, is because the country has found itself in a position where there is a net loss of labour. “I had a meeting on Friday with the contractors, and they’re all behind schedule now because they can’t find labour. They can’t find workers, and this is a major problem that we’re going to be faced with. Some may say it’s a good problem to have, but it’s a very troubling problem. So, we are working now on a holistic immigration policy, not only for the diaspora but understanding critically what the demand will be in three years, five years and 10 years.” The President added that a leading expert has been hired in the area that

will work along with the country’s local team to examine the issue and provide an analysis that will be used to form a policy. “We need people badly and we need them now, and with the type of infrastructure that we’re investing in, the type of healthcare service we’re investing, the type of education services that we’re investing in, guess what? Those services, when they’re fully built out in five years to 10 years, will require people to consume the service.” The Global Business Leadership Forum was moderated by Vice-President, Government Affairs and Social Impact, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation, Rhonda Binda, and President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation, Gary Mar. Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop were also a part of the discussions. (Office of the President)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Pasha Global mulls construction of hotel in Guyana

THE renowned Pasha Global Group, headquartered in Suriname, is planning to construct a massive hotel in Guyana. The company’s plan to enter Guyana is timely, since the country is undergoing rapid economic transformation, fuelled by its oil-and-gas sector, and developments in other key productive sectors. It was widely reported that Guyana’s economy is on course to growing by 47.5 per cent, and 7.7 per cent in the non-oil economy in 2022. This economic performance will follow growth rates of 19.9 per cent and

4.6 per cent in the non-oil economy recorded at the end of 2021, despite the persistence of COVID-19, as well as the impact of floods. With this rate of overall growth, Guyana is likely to be amongst the fastest growing economies worldwide in 2021. Based on Budget 2022, the government intends to maintain and even enhance its approach to stimulating growth in various economic sectors. In line for positive results this year is the construction sector, which will see heavy government investment in projects across all sectors, coupled with major pro-

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jects coming from private sector investment initiatives. While specific details on Pasha Global’s inten-

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tion to join the ongoing development is still unknown, the Guyana Chronicle understands that the company’s plan

is being reviewed by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest). According to its website, the Pasha Global Group was founded in 2003, and is a dynamic casino investment company that is developing and operating hotels and casinos in various countries. “In the short period since its founding, Pasha Global has managed to excel as a niche casino operator with remarkable growth realisation. The management of the Pasha Global Group has managed to create an exceptional shareholder’s value for its principals.

“In addition to being a part of existing casino management contracts, the Pasha Global Group is also aiming to raise capital funds for a carefully researched portfolio for investing in lucrative markets,” the company says on its website. Pasha Global is owned and operated by casino professional executives with more than 1,000 employees. “Our joint goal is to have a growth through investments and acquisitions in markets where we can make a difference through our quality management approach,” the group says.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

IDB Invest explores support for private sector investment opportunities

SENIOR Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and staffers on Monday met with InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) Invest Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Scriven and team to examine the wide range of private sector opportunities in Guyana that the bank can support. According to a release, later in the day, the Finance Minister hosted a roundtable meeting with representatives of the private sector and Mr. Scriven and team to discuss Guyana’s Development Agenda. IDB Invest is the private sector arm of the IDB. Its aim is to advance economic development, and improve lives by encouraging growth of the private sector. Minister Singh was joined by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, and Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, while the Private Sector team was led by Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Paul Cheong. The Government of Guyana has been working aggressively since assuming office in August 2020 to create the conditions for

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh speaking on Monday at the roundtable meeting with representatives of the private sector and Mr. Scriven and team private sector-led growth, with government policies designed to create jobs, and allow for income generation. The meeting focused on the wide range of private sector opportunities for possible investment by the bank such as an expansion of trade financing with commercial banks, and providing support to ‘micro’ enterprises. Additionally, discussions centred on various sectors poised for rapid expansion, including oil and gas, agriculture

and agro-processing, tourism, and Information Communications Technology (ICT), such as the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. It also allowed for an examination of available financing instruments, various mechanisms and modalities of accessing this financing, and examples of how these mechanisms have worked in other countries. IDB Invest offers an array of investment opportunities, and provides its clients with customised financing solutions and expert advice,

tailored to their specific industry and market, the release noted. The IDB Invest was formerly known as the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC). The entity partners with the private sector in Latin America and the Caribbean to finance projects to advance clean energy, modernise agriculture, strengthen transportation systems, and expand access to financing. Financial solutions offered by IDB Invest include trade and supply chain finance, blended finance, guarantees,

equity and loans. On Monday last, during the 2022 annual meeting of the Boards of Governors of the IDB and IDB Invest, held virtually, Minister Singh lauded the commitment of the IDB Group for its continued support to the Caribbean sub-region. The minister was speaking on behalf of The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the smallest member countries of the IDB Group. Last week, the Senior

Finance Minister hosted a similar roundtable discussion between the World Bank and the private sector, led by Country Director for the Caribbean Lilia Burunciuc, and new Resident Representative of the bank, Dilletta Doretti. That meeting served as an opportunity for dialogue on the government’s economic objectives and priorities, and potential opportunities for World Bank support through its assistance and lending programmes.

Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition to start Friday

Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir SIXTEEN youth groups from across the country are expected to go head-to-head at the second annual Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition, which will commence on Friday, April 8, 2022. The competition was on Tuesday launched in the Chamber of the National Assembly. Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir said the purpose of the competition is to promote the work of the country’s democratic institutions, in that the intention is to bring Parliament closer to the people, while ensuring the involvement of those of the younger generation. “They will be debating, while at the same time exposing themselves to parliamentary procedures, and promoting awareness of the National Assembly and the work of parliament among people,” Nadir said. He noted that Guyana’s

Parliament has signed on to the Inter-Parliamentary Union Campaign, “Say Yes” to youth participation in parliament. Parliament Office will be expending a total of $10 million to undertake this major national activity. The participating groups in this year’s debate are from all 10 administrative regions except Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo). Linden Super Stars will face Golden OM Dharmic Youth Organisation in the first debate.

This year, an automatic matching computer software will be used to randomly pair teams, and choose the moots. Reigning champions, the Cummings Lodge Youth Movement, will be defending their title. Several other groups from last year’s competition are also returning. According to Nadir, one group that will be noticeably missing from this year’s debate is the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), which made the decision to not take

part in this year’s competition. Debates will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays, and will see debaters making their presentations physically at parlia-

ment chambers, or via a virtual platform. The judges for this year’s competition are Valarie Goorsammy-Smith, Miracle Miller,

Indra Chandarpal, Neaz Subhan, Monette Garnett-Christopher, Delon Fraser, Anisha Mohamed, Melissa Dow-Richardson, and Reon Miller.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

AUTISM AS the world observes A u t i s m Aw a r e n e s s Month, the Government of Guyana is putting additional measures in place to cater for children with special needs. This was disclosed by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who indicated that special classrooms at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre are being built to accommodate children with special disorders. World Autism Awareness Day is aimed at focusing attention on obstacles that people with autism face in their daily lives. The day is being celebrated on April 2, globally, to spread awareness of the disorder. The theme for this year’s observance is, ‘Inclusion in the Workplace.’ The significance of the observance is to highlight the fact that people with autism also have the right to attain

quality education like normal people. As pointed out by the Health Minister, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the special needs schools were closed, which posed severe challenges for parents of autistic children; but with the reopening of schools greater attention will be placed on children who are challenged. Autism, more accurately known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability that does not have one specific cause, but rather is believed to be caused by a number of potential factors. The term ‘spectrum’ in ASD helps explain the wide-ranging symptoms that are experienced with the disability and often present behavioural, communication and other social challenges that begin in early childhood.

