Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_05_12_2021

WEDNESDAY 12th May, 2021

' No.106358

Over 13,000 persons fully immunised against COVID-19

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Construction halted on illegal concrete plant SEE PAGE 03

–– one director given seven days to leave Guyana

–– another shows hostility to Central Housing and Planning Authority officers APNU+AFC 10 commissioners ‘stifle’ discussions on electoral reform PAGE

$150M three-lane road gives new look to Hunter Street 02 PAGE

$938M for upgrade of hinterland 08 road networks PAGE

Errant developers of Superior Concrete Inc. (left) engage Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves, who both, on Tuesday, visited a site adjacent to South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, where the company is illegally constructing a concrete facility (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

$150M three-lane road gives new look to Hunter Street –– remedial works planned for streets used during construction phase for diversion of traffic

By Rabindra Rooplall ONE of the main connectors to Georgetown-- Hunter Street, West Ruimveldt-- was reopened on Tuesday after contractor, Vieira 66 Logistics, wrapped up upgrades to the former double lane road and transformed it into a major thoroughfare with three lanes.

Speaking during a ceremonial function to officially reopen the road, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, said the expeditious comple-

tion of the project confirmed that the decisions and actions of authorities were correct.

After encountering issues with the initial contractor for the project, Surrey Paving, authorities decided to rescind the contract and hand the project to Vieira 66 Logistics for a cost of $99 million.

Minister Edghill said there was no cost overruns although the contractor had to do additional work on the thoroughfare.

Further, the minister related that the entire cost of the project will be over

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, with the aid of contractor, Matthew Vieira (first from left holding ribbon) and City Engineer, Colvern Venture (second from left holding ribbon), cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially reopen Hunter Street, as other officials look on (Delano Williams Photo) $150 million since safety barriers, signs, and road markings have to be added.

Additionally, the drains running parallel to the road will be covered with grillwork and safety barriers will be installed to ensure there is safer use of the thoroughfare.

Even the pedestrian walkway was designed in a manner to ensure that no one utilising this space comes into contact with vehicles on the roadway.

The space between the road and the walkway, he said, will be planted with grass and will be maintained as a See page 9

Residents gathered at a section of the new Hunter Street pedestrian walkway to listen to the address from Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Construction halted on illegal concrete plant –– one director given seven days to leave Guyana

–– another shows hostility to Central Housing and Planning Authority officers

By Jared Liddell THE Ministry of Housing has taken legal action against Superior Concrete Inc. for its construction of an illegal concrete facility adjacent to South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, Housing and Water Minister, Colin Croal, disclosed during a visit to the site on Tuesday.

from residents about the construction of the plant and found that no application was done to CH&PA for the construction of that plant or factory.

He reminded that there is a legal requirement that companies seeking to construct factories of this nature must be granted approval from the tripartite agencies before any

CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sherwin Greaves (at left) and Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, at the Superior Concrete Inc. facility, South Ruimveldt Gardens on Tuesday Construction on the site had started even though the company did not apply for, nor received the requisite approval from authorities such as the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for work to begin.

On Tuesday, the CH&PA served the company with a third Contravention Order, which serves as a cease-and-desist order and seeks to halt all works on the site for breach of conduct.

Minister Croal noted that the CH&PA received a number of complaints

work commences. This is to ensure that the necessary procedures are followed in keeping with safety regulations.

“To have an investment of this nature, without first seeking an approval process or an application is not the correct way.

We know that the first agency that is involved for permit for commercial purpose for construction is the CHPA, all those approval requests they have to go through a process of verification, there are different agencies that are involved that must give their necessary no-objection and then based on the report it goes before

the CHPA board,” stated Minister Croal.

HOSTILE Minister Croal noted that in addition to being unapproved for the ongoing construction, the representatives of Superior Concrete Inc. have met CH&PA representatives with hostility when they sought to serve the company with the first Contravention Order.

He clarified that when that order was served, a senior member of the company “threw away” it (order) in the presence of CH&PA officers, showing blatant disrespect for the government agency.

“Our team from CH&PA came here to serve that contravention notice and met a hostile environment, the disrespect to our officers of throwing that notice away in front of the officer will see us now at this stage having served the third contravention notice; we are taking the necessary steps and action that are required legally for us to ensure that this enforcement is done.

And what is alarming is that the person who throw that notice on the ground is someone who is a director of Superior Concrete Inc. Mr. Ion Jones,” the minister explained.

According to a News Room report, the government has since given Jones seven days with effect from May 12, 2021, to depart Guyana.

The immigration department reportedly discovered that Jones’ services were terminated by his previous employers, who operate in Guyana, but he continued to work in the country under the conditions of same work

The concrete batching at the illegal facility permit.

It is for this reason that the government has moved to cancel the work permit and his extension of stay.

COMMITTED TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT Minister Croal further noted that while the government is committed to engaging foreign companies on investment and partnership opportunities, all such partnerships must follow the legal application and approval process.

“We as a government welcome investment, we welcome all types of investment but there must be a manner in which investments are done; there is an approval process, an application process and that must be followed and the first-stop agency for construction permits is the

CH&PA. If you want to have clarity on a particular area, the CH&PA is the ministry for you to stop at to enquire on the land use because we have a responsibility for proper land use through zoning,” stated Minister Croal.

Meanwhile, CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sherwin Greaves, noted that prior to starting construction, Superior Concrete Inc. had not carried out any consultations with the members of the community to assess or address their concerns. He noted that this is a normal practice expected to be carried out by companies seeking to set up this type of facility.

“One of the main aspects of the process is engagement with residents of the area and the residents of the area, I am sure, are appalled by what is happening here without them being consulted, so we are really worried

about this. There is a process and the company has not followed that process, but we have followed the process and they have been issued with a cease-anddesist order which means they can’t continue doing anything else.”

He noted that while the matter engages the attention of the court, the CH&PA will be paying frequent visits to the facility to ensure compliance with the order.

The High Court, on Friday, also entertained an application for an injunction, made by other landowners in the area, asking for the Court’s support in resolving the matter.

Further, Greaves stated that since the matter is being addressed at the court, there will be no engagement between the representatives of the company and the CH&PA until that court matter has been resolved.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Hamas and Israel exchange fire as Jerusalem unrest ignites Gaza

REUTERS - PALESTINIAN militants fired rocket barrages into Israel from Gaza for a second day on Tuesday and Israeli warplanes struck the enclave in a deepening conflict in which at least 26 people in Gaza and two in Israel have been killed.

The most serious outbreak of fighting between armed factions in Hamas Islamist-run Gaza and Israel since 2019 was triggered by clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police at Al Asqa Mosque in Jerusalem on Monday.

The holy city has been tense during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, with sporadic unrest and possible evictions of Palestinians from homes claimed by Jewish settlers in a court case adding to the friction.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would

step up its strikes on Gaza in the face of the surge in rocket attacks.

“At the conclusion of a situational assessment, it was decided that both the strength of the attacks and the frequency of the attacks will be increased,” he said in video statement.

The Gaza health ministry said at least 26 Palestinians, including nine children, had been killed and 122 wounded

by Israeli air strikes in the enclave of two million people, since Hamas, on Monday, fired rockets towards Jerusalem for the first time since 2014.

Israel’s ambulance service said two women were killed in rocket strikes on the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon.

In Beit Hanooun town in northern Gaza, Abdel-Hamid Hamad said his nephew Hussein, 11, was killed on Mon-

Wednesday May 12, 2021 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

day in what residents said was an Israeli air strike. He told Reuters the boy was collecting wood when he was hit.

“Gaza has had enough, and nothing makes a difference now. Our children are getting killed. What should we do?” Hamad said.

In Barzilai hospital in Ashkelon, an Israeli woman treated for injuries after her apartment was hit by a Palestinian rocket recalled moments of panic.

An air conditioner fell on her and one of her children during the night and a bathroom door fell on her husband’s head, the woman told Channel 13 TV, which did not give her name.

SCHOOL HIT Israel disputed the Gaza account of casualties in the territory, saying it had killed at least 15 Hamas fighters and that a third of the hundreds of rockets launched by militants had fallen short, causing Palestinian civilian casualties.

In one Gaza neighbourhood, an Israeli missile exploded inside an apartment in a multi-storey building, killing three Islamic Jihad members, a militant official said.

Police said more than 30 people were hurt by rocket strikes in southern Israel, though the military said its

Israeli firefighters extinguish a car which caught on fire after a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel May 11, 2021 (REUTERS/Nir Elias) air defences were intercept- sible” attacks in Gaza and Israel claims all of Jerusaing about 90 per cent of the said it was responsible for lem as its capital, a status not cross-border launches. “dangerous escalation” in generally recognized interHamas said that, in one Jerusalem. nationally. Palestinians want five-minute barrage alone, it U.S. Secretary of State East Jerusalem - captured by had fired 137 missiles at Ash- Antony Blinken said the rock- Israel in the 1967 Arab-Israeli kelon and Ashdod, both lying et attacks from Gaza against war - as the capital of a future south of Tel Aviv, where sev- Israel should stop immediate- independent state free of Iseral homes were on fire. ly. He urged all sides to take raeli occupation.

A school in Ashkelon was steps to reduce tensions.

They have been incensed hit by a rocket. Classes had Egypt, Qatar and the by Israeli court-ordered evicbeen cancelled in the area and United Nations were trying tions there to make way for the building was empty. to stem the violence, a Pal- Jewish settlers. A hearing on Israeli tanks massed on estinian official said the evictions was postponed the Gaza border as officials on Sunday. said infantry and armour reARABS PROTEST IN The outbreak of hostilities inforcements were being disISRAEL led Netanyahu’s political patched.

Israel has also seen a opponents to suspend negotiThe Arab League, some spread of pro-Palestin- ations on forming a coalition of whose members have ian protests, some violent, of right-wing, leftist and cenwarmed ties with Israel over among its 21% Arab mi- tre-left parties to unseat him the last year, accused it of nority. after an inconclusive March “indiscriminate and irresponIn the ethnically mixed 23 election. town of Lod, witnesses quotOpposition Leader,Yair ed by Israeli media said one Lapid, has three weeks left to or two armed Jews shot at establish a government. Prorioting Arabs, killing one longed fighting could cut into and wounding two. The dead Lapid’s mandate, with a new man’s father told the Walla election - and another chance news site he had been am- for Netanyahu to retain power bushed while on a family - likely if he fails. visit.

