Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18-05-2021

TUESDAY 18th May, 2021

No. 106364 SEE PAGE

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Guyana receives over 67,000 more doses of Sputnik V vaccine

O&G earnings to exceed US$500M by year end —country’s total revenue to increase by 17 per cent

400 jobs to be created through $20M block-making project SEE PAGE

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PPP/C: Criticism of IRI ‘duplicitous and disingenuous’ Diaspora Conference to address remigration, security and more

Artistes performing at the launch of the $20M Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP) in Tiger Bay by the Ministry of Housing and Water on Monday. Looking on from the head table are, from left, Housing and Water Ministers Susan Rodrigues and Collin Croal, and Central Housing and Planning Authority Chief Executive Officer, Sherwyn Greaves (Delano Williams photo)

Family in disbelief after nine-year-old’s tragic death

Guyana receives over 67,000 more doses of Sputnik V vaccine 2

GUYANA, on Monday, received a consignment of 67,537 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine, another quota of the 200,000 it purchased from the Russian Federation to protect citizens from the pervasive COVID-19 pandemic.

This shipment, which arrived on an Amerijet aircraft at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), brings Guyana closer to achieving herd immunity.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, during Monday’s edition of the COVID-19 update, urged the nation to capitalise on the opportunity to get inoculated against the severe form of COVID-19.

He noted that the government has taken steps to secure vaccines to safeguard the nation’s health, but the onus remains on individuals to obtain their vaccine.

To this end, Minister Anthony reminded persons who have taken the first

doses of the Sinopharm, Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines to be cognisant of their return dates so as to take take their second doses at the specified time.

He noted that it is important that persons take their second doses when due to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccines.

It was last reported that more than 27,000 people have received both doses of their COVID-19 vaccines.

Additionally, it was noted that a total of 166,950 people or 34.3 per cent of the targeted adult population have received their first dose of one of the three COVID-19 vaccines distributed locally.

There are about 100 fixed vaccination sites across the country, and local health authorities have also been conducting various outreach sessions to make the vaccination process easier for people.

guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Doses of the Sputnik V vaccine after being offloaded from the Amerijet aircraft on Monday

O&G earnings to exceed US$500M by year end 3

guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

--country’s total revenue to increase by 17 per cent

The Liza Destiny FPSO used to service ExxonMobil’s Liza Phase One project

By Navendra Seoraj COMING on the heels of the successes recorded in the latter part of 2020, a year plagued by a dreaded pandemic and protracted electoral process, is another positive outlook for Guyana, as the country’s total revenue is expected to increase by 17 per cent, with earnings in the petroleum sector alone reaching over US$500 million by the end of this year.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in its Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin which was released on Monday, stated that with Brent crude oil – the index Guyana uses to sell its crude at more than US$60 a barrel and the expectation of oil production increasing by 46.7 per cent in 2021, the government’s oil revenues

could significantly increase this year.

For medium-term projections, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as cited by the IDB, assumed an average price of oil of US$58.52 per barrel in 2021 and US$54.83 per barrel in 2022, with the price remaining unchanged in real terms thereafter.

Having already earned US$267 million from the sale of oil and royalty payments through 2020 and March 2021, Guyana’s balance at the end of this year could reach over US$500 million.

Revenue aside, driven mainly by a projected increase of 46.7 per cent in oil production, from 74,300 barrels per day in 2020 to 109,000 i n 2 0 2 1 , G u y a n a ’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to grow by 20.9 per cent this year, according to

the IDB. As noted in a previous edition of the IDB’s Quarterly Bulletin, the GDP shock in 2020 represented the largest decline in most countries since 1975. However, Guyana was the one exception.

The decline in average oil prices during the year did lower the expected value of oil exports and hence the expected GDP growth rate. Still, the local economy expanded by 43.5 per cent in 2020, while the non-oil economy shrank by 7.3 per cent.

In 2020, when the country recorded unprecedented GDP growth, the main driver of advancement was oil production, which represented 37 per cent of GDP and accounted for 51 per cent of overall GDP growth.