And while there are no exact causes for ASD, there are certain risk factors that fall under two main categories: genetics and environmental. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, not everyone will be affected in the same way. The ability to solve problems, to learn and communicate can range from being extremely skilled to extremely problematic, depending on the type of the disorder. Persons with mild to moderate autism can function more independently that those with more severe forms of autism. Autism in Guyana is not widespread, even though there are many undiagnosed cases, especially among children. The sad reality is that there is no known cure for the disorder, which in effect means that an autistic person is likely to live with that con-

dition for the remainder of his or her life. This is why it is so important for parents and guardians of persons so diagnosed to seek assistance from a specialist doctor or psychologist on how to treat with such cases. This is especially so because of abnormal behavioural traits such as doing things in a repetitive manner and appearing unemotional or distant. However, they do also display some extraordinary talents such as higher levels of cognitive abilities, especially in areas such as artistry, science and mathematics. They also have fantastic memory and problem-solving skills. This is why it is important for parents and caregivers to show understanding and tolerance and to create the right environment for such persons to develop to the full limit of their potential

and creativity. Research suggests that boys are much more likely than girls to develop the disorder. Regrettably, there is a fair measure of stigma associated with the disorder, such as ‘mental’ retardation. This has been scientifically proven to be wrong. Indeed, as mentioned earlier, the very opposite could be, as many persons with atuism display higher-than-average Intelligence Quotient (IQ) levels. This is why it is so timely and necessary for the government to put in place the necessary support mechanisms and infrastructure to assist children who display signs of atuism. The PPP/C administration must be commended for the measures it has been taking to raise awareness on the issue of autism and for that matter, persons who are differently abled.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali had said that his administration is committed to the establishment of an inclusive democracy that will give voice to, and involve constructive engagement with those in the society who are challenged one way or the other. According to President Ali, the government is prepared to work with vulnerable individuals and groups to guarantee a greater role for them in decision-making to generate their own pathways to personal development and to tap into their potential. The PPP/C administration must be commended for the several special-care programmes and activities to assist persons who are differently abled and challenged to integrate them into the society.

Ray Sundar has passed on Dear Editor,

I WRITE in tribute to Ray Sundar, a Berbician Guyanese-American, who passed on a week ago at age 72 (born in February 1950) and whose remains were cremated Saturday in Queens; he was ailing in recent years. Ray, formerly of Clifton, made significant contributions to the Guyanese community in New York and to Guyana. Ray was a man of many facets in life – community leader, philanthropist, sports enthusiast, cultural promoter and patriot of Guyana and America. He was caring and compassionate. His legacy lived kindness when he was in good health and when his business was doing well, he helped many financially.

As a fellow Port Mourant native, I knew of Ray during my youthful days as he travelled from Clifton to Free Yard to attend high school. His family was well known; his father (Harry) was an outstanding cricketer of Port Mourant and a man who had the ‘name’ of repute (Sundar) in the sugar estate. He was well known throughout Berbice as the factory manager of Port Mourant Estate and then held the same title at Albion factory when the factory shifted location. Ray attended Roman Primary School (Portuguese Quarter) and Comprehensive High School. He migrated to the US in 1970 to pursue tertiary education. Members of his family, including his parents and some

other siblings, joined him in 1978 and subsequent years. In NY, he embarked on a career of real estate businessman. He became real estate agent and later a broker/ owner of his own agency. He helped many Guyanese, “Trinis,” and other West Indians to become homeowners. He also mentored several people in real estate, and he used proceeds from his business to sponsor cultural and cricket events. Ray became a member of the Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF) and rose to the position of President in 1989. He produced a newspaper, Indo-Caribbean Review, to which I also made contributions. And he also introduced cricket matches in NYC – two teams vying

for the Sundar Cup (named after his famed father-cricketer) during the 1990s. While as President we were very close. Though he was relatively well off and had access to resources, I never made any request to him to fund any of my programmes or activities, political movement or culture. He was always praiseworthy of the work of a few of us for selfless commitment to Guyana’s freedom from authoritarian rule. He organised lectures and immigration conferences while leading the ICF. After his tenure as President of the ICF, Ray remained active with the organization, promoting various cultural and sports activities. He supported the struggle for the

restoration of democracy in Guyana. He did fundraisers for Dr Leslie Ramsammy and also gave donations to Dr Jagan and the PPP. After democracy was restored in October 1992, Ray did fundraisers in aid of school rehabilitation in Guyana, including Comprehensive, Roman School, and Tain Primary, all of which were in deplorable condition in 1992. Ray and I teamed up in an initiative to collect materials to ship to Guyana in 1993. A lot of materials were brought to his office for shipment to Guyana. Ray continued to be active in community affairs, even after Jagan’s death in March 1997. He focused on cricket. Ray organised and sponsored cricket matches. He

also made charitable contributions to Christian educational programmes in NY. He helped fund construction of a science lab at that Catholic school. Ray honoured his commitments, living by his word. I and ICF family cherished the memories of Ray Sundar. Ralph Tamesh, current President of ICF, said Ray would be long remembered for his contributions to the organisation as the third President. “He epitomised leadership, heart of service, and commitment to family, friends, and community,” said Ralph. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

‘Start-up huddle’ initiative to kick-start in Linden

WITH the aim of supporting the growth of small businesses, the Linden Fund USA (LFU) in collaboration with the Guyana Economic Development Trust (GEDT) under its initiative, ‘Innovate Guyana,’ will be kick starting its ‘Startup huddle’ programme in Linden on Wednesday. The programme, according to LFU’s Economic Development Programme Manager Onika Stellingburg, aims to lend support to small businesses and provide small business owners with the skills needed to establish a thriving enterprise. “It's not meant to be a quote unquote, fund for businesses to access financing. Although we are working to make those things available, it's more than just that. We want [small business owners] to create a healthy business development within the community’s business environment rather,” she said. She further explained that with collaborations from the GEDT which falls under the Global En-

trepreneurship Network (GEN), many opportunities are being made available. “So, with connection to the Gannett Economic Development Trust, we are able to provide support for some of the businesses to access things such as Innovative Guyana, which is a yearly competition by the Economic Development Trust, and this is outside of the startup portal. Businesses are able to enter that competition … there are several financial rewards, one of which is a prize of up to $US10,000,” Stellingburg added. She noted that while the first meeting will be held in Linden at the LFU’s office, the initiative will also be stretched across the region, to bring on board small businesses in the outlying communities in the region. To this end, she said, a monthly session will be held in various communities across the region. Stellingburg noted that communities such as Kwakwani, Ituni and Rockstone will not miss their chance in being a

School life in Guyana is still one of the most exciting times of our lives

Dear Editor,

IS it the trending hairstyles at schools that’s still the hot gossip on to now? Minister Priya Manickchand suggested to make our education life an enjoyable one; or is it the culture day some schools still carry out to bring awareness on our different traditions and culture of life. The famous Culture Day (a show and tell), the presentations are always a wonderful opportunity for the students to share with the school community what they understand about culture and indeed, themselves. Culture day allows students to express and understand each other better and remind children to follow in their roots. Tradition is a beautiful thing that should never die in us.

Even the annual school fair or school party still remains the gossip that brings everyone together to feel at peace and very casual, since there is always great food, great music and great friends to help enjoy our academic life and allow us bond with our peers. Whatever it is, school life in Guyana is still one of the most exciting times of our lives that should be enjoyed and remembered with memorable times. Our education system is always a focused one and one of the best ones in the Caribbean. These days it’s becoming a fun one too with the wonderful social agendas instilled. Yours truly, Suzanne Singh

LFU’s Economic Development Programme

part of the ‘Start up huddle’ initiative. “One of the things you're going to do is to connect with some of the stakeholders who already have a presence in those communities. So, it might be the Chamber of Commerce, it could be the Regional Democratic Council or the Tourism Committee… they have operations in these areas,” she said adding:

“So, we do want persons from every part of the region to be involved. It’s not just for Linden, we want to find businesses in Kwakwani, Rockstone and all the other areas, we want them to get involved as well.” Send an email to onika.stellingburg@lindenfun.org or call 592630-8066 for more infomationManager, Onika Stellingburg

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Exercise professionalism and stop harassing people - Top Cop tells sergeants, charges them to forge and strengthen police, community relations

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken ACTING Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, on Monday, met with all sergeants of the Guyana Police Force and gave them a comprehensive charge and strict man-

date to ‘serve and protect’ and to change the negative image and perception that members of the public have of the Force. “We need to stop harassing and bullying mem-

bers of the public, we need to desist from these random and unnecessary traffic stops and searches; we must regain the public’s trust and confidence and we must do everything in our power to rebuild and improve the image of the Force and regain the trust of the people,” Mr. Hicken told hundreds of police sergeants packed in, and even spilling out of the auditorium at the Police Officers’ Training Centre on Camp Road, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Speaking for over an hour, Mr. Hicken made it clear that there will be absolutely “no compromise” when it comes to professionalism and integrity of not just the sergeants but all members of the Guyana