Hamas named its rocket The accounts could not assault “Sword of Jerusalem”, be confirmed. Israeli police seeking to present itself as said they had arrested two the defender of Palestinians suspects in the incident. in the city.

On Monday, more than Such a move under300 Palestinians were injured mines the claims of its chief at Al Asqa Mosque in clashes Palestinian rival, President with Israeli police, who fired Mahmoud Abbas, to reprubber bullets, stun grenades resent all Palestinians. Aband tear gas, the Palestine bas’s credibility took a blow Red Crescent Society said. earlier this year when he Police said 21 officers were first called, then cancelled hurt.

Palestinian elections.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

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Authorities use app to get children, parents to report bullying, misbehaviour

Chief Executive Officer of Supreme Counselling, Shawn Clarke BARBADOS TODAY AUTHORITIES have enlisted a smartphone app in a crackdown on bullying and other deviant behaviour among the island’s children.

The app, called the SafeZone, Report It App, allows learners and members of the public to send anonymous reports of problems to relevant school authorities.

The app, a partnership between the Ministry of Education, Supreme Counselling for Personal Development and the Maria Holder Trust, is available for download for Android and Apple phones.

At its launch at Hilton Barbados Monday morning, Chief Executive Officer of Supreme Counselling, Shawn

Clarke, highlighted the features of the app that will be beneficial to learners and administrators, especially the option for anonymity.

He declared: “This is one of the app’s most compelling features. It removes the main factors that deter students and other members of society from reporting bullying incidents and other negative behaviours displayed by our students.

“In some instances, students are often afraid that the culprits might discover their identity and victimise them. Sometimes persons do not know the appropriate authority figure to turn to or may be worried that authorities may not keep their identity a secret from the culprit.

The SafeZone, Report It app anonymity feature bypasses all such hurdles, ensuring that persons report violence, delinquency, misbehaviour, self-harm or bullying without reserve.”

Clarke added that the incidents reported through the SafeZone, Report It app will be automatically stored as records for the reference of administrators.

“The application also provides administrators with vital statistics, which

could help them implement measures to reduce bullying or dangerous behaviour,” he explained.

Education Minister Santia Bradshaw has endorsed the app, stressing it was imperative that as children return to in-person classes, everything must be done to ensure that schools are safe.

She suggested the technology had the potential to not only help administrators identify the children who need help and provide early intervention, but it could help reverse troubling practices.

Bradshaw said: “Therefore, we have the potential with the app and all the other programmes we are instituting in our schools to be able to change the culture of what young people are listening to in their music, what they are saying to each other in their discourse and to

be able to start to change the narrative, because in the absence of having the positive information being put out there, I can stand here and say to you there is a void out there especially with young people listening to a number of the popular lyrics, which are influencing them to keep quiet about things they need to speak up about .”

The Education Minister said she is also hoping that the smart app will disrupt the culture of insufficient formal reporting and lead to a more engaged society that will accept responsibility for steering youth in the right direction.

She said: “We like to talk about what is happening; we will share the video of our young

people and hope something is done, but often times we don’t like to actually put pen to paper or report something or even to send information to the relevant authorities.

“Now that the public has an opportunity to participate, it is a reminder to them it not just about the students or the principals or the schools or the Ministry of Education intervening in what we see sometimes our young people going down the wrong road, “I think Barbadians have lost sight of being their brothers’ and sisters’ keeper… more now than ever we have to look out for the persons that will become the future of this country.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Avoiding future COVID-related burdens

THE number of deaths to COVID-19 in recent weeks is cause for concern which underlines the importance for persons to get vaccinated.

Vaccines are available for citizens throughout the country for free, thanks to the hard work and diligent planning by the Government of Guyana.

While Guyana has spent billions of dollars on the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines, there are some countries which are yet to receive a dose of the life-saving medicine.

From the statistics on Guyana available as of Tuesday, there is much need to worry.

In the first 11 days of this month, the pandemic has claimed the lives of 30 persons.

The death toll, as a result of COVID-19, has climbed to 331, and some 14, 531 cases of the virus have been recorded in Guyana thus far.

To date, one of the safest ways to guard against the virus is through vaccination.

The top leadership in Guyana has recognised this, and they have ensured that they and their families are vaccinated. With the rising number of deaths and positive cases, businesses have also begun to take precaution.

Practically all of them have systems in place, where customers’ hands are sanitised and their temperature tested. One major company, Giftland Mall, has taken a step further, announcing that it will only hire persons who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

This move by Giftland, no doubt takes into account the current troubling state of the virus, and the impact it could have on its workforce as well as its customer base.

It is not certain if other companies will follow suit with Giftland, but if the current situation continues, from all appearances, it is highly likely they would.

Guyana has taken steps to strengthen restrictions, and the National COVID-19 Task Force has been working to enforce the national COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of citizens.

Aside from enforcing safety measures, some countries have also taken bold steps to encourage their citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Israel, for example, which has the highest vaccinated rate in the world and has eased nationwide lockdown, has introduced a vaccination passport.

The certification available in both paper form and an app, is given to persons who

are fully vaccinated, and enables them to have access to gyms, hotels and theatres. It also serves as a useful document to enable international travel to certain countries.

Denmark is planning to introduce a similar certification, called the coronapas, that will afford holders access to hairdressers, restaurants and cinemas. The UK, Sweden and other European nations are also considering similar plans.

Here in Guyana, since assuming office some nine months ago, the Dr. Irfaan Ali Administration has adopted a balanced approach in the fight against the pandemic. That is, it has maintained restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus, while ensuring that the wheels of industry remain in operation.

This was a key step in ensuring that in the fight against the novel coronavirus, businesses do not come to a standstill, and put a further strain and drain on the economy.

Given the posture of the current administration, which is to ensure citizen’s safety while keeping businesses and Government services open, there might come a time when vaccination might be a requirement to access key services, both in the Government and private sector.

It is for this reason, and it cannot be overstated that while hand sanitisation, wearing of mask and observing social distance, are a proven defence against COVID-19, persons should also seek to get vaccinated earliest. One of the reasons some persons have refused to be vaccinated, aside from medical reasons, is due to misinformation in some quarters that the vaccines will be harmful to them.

This cannot be further from the truth, as members in senior leadership of both the Government and Opposition have been vaccinated, and nothing has happened to them.

With the global upsurge in the pandemic, the demand for COVID-19 vaccines has been ever increasing amid limitation to meet requests from nations the world over.

It would not be far-fetched to think that in light of the prevailing situation and other conditions, at some point in time, persons who have not been vaccinated might have to pay to receive it.

One can be ahead of these circumstances mentioned by simply taking the vaccine now, now that it is available for free, and to encourage members of their families, friends and neighbours to do likewise.

The remnants of the Coalition are self-destructive Dear Editor, IMMEDIATELY after the polls closed on the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections, incumbent President, David Granger, showered praise on the Chair of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, and the Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield, for a well-executed election.

Despite all the doom and gloom by naysayers, the elections were held without violence — a precious first in Guyana with no hint of rigging by any of the 11contesting parties. But then came a series of bizarre incidents reeking of a putsch to grant the Coalition victory.

Beginning with Region Four’s Returning Officer, Mr. Clairmont Mingo’s blatant and barefaced attempt to change the figures in favour of the Coalition, while disregarding the statements of poll of his own party, not to mention those of

GECOM. His malicious attempt to rig the elections, not only in front of Guyanese, but in full view of the entire world, was ridiculous, stupid, and bizarre. It was a cynical move by the APNU+AFC to steal the elections from the PPP/C. Not only was it a futile attempt by Mingo, Lowenfield and others in the Coalition to rig the elections, but it seems that they did not understand the psyche of the people who craved for the democratic process that was inaugurated three decades ago by former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter et al.

Missing from the rigging cabal’s calculations was an obvious fact. Since oil was discovered in Guyana, the world, especially the ABC countries (America, Britain, and Canada), the European Union (EU) and CARICOM have taken keen interest in the country’s political posture and its glowing economy. Maintaining and upholding democracy was uppermost

on their agenda, given the history of election rigging from the late 1960s to the mi-1980s by the late Burnham and Hoyte governments to maintain power.

What went wrong? Every senior member of the Granger-led Coalition knew in the wee hours of Tuesday March 3 that APNU+AFC coalition had lost the election and that the PPP/C was victorious.

But they were bent on maintaining power by any and every means necessary. In most countries in the Caribbean, when the ruling party loses an election, it would resign and leave office as the PPP/C did in 2015 and the People’s National Party in Jamaica did in 2016. The same is true for the rest of CARICOM states — most recently in Suriname where President Desi Bouterse relinquished his grip on power. But in Guyana, the leaders of APNU+AFC were power drunk, and many were prepared to create mayhem across the country rather than to resign and leave

office. This fits neatly into Lord Acton’s 1887 maxim: ‘Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’

For five long and grueling months, David Granger and his surrogates waged a relentless and seemingly endless legal battle in the courts to stay in office. And even though the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) issued their final decision in July 2020 against the Coalition, still former President Granger held on to power — refusing to acknowledge that the PPP/C had won the elections. However, severe and blunt threats and the revocation of visas of senior members of the Coalition by the U.S. Secretary of State forced Granger to resign. Their last hope was their election petitions which were dismissed by the High Court.

Instead of regrouping and preparing for the 2025 elections, they have See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

There is need for a psych ward with a counsellor at the Mibicuri Hospital Dear Editor, WHILE one may wonder whether someone has to write an open to the letter to the media addressed to some higher up in order for action to be taken with respect to issues plaguing his/ her community, Lisa Budhu would probably be gratified that some attention is being given to her appeal.

However, one would hope that the help being offered would neither be piecemeal not selective as there are umpteen need requirements by these Black Bush Polder (BBP) communities; needs that have existed for years and for which a number of NGOs, including The Caribbean Voice, have made attempts to address

within the scope of their limited resources. In fact, in many ways, BBP reflects a socio-economically depressed community overall.

Besides those touched upon by Lisa Budhu, there are other enervating issues that saturate Black Bush Polder including rape, mentioned by Ms. Budhu, along with incest, domestic violence, alcoholism, child abuse, lack of coping skills, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, suicide ideation and attempts, along with suicide itself.

So along with all the ideas mooted by various letter writers and all the promises made thus far by the First Lady and cabinet members there is critical need to also address these psycho-social issues.

For starters, there is

The remnants of the Coalition ...