Over the medium term, according to the

IDB, oil production is expected to continue driving GDP growth, with oil exports growing by an annual average of 48.5 per cent over 2020–2023, contributing to average annual GDP and Government revenue growth rates of 17.1 and 6.7 per cent, respectively, from 2021 to 2026.

PROSPECTS EVEN BRIGHTER The prospects are even brighter given that ExxonMobil, on April 27, announced their 19th oil discovery in Guyana and increased the estimate of recoverable petroleum resources from eight billion to nine billion oil-equivalent barrels, an estimate that had not been adjusted since January 2020.

Additionally, ExxonMobil updated its development plans of having five oil production projects by 2026 to six projects by 2027,

which they see could potentially grow to ten production projects in the future.

Progress in the petroleum sector will be supplemented by advancements in other sectors; this is reflected in the projections for the country’s non-oil economy, which is expected to rebound by 6.1 per cent in 2021 based on the assumption of a phased re-opening of the economy, with services and construction growing by five per cent and nine per cent, respectively.

As the wheel continues to turn across the economic sectors, the country could see an increase of 17 per cent in total revenue, moving from US$1 billion in 2020 to US$1.3 billion in 2021. In 2020, revenue fell by 5.5 per cent as a result of reduced economic activities and a series of tax exemptions in specific sectors.

On the other hand, ex-

penditure grew by 15 per cent.

According to the IDB, total expenditure is projected to increase by 13 per cent this year, moving from US$1.5 billion to US$1.7 billion. Government expenditures are estimated to grow by an average of 5.3 percent over 2021-2026, contributing to a fall in the fiscal deficit from 7.4 per cent in 2020 to 3.4 per cent in 2026.

The year 2021, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, will be the springboard from which Guyana will leap into recovery, rebuilding the economy, enhancing the people’s health and lifting up the vulnerable in groups in society.

“We must not remain a rich country of poor people,” the P re s i d e n t h a d a f firmed, noting that the bounty of Guyana must be shared across the population.

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Biden calls for Israel-Gaza ceasefire US President Joe Biden has voiced his support for a ceasefire after eight days of violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US was working with Egypt and other countries on halting hostilities.

But the US again blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for a cessation of violence.

The conflict is now in its second week, with little sign of ending.

At least 212 people, including 61 children, have died in Gaza, and 10, including two children, in Israel.

Israel says most of those killed in Gaza are militants and that any civilian deaths are unintentional.

But Hamas, the militant group that runs the territory, disputes this. According to a White House statement, Biden “encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent

civilians”.

“The two leaders discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza,” it added.

President Biden “expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end”, it said.

The violence has prompted increasing concern internationally.

World leaders and humanitarian organisations have called for measures to prevent the deaths of residents and the chaos wrought by the destruction of buildings and infrastructure.

The US has - for the third time - blocked efforts at the UN Security Council to issue a statement calling on Israel to stop its military offensive, stressing instead its own diplomatic efforts.

“Our calculation at this point is that having those conversations behind the scenes ... is the most con-

Israel continued to pummel Gaza with air strikes on Monday (BBC photo) structive approach we can take,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.

In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said Israel must avoid civilian casualities, but expressed concern that “Hamas is again using civilian infrastructure and populations as cover for its operations”.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for an end to the fighting, while speaking with Mr Netanyahu.

However, she reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against the attacks, according to her spokesman.

France and Egypt are

among the other nations calling for an immediate ceasefire.

The United Nations has also expressed concerns about the damage to infrastructure in the already impoverished Gaza Strip, home to two million people. It said that 40 schools and four hospitals had been “completely or partially destroyed” in recent days.

It also warned that fuel supplies there were running out, threatening basic services.

The World Health Organization’s emergencies chief, Dr Mike Ryan, said all attacks on healthcare needed to stop immediately.