Police Force, a release from the Force said. It noted that the Commissioner’s message to the attentive and much appreciative audience of sergeants was centred on professionalism, integrity, accountability, service, protection, and police-community relations. STERN WARNING The acting Commissioner of Police also issued a stern warning that non-compliance or nonadherence to any of the issues he touched on will see ranks being disciplined. He used the word “rotation” throughout his address, reminding ranks that the “only thing that remains constant in life is change” and that ranks (sergeants) must be able and willing to adapt to changes that will come on stream, including being rotated on a regular basis with a view to develop capacity. “You’re going to be judged on every aspect of

mance. As sergeants you are the beneficiaries of change and within the next four or five years, some of you are going to be up here as officers. Be the change you would like to see. “When you outrank your position, you’re going to be promoted and it’s not going to be done by favouritism, nor in an ad hoc manner. The process is going to be transparent, guided by the Strategic Planning Unit, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and the Risk Management Unit which will soon be realised.” DISCIPLINE Mr. Hicken made it clear that “discipline is paramount in this organisation”. “You are entrusted with decision-making that can affect the lives of members of the public… and one ill-decision can create problems out there,” he noted. With focus on the traffic sergeants, he posited that information shared

with minimal stops for production of documents unless it is supervised by an inspector or officer. INFRASTRUCTURE Conduciveness at stations must be encouraged and maintained as far as practicable as outlined in the Police Force’s Standing Order. Infrastructure development is taking place across the 12 administrative regions (divisions) of the Guyana Police Force with a view to creating a conducive atmosphere and to build police morale. “Like I said, we’re not going to tell you things that we can’t do. We will be leading from the front and within the next yearand-a-half, we’re going to rebuild all the Headquarters and all the police stations will be spruced up. This is going to create an environment that is conducive to increasing your performance and building morale in the Force,” the Top Cop

A section of the gathering of police sergeants at the Police Officers’ Training Centre on Camp Road, Eve Leary, Georgetown your work and so professionalism is paramount,” Mr. Hicken stated. He also alluded to the importance and reason for the Community Policing Groups (CPGs). “It is important for sergeants to understand the activities within their span of control to adequately deploy ranks. Focus, however, should be on identifying hotspots, black spots, commercial and other activities; hence, the importance of Community Policing Groups,” he posited. He added: “Recognition will be based on perfor-

should be cascaded to the corporals, lance corporals and constables with a view to creating efficiency. Mr. Hicken said ‘stop and searches’ must be in keeping with the established Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs). “Before, during and after the search, constant communication must be done with the Operations Room… this posture is to provide guidance to the patrols,” Mr. Hicken stated. Traffic posture will see traffic ranks being strategically placed along the corridors and thoroughfare

declared. In closing, he reminded that policemen and women are products of civil society; hence, the need to be courteous and true to the Force’s mandate of ‘Service and Protection’. Among those sharing the head-table with the Commissioner of Police (ag) were Deputy Commissioner Operations (ag), Ravindradat Budhram; Head of Special Branch, Senior Superintendent, Errol Watts and several members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the release said.

Fire hydrants to be installed at Leguan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

ACTING Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham on Monday visited the island of Leguan to meet with residents, and introduce the initiative of auxiliary firefighters while announcing that fire hydrants will be installed on the island. The meeting was conducted at the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in the company of Chairman Lachhman Dwarkha; leader of the Leguan Community Policing Group Mustapha Zaman; and representatives of the Guyana Fire Service and several residents. The Fire Chief, during brief remarks at the meeting explained the importance of auxiliary firefighters on the island, as well as their roles and responsibilities. According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), following a recent fire at Wakenaam, the Fire Service began

training persons to conduct firefighting within these remote communities. “While there are plans for the construction of fire stations on these islands, in the interim, volunteers will be trained in firefighting, fire safety, and fire prevention. Firefighting equipment, including a light pump and hoses, will also be provided for the volunteers to be used in the event of a fire,” the GFS noted. A team from the Guyana Fire Service will visit the island next week to conduct the training, along with inspections of government buildings and school visits. Additionally, Wickham informed the gathering that hydrants will be installed on the island, as some engineers will be visiting soon to earmark the most suitable locations for placement.

Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham (centre) flanked by auxiliary firefighters, residents and other officials of Leguan

Four children, mother hospitalised after bee attack FOUR children ages one, two, five and eight, along with their mother Sunita Charran, 30, are hospitalised after they were stung by African bees on Sunday at their Number 67 Village home. According to reports, the incident occurred at 07:00hrs as the family was at their house. The bees were in a nearby plot with overgrown vegetation. The family was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where they were treated and sent away. However, as the children began to develop symptoms, they were taken back to the hospital around 18:00hrs the said day where they were admitted. Up to press time they remained hospitalised. Speaking with the media, a brave Samaritan, Wadesh Kumar Persaud, 43, a sluice operator, who risked his life to save the children, recalled that after noticing what happened he and another neighbour went into the house and grabbed the youngest child first, followed by the others and the mother. “We rush out and come and when abee see them

The house where the incident occurred

pickney this everybody start cry because of their condition. When we carry them hospital them say over thousands bee bite them pickney this so much sting! When you have a polka dot clothes that’s how close them get bite,” Persaud said. He called on persons to stop dumping their derelict vehicles and to clear their lands of overgrown bushes. “This is very unfortunate, we are poor people at the back here and them rich people bring their old iron and park it here and when you tell them wha go on they want to fight, when you tell them about the bush them leave it till it get bee nest till it nearly kill them children,” he

said. Persaud added that when the children began vomiting, the young child even vomited a bee. At one point, he noted one of the children appeared to have passed out on the verandah as he was covered by the bees. Meanwhile, the 52-74 Neighbourhood Democratic Council, along with other stakeholders, have managed to have the bees removed from the area. A horse that was in the street was also stung. Divisional Commander Boodnarine Persaud and team also visited the victims at the hospital on Monday afternoon as well as on Sunday. On Monday, he handed over hampers to the family.

Housing authority to soon deliver 100 houses in Berbice

ONE hundred families can look forward to occupying their houses shortly, as housing construction at Williamsburg/Hampshire, Region Six, nears completion, according to the Ministry of Housing and Water. These are the first 100 homes being built by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) in the region. It is currently being supervised by engineers attached to the agency.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

According to the Housing and Water Ministry, each is a two-bedroom flat unit, measuring 20 feet by 30 feet (600 square feet) and is being built by 13 contractors at a total cost of $750 million. Infrastructure works have also been ongoing simultaneously and, upon completion, the entire scheme will be outfitted with basic utilities such as electricity and water.

An internal view of the washroom facilities in one of the houses

Houses that are nearing completion at Williamsburg/Hampshire, Region Six

Springlands fisherman feared drowned

A SEARCH is on for a missing fisherman who is feared drowned after he failed to resurface after falling overboard in the vicinity of Orealla, Corentyne River, on Sunday. According to information received, Shunny Jagesaar, 42, of Springlands, Corriverton, along with his employer, Rajesh Moses, 50, of Number 79 Village, departed for Orealla at around 09:00 hrs. H o w e v e r, M o s e s recalled that at around 14:00hrs, he was at the bow of the boat while Jagessar was at the back steering when he heard a “sudden splash” and, upon checking, he saw Jagessar in the water which was calm at the time. He added that, while in the water, Shunny was struggling and he immediately went down. Moses subsequently made checks around the area but his employee was nowhere to be found.

Shunny Jagessar

Meanwhile, relatives of Jagessar, along with the police have launched a frantic search with the hope of recovering their loved one. An aunt told the Guyana Chronicle that Shunny has been a fisherman for the last eight years. He was not married nor does he have children. She also noted that he was a good swimmer and is puzzled as to what might have occurred. The aunt is calling

for a thorough investigation into the incident. Relatives said that after they were informed about the incident, they made a report at the Springlands Police Station. The boat owner was taken back to the scene on Monday where he showed the police where the incident occurred. He remains in police custody pending investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

One new COVID-19 case recorded THE Ministry of Health has reported that there are currently 87 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of one new case on April 4, 2022, from the 213 persons who were tested over a 24hour period. The newly confirmed case was recorded in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The country has now

recorded a total of 63,273 cases since March 2020. Of the active cases, four persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; eight are in institutional isolation; 68 are in home isolation, and seven are in institutional quarantine. Recovered cases stand at 61,967 while the num-

ber of deaths remain at 1,226. Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, said in his daily COVID-19 update that a downward trend has been noticed in the vaccination rates. “Right now, it is a big struggle to get people vaccinated,” Dr. Anthony said. He reiterated that persons will not be protected

against the novel coronavirus unless they are vaccinated. He stated that 85.5 per cent of Guyana’s adult population have received the first dose, while 65.7 per cent have received their second dose. For ages 12-17, 47.1 per cent have received their first dose and 34.3 per cent have received their second dose.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

GuyExpo to make big comeback this year GUYANA’S premier trade fair and exhibition, GuyExpo, is set to make a big comeback in 2022, during the first week of December. The event, which was first held in 1995, had grown under the pa-

tronage of several tourism ministers including Michael Shree Chand, Geoffrey DaSilva, Manzoor Nadir and Manniram Prashad. What began as an activity that attracted close to 200 exhibitors, grew

into Guyana’s biggest exposition with over 460 businesses, both local and international, participating annually. They were all given the opportunity to present their locally produced goods and services.