From page 6 decided to appeal the case. Let me be blunt, the Coalition will not win the appeal, instead, its leaders will continue to defy logic and deceive their supporters by telling them that the Courts in Guyana, the CCJ, CARICOM, the ABC countries and the EU are biased against them. Only a handful of their supporters would believe these sore losers’ fairy tale stories.

Their foolhardy behaviour shows that the leaders of APNU+AFC are unhinged, silly and are in denial to say the least.

Even today, they have not realised that their irrational and disrupted actions

would lead them into the wilderness and likely to remain in opposition for the foreseeable future.

Granger and his surrogates have no respect for the rule of law and the citizens of Guyana’s right to elect a government of their choice. The autocratic actions of these comics are self-destructive, caustic and damaging to the PNC and the country.

Words are not enough to describe injudicious and ill-advised actions, only to say: ‘Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.’

Yours sincerely, Leyland Roopnarine

need for a psych ward with a counsellor at the Mibicuri Hospital. As well BBP is ideal for both a lay counsellor-training programme that would ensure proactive mental health responders throughout every community and the Friendship bench manned by talk therapists, perhaps senior citizens, as in Zimbabwe where this highly successful measure was pioneered. Also, BBP is where the need is greatest for pesticide suicide training on safety of use, storage and disposal, as well as steps to mitigate ingestion of poison while medical attention is being sought. BBP is certainly an area where counsellors in schools are absolutely necessary, even if it’s one counsellor serving the five schools as an initial effort.

The fact is BBP typifies the reality referenced in the 2018 Lancet Commission report on mental health and intensified by the pandemic which, among other things, pointed out that mental disorders and related issues (suicide, rape/incest, child abuse, gender-based violence, alcoholism and

substance abuse) are on the rise globally resulting in massive economic costs including healthcare costs, crime costs, welfare costs, social costs, the costs to families (depression, anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, toxic behaviour and so on) and the added burden to both cost and standards of living.

The simple fact is that when mental health care lags behind, it acts as a drag on all other sectors of the economy and overall quality of life. On the other hand, addressing these issues can reduce annual physical health care costs by 20 per cent as well as provide significant savings relating to crime, social life, welfare, families, overall dysfunction.

Th u s , in ad d ition what is mentioned above, consideration should also be given to programmes to address substance abuse, provide mentoring to the young and help for batterers and deal with relationship dysfunction and toxic masculinity.

Yours sincerely, Annan Boodram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

$938M for upgrade of hinterland road networks

By Jared Liddell

AS part of the overarching plan of the government to develop and upgrade infrastructure across the country, the Ministry of Public works has set aside some $938 million for major road works in several hinterland communities in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Minister of Public Works,

Juan Edghill, in an invited comment on Tuesday, said that the scheduled road upgrades are part of the government’s roadmap for growth and advancement in the local economy.

He said the impending work will significantly improve the standard of living of residents who reside in the targetted communities. Upgrades to the road networks will also provide opportunities for improved commerce and innovation across the

hinterland.

In Region One, rehabilitative work will be done on Compound road Mabaruma ($119.2 million); Moruca Main access road ($116 million); Central Kaituma to Oronoque Road ($111 million); Mabaruma to Hosororo Road ($142.6 million); and internal roads at Manwarin and Santa Rosa ($50.3 million).

Rehabilitative work is also slated for Region Seven on the Bartica road network to the tune of $119.5 million.

Similarly in Region 9, Rehabilitative work will be done on internal roads at St. Ignatius ($124 million) and from Karasabai to Yarong Paru/ Monkey Mountain Road ($110.5 million).

Minister Edghill explained that these rehabilitative works will involve the construction of new concrete roads as a way to modernise the infrastructure and provide a more accessible commute to and from those communities.

He noted that some of those communities will also get a temporary road system to reopen several roads that were previously impassible.

“We are moving towards putting in rigid pavements which is what you call concrete roads, so Mabaruma is concrete road, some concrete road will be going in the Moruca area continuing the 500-meter concrete road we did last year, we will do some more this year and then for some of the roads, there will be improvement in grade and shape and lat-

erite surfaces. So, we would have selected these roads for work because we are aware that they require immediate interventions,” Edghill said.

Underscoring the importance of these impending road upgrades, Minister Edghill said that easier access to communities essentially means a decreased cost of living.

He noted that one of the road upgrades being undertaken in Region Nine was strategically selected as it serves as a connecting road between Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine.

This, he said, would be beneficial to business persons, residents and persons who traverse between the two regions.

“One of the most notable benefits of these and any road upgrades are that it will reduce travel time; persons can expect to get to and from their destinations more safely and with less hassle.

At present some of these roads are impassible but with these upgrades persons

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill would be able to traverse them with their ATVs, their tractors and any other forms of transportation.

“So, business persons can expect to use less fuel to get their produce in these communities and that would benefit them; they in turn can reduce the cost attached to items and that would benefit the residents,” Minister Edghill said.

Further, he explained that this type of connective road work is a critical part of the government’s plan to achieve its aim of connecting the hinterland communities and providing those communities access to resources that would foster innovation and growth.

Currently, bids to undertake these rehabilitative works are being sought by the Ministry of Public Works.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Hunter Street reopens ...

From page 2

green space, to separate vehicles from pedestrians.

“We would like to thank the residents and people of the community for their patience. I came as minister and listened to your complaints, your inability to access your own yards, piling up of mud and flooding because things were not going right; thank you for your patience and understanding and today we have that fixed,” Minister Edghill said.

He added that installation of street lights has already commenced along Hunter Street, and this will also benefit residents of the area.

Noting that other streets were worn out because of the diversion of traffic, Minister Edghill said officers of the Ministry of Public Works’ Force Account Unit will, within the next week, visit the areas and complete remedial work.

The minister said when the decision was made to convert the thoroughfare into a three-lane road, the traffic department of the Guyana Police Force quickly supported the idea because they saw it as a necessity given the usual buildup of traffic along the East Bank of Demerara corridor.

“I would like to ask for this road to be used with care and caution and that you ensure the safety of yourselves and vehicular users, as well as those who will be crossing and using this road as pedestrians and cyclist,” Minister Edghill appealed.

In recognition of the work done on the road, the minister complimented Vieira 66 Logistics, noting that although the company did not have prior experience, they delivered.

“I am inviting contractors who felt that they didn’t have a chance before to come on board.

Nobody in Guyana has a monopoly on road construction or sea defences or building construction, Guyana is open for the participation of all Guyanese. So contractors, get the best engineers, hire the

sensitise the public on the new traffic arrangement,” he said.

The Traffic Chief said that the speed limit for the road is 50 kilometers per hour. In saying this, he also reminded drivers to observe the five C’s when driving.

City Engineer, Colvern Venture, thanked the Public Works Ministry for repairing the road, but noted that the diversion of traffic

Street lights being installed along Hunter Street, West Ruimveldt (Delano Williams Photo) best team, provide proper management and let us get on board and widen the pool that can be used for Guyana’s development,” Minister Edghill said.

He noted that if funding becomes available immediately for the fixing of all the roads in Guyana, the country does not have sufficient contractors to get the work done, so there is need for capacity building.

“We have to develop local capacity and without apology, the PPP/C administration will continue to facilitate the development of local capacity so that our local people can participate and benefit from Guyana’s modernisation and transformation projects.

“To those who will question when will we do your road, my simple answer is: your turn is next,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent, Ramesh Ashram, said the new road is a testimony of the government’s commitment to constructing and upgrading roads to reduce traffic congestion, especially across Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

LESS CONGESTION He said the new road will significantly ease the traffic congestion on the East Bank of Demerara corridor, something which the police’s traffic department looks forward to.

“In the mornings, we will have a two-lane proceeding north, that is for vehicles coming from the East Bank and in the afternoons, it will be the reverse. This will be highlighted in the print and electronic media to

through Alexander Village and West Ruimveldt has resulted in the deterioration of those roads.

“I know we will be working in collaboration with the ministry in having those roads repaired and we will see much more improvement, and this is a good initiative coming from the central government in terms of improving transportation generally in our country,”

Venture said.

He continued: “On behalf of the Mayor and the Council of the City of Georgetown and also on behalf of the City Engineer’s Department, we want to thank the Ministry of Public Works and, by extension, the central government for the assistance they have given us in terms of improving infrastructural works with roads in the city.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

APNU+AFC commissioners ‘stifle’ discussions on electoral reform

–– prevent U.S. team from presenting plans to GECOM THE International Republican Institute (IRI) was, on Tuesday, obstructed from presenting details of its proposed electoral reform project to the Chairman and Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Sase Gunraj, one of three Commissioners representing the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic

(PPP/C), related that the meeting was intended to be an information-sharing exercise to enlighten the commission and its commissioners on the 18-month project.

“It seems as though the opposition is scared of electoral reform, because it was a very naked attempt to frustrate an information-sharing process,” Gunraj contended in an invited comment on

Tuesday evening.

It was only this month that the U.S. Department of State announced that it will be supporting the project aimed at strengthening the capacity of GECOM and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, specifically as it relates to electoral processes, and to encourage civil society organisations (CSOs) to advocate for electoral reform in

accordance with regional and international standards.

The project is intended to prevent a recurrence of the destabilising five-month election impasse in 2020.

Vincent Alexander, one of the three Opposition-nominated Commissioners of GECOM, told News-Talk Radio Guyana that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) remains opposed to the project unless GECOM gets approval from both the opposition and the government, or the parliamentary Constitutional Reform Committee.

Gunraj reiterated that Tuesday’s meeting was only aimed at enlightening GECOM on the scope of the project, and what it intends to achieve.

“If this is part of the process of electoral reform and they are behaving like this; it is a clear testimony of their fear for electoral reform,” Gunraj noted.

He reiterated that GECOM remains a constitutional body that executes policies.

“As GECOM, we recognised that we are not able, as a body, to effect changes in the laws…that is far beyond our domain; GECOM is responsible for the implementation of the laws that are passed by Parliament to govern,” Gunraj emphasised.

He described the actions of the GECOM Opposition Commissioners as obstructionist behaviour intended to stymie electoral reform.

“GECOM cannot change the laws,” Gunraj reminded.

PPP/C-appointed GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj The practicing attorney-at-law told the Guyana Chronicle that the IRI group had informed GECOM that it already met with the Leader of the Opposition and his team.

“So, it is anybody’s guess as to what their intention is,” Gunraj posited.