Flashback: A housing project on display

A booth with furniture on display

Fresh plants on display at GuyExpo in 2014

GuyExpo became an annual event in 2004 under the Chairmanship of Keith Burrowes, and is now the longest sustained exhibition in the Caribbean. In that year, the organisers took cognisance of the growth and interdependence of international trade and opened the exhibition to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other regional exhibitors. The expo provided the platform for both lo-

cal and foreign businesses – importers, exporters, retailers, and wholesalers to come together at one marketplace and display their handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, and horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and most importantly, their culture. However, in 2015, the then A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) govern-

Persons enjoying GuyExpo in 2014

ment downsized the event, creating the Small Business Expo. That three-day event which was birthed out of intense discussions among several stakeholders in both the private and public sectors was an alternative for small businesses. Now that the government had changed, GuyExpo is set to return to the Guyanese calendar bigger and better.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Yellowtail project enhances foundation for global energy transition

- ExxonMobil says as it makes final investment decision

BEING the largest project in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, ExxonMobil’s US$10 billion Yellowtail project, which was sanctioned recently by the government, possesses immense resources that could enhance the foundation for the global energy transition. “Yellowtail’s development further demonstrates the successful partnership between ExxonMobil and Guyana, and helps provide the world with another reliable source of energy to meet future demand and ensure a secure energy transition,” President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, Liam Mallon, said in a press statement on Monday. The project is expected to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day after startup in late 2025, using the “One Guyana” Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. It will target an estimated resource base of about 900 million oilequivalent barrels and include six drill centres

The “One Guyana” hull prepares to sail from China to Singapore and up to 26 production and 25 injection wells. This massive project will be crucial to the global energy transition, since oil and gas is projected to account for 46 per cent of the global energy demand by 2030. “Oil and gas are vital to an orderly energy transition,” Executive Director of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, Iman Hill, was reported as saying.

In her view, achieving a low-carbon future requires a profound transformation in the way stakeholders produce and use energy. She said: “History has shown us that the introduction of new energy sources and the transitions between those energy sources takes decades. This transition will take different paths in different countries. The developing world has vastly different

Over $600M in Region Six maintenance contracts never publicly advertised

ISSUES of questionable transactions at the Regional Tender Review Board of Region Six were raised at the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, after it was discovered that some $604.8 million worth of maintenance contracts were never publicly advertised. As the meeting convened, Narindra Persaud, the Regional Executive Officer (REO), was questioned in relation to the 153 multimillion-dollar contracts that were never publicly advertised in 2017. PAC member Dharamkumar Seeraj first raised the matter. He asked for clarity on the use of restricted tendering which was utilised as a means to alert contractors and suppliers of the works

that were going to be undertaken. Restricted tendering is a procurement method that limits the request for tenders to a number of suppliers, contractors or service providers, who are shortlisted through a pre-qualification or invitation by the procuring entity. Seeraj noted that there seems to be a lack of evidence to justify why this method was used, as the precedent is that this system should be employed when works are “highly complex,” or in cases where only a limited number of contractors or suppliers have the requisite expertise or resources. Meanwhile, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, in expressing similar sentiments called the findings,

“very disturbing.” She took issue with the fact that for 140 of the contracts which were worth some $570.1 million, this method was used without any justification of its usage. Minister Teixeira noted that another major issue found in the procurement procedure was that the regional tender board invited a maximum of four contractors to bid for the projects. She noted that this is especially concerning in light of the regional authorities stating that, that prequalification was done to cover the awarding of the contracts. Teixeira disclosed that under these projects, some 140 contractors prequalified, but just four were allowed to bid. She added that this selection is cause for grave concern.

needs, capabilities, and economic drivers. “We all share the same goal, and the oil-and-gas industry has the experience, skills and resources necessary to help find a

balanced way forward, one which benefits society as a whole.” In Guyana, ExxonMobil through its ongoing offshore exploration activities, has discovered a recoverable resource of more than 10 billion oilequivalent barrels. The company anticipates up to 10 projects on the Stabroek Block to develop this resource The oil giant is one step closer to its goal, having made its final investment decision for the Yellowtail development. “We are working to maximise benefits for the people of Guyana and increase global supplies through safe and responsible development on an accelerated schedule,” ExxonMobil said. Development of pro-

jects and continued exploration success offshore are enabling the steady advancement of Guyanese capabilities and enhanced economic growth. More than 3,500 Guyanese are supporting ExxonMobil’s activities in Guyana, an increase of more than 50 per cent since 2019. Further, ExxonMobil and direct contractors have spent more than $600 million with more than 880 local suppliers since 2015. Also, more than 3,000 Guyanese companies are registered with the Centre for Local Business Development, which was founded by ExxonMobil and its co-venturers in 2017 to build local business capacity and support global competitiveness.

GDF Major excels at UN Development Course in India 14

— awarded prize for Best Foreign Officer

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Major Sven Douglas has returned from New Delhi, India, where he successfully completed the Training of the Trainers for United Nations Deployment Course 02. The course was conducted over a three-week period, from March 14 to April, 1, 2022. According to the GDF, Major Douglas, who was among 19 officers from various countries undergoing training on the programme, is the Officer Commanding of the Colonel Ulric Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS); Standard Officer Course 54. Major Douglas graduated

Major Sven Douglas

and mission analysis, organisation and role – functioning

in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India. It was conducted over a three-week period from March 14 to April 1, 2022. Major Douglas was among 19 officers from various countries undergoing training on the programme. He is the Officer Commanding of the Colonel Ulric Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS); Standard Officer Course 54. “The Government of India is very happy to have facilitated this training to a friendly partner country like Guyana with full funding. This is part of an ever increasing partnership with Guyana, especially in the capacity building of

Major Sven Douglas with High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa at the Indian High Commission, Church Street, Georgetown Office

with the highest examination score and was awarded the prize for Best Foreign Officer. The Training of the Trainers for United Nations Deployment Course, according to the GDF, was designed to enable officers to function effectively within the United Nations’ environment and train fellow peacekeepers. Upon successful completion, the GDF noted that officers are competent to serve as Commanders as part of their military contingents, prepare contingents for the conduct of negotiations in an area of conflict, carry out observation duties, manage check-points, and organise convoy-protection and escort duties. “The curriculum saw participants being exposed to an array of core focus areas such as the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations – history, evolution and types, legal aspects, mandate and mission

of Joint Operations Centre and Joint Mission Analysis Centre and thematic subjects such as Child Protection, Protection of Civilians, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflicted Related Sexual Violence, Civilian-Military Coordination and Quick Impact Projects amongst others,” GDF noted in a press release on Monday. Meanwhile, the High Commissioner of India in Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa has congratulated Major Douglas on successfully completing the United Nations Pre-Deployment Training (UNPDT) – Training of the Trainers for United Nations Deployment Course held in India and for graduating with the highest examination score and being awarded the prize for Best Foreign Officer. The course was held in New Delhi at the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK)

GDF with over 19 training slots allotted to Guyana since 2021 (eight officers have finished training in India already in various courses, two officers are leaving tomorrow for India while nine more are due to go later this year),” the Indian High Commission noted on Monday. “Government of India has further added 10 additional slots for the GDF in addition to the above in 2022. This makes the current programme of cooperation with GDF the largest ever so far between the two countries. India continues to engage with various governmental institutions in Guyana for skills upgradation and technical expertise enhancement, under its South-South Cooperation model,” the Indian High Commission further stated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

354 cases for trial as April Demerara Criminal Assizes commences today

THE Demerara April 2022 Criminal Assizes commences today with 354 cases listed to be heard. Justice Sandil Kissoon, together with Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry are rostered to sit during this session. According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers, in a press release, of the 30 matters presented, nine were for the offence of murder, 16 were for sexual offences, four for

two hung juries. Of the 30 cases presented in the High Court, State Counsel Mohamed Muntaz Ali, Nafeeza Baig and Latiffia Elliot completed 16 cases in the Sexual Offences Court before Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. During this time, the Berbice October 2021 Criminal Assizes had continued with Senior State Counsel Abigail Gibbs, who presented three matters for the offence of murder before Justice Sandil Kissoon, who first sat from October,

the offence of attempt to commit murder and one for the offence of manslaughter. The Assizes commenced on 11 January, 2022 and Goal delivery was done by Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall on 4th April, 2022, bringing to an end the Demerara-January 2022 Criminal Assizes. During this Assizes, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry; Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall and Justice Brassington Reynolds sat. The DPP Chambers noted that there were a total of 33 accused in relation to these matters. There were seven convictions, nine guilty pleas, 11 formal verdicts of not guilty, three not guilty verdicts by jury and

closed the October session and opened the February 2022 Criminal Assizes. The Berbice February Criminal Assizes will continue until June 20, 2022. Meanwhile, the Essequibo October 2021 Criminal Assizes had continued with Senior State Counsel Tiffini Lyken, who completed five matters before Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow who sat from January, closed the October Assizes and then opened the February Criminal Assizes. Of these five matters, two were for sexual offences and one each for the offences of Attempt to Commit Murder and Manslaughter. In the two separate sex-

RONDA Junor, the mother of a three-year-old on Monday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a robbery charge, and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Delon Bess. The South Ruimveldt resident denied using a surgical blade to rob one Joel Jacobs of $208,000 at Regent and Wellington Streets on April 1, 2022.

On the day in question, Jounor reportedly asked Jacobs if he’d like to do business with her, but he snubbed her and kept on going about his business. Not taking no for an answer, Junor kept pursuing Jacobs, and as she walked behind him, two unidentified males seized the opportunity to accost him; one choked him, while the other pushed his hands in the vic-

ual offences matters, the juries returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty for the accused persons. The Essequibo Assizes remains in progress until May 16, 2022. Further, the DPP Chambers noted that “we appeared in two appeals in the Court of Appeal. In these matters, the State was represented by ADPP, Mrs. Teshana Lake and ADPP Mrs. Mercedes Glasford for the offences of Obtaining Money by False Pretense and Murder.” In the matter for the offence of murder, the DPP stated that the four appellants who were convicted together, each had their convictions affirmed but their sentences reduced from 81 years to 50 years. In the matter for Obtaining Money by False Pretense, the appellant who was convicted on two charges was granted bail in the sum of $500,000 on each and must report every Monday to the Criminal Investigations Department where he was also ordered to lodge his passport. “During the months January, February and March, we appeared in six matters at the Demerara Full Court for one Murder case and five Narcotics Offences. In these six appeals, three appellants had their conviction and sentences set aside. Two appeals were dismissed and one other was allowed in part when the Court affirmed the conviction but reduced the sentence,” the DPP Chambers stated. Additionally, the DPP Chambers also appeared in three matters at the Caribbean Court of Justice

Female robbery accused remanded until April 19

tim’s pocket. At this point, Junor, who was reportedly armed with a surgical blade, used it to cut Jacobs on his left hand. Prosecutor Doodnauth Bridgemohan objected to her being granted bail due to the seriousness and prevalence of the matter, and as such, Junor was remanded to prison until April 19.

(CCJ). “In one appeal for the offence of Rape and Indecent Assault, the appellant who had appealed against his sentence had

his sentence reduced. Another one appellant for the offence of Murder was allowed his appeal. The other one matter for

the offence of Murder involving two appellants remains in progress,” the release stated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 5, 2022

Are Australia Women the greatest cricket team ever? …38 wins in 39 matches over 4 years

AUSTRALIA women's cricket team winning run is a testament to the side's belief and fitness, and no wonder there is a sense of invincibility whenever they step out to the field. Meg Lanning's side scripted yet another chapter in their glorious history as they defeated England in the summit clash of the ICC Women's World Cup on Sunday.

In the final, Alyssa Healy was at her best as she scored 170 runs to help Australia post 356/5 in 50 overs. Alana King and Jess Jonassen spun a web to take six wickets between them to help Australia win a record-extending seventh Women's World Cup title. Before the final of the ICC Women's World Cup, former England captain Nasser Hussain had said on broadcast that if Australia go on to win the contest, they would be the greatest women's cricket side for him. "If Australia do win this game, for me they will probably be the greatest Women's cricket side of all time," Hussain had stated. However, the question needs to be asked whether Australia Women are the greatest cricket team (men's or women's) ever to play the sport. Over the past four years, Australia have won 38 matches out of 39 and their only defeat in ODIs came against India last year. Since being ousted from the 2017 Women's World

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Cup in the semi-final by India, Meg Lanning's Australia have been on a rampaging run and have demolished all that have come in front of them. Since 2017, Australia have never a lost ODI series and they also broke the record of Ricky Ponting and his men's team for registering most ODI wins on a trot. Australia women created the record for winning most ODIs (26) at a stretch and this streak was ended by India in 2021. However, since seeing losing their streak, Australia have again won 12 ODIs on a trot, and the side did not drop even a single game in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022. They have won seven out of the 12 World Cups that have taken place in women's cricket. Since 2017, Australia have won two T20 World Cup titles (2018 and 2020), and now they have a 50-over World Cup title as well. In the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Australia did not lose a single game Deronda 11:00 hrs Hillview 11:35 hrs Head Law 12:05 hrs Ten Past Midnight American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race 1 Unspoken Memories Race 2 Ohio Chase Race 3 Danza Magic Race 4 Scat Shack Race 5 Sweet Evy zGrace Race 6 Galactic Race 7 Act Of Bob Race 8 Gio Sammy Race 9 Lock On South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Flying Grace 08:55 hrs Trump My Queen 09:30 hrs Rouge Alleyne 10:05 hrs Fire Power

and won nine consecutive matches to secure the title. In the final against England, Alyssa Healy scored 170 -- the highest score in either a women's or men's

World Cup final -- and she was given support by Rachael Haynes and Beth Mooney. England dropped a few chances and they were made to pay heavily. Then,

spinners Alana King and Jess Jonassen took three wickets each as Australia defeated England by 71 runs in the summit clash. (NDTV Sports)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 5, 2022

Top-four chasing Arsenal stunned at Crystal Palace AR SENA L mis sed the chance to move back into the Premier League's top four and strengthen their hopes of Champions League football as they were stunned by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Gunners would have moved above Tottenham with victory but fell behind early on through JeanPhilippe Mateta's header following a free-kick. Things got worse for the visitors a few minutes later when Jordan Ayew got away from two Arsenal defenders and bent a shot beyond Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal were outfought and outworked in the first half, their only shot on target a Gabriel header at Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita. The visitors showed im-

provement after the break and should have at least got one back as Martin Odegaard shot wide when unmarked inside the box, while Eddie Nketiah hit the woodwork. Palace made sure of a hugely impressive win when Wilfried Zaha was brought down inside the box late on and the forward stepped up to convert the penalty. The victory, Palace's first at home in the leag`e in 2022, moves them up to ninth while Arsenal remain fifth and outside the top four on goal difference, albeit with a game in hand. An opportunity missed by Arsenal A dreadful start to the season had seen the Gunners briefly flirting with the relegation places but they

have been transformed as the campaign has gone on. They went into this game knowing they had a huge opportunity to put themselves in the driving seat for Champions League football next season with a win and they had every right to feel confident of getting it on the back of six wins in their last seven games. But they never got going against a tenacious Palace side as they lacked the same level of aggression as their hosts. Arsenal have that game in a hand over Tottenham, so still have the opportunity to make amends for this poor performance and recent form suggests this display was an outlier. However, boss Mikel Arteta knows they will need

Jean-Philippe Mateta hit his fourth goal of the season to open the scoring

to show significant improvement in the coming games to ensure they end the season in the top four, particularly after Spurs thrashed New-

castle 5-1 on Sunday. To make matters worse for Arsenal they could be without full-back Kieran Tierney for a period of

time as he missed the game with a knee injury, while midfielder Thomas Partey went off injured in the second half. (BBC Sport)

Western Australia claim first Sheffield Shield title in 23 years WESTERN Australia have claimed their first Sheffield Shield title in 23 years, after they drew with Victoria in the season final. After taking an 80-run lead into the second innings - thanks largely to a first innings century from Cameron Bancroft - WA batted for a lengthy period in their second dig, finishing 7/400d. and leaving no real chance of a result late on day four. Only requiring a draw in order to lift the Shield, Aaron Hardie (174*) and Sam Whiteman (123) faced over 650 deliveries between them, with the latter earning Player of the Final honours after scoring 85 in the first innings.