He noted that notwithstanding Tuesday’s episode, he would still want to meet with the IRI as a member of GECOM, so as to get a more detailed understanding of the proposed project.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

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CARICOM gets first female Secretary-General

Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett will officially assume the role of Secretary-General of CARICOM on August 15, 2020 BELIZEAN, Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett, has been appointed as the first female Secretary-

General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the eighth person to hold this

position.

A statement from CARICOM’s Chairperson, Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime M i n i s t e r o f Tr i n i d a d and Tobago, indicated that Barnett, who will assume office officially from August 15, was unanimously appointed to the prestigious post during a Special Session of a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting hosted virtually on Tuesday. “ D r. B a r n e t t , a national of Belize, is the first woman and the first Belizean to be selected for the post,” Dr. Rowley noted.

The Secretary-General elect was also a former

Deputy Secretary-General of CARICOM, and has previously held the position of Vice-President of the Belize Senate. She has also served in various ministerial capacities in her country’s government. “ D r. B a r n e t t h a s also served as Financial Secretary of Belize and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, as well as Vice-President (Operations) of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB),” Dr. Rowley noted in his statement.

He further said: “Dr. Barnett attained her Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus in Jamaica.

She also holds a Master of Science degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the UWI.” T h e n o t a b l e economist is set to replace Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, who is completing his second five-year term, having been appointed in 2011.

LaRocque, a Dominican, has been of service to CARICOM since 2005, when he assumed the role of Assistant SecretaryGeneral.

Earlier this month, Dr. Rowley commended LaRocque for his service,

noting that he has served CARICOM with distinction over the past decade and more.

Since 1973, the s e a t o f C A R I C O M ’s Secretary-General has been held by Frederick Cozier of Barbados; William Demas, Trinidad and Tobago; Sir Alistair McIntyre, Grenada; Kurleigh King, Barbados; Roderick Rainford, Jamaica; Edwin Carrington, Trinidad and Tobago; and the outgoing, Irwin LaRocque, Dominica.

Lolita Applewhaite of Barbados and Guyana’s Joseph Tyndall, have also acted in the capacity as Secretary-General.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Over 13,000 persons fully immunised against COVID-19 –– 157,797 receive first dose of vaccines, authorities say APPROXIMATELY 157,797 persons within Guyana have already received their first dose of one of the three (Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V) COVID-19 vaccines, according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony.

He made this disclosure during his COVID-19 update with the Department of

Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday, May 11.

While the number appears to be an impressive one to some, Anthony highlighted that the number still represents only a small proportion of the Guyanese population.

“The figure would approximate to about 32.4 per cent of the adult population,

so it means, really, that we still have a far way to go, if we are going to get to herd immunity,” he related.

Based on information from the Ministry of Health, some 13,010 persons 18 years and above have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, making them fully immunised against the disease, COVID-19.

“Those 13,010 persons can be considered to be fully immunised. That’s a process we have to continue; to make sure that we get those who received the first dose, to get them to take their second dose,” Minister Anthony said.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health received a shipment of 38,400 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX facility, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

The shipment was the second delivery from the facility to Guyana, and added to the 24,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine which were received on March 29,

2021.

Guyana had also received 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine as a donation from China, 80,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca as a donation from India, and 3,000 doses of Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine from Barbados, which was part of a donation from the Government of India.

Guyana still has more vaccines to receive from the COVAX facility, which is a global inter-organisational effort geared at promoting vaccine equity. Initially, Guyana was promised 100,800 vaccine doses.

The country is expected to receive an additional

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony 38,400 vaccines through the COVAX facility by the end of May. “We are expecting additional doses, and hopefully we can get that sooner rather than later, because there is a momentum with the vaccination process.

As fast as we can get that, we’d certainly want to roll that out, so that people can get their vaccines,” Minister Anthony said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

COVID-19 kills 30 in 11 days

THE Health Ministry, on Tuesday, reported that four more persons, who had tested positive for COVID-19, succumbed to the deadly virus on Monday.

The total number of deaths, which is now 331, is reflected in the ministry’s May 11 COVID-19 dashboard.

The latest fatalities are a 63-year-old female from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), a 66-year-old male from Region One (Barima-Waini), a 78-year-old male from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), and a 69-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

They all died while receiving medical

treatment at a Ministry of Health facility, and their deaths pushed the COVID-19 death toll for May, to 30.

In the meantime, the ministry, on Monday, recorded 89 new cases from 251 tests conducted for May 10, 2021.

Of these cases, Region One recorded one, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), six; Region Four, 47; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), two; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), one; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), eight, and Region 10, 24.

The group of newly infected persons consists of 42 males and 47 females.

Currently, there are 16 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU),

101 in institutional isolation, 1,640 isolated at home, and 17 in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has confirmed a total of 14,531 cases of COVID-19 since the discovery of the deadly virus in Guyana. Of that number, 1,774 are currently active; and of the 12,443 recoveries, 176 were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask

when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health. gov.gy.

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COVID-19 woes hinder Panama from paying local rice millers

MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said Monday that Panama’s ability to pay the $1.9 billion owed to local rice millers has been un-

avoidably constrained due to the adverse affects of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

During an interview with the Department of Public Information

(DPI) on Monday, Minister Mustapha said that the Spanish-speaking country has acknowledged the debt, and has committed to paying off the sum in full.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Guyana has shipped a substantial quantity of rice to Panama after contracts were signed in 2018 and 2019, however, only part of the payment has been made

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha holds a copy of the letter which was dispatched to Panama (DPI photo) on the 2018 agreement.

In a letter to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), dated March 29, 2021, the Panamanian authorities stated that while they are willing to honour any pending debts to Guyana, they still need to comply with their own laws.

“Since the contracts with Guyana Rice Development Board were concluded in another government period, we must comply with the respective authorisations and approvals,” the Panamanians said in their letter.

They also said in the letter that COVID-19 has forced the country into a state of emergency, and that the government has had to channel all its efforts and financial resources into solving the sanitary problems and the consequences to the population.

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, with this letter we want to assure you that we will be responding to your request. I have instructed that the accounts be reviewed, without entire disposition to generate a payment process, as applicable by law,” the Panamanians said.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, since being elected to office, has taken robust steps to ensure

that Panama pays the outstanding sums.

On November 27, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation dispatched a letter to Panama, urging it to honour its obligations. This measure was taken as the government continues to take urgent steps to retrieve the outstanding sums. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali had also intervened.

Despite the circumstances, the Panamanian Government continues to show interest in Guyana’s rice.

“They have also indicated their interest that they want to continue with the contract that we have, but I am waiting for this meeting, and IICA (the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture) is making the arrangement,” Minister Mustapha explained.

He blames the previous A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government for the delays, noting that if it had shown interest in the farmers, the dilemma would not have occurred.

The previous administration said that it was not responsible for farmers being owed by millers for rice shipped to Panama.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

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CANU intercepts $18.6M in cannabis at Corriverton

WANTED: Omesh Lakeram THE Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has issued a wanted bulletin for 47-year-old Omesh Lakeram in connection with the discovery of 94 kilograms of cannabis valued over $18.6 million, at Number 68

Village, Corriverton, Berbice.

According to CANU, prior to intercepting the narcotics, officers had a certain location in the village under surveillance for a number of days.

Things became rather interesting at around 04:00 hours on Tuesday when they observed four individuals with flashlights walking through a track not too far from where they were positioned.

Their interest would peak even more when they observed two lights on a vessel off the shoreline. And as the individuals drew closer, the CANU men came out of hiding, identified them-

selves, and called out to the men to stop.

At that, CANU said, the men dropped whatever it was they were carrying and took off in a mighty hurry, each going in a different direction.

The CANU men made a valiant attempt to pursue the suspects, but due to safety concerns, they decided to discontinue the chase.

On returning to the spot where the items were ditched, the CANU o f f i c i a l s d i s c o v e re d four bags with several parcels inside of them, which, when taken to CANU headquarters and processed, were found to be a total of 80 parcels of ‘ganja’.

The 94kg of cannabis that were seized by CANU at Corriverton early Tuesday morning

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

25 rural women to benefit from entrepreneurial training

THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and HIAS Guyana, on Tuesday, welcomed the launch of The Academy of Women Entrepreneurs, via a virtual meeting.

The academy, which is the result of a partnership between WeLead Caribbean and the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, aims to help women in Guyana launch businesses that will contribute to the devel- Minister of Tourism, Inopment of the economy, dustry and Commerce, build better communities, Oneidge Walrond and help the participants including Venezuelan michange their lives. grants who are living in ruIt will see 25 women, ral areas of Guyana, such

as Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), being assisted in this regard.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who was present at the launch, lauded the initiative, stating that it supported the economic empowerment of women, which is a cause that she passionately supports.

Citing the United Nations (UN) Women’s definition for women’s economic empowerment, Walrond underscored the importance of economic equality, especially as it pertains to access to,

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch ownership of, and control over production resource and meaningful participation in economic decision-making, among

others.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, and the related economic downturn, have impacted women more severely than men, particularly reopening gaps that had already been closed.

Given the significant barriers that we as women face in the world of business, and indeed as we do in many spheres of life, the efforts of WeLead in launching the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is timely and welcome,” she stated.

“Much work is needed to create enabling factors that lead to sustainable change for women, and the Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring

that women are fully involved in the development of policies that affect their lives and livelihood,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, Sarah-Ann Lynch, the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, also commended the programme, and noted that it was only “part of the story” when it came to the US’ support for women. She encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity.

She also lauded Guyana for reaching out and assisting young women and children, and expressed hope that similar initiatives would be undertaken across other regions of Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Over 3,500 persons apply for online scholarships –– authorities remind interested candidates of May 22 closing date for applications

OVER 3,500 persons have applied for online scholarships being offered by the Government of Guyana through the Guyana Online Academy for Learning (GOAL).

According to a press statement from GOAL, the applications received represent online and hardcopy submissions from persons across the ten administrative regions for 108 programmes.

Persons who registered online but have not completed the application process are urged to complete the form and upload the supporting documents which include: a passport size photograph; a copy of their National Identification Card/biometric page of their passport or driver’s licence; copies of transcripts and certificates of all academic achievements; motivational statement and a letter of support from current employer (if employed) or anyone in authority to attest to their character.

For the programme to commence in July 2021, potential applicants must follow the policy and guidelines of the five universities being utilised for the courses; this means that they would have to submit their applications before May 22, 2021.