Western Australia skipper Shaun Marsh lifts the Sheffield Shield (Getty Images)

The moment was extra special for Shaun Marsh, who was playing his 21st season of Shield cricket for WA and at 38 years of age, may not have many season left in him. (Final Scores: Western

Australia 386 (Bancroft 141, Whiteman 85, Sutherland 5-78) & 7 for 400 dec (Hardie 174*, Whiteman 123) drew with Victoria 306 (Handscomb 80, Perry 74, Pucovski 59, Hardie 3-54, Paris 3-95).

Taylor farewells international cricket with emotional win (AFP)-A tearful Ross Taylor was given a standing ovation as the New Zealand great made an emotional farewell to international cricket on Monday after 16 years at the top. The visiting Netherlands team gave the 38-year-old a guard of honour as he came out to bat at number four in the third one-day international at Seddon Park in Hamilton. He was dismissed for 14, before the home side went on to win the match by a dominant 115 runs to sweep the series 3-0, with Taylor taking the final catch to wrap up victory in fitting fashion.

(Scores: New Zealand 333-8: Martin Guptll 106, Will Young 120: Netherlands 218. Stephen Myburgh 64) Taylor announced in December that the series against the Dutch would be his last hurrah. With his children on one side and teammates on the other, Taylor was in tears before the match as the players lined up for the national anthems, in his 450th and final appearance for New Zealand. The Seddon Park spectators rose to their feet and applauded generously as he came to the crease for the final time, and then again when he came out to field.

Taylor bowed out of Test cricket in style in January, taking the last Bangladesh wicket to ensure New Zealand won the second Test in Christchurch and drew the series. He has been a mainstay in the New Zealand batting order since making his debut in 2006, amassing a plethora of records and achievements. Among them are a New Zealand record 7,683 Test runs and he also scored the most runs for the country in ODIs. He also made the highest Test score in Australia by a visiting player, 290 at Perth in 2015.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 5, 2022

New rugby academy launched Los Angeles Lakers beaten by Nuggets in sixth consecutive defeat THE Los Angeles Lakers' bid to reach the play-ins has been put in serious doubt by a sixth consecutive defeat in going down to the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jovic had 38 points and 18 rebounds as the Nuggets won 129-118, with Will Barton adding 25 points. Playing at home, the Lakers missed LeBron James, who has a sore ankle. "It sucks," said Lakers coach Frank Vogel. "Sucks telling these guys after every game, 'I'm proud of you. Good effort. We lost.' "So, it's not fun, but it could be worse. It's easy to unravel. Our group has stayed together. They're putting up the good fight. Their attitude has been wonderful, in terms of just working together to get this thing right. "And it's just disappointing to come in to keep saying we fell short." The Lakers, 17-time NBA champions, sit 11th in the Western Conference,

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 38 points

having been beset by injuries throughout the season. Teams from seventh to 10th in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference progress to the play-ins. Two teams from each division can then secure a place in the end-of-season play-offs. Anthony Davis, who topscored for the Lakers with 28 points, said: "I think the biggest thing that I think about personally is what we could have been, had we stayed healthy all year. "What could we have

been. Guys feel like, 'OK, what could we have been if I was healthy all year, [LeBron James] was healthy, [Kendrick] Nunn was healthy'. You think about those things. We put this team together and it looked good on paper, but we haven't had a chance to reach that potential with guys in and out of the line-up." Elsewhere on Sunday, Western Conference leaders the Phoenix Suns were handed one of their worst defeats of the season, beaten 117-96 by the Oklahoma City Thunde.

Rahul and Hooda inspire Super Giants win over Sunrisers A solid performance with bat and ball saw the Lucknow Super Giants seal a 12-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at DY Patil Stadium. Super Giants captain KL Rahul (68) and Deepak Hooda (51) were the standout performers in the Lucknow innings as they set their opponents 170 to win. Sunrisers had looked in a strong position to chase down that total at 143-4 with just under three overs left, only for a late collapse to see them fall well short. The Super Giants were three down within the first five overs, with two wickets for Washington Sundar (228) in his first seven balls, claiming Quinton de Kock and Evin Lewis for a single run each, then, immediately after hitting a big six, Manish Pandey (11) could only

find Bhuvneshwar Kumar from Romario Shepherd's delivery to leave them 27-3. Hooda came to the crease and rescued things with Rahul, putting on a partnership of 87 before the former fell to Shepherd, with Thangarasu Natarajan (2-26) taking the late wickets of Rahul and Krunal Pandya (6) to seemingly limit Lucknow. However, Abhishek Sharma (13) and Kane Williamson (16) failed to eat much into the target, and despite solid efforts from Rahul Tripathi (44) and Nicholas Pooran (34), Hyderabad ultimately fell short, with Jason Holder (3-34) taking three wickets for just three runs in the final over. SKIPPER LEADS THE WAY WITH THE BAT Rahul and Hooda were

the only batsmen for the victors to score 20 or more runs, but that was all that was needed after their efforts, with the captain hitting six fours and one six. Hooda struck three fours and three sixes, and grabbed his second half-century of the IPL season so far. BOWLING ATTACK COMES TO THE FORE This was a classic case of the batsmen setting a defendable total, but then the bowlers having to earn their place by seizing control back late on. Avesh Khan impressed with 4-24 from his four overs, including taking both Sunrisers openers, while Krunal (2-27) and Holder performed crucially at the death. (Sportsmax)

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – A new rugby academy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s National Sports Commission in partnership with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has been launched to foster and harness the raw talent of players between the ages six and 19. It is one of several sports academies being rolled out in keeping with a promise by the government. “This nursery and this academy are something that was just an idea maybe a year or two years ago. As a matter a fact, it is something that is enshrined in the man-

ifesto of the PPP/C Government and it was an idea and then it became a promise and it is now becoming a reality,” Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle said. Head of the sport academy, Cristy Campbell encouraged young people in Guyana to utilize the opportunities available through the sport to develop their talents. “I hope this opportunity that is presented to you is grasped with full hands. I hope you deliver what is expected and use the resources that we are presenting to you to be better athletes, to develop your talent, and to move on to the international scene,” she said.

“The academy is just not about training, this is not the only aspect that we are offering; it also comes with a physiotherapist, a nutritionist and we also have a sport psychologist, who are all employed by the National Sports Commission to help you to be rounded athletes.” About 160 persons will participate in the programme. According to Campbell, an academy will soon be launched for swimmers. Within the last few months, the ministry, through the NSC, has launched six academies, including for badminton, athletics and table tennis.

No end in sight for Australian dominance, says Healy (REUTERS) - Alyssa Healy believes the young talent coming through in Australian cricket means the world champions can continue to dominate the women's game for the next 10-15 years. Healy led the way with a record knock of 170 as Australia secured a seventh 50-overs World Cup title with what she described as a "near perfect" victory over holders England in Christchurch on Sunday. "To be part of a team that is constantly driving for perfection, it can drive you crazy but at the same time it just make you so much better," Healy told Fox Sports on Monday. "Yesterday was near flawless ... the way we went about things was pretty special." By locking up the only major women's title they did not already own, the Australians finally banished the memories of their shock semi-final loss to India at the 2017 World Cup. That defeat led to a reassessment of how Australia went about their cricket, including elevating Healy to the top of the batting order. The results have been extraordinary with Austra-

Young Australia spinner Alana King

lia playing 43 one-dayers since the 2017 World Cup, winning 40 of them. "I'm really proud of being part of a squad that sat down and reinvented themselves and reinvented the way they wanted to play the game," Healy added. "To go out there and execute that over five years is something really special. This is the final piece of the puzzle." Part of the philosophy is not to be overly-reliant on one or two star players to carry the team, with all of the squad expected to pitch in with a big innings or a handful of wickets. Healy pointed to the successful introduction of relative youngsters Al-

ana King, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Annabel Sutherland at the World Cup as evidence that Australia can sustain that policy for a good time to come. "We've got incredible depth and incredible talent within this squad," the 32-year-old said. "We've got so many young players who are already performing so well on the international scene and that's just so exciting for the future of the game. "The fact that we've been able to continue to bring in these young players ... I'm sure Australian cricket's going to be in good hands for the next 10 to 15 years at least."