To expedite the process, Director of GOAL, Dr Jacob Opadeyi, is urging interested applicants to submit their applications online, using the portal: https://

goal.edu.gy/ The objective is to ensure 4,500 persons are awarded scholarships this year.

From certificates to the PhD level, all programmes are being offered free of cost and fully online; this will facilitate flexible timetables for students and the convenience of a quality learning experience tailored to their schedules.

All reading materials and assignments will be accessible for students to download and execute. However, deadlines for assignments will be stringently followed and GOAL’s team will be working along with students to provide support where applicable.

“While some consider online learning to require a greater degree of self-motivation, we at GOAL recognise that educational support is just as important as tutor feedback, and we will take great care to ensure that students receive the same levels of support that they would receive on campus,” Dr. Opadeyi explained.

This phase of the programme is part of the overarching vision of the government to offer 20,000 online scholarships within five years.

The initiative was conceptualised

by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, to deliver quality and advanced education to all Guyanese 18 years and over.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

WHO approval of Sinopharm vaccine set to benefit world coronavirus fight BO LEUNG in London | CHINA DAILY THE World Health Organization's approval to give emergency use to the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by China's Sinopharm has been welcomed by experts and health regulators worldwide.

On Friday, the WHO gave the vaccine the green light, paving the way for potentially millions of doses to be rolled out globally to reach countries in need and boost WHObacked efforts such as the COVAX initiative.

COVAX is a global effort aimed at ensuring access in poorer nations to novel coronavirus vaccines.

The WHO is also considering approval for the emergency use of another Chinese vaccine made by Sinovac.

Andrea Taylor, an expert on global vaccine data at the Duke Global Health Institute, said two Chinese vaccines, if the Sinovac shot is included in the COVAX programme, will constitute a "game changer".

"The situation right now is just so desperate for low- and lower-middle-income countries that any doses we can get out are worth mobilising," Taylor told The New York Times. "Having potentially two options coming from China could really change the landscape of what's possible over the next few months."

Bangladesh is very pleased to learn about the WHO decision to include the Sinopharm vaccine in the emergency use listing, which surely comes as a big blessing for the whole world in the fight against the deadly disease, Mushtuq Hossain, an adviser at the Bangladesh Health Ministry's Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency.

"Our government has already signed

A health worker checks a woman who received a dose of the China-made Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in Panadura, a suburb of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, on Saturday. ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP an agreement with Chinese counterparts to use of the Chinese vaccine. import this vaccine," the health expert said.

"This means the world has yet another Bangladesh's drug regulator has already safe and effective tool in the fight against this approved the Sinopharm vaccine, Hossain pandemic," the alliance was quoted by The said.

Associated Press as saying.

Speaking at the conference with South The COVAX programme has already disAsian foreign ministers that China hosted tributed over 54 million doses of COVID-19 recently, he said that this was a good initiative vaccines. by the Chinese government.

The WHO's move on Friday marks the "International cooperation is a must for first time any Chinese-made vaccine has fighting a global pandemic like COVID-19," received emergency authorisation from the he said, noting that a WHO emergency use WHO. listing will help China extend more support During a media briefing, Tedros Adhanom to the countries in need.

Ghebreyesus, head of the WHO, said, "The Gavi, an international vaccine alliance WHO gave emergency use listing to Sinoorganisation that co-runs COVAX, welcomed pharm Beijing's COVID-19 vaccine, making the WHO's decision to approve the emergency it the sixth vaccine to receive WHO validation

for safety, efficacy and quality."

"This expands the list of COVID-19 vaccines that COVAX can buy, and gives countries confidence to expedite their own regulatory approval, and to import and administer a vaccine," he added.

Sinopharm joins WHO-approved vaccines for emergency use developed by Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, the Serum Institute of India and AstraZeneca.

"The addition of this vaccine has the potential to rapidly accelerate COVID-19 vaccine access for countries seeking to protect health workers and populations at risk," said Mariangela Simao, WHO assistant director-general for access to health products. "We urge the manufacturer to participate in the COVAX facility and contribute to the goal of more equitable vaccine distribution."

The WHO has recommended the Sinopharm vaccine for people aged 18 to 59 years, in a two-dose schedule with a spacing of three to four weeks.

The organisation said the vaccine efficacy for symptomatic and hospitalized cases was estimated to be 79 per cent for all age groups combined.

Unlike some other vaccines, the Sinopharm vaccine is easy to store, making it suitable for low-resource settings.

The WHO said it is also the first vaccine that will carry a vaccine vial monitor, a small sticker on the vaccine vials that changes color if the vaccine is exposed to heat, letting health workers know whether the vaccine can be used safely.

The Sinopharm vaccine has already been authorised by many countries around the world, with some 65 million doses distributed.

Xin Zhiming in London contributed to this story.

Huawei 5GtoB solution aims at 1,000 smart factories

XINHUA | SHENZHEN -- Chinese telecoms giant, Huawei, announced Saturday an action plan to "light up" 1,000 smart factories with its 5GtoB solution, in a bid to accelerate China's industrialisation process.

"After more than two years of practice, 5GtoB has solved many breakpoints in technology and industrial ecology," said Ryan Ding, Huawei's executive director and president of its carrier business group. "We will transform some of the model sites into models that can be replicated on a large scale. We will cooperate with our partners in the entire industrial chain to light up 1,000 5G smart factories."

Ding said earlier that building on its experience in connectivity, com-

puting, and industry digitalisation, Huawei has worked with operators and other industry partners to develop the 5GtoB solution, which is a one-stop solution that covers sales, operations and services.

China has attached great importance to the development of its "5G+ Industrial Internet" strategy, which has been mentioned in the work report of the central government for four consecutive years.

According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, China has more than 1,100 "5G+ Industrial Internet" projects under construction, covering 22 industries, including cement, automobiles, petrochemical, steel, mining and oil fields.

A visitor uses his mobile phone while passing by the stand of Huawei during an industry expo in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Waramuri village gets electricity for the first time

--with $12M generator OVER 200 households in Waramuri, Moruca sub-district, Region O n e ( B a r i m a - Wa i n i ) now have access to electricity, following the commissioning of a $12 million generator in the community, last Friday.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, speaking during

a simple commissioning ceremony, said the generator will provide electricity to households within a 1.8-kilometre radius, for eight hours per day.

“Development is what our government promised to the people of Guyana when we campaigned to improve their lives, and this commissioning is just one of those commitments, and we will continue to do so,” he said.

In 2019, the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration had presented a generator to the village, which was expected to power its health facility, police station and to support LED streetlights.

However, Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One, Brentnol Ashley, was reported, in October 2020, as saying that the electrical

system was inoperable and required extensive work.

On Friday, Minister Dharamlall said the handing over of a new generator is the beginning of great things the government intends to do to aid the village in its development.

He said the regional administration will provide fuel to the community to power the generator. The minister also urged residents to take ownership of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, hands over solar-powered lights to Toshao of Waramuri, Vivian Edwards generator set, which would also be maintained by the Waramuri Village Council.

Minister Dharamlall also handed over four solarpowered streetlights to Toshao of Waramuri, Vivian Edwards. Those streetlights are to be installed by residents in the community.

Edwards thanked the minister for the gesture, which he said is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to Waramuri’s development.

The government has allocated $8 million for the village’s development through the COVID-19 relief investment fund, which is intended to sustain economic activities in the region.

Of this sum, the regional administration will use $2.6 million to upgrade the dam.

Minister Dharamlall said the project will create employment in Waramuri, boosting the livelihood of persons.

The $12M generator

‘Long Hair’ appeals life imprisonment sentence MUNILALL Sarjoo called “Long Hair” has moved to the Court of Appeal to have overturned his life imprisonment sentence and conviction for the murder of Levan Chandarpaul, whose body was found in a shallow grave at Number 68 Village, Corentyne, Berbice in 2016.

In March, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall, at the Berbice High Court, had imposed the sentence on Sarjoo and ordered that he be eligible for parole after he serves 25 years.

A 12-member jury had

found him guilty of murdering Chandarpaul, between August 22 and 24, 2016.

Dissatisfied with the court, Sarjoo has now moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction and the severity of the sentence.

According to reports, Chandarpaul's body was found with his hands and feet bound on August 24, 2016, in the backdam two days after he was last seen alive in the company of Sarjoo. His cause of death was given as internal bleeding of the skull.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Man who fatally stabbed brother claims self-defence He and a neighbour rushed Persaud to the Suddie Hospital where he was examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead.

According to relatives, Muneshwar was injured during the incident.

The deceased: Ganga Persaud THE twenty-two-yearold man who allegedly stabbed his brother to death on Sunday during a drunken brawl at their mother’s Fairfield, Essequibo Coast home, is claiming that he acted in self-defence.

The man, who resides at the house where Ganga Persaud, known as “Toney” took his last breath, remains in police custody and is likely to be charged following Thursday’s post-mortem examination.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that he is cooperating with investigators.

According to a police source, the suspect confessed that he stabbed his brother in self-defence. He reportedly told detectives that Ganga was armed with a knife and was trying to stab him during the argument. He said that to save his life, he stabbed him and ran into the backdam where he remained for several hours. Upon his return home, their mother,

Margaret Gouvia took him to the Suddie Police Station where he was taken into custody.

The police, in a statement issued on Monday, had said that investigations revealed that around 15:00hrs, the suspect, the 32-year-old deceased, and their other brother, Muneshwar Persaud, were imbibing when there was an argument between the suspect and Ganga.

“The suspect dealt the victim a lash to his head with a rum bottle. The third relative pushed the suspect away. Both the suspect and victim exited the house via the back and front doors respectively,” the statement said.

It added that Muneshwar later noticed the suspect standing at the side of the house shouting, “He dead! He's dead!” According to the police, Muneshwar further claimed that about 10 feet away from the suspect, he saw the deceased in a pool of blood bleeding from a wound to his left side under the arm.

In relating their version of events, they said that the brothers were drinking at their mother’s house around 22:00hrs when Muneshwar and his wife had a misunderstanding.

They claimed that Ganga, who is a labourer,

armed himself with a rum bottle and dealt Muneshwar a lash to the head. The suspect, who was holding a knife, then stabbed Ganga.

Muneshwar related that after his wounded brother dropped to the ground, he

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took two deep breaths and died.

The suspect was said to be the sole breadwinner for the household and the one who took care of his 58-year-old mother.