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 5, 2022

South Africa claim victory as Maharaj, Harmer put Bangladesh in a spin DURBAN, (Reuters) - Leftarm spinner Keshav Maharaj took seven wickets as South Africa made light work of bowling Bangladesh out for 53 in 19 overs in their second innings to claim a 220-run victory in the first Test at Kingsmead on Monday. It was the lowest test innings total at Kingsmead, less than the 66 India managed in 1996. Bangladesh had been set a target of 274 for the win but resumed on 11 for three and were bowled out inside 55 minutes. Maharaj took 7-32 and fellow spinner Simon Harmer 3-21 to complete a dominant performance for the home side, who were missing five first team regulars that have opted to play in the Indian Premier League, including their entire frontline pace attack. "It is pretty special," South Africa captain Dean Elgar said at the post-match presentation.

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj took 7-32

"It was hard graft in conditions we are not used to and was a challenge for a young bowling unit." He had particular praise for the spin duo, who took 14 wickets between them. "They are extremely skilled and developed in their game. They are pushing each

other in the nets and it's great to see how they operate. They are extremely competitive, that is their nature." South Africa’s lack of bowling options had in part forced them to play two spinners at a venue that has traditionally been known to favour the seamers. Maharaj’s effort was all the more impressive after he bowled with a finger injury on the fourth and fifth days, but the guile and accuracy with which he and Harmer attacked the Bangladeshis was impressively relentless. He trapped Mushfiqur Rahim (0) leg before wicket in the opening over of the day and from then on it was a procession of batsmen back to the pavilion. He had the dangerous Litton Das (2) caught by Harmer at mid-on, and then bowled Yasir Ali (5) with a delivery that pitched on middle stump and hit off. Harmer removed Me-

hidy Hasan Miraz (0) and innings top-scorer Najmul Hossain Shanto (26), the latter stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, before Maharaj claimed the final two wickets.

"We just tried to play to the merit of the balls," Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque said. "We are used to playing spin in Bangladesh, but we played too many loose shots. We have

one more match, we need to come back strongly." The second and final Test begins in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, on Thursday.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st INNINGS 367 Bangladesh 1st innings 298 South Afria 2nd innings 204 Bangladesh 2nd innings

Mahmudul Hasan Joy b Keshav Maharaj 4 Shadman Islam c Keegan Petersen b Simon Harmer 0 Najmul Hossain Shanto st Kyle Verreynne b Simon Harmer 26 Mominul Haque lbw Keshav Maharaj 2 Mushfiqur Rahim lbw Keshav Maharaj 0 Liton Das c Simon Harmer b Keshav Maharaj 2 Yasir Ali b Keshav Maharaj 5 Mehidy Hasan c Keegan Petersen b Simon Harmer 0 Taskin Ahmed c Wiaan Mulder b Keshav Maharaj 14 Khaled Ahmed c Lizaad Williams b Keshav Maharaj 0 Ebadot Hossain Not Out 0 Extras 0b 0lb 0nb 0pen 0w 0 Total (19.0 overs) 53 all out Fall of Wickets: 1-4 Anik, 2-6 Joy, 3-8 Haque, 4-12 Rahim, 5-16 Das, 6-26 Chowdhury, 7-33 Miraz, 8-50 Shanto, 9-51 Ahmed, 10-53 Ahmed Bowling: Keshav Maharaj 10 - 0 - 32 - 7, Simon Harmer 9 - 3 - 21 - 3.

Bangladesh to lodge ICC complaint about Pujara's Sussex debut umpires and 'deplorable' Proteas sledging delayed by visa hold-up BANGLADESH are to lodge a complaint with the ICC over the standard of umpiring and alleged "deplorable" sledging from South Africa during a 222run thrashing in the first Test at Kingsmead. The Proteas wasted no time in wrapping up a crushing victory on the final day in Durban, Keshav Maharaj taking 7-32 and Simon Harm-

er 3-21 to bowl the sorry tourists out for only 53. Bangladesh were dismissed in only 19 overs as the South Africa spinners tore through their batting line-up. The Tigers were not happy with the standard of umpiring from South African duo Adrian Holdstock and Marais Erasmus. Bangladesh Cricket Board cricket operations

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday April 5, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) KKR defeated MI by 4 wickets (2) 74 games Today’s Quiz: (1) Who are the defending IPL champions? (2) Who were the losing finalist of IPL 2021? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

chairman Jalal Yunus told ESPNcricinfo: "We have already lodged one complaint about the umpiring after the ODI series. "The match referee had initially misbehaved with our manager Nafees Iqbal but then softened when we gave him a written complaint. We will lodge another official complaint about this Test match." He added: "There hasn't been impartial umpiring in this Test match. It started on the first day. We were held up for half an hour at the start of the game because of the sightscreens. We were deprived of the initial advantage. "To make up this half an hour, they extended the lunch session, instead of starting early, which we usually see. It is definitely at the umpire's discretion, but generally we see them making up for lost time by starting early. These are subtle technical things." Yunus also felt Dean Elgar's side crossed the line dishing out the verbals.

He said: "They surrounded [Mahmudul Hasan] Joy when he went out to bat. They were saying something. He couldn't say anything back since he is a junior player. "It was deplorable. Instead of controlling the situation, the umpires warned our players whenever we made complaints against the sledging. Sledging definitely took place from both sides, but when they started it and took it overboard, we complained to the umpires. It wasn't acceptable. We properly condemn it. We have to accept the umpires' decisions, but the ICC must reinstate neutral umpires." Tigers captain Mominul Haque called for the return of neutral umpires. He said: "Sledging is quite normal, but the umpires didn't seem to notice it. The umpiring in the match is not in our control, but I think the ICC should think about bringing back neutral umpires. (Sportsmax)

Cheteshwar Pujara will miss the opening game of his stint as Sussex's overseas player in the County Championship due to a visa hold-up caused indirectly by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Pujara, who was dropped by India for their recent Test series against Sri Lanka and has been demoted in the BCCI's contract list, was due to play Sussex's first six Championship games of the season before returning later in the summer for the Royal London Cup and "some additional four-day games", according to the club's statement. He had been expected to arrive in time to make his debut against Nottinghamshire on Thursday, but will not be available until Sussex's fixture against Derbyshire the following week due to a delay in receiving his visa. "Securing overseas players has been tremendously difficult in the current climate," Keith Greenfield, Sussex's performance director, said. "We renegoti-

ated the initial Pujara contract so he could return for more County Championship and Royal London 50-over matches, and this subsequently changed the visa requirements. "On top of this, the Ukraine crisis has meant that the Home Office has redirected their resources to help with the displacement of Ukrainian citizens. We were expecting Pujara to be with us last weekend but can now confirm he will be here at the back end of this week." Ian Salisbury, the club's Championship and 50-over head coach, said he was "extremely disappointed… not [to] have a player of Pujara's experience and quality available for the opening day of the season". Sussex will also be without Ollie Robinson for the first game of the season, with the fast bowler made unavailable by the ECB after missing all three of England's Tests against West Indies in the Caribbean last month through injury. (Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 5, 2022

Regal unstoppable in SFSCL tournament …Players sweep all the major prizes By Frederick Halley THE final day of the 16th edition of the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) three-day tournament belonged almost exclusively to Regal as both the Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 teams emerged victorious in their respective categories in emphatic fashions. The Over-40s brushed aside Corriverton Masters by 67 runs while the Legends crushed Toronto Blizzards by 79 runs in one-sided affairs To crown an excellent day, players from both teams copped all the individual awards with Chien Gittens and Ramesh Deonarine easily winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prizes in the Over-40 and Over-50 categories respectively. Gittens also took the MVP of the final prize and another trophy for scoring the most runs in the Over-40 division. Apart from taking the ovsuccumbedrall MVP prize, Deonarine took home trophies for scoring the most runs and for claiming the most wickets in the Over-50 category. Not to be outdone, hard-hitting left-hander Eric Thomas won the MVP of the final award for his masterful innings of 62. Asked to bat first on a sunlit day before a bumper Saturday crowd, openers Gittens and Samuel Kingston added 42 for the first wicket

before the latter went via the run out route. Kemchandra Dindial (0) and Mohamed Ayume (16) succumbed with the scores on 45 and 90 respectively, setting the stage for a blazing fifth wicket partnership between Gittens and Lennox “Assassin” Marks. Living up to his name, Marks proceeded to dominate a 98-run partnership with Gittens, clobbering eight sixes and a four in his knock of 63 before he was run out in the final over. Gittens was left undefeated on 76 when the 20 overs expired. Apart from Feroze Karimullah, who hit a top score of 37, which contained two fours and a six, the Corriverton batters could only muster 121 for the loss of six wickets in their turn at the crease. The chief destroyer was Tyrone Sanasie with three for 20 from three overs while there was one wicket each for Gittens and Balram Roopnarine for 14 and 22 runs respectively. The Legends final, played on the adjoining ground was a tale of two halves for Regal Legends who were in dire straits at 56 for fours after the first 10 overs, losing the wickets of Uniss Yusuf (10), Deonarine for a first ball duck, skipper Mahendra Hardyal (four) and David Harper (17). It was 65 for five when Mohendra Arjune departed for 22 (three fours). The experienced Eoin Abel and Thomas started the recovery