Police are continuing their investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Stray animals causing ‘crisis’ in Bartica – Mayor says

BARTICA Mayor, Gifford Marshall, says issues with stray animals in the township is rising to crisis level and is threatening the sustenance and development of its beautification and advancement as a tourism

destination.

Speaking with Guyana C h r o n i c l e o n M o n d a y, Marshall stated that the animals are destroying the municipal’s property, leaving unsightly droppings everywhere, destroying the produce of cash crop farmers, and causing traffic hazards.

“We definitely have a severe problem. You would be surprised to see what these animals are doing,” the mayor said.

“At the sports centre, we spent some money over the last two years to renovate that place and the animals are destroying it. They’re

destroying the playfields, creating holes with their hooves. Only Friday last we would’ve commissioned a peace sign, sending a nice message and this morning we realized that too was tampered with by stray animals. So, it’s a crisis on our hands,” he told this publication.

Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall Mayor Marshall said the situation is threatening to undo the reputation that the township has been nurturing as a tourism destination over the past few years.

“Bartica is a tourism hub, and it breaks our hearts to bring tourists here and they see the animal faeces all over the place. You go to the board walk and see cow droppings along there. It’s embarrassing,” he said.

He added: “Over the past few months, we would have seen several of our bins being destroyed by these stray animals. In addition to that, we are working on the township’s beautification plan whereby we plant trees and flowering plants at strategic locations and that too is being destroyed by the animals.”

The animals being on the roadway has also contributed to a number of vehicular accidents.

“These animals are traffic hazards because vehicles are hitting them. We have a number of accidents that

the township is trying to first reason with the owners of the animals to address the situation.

The municipality met with several cattle farmers to discuss the issue and find common grounds. The owners of the animals, however, are complaining of not having ample grazing grounds for their animals.

“When we met with the cattle owners a few months ago, we pleaded with them to have an understanding and to remove the animals off the streets and keep them out of central Bartica. They are saying they have to live, but I keep saying to them that [they] don’t have to live at the expense of others, or the expense of the municipalities or at the expense of other farmers. We must create a balance because those who are farming we must respect them. The bins that are there for solid waste management, we can’t continue to destroy our bins and then have to go back to the government for more. That’s unacceptable,” Marshall stated.

He said too that the municipality is trying as much as possible to avoid having to impound the animals as the owners will then also incur an additional cost to retrieve their animals, which will place a strain on themselves.

“We have a number of facilities that we could use to impound the animals so, if need be, we have areas that we can impound the animals and take care of them. But we

Stray cows rummaging through garbage and destroying the municipality’s garbage receptacles in the process would’ve occurred as a result of stray animals on the road,” he shared.

Several farmers also recently complained to the municipality about the stray animals affecting their livelihood.

“Persons came to me who are planting farms, and said they came to Bartica to work and when they go back in [to their farms], cow destroyed their produce. These are average, poor families, so this is something that definitely needs to be addressed,” the mayor explained.

He said while the municipality does have several pounds at its disposal and the necessary resources to keep the animals impounded,

do not want to go down that road. We want to work with the cattle owners to bring about an amicable resolution to the issues that we are facing,” he said, He added: “If they do not cooperate then we would definitely have to go ahead and impound the animals, but it would be thousands of dollars they would have to pay to get back their animals. But we understand that it is not always that persons will have that kind of money.

That is why we are trying to work with them to see how best we can have the cooperation between the municipality and the cattle owners.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

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$14.5M primary school commissioned at Kamwatta EASY access to primary education is now possible for children of Kamwatta village, Region One (Barima-Waini), as authorities have commissioned a $14.5 million primary school in the community.

Wo r k d o n e o n t h e facility not only includes the construction of the actual school, but also the installation of a fence.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, who commissioned the school on Friday, said the investment demonstrates the government’s overarching interest in enhancing the education sector.

“There was once a time when Kamwatta did not have a school as many of the older folks know that. They did not have the opportunity as the current generation have now so we are excited as a government, to work with you to ensure that education becomes a part of your daily lives.

“Education is an asset from the knowledge we gather from school and life

experience, this is what gives us ambition and drive us to transform our village and the country, as a whole,” Minister Dharamlall said.

The minister said the government will continue to implement various initiatives to further enhance the education sector to accommodate the impending transformation.

It is with this hope that he urged young persons to take advantage of all opportunities made available by the government.

Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region O n e ( B a r i m a - Wa i n i ) , Brentnol Ashley, said the region will see much more developments in education.

“This simple yet significant ceremony is a testimony of what the government has in store for the country’s education sector,” he said.

Councillor of the Kamwatta Village Council, Ronald Benjamin, thanked the government for fulfilling the community’s request for a better educational facility.

“We had asked the

Convicted child rapist challenges 25-year sentence I VO R L a u d w h o w a s sentenced in March to 25 years in prison for raping an eight-year-old girl and then repeating the act two years later, has moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction and sentence.

The 32-year-old man was sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Georgetown High Court after a 12-member jury found him guilty on two counts of raping a minor.

The first indictment stated that Laud, between March 1 and 31, 2015, engaged in sexual penetration with the victim when she was eight years old. According to the second indictment, the act was repeated between August 1 and 31, 2017, when the child was ten.

He was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment on the first charge, and 25 years on the second. Given that the sentences will run concurrently, he will only spend 25 years behind bars.

Justice Barlow had also ordered that Laud undergo counselling for sex offenders while in prison.

Dissatisfied with his sentence, the convict, through his attorneys Paul and Charlene Fung-a-Fat,

Ivor Laud moved to the Appeal Court to have his conviction and sentence overturned or set aside.

According to reports, Laud is known to the child’s family and during the periods mentioned in the charges, he would invite her to his home on the pretext that he had something for her.

Laud, who is a husband and father, would invite the child over when he was alone at home and take her into his bedroom where he performed oral and vaginal sex on her.

After committing the heinous acts, he would send the child home.

The child subsequently confided in her parents, and the matter was reported to the police. Laud was later arrested and charged.

former government to renovate this school since it was in a deplorable condition, and that was not done. But not too long ago we brought this to the PPP/C Government’s attention and here we are, in a proper educational f a c i l i t y, w h e r e o u r children can be taught in a comfortable place,” he said, adding that t h e s c h o o l c u r re n t l y accommodates 323 learners.

The recently commissioned Kamwatta Primary School (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

NACAC pulls plug on 49th CARIFTA Games … AAG welcomes decision

By Rawle Toney THE North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) has officially pulled the plug on the 49th edition of the CARIFTA Games – the largest youth Track and Field Championships in the Caribbean.

The 49th edition of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games would have been held April 10-13 in Bermuda, but, due to the Caribbean, like the rest of the world battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers had to move the event to 2021; the same year that was designated for Guyana to host one of the most prestigious youth track and field events in the world.

This was Bermuda’s third opportunity to host the prestigious event after their initial run in 1975 and the second in 1980.

Having been forced to

postpone the games twice, NACAC, in a letter to its members on Monday evening, said they understand the impact that another cancellation of their premier annual junior competition will have on their young athletes.

“Unfortunately, we have carefully taken all factors into consideration and are left with no option but to cancel the CARIFTA Games 2021,” NACAC said in the letter, sent by their General Secretary, Keith Joseph.

The games were scheduled to be hosted in Bermuda in August, but according to NACAC, the Bermudan authorities have made it clear that the 14-day mandatory quarantine for athletes is not negotiable.

“While Bermuda allows athletes from 16 years old to be vaccinated, the majority of our CARIFTA family members are from countries where the authorities only allow vaccination for per-

sons 18-years and older. We cannot host the event without the Under-17s who, from our vantage point, are as integral to the event as the U-20s,” Joseph stated.

NACAC, while understanding the changing circumstances and attendant protocols in Bermuda, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is also cognizant that accommodation agreements made thus far have been well below the required number of rooms for the traditional CARIFTA Games and that is unlikely to change.

Meanwhile, president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, had told NCN Sport yesterday in an interview, that though he’s sorry it had to come to this position taken

by NACAC, it's something he agrees with.

“I think taking everything into consideration, to pull off the games with young athletes; athletes who vaccination hasn’t been released for as yet, to have all of them

Guyana Amazon Warriors retain 11 players... (From back page) Franchise is very appreciative of the retained players for their loyalty and commitment to the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

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vaccinated in time would’ve been very, very difficult,” Hutson said.

Asked about the future of the country’s top junior athletes who were looking forward to matching their skills with others from the Caribbean, Hutson stated, “We still have South American Youth, we still have South American Juniors, so we on this side still have some competition to go to, but it will work out a little more expensive. We still have Pan Am Youth Games and there’s the World Juniors in Nairobi, Kenya.”

The AAG president asked athletes to not be too disappointed and encouraged them to “keep training, keep doing their work and we will ensure that they have the prerequisite number of competitions to qualify to get to the higher-staged meets.”

Initially, Guyana was earmarked to host the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games this year, but after last year’s postponement, it meant the 49th staging of the games would have to be held in 2021.

However, taking this

year’s cancellation into consideration, the 49th CARIFTA Games will now be staged in 2022, forcing the 50th edition to 2023.

Guyana is a founding-member of CARIFTA, and in 1972, the games were initiated to mark the Caribbean Free Trade Association’s transition to CARICOM. It was at the 46th edition of the games, hosted in Curacao, where Linden’s Compton Caesar created history, by winning Guyana’s first-ever gold medal in the 100m at the event.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

England tours will take priority over rearranged IPL - Giles ENGLAND expect players to be available for their Twenty20 World Cup build-up if there is a clash with the rescheduled Indian Premier League (IPL).

One possible window for the postponed IPL is before the T20 World Cup in October, when England are due to tour Bangladesh and Pakistan.

"If those tours go ahead I'd expect them (players) to be there," said England managing director Ashley Giles.

"We're planning on the involvement of England players in England matches."

The IPL was postponed last week amid the coronavirus crisis in India and a number of positive tests among players.

If it had run to its scheduled final on May 30, Jos

Buttler, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes would have been unavailable for England's two Tests against New Zealand, the first of which begins on June 2.

Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer would have been in a similar situation had they not been forced to withdraw from the IPL because of injuries.

"The New Zealand scenario was very different," said Giles. "Those matches were formalised at the end of January, by which time contracts were signed for players to have full involvement in the IPL." England's home summer is set to finish on September 14. They are due to play limited-overs matches in Bangladesh before T20s in Pakistan on October 14 and

15 - their first trip to the country in 16 years.

On October 16 they will fly to India for the T20 World Cup, which is immediately followed by the Ashes series in Australia.

"None of us knows what a rearranged IPL looks like at the moment," said Giles.

"But when we start this summer our programme is incredibly busy. We have a lot of important and high-profile cricket."

Wicketkeeper Buttler and all-rounders Woakes and Curran are currently serving a 10-day period of hotel quarantine since their return from India, but will be released by the time the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's is named next week.

Giles said the availability

Westbrook breaks triple-double NBA record WASHINGTON Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook broke Oscar Robertson's NBA record for the most career triple-doubles in his side's defeat by Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

Westbrook reached double digits in rebounds, points and assists for the 182nd time in his career.

The 32-year-old finished the night with 28 points 13 rebounds 21 assists.

However, Westbrook missed a possible game-winning buzzer-beater as Wizards lost 125-124.

"I'm truly grateful for moments like this," he said of his record-breaking achievement. "Normally, I don't like to pat myself on the back, but tonight I will."

Robertson, 82, who played from 1960 to 1974, said he was "very happy" for Westbrook.

"Your family is very

Russell Westbrook had 28 points 13 rebounds 21 assists for Washington Wizards on Monday

proud of you, and I salute you for all your accomplishments in the game of basketball," he added.

Magic Johnson - who sits third on the triple-double list - said he was "proud" of Westbrook and fifth-placed LeBron James called it "an incredible feat".

Elsewhere, Stephen Curry scored 36 points as Golden State Warriors beat Western Conference leaders Utah Jazz 119-116.

Memphis Grizzlies secured a place in the Western Conference play-in tournament with a 115-110 victory against New Orleans Pelicans, while San Antonio Spurs moved a step closer to that event with a 146-125 win against Milwaukee Bucks.

Portland Trail Blazers beat Houston Rockets 140-129 and Indiana Pacers claimed a 111-102 victory at the Cleveland Cavaliers. (BBC Sport)

England are due to tour Bangladesh and Pakistan before the Twenty20 World Cup

of players who have been in quarantine will be managed on a case-by-case basis and, if they are available,

England may still look to experiment.

"We're not going to rush them back into crick-

et," he said. "We may choose to look at some new faces against New Zealand." (BBC Sport).

Ointment could explain Medina Spirit positive test - Trainer Baffert (REUTERS) - Trainer Bob Baffert said yesterday that an anti-fungal ointment to treat dermatitis could be the source of Kentucky Derby-winning horse Medina Spirit’s positive test for betamethasone.

Baffert, who won a record seventh Kentucky Derby with Medina Spirit, on May 1, said the horse developed dermatitis on his hind end after the Santa Anita Derby in April and his veterinarian recommended daily use of Otomax to prevent it from spreading.

“I have been told by equine pharmacology experts that this could explain the test results,” Hall of Fame trainer Baffert said in a statement.

“As such, I wanted to be forthright about this fact as soon as I learned of this information.”

Medina Spirit’s post-race sample after the Kentucky Derby tested positive for 21 picograms of anti-inflammatory drug betamethasone, over the legal limit in Kentucky racing, and Baffert was suspended from racing at Churchill Downs.

The racetrack also said if a second round of testing shows the presence of betamethasone Medina Spirit will be disqualified and runner-up Mandaloun

John Velazquez aboard Medina Spirit (8) wins the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, May 1, 2021, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. (Mandatory Credit: Michael Clevenger-USA TODAY Sports/File photo)

will be declared the winner.

The dark bay colt is scheduled to run in the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of U.S. thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

Baffert also said pharmacologists have told him 21 picograms of betamethasone would have had no effect on the outcome of the Kentucky Derby and that Medina Spirit is a deserved champion.

“As I have stated, my in-

vestigation is continuing and we do not know for sure if this ointment was the cause of the test results, or if the test results are even accurate, as they have yet to be confirmed by the split sample,” said Baffert.

“However, again, I have been told that a finding of a small amount, such as 21 picograms, could be consistent with application of this type of ointment. I intend to continue to investigate and I will continue to be transparent.”

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

BCCI sets strict rules for Manchester City win Premier League title after England tour United lose to Leicester … Players found positive will be dropped

MANCHESTER City have won a third Premier League title in four years after closest challengers Manchester United were beaten by Leicester City.

Pep Guardiola's side are now 10 points ahead of second-placed United, who have just three games remaining.

It is the seventh time City have finished top of the English football pyramid and the fifth in nine years.

"This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other," said Guardiola.

"This was the hardest one. We will always remember this season for the way we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players.

"They are so special. To come through this season, with all the restrictions and difficulties we've faced and show the consistency we have is remarkable. It is relentless.

"Every single day, they are there, fighting for success, trying always to be better. They have been so, so resilient."

Manager Guardiola, 50, has now won eight domestic trophies since arriving in Manchester in 2016.

City had the chance to

Manchester City have won a fifth Premier League title in nine years

wrap up the title themselves on Saturday, but suffered a 2-1 defeat by Chelsea at Etihad Stadium.

However, Leicester completed the job for them with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford yesterday.

It is City's second trophy in a little over two weeks after they beat Tottenham to claim the Carabao Cup and they are also in their first Champions League final after beating Paris St-Germain in midweek.

Since being taken over by the Abu Dhabi Group in September 2008, City have won 12 cups and this is the third time they have clinched a league and EFL Cup double.

HOW CITY WON THE TITLE Guardiola's side finished

18 points behind Liverpool last season, and when defeat at Tottenham in November left City in 10th position, it looked as though this might not be their year either.

But though doubts arose and questions were asked about the Spaniard's future, City quickly shut them up.

They went on to win 22 of their next 27 matches, including a 15-game winning run and a record-equalling 11 successive away league victories.

John Stones and Ruben Dias' partnership at the back was key, conceding just three goals in the 15 games after that Spurs defeat, while Ilkay Gundogan has been the star at the opposite end of the pitch, his 12 goals so far leading City's goalscorers. (BBC Sport)

INDIA are all set to travel to England for the final of the World Test Championship in the month of June and BCCI has put out some strict rules for the high-profile tour. The Indian board has made it clear to all the players that if any player is found positive on his arrival in Mumbai, he will be straightaway dropped from the WTC final and England series squads.

All the players are expected to complete their mandatory quarantine period of eight days in the Mumbai bio-bubble before flying to England. The board has asked players to quarantine themselves at home before landing in Mumbai.

The Indian contingent will leave for the WTC final and the subsequent England series on June 2, 2021.

“The players have been informed to consider their tour over if they are found positive on their arrival in Mumbai, as BCCI will not arrange another charter flight for any cricketer,” said a BCCI official while talking to the Indian Express.

Any positive case while arriving in Mumbai can have a serious impact on the upcoming tour as the player will not have the time to make a comeback.

The schedule is jampacked and this why, players, staff, and their family members will go

through rigorous rounds of COVID-19 testing before flying to England. Since players will be landing in Mumbai from all over the country, BCCI has put a strict bio-bubble in place.

“The players, support staff, and families will be tested and two negative reports are required before they leave for Mumbai. It will be done in order to ensure that they are coming into the bubble without any infection. The players have also been given the option to travel by air or car to reach Mumbai,” added the official.

The BCCI has also asked the Indian players to take the dose of covishield and not covaxin before flying to England so that the second dose can be made available to them there. (CricTracker)

The Indian contingent will go through an eight-day quarantine period in Mumbai

FIFA discusses human rights concerns ahead of Qatar World Cup (REUTERS) - Global soccer governing body FIFA said it held talks yesterday with a number of member associations and confederations to address concerns relating to workers' welfare and human rights in host nation Qatar, ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Britain's Guardian reported in February that at least 6 500 migrant workers – many working on World Cup projects - had died in Qatar since it won the right 10 years ago

to stage the event, according to the newspaper's calculations from official records.

Players from Germany, the Netherlands and Norway have since worn shirts before World Cup qualifiers voicing concern over human rights in Qatar.

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar's organising body, assured the stakeholders during the meeting that "significant progress" has been made through a labour reform pro-

gramme since the country was awarded the tournament in 2010.

The meeting also saw presentations from human rights organisations and workers unions with direct knowledge of the situation on the ground.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said it was crucial that the member associations are satisfied with the recent labour reforms that have "benefitted tens of thousands of workers across Qatar".

"I very much welcome the constructive engagement with our member associations on this important topic," Infantino said in a statement.

"We know there is still work to be done, but we need to recognise the significant progress achieved in a very short time, thanks to the commitment of the highest authorities in the country, and to ensure that any debate on this complex matter should be based on verified facts."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

34

Joshua v Fury fight set for Saudi Arabia - promoter Hearn ANTHONY Joshua and Tyson Fury's world heavyweight title fight will take place in Saudi Arabia, says Eddie Hearn.

A specific venue and date are yet to be confirmed for the all-British bout, which will see the winner become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Hearn, Joshua's promoter, suggested it could take place on either August 7 or August 14.

"It's a very bad secret that the fight is happening in Saudi Arabia," Hearn told Sky Sports.

He added they were working with the "same people" as they did for Joshua's rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. Joshua, 31, won back the WBA, WBO and IBF belts by beating Ruiz in Diriyah, on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh, in December 2019.

He had lost the titles in a shock defeat in June that

Tyson Fury (left) and fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua have signed a two-fight deal

year.

"We're very comfortable.

Anthony's comfortable, he knows those people," added Hearn.

"They delivered on every one of their promises last time. We're ready to go."

This year's rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are set to finish on August 8, so Hearn said August 14 made more sense but that he hoped to secure the date and venue in the next few days.

Hearn announced that a two-fight deal between Joshua and Fury, 32, had

been agreed in March after months of negotiations.

Fury's co-promoter Bob Arum subsequently said the fight was "dead in the water", which Hearn denied.

The fight will see all four belts contested in a heavyweight bout for the first time.

The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Britain's Lennox Lewis from 1999 to 2000. That was before a boxer also had to hold the WBO belt to be recognised as undisputed champion. (BBC Sport)

ECB announces £16.1M loss as result of pandemic THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a loss of £16.1M in the past financial year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The loss has been transferred to their reserves, which are now £2.2M, down from more than £70M in 2016.

The loss follows a £6.5M profit made in 2019.