Ramesh Deonarine poses with his three MVP awards

Chien Gittens collects one of his three awards from SFSCL president Dave Singh and his daughter

process. However, after Abel went for 28 (one four and three sixes) at 99 for six, it was the Thomas show. The left-hander, with what could be sdescribed as brute force, proceeded to bludgeon the Toronto Blizzards bowling, taking a special liking for former Canadian World Cup player Desmond Chumney, blasting him for six sixes in his lone over. Thomas, who was eventually bowled by Rabindra Parasnauth for 63 off a mere 14 deliveries, struck nine huge sixes and a four while adding 59 for the seventh wicket with Rudolph Baker, who later joined the party with a quickfire 33 with one four and four sixes as Regal Legends added a further 140 runs in the last 10 overs to end on an imposing 196 for nine. Parasnauth, by far, was

the best bowler on show with the immaculate figures of three for nine from his four overs while Shazam Baksh took three for 48, Lal “Dingo” Singh one for 19 and Fazil Rasool one for 40. Needing to score at almost 10 runs an over to turn the tables on their opponents after their first round defeat, Toronto Blizzards reached a respectable 53 before losing Sunil Dhaniram (32) and Jai-

mii Singh (0) off successive deliveries from Laurie Singh in the seventh over. Dhaniram, who looked threatening, struck four fours and a six. Thereafter, it was a steady process as the remaining batsmen never came to terms with the bowling. Captain Shivnauth Seeram (17), on whom much depended, was needlessly run out to compound the situation as Toronto Blizzards subsided for 117 in 17.4 overs. Deonarine bagged four for 17 from four overs, Hardyal two for 22 from 2.4 and Singh, who engineered the early collapse, two for 24

from four. At the presentation ceremony, which followed, SFSCL president Dave Singh thanked all the teams for their participation and the several sponsors who came on board for the three-day extravaganza. Singh also expressed gratitude to the teams for finishing the tournament after the sudden death of former astute softball stalwart and businessman Lakhram “Mike” Singh who suffered a heart attack on the first day of the tournament and later succumbed after being taken to a nearby hospital. Singh’s wife Mala, the SFSCL president disclosed, was in support of continuing the tournament and also gave Wellman the greenlight to stay in the hunt for championship honours in the Legends category. Unfortunately, they failed to reach the semi-final stage. Apart from copping the winning trophies, Regal Masters pocketed $3000 (US) while Regal Legends took home $2000 (US). All the players were also recipient of medals.

The victorious Masters and Legends team pose with their winnings

Four-time champions TKR acquire Russell, Pooran for 2022 Hero CPL FOUR-time Caribbean Premier League Champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have signed Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell and middle-order batsman Nicholas Pooran for the 2022 season. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) announced on Monday the seismic developments on Monday as it released the franchise pre-draft retentions and new signings for the coming season. There were two pre-draft windows for the 2022 season. In the first window, each team could retain up to five Caribbean players with a maximum of two from the top five salary

Andre Russell (left) and Nicholas Pooran

spots. In the second window, teams were then given an opportunity to sign two more local players. These could be new signings from those who were not retained by

other teams or players who appeared for that team in the previous season. The Trinidad-based franchise has also retained captain Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales

and Tion Webster. Meanwhile, defending champions St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, have brought in mercurial opening batsman Andre Fletcher and Darren Bravo to bolster their batting while retaining 2021 captain Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, Sheldon Cottrell, Sherfane Rutherford and the hero of last season’s final Dominic Drakes. The St Lucia Kings have acquired the services of explosive batsman Johnson Charles and Mark Deyal while retaining 2021 Player of the Tournament Roston Chase, Kesrick Williams, Alzarri Joseph, and Jeavor Royal.

Over in Barbados, the Royals have picked up the talented Obed McCoy and re-energized Devon Thomas and have retained their captain Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Hayden Walsh, Oshane Thomas and Nyeem Young. Two-time champions, Jamaica Tallawahs have signed the exciting all-rounder Fabian Allen and opener Brandon King while retaining Rovman Powell, Kennar Lewis and Shamarh Brooks. The Guyana Amazon Warriors added Keemo Paul and Gudakesh Motie while keeping Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, and Chandrapaul

Hemraj. The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals will be hosted by Guyana for the next three years, starting in 2022. This is the first time the Hero CPL final will be held in Guyana and this longterm staging agreement will see the culmination of the tournament also taking place in Guyana in 2023 and 2024. This season, Guyana will host seven group games, three knockout matches and the Hero CPL final which will take place on Friday, September 30 at The Guyana National Stadium in Providence. (Sportsmax)

Australia Women celebrated their 7th 50-over World Cup title on Sunday

Are Australia Women the greatest cricket team ever? …38 wins in39 matches over 4 years

Essequibo Cricket Board investing in aspiring Level I coaches Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle (second from left) makes a point during discussions with Ngie Touw and team, which included Linsey Raijman and Wilfred Gallant (Photo Compliments: Newsroom)

Suriname, Guyana begin engagement for IGG return By Rawle Toney GUYANA’s Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and his Surinamese counterpart Gordon Tjouw Ngie Touw met recently for the first of several discussions, geared towards seeing the return of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) this year. Their discussion in the Dutch-speaking country’s speaking capital was held as a direct result of a promise made by Head-of-State, Dr Irfaan Ali, during a visit last year by his Suriname counterpart, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. The Inter-Guiana Games, according to President Ali, is part of the Guyana and Suriname ‘People to People’ partnership, which he said is “bringing our people together, in a safe space that they can share and appreciate each other.” Bringing back the Inter Guiana Games, President Ali said, will also “bring back the Inter-Guiana Games cultural forum/platform that was started, so we can have sports, culture and technological exchanges as part of

forging greater unity, trust and understanding of our people.” The Inter-Guiana Games sees Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana, having exchanges in football, volleyball, basketball, cycling, swimming and track and field. Lately, chess and badminton were added to the list of events. Catering to student-athletes at the U-20 level, the Inter-Guiana Games first took place in 1967. Former National Football player, ‘QT’ Donald was sent to Suriname by former President Forbes Burnham to work with the Surinamese on Guyana’s behalf to outline the games that were formed as a means of fostering bilateral relations, through sports between the two countries. Football (basketball started in 1972) was the first sport that was played between Guyana and Suriname at the Inter-Guiana Games. The two countries battled for the Forbes Burnham/Johan Pengel Trophy. Johan Adolf Pengel, 1967, served as Prime Minister of Suriname.

Coach Ryan Hercules makes a point during the sessions

THE Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) invited coaching consultant Keshava Ramphal to conduct a three-day Coaches Development Clinic and High-Performance camp over Coaching Consultant the weekend. Keshave Ramphal The aim is to develop a quality pool of coaches to then develop quality players who can challenge for spots in the national teams and ultimately West Indies. ECB president Deleep Singh is on a mission to transform the county’s image in the sport as they aspire to be a more competitive force, noting that “changes have to be made.” “We are no longer the Cinderella County, we are no longer the whipping boys of Guyana; we want to establish ourselves among the best in the country and it will take us a lot of hard work and dedication to get us there and we are fast-tracking our course and I am sure with the talent we have, we will hasten that course,” the

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new ECB president envisioned. Singh described the upskilling of coaches as one that should happen in all counties and the aim is to have two coaches in each of the area committees, which is the building block to having a coach in each of the clubs in the county. Level III coach Keshava Ramphal heads the camp and is assisted by fellow Trinidadian Brendon Ramlal and Guyana Harpy Eagles Assistant Coach, Ryan Hercules. Ramphal, speaking at the opening ceremony, held at the Imam Bacchus Library on Saturday, was resolute in stating, “It is nice to coach, but it is also nice to develop good coaches and that is going to make a significant difference here in the Caribbean.” His hope for the 21 participants, who are aiming to become Level I certified in the future, is to understand the concepts of coaching when they seek to elevate and have high-performance camps. Additionally, Hercules urged all the participants to absorb the wealth of knowledge on offer as he underscored, “we need to develop players, how we are going to develop players? We need coaches. We can’t develop 200 players with two or three coaches.” TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2022