Revenue fell by £21M to £207M with the postponed launch of The Hundred cited as one reason, alongside the cost of running bio-secure cricket.

Scott Smith, chief financial officer at the ECB, said: "This has been a challenging year, but by being able to stage international cricket and by taking decisive action early in the pandemic, we

have been able to support the network and avoid a far worse financial scenario.

"There remains considerable uncertainty over the year ahead, but we hope that delivering another full summer of cricket - and with crowds beginning to return from next week - we are able to protect the revenue we need to invest in growing our game."

The ECB reduced costs by stopping planned investments, furloughing staff and through redundancy, which has seen staff reduced to 331 from 389.

This enabled them to provide counties and clubs with almost £100M of support.

Meanwhile, Baroness Amos' appointment as an independent non-executive director has been unanimously ratified.

Guyanese-born Baroness Amos’ appointment as an independent non-executive director has been unanimously ratified by the ECB

Ian Watmore, ECB chair, said: "Valerie is a true cricket fan who brings with her outstanding experience and expertise, and I'm delighted that she's joined the board. Her insights and challenge on leadership and inclusion will also really help us as a game." (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Kiwi BJ Watling to hang up gloves after England tour THE curtain is set to come down on the career of one of New Zealand’s most widely respected cricketers, with wicket-keeper BJ Watling to retire from all cricket after the upcoming Test tour of England.

The 35-year-old has been a stalwart of the Test side since debuting in 2009 as an opening batsman, going on to establish himself as a world-

ful.

“My wife Jess has been a constant source of stability and support and I’m certainly looking forward to being able to spend more time with her and the kids. I also owe a big thanks to my mum for steering me in the right direction early on and always being there for me.

“Although I’ve had to make this announcement

BJ Watling made his Test debut against Pakistan in December 2009 - as a specialist opening batsman

class keeper-batsman and claiming numerous records in his 73 Tests to date.

With the Black Caps contracts for the 2021-22 season due to be released on Friday, in which Watling will not be included due to his future unavailability, his retirement news has been expedited.

The Northern Districts gloveman had been pondering his options for a while, but settled on his decision to retire at the end of the just completed home summer.

“It’s the right time,” said Watling, who has recently become a father for the second time. “It’s been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear the Test baggy. Test cricket really is the pinnacle of the game and I’ve loved every minute of being out there in the whites with the boys.

“Sitting in the changing rooms having a beer with the team after five days’ toil is what I’ll miss the most.

“I’ve played with some great players and made many good mates. I’ve also had plenty of help along the way for which I’ll always be grate-

ahead of the tour to England, my focus is very much on the three Tests ahead and preparing to perform in them. “This tour will be a challenge on a few levels and we know as a team we will need to be at the very top of our game if we want to succeed.”

Watling holds the New Zealand Test dismissals record with 249 catches (excluding 10 as a fielder) and eight stumpings - the best numbers of any current Test keepers. His bowler-keeper catching combinations with Tim Southee (73), Trent Boult

(55) and Neil Wagner (53) occupy the top three spots on the New Zealand record list.

Watling’s batting statistics are equally eye catching: with eight Test centuries to his name and New Zealand records for the fourth and fifth highest partnerships: 362 with Brendon McCullum against India at the Basin Reserve in 2014, and 365* with current captain Kane Williamson against Sri Lanka at the same ground a year later.

He is just the ninth Test keeper to score a double hundred and was the first to do so against England, when his Player of the Match performance helped win a dramatic Test against England at Bay Oval in November 2019. He also featured in another New Zealand record-partnership in that match as he and Mitchell Santner put on 261 for the seventh wicket.

NZC chief executive David White said Watling would be remembered for the tremendous courage and determination he brought to the game, and especially when the chips were down.

If Watling plays all three Tests on the upcoming tour, two against England (June 2-6 and 10-14) and the ICC World Test Championship Final against India on June 18-22, he will surpass Adam Parore’s record of most Tests as a New Zealand keeper at 67.

Watling played his entire domestic career for Northern Districts featuring in 91 First Class matches, 62 T20 games and 90 List A fixtures for the Major Association. (NZC.NZ).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Fred Spofforth (AUST vs ENG, Melbourne, 1878-79) (2) Wes Hall (vs PAK, Lahore, 1958-59) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has scored most centuries in Test cricket to date?

(2) Which WI has hit most Test centuries to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 12, 2021

AAG mulling 17-man contingent for South American Senior Championships …Archibald, Foster, Chance and Abrams among shortlisted athletes hoping WITH the South American Senior Championships set for May 14–16, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is hoping to send a strong contingent, as they aim to provide Guyanese athletes with the best possible chance of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

AAG president Aubrey Hutson said they would like to accommodate every athlete who is serious at reaching the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Japan, but in the end, it all comes down to finances.

Aliyah Abrams, who represented Guyana at the 2016 Olympic Games, competing in the 400 metres, is so far the lone track and field ath-

FLASHBACK! Guyana's Aliyah Abrams (wearing #6) competes in the Women's 400m semi-final during the 2019 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru. (Photo: Luis Acosta/ AFP/Getty Images)

lete to qualify for the Tokyo Games.

Abrams and her sister

Jasmine, along with Andrea Foster, Arinze Chance and Emanuel Archibald are

among the list of athletes earmarked by AAG to attend the games in Ecuador.

The local track and field governing body’s president highlighted that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Track and Field season puts the University of Florida’s Natricia Hooper and Kansas State’s Chantoba Bright out of contention for selection.

Hutson revealed that now, everything will be “based on our ability and their ability to find that airfare…we are going to be working along with a team of 16 to 17-man contingent and it;s going to cost us a lot, so we will be looking to the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Olympic As-

sociation (GOA).”

The AAG president said with a number of athletes going pro, or on the border of becoming professional athletes, “if they are really serious about their future in this sport, in terms of making it to Tokyo in particular, they will sit with us and let us try to work things out.”

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with the Newsroom, Hutson said while qualification for this year’s Olympic Games is a priority the AAG also wants to keep an eye on athletes for the Commonwealth Games and World Championships in 2022.

Hutson indicated that track and field is a performance-based sport and AAG will continue to invest in those who are improving

creditably.

“If you go out there and make the time, you are entitled to go once you qualify.

So, in making the investment, if Winston George is still running fast and still the fastest national athlete at 400m and still making the qualifying standard, we have an obligation to ensure Winston George gets to those games, and not necessarily say we are not going to send Winston, but a younger athlete who is not making the standard,” Hutson said.

Archibald, Winston George, Devaun Barrington, Akeem Stewart and Leslain Baird were the male representatives at the 2019 Championships in Lima, Peru, while Jenea McCammon was the lone female.

Twenty-five bodybuilders already registered for Novices/Mr Linden Classic … Registration deadline nears THE deadline for registration to compete at the May 29 Novices Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition and Mr Linden Classic will be the end of this week, according to president of

the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) Keavon Bess.

Bess, in an invited comment, noted that due to the pandemic and the restrictions in place, a more structured approach

President of the GBBFF Keavon Bess (left) collects sponsorship cheque from proprietor of Fitness Express, Jamie McDonald. The presentation was made last week

Flashback: The top three finishers of the 2020 Novices Ms Bikini Fitness competition. Ashanti Conway (middle) won the event with Christina King (left) second and Crystol Leander third

would be necessary for the meet, which is scheduled for Lichas Hall in Linden.

“We are urging all athletes who are interested in competing to make contact with any member of the federation before May 15.

We are going to be strict with that due date, because

of logistic issues we will have to deal with on competition day.”

The first bodybuilding competition for 2021 will have a Bodybuilding segment, a Bikini segment and a Mr Physique segment.

“Thus far we have about 25 athletes, both

males and females.”

Recently, perennial sponsors, Fitness Express opted in as main sponsors, so according to Bess, systems are falling into place.

“We are moving full steam ahead. We now have our main sponsor officially on board, so it’s basically

tidying up on the little fine-tuning of things so that we have a smooth show on May 29.”

As in December, when the federation held its Resilience Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, this month’s competition will also be spectator-free.

The event will be virtual; with Live Streaming on popular social media networks.

At the venue, the athletes themselves will have certain restrictions.

“While on stage, athletes will be required to stand six feet from each other, while backstage athletes will be required to wear their masks and maintain the mandatory physical distancing.

Judges will be seated six feet from each other and will be required to wear their masks.”

Guyanese athletes will have to wait a little longer to feature at the CARIFTA Games, following the cancellation of the 49th edition

NACAC pulls plug on 49th … AAG welcomes CARIFTA Games decision

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Guyana Amazon Warriors retain 11 players ahead of CPL draft … Rutherford, Paul among players released

FIVE-TIME runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have released as many as six players while retaining eleven from the previous edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

T&Ts Nicholas Pooran, who made the only century of last year’s tournament, will be back with the Warriors this year along with Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King.

The Warriors will also be welcoming back South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir and Afghan fast Keemo Paul bowler Naveen ul Haq. The squad also features are the Guyanese duo of up-and-coming Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford and players Kevin Sinclair and Keemo Paul, skipper Chris Ashmead Nedd, both of Green and New Zealand whom impressed in 2020 at International Ross Taylor. their first Hero CPL. While many were probThe Amazon Warriors ably expecting the axing of have six spots left to fill in Rutherford and Taylor from their squad and these will the team as both players be announced in the coming failed to live up to their weeks. reputation and succumbed Among those released to a torrid outing last year,

Sherfane Rutherford

the omission of Green came as a shocker as Green experienced a brilliant ride in the previous edition both as a captain and bowler.

Green picked up nine wickets from 11 matches at a stunning economy rate of 5.68. Further, under the leadership of Green, GAW reached the semi-finals.

Paul was also a surprise

exclusion, as he was picked by the franchise in the 2017 edition and has emerged as a mainstay player for the team since then. In CPL 2020, Paul scalped nine wickets in nine games, with his best figures being four for 19.

In the 2020 edition, Amazon Warriors finished at the second position on the points table with six wins from ten matches.

They finished with 12 points under their belt.

Warriors’ campaign in the 2020 edition came to an end after they lost to St Lucia Zouks by ten wickets in the semi-final at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors management team said: ‘’The Management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise are very pleased to retain the core group of players which comprised our squad over the last two years. The TURN TO PAGE 31 ►

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34 ECB announces £16.1M loss as result of pandemic Manchester City win 33 Premier League title after United lose to Leicester PAGE

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021