The outbreak of violence began after weeks of rising

Israeli-Palestinian tension in occupied East Jerusalem that culminated in clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews. Hamas, which controls Gaza, began firing rockets after warning Israel to withdraw from the site, triggering retaliatory air strikes.

Israel continued to pummel Gaza with air strikes on Monday and Palestinian militants launched rockets at Israeli cities. Israeli leaders have also, again, vowed to keep up their campaign.

The armed wing of Hamas promised more rockets in return.

Sirens were sounding again on Monday night in Israel, with rockets entering in the south and north, close to the Lebanese border.

The Israeli army said it launched artillery towards Lebanon on Monday in response to rocket fire that failed to hit the Jewish state.

At least seven Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza on Monday by the evening.

Mohammad Abu Rayya, a paediatrician in Gaza, told the BBC of the devastation on the ground there. “ We d o n ’ t h a v e a morgue here big enough for the killed and the dead bodies,” he said.

“The situation in Gaza is becoming worse and worse, the system is being collapsed and stretched because also we are complaining and suffering from the (lack of) fuel,” he added.

“We need at least 10 years more to build what has been damaged here in Gaza,” he said.

An Israeli tech executive and father of three, Eitan Singer, told the BBC: “It is not easy - seven days in a row when we go to sleep and almost every evening, every night, we get the kids out of bed, run to shelters.

We have 30 seconds to 60 seconds to find a shelter.”

Israel said more than 3,000 rockets had been fired into the country over the past week, calling it an unprecedented number.

T h e c o u n t r y ’s I r o n Dome defence system is said to have intercepted 90 per cent of the rockets.

Israeli emergency services have reported an overall total of 311 injuries, six of them severe.

One person has also died of wounds sustained during riots in Israel.

Clashes between Arab Israelis and Jewish citizens have left an additional 193 people injured, 10 seriously. (BBC)

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

'We gave Venezuelan migrants a licence to dream'

When the Colombian government announced in February that it would grant almost a million undocumented Venezuelan migrants legal status, the move was welcomed as "a historic gesture".

The United Nation's High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, praised Colombia "for its extraordinary generosity".

Three months on from the announcement, Lucas Gómez, Colombia's presidential adviser on border matters, in an interview with the BBC is urging other countries in the region to follow suit and for the international community to step up financially to make the integration of the Venezuelan migrants a success.

The number of Venezuelans who have left their country in the past five years to escape their homeland's political and economic crisis currently stands at more than 5.6 million.

Almost one third of all of those who leave Venezuela go to neighbouring Colombia.

The country is currently hosting 1.74 million Venezuelan migrants who are intending to stay in Colombia long term. More than half of them are undocumented, meaning they have trouble accessing essential services and getting work.

Most of them have left Venezuela since 2017, when mass anti-government protests swept through Venezuela and an economic crisis started to cause widespread

Colombia wants to encourage migrants to cross at official border posts rather than wade across streams (BBC photo) shortages of medicine, fuel border crossings and enter there are costs involved to and food. through legal channels rath- integrating such a large influx Faced with such a large er than "trochas", the name of migrants, many of whom number of Venezuelan mi- given to the paths which come with only the belonggrants, the Colombian gov- criss-cross the 2,200km-long ings they can carry on their ernment took the unprece- (1,375 miles) frontier. backs. dented step of granting them Colombia's Central Bank The 'brutal' migrant route temporary protected status for predicts that the re-opening made tougher by pandemic 10 years. of the border will lead to a With public health serThe measure applies to steep increase in the number vices on their knees in VenVenezuelans who entered of Venezuelans entering the ezuela, many of the migrants Colombia before 31 January country. It estimates that by have health problems in need 2021 both through official the end of 2022 between three of urgent attention, and hosborder posts and to those and five million could have pitals in cities with high numwho slipped across without settled in Colombia. bers of migrants have seen a registering.

The government predicts large influx of patients withIt will also be on offer that by granting them tempo- out the means to pay for their until 1 July 2023 to Vene- rary protected status, which treatment. zuelans entering the country in turns allows them to find Colombia has spent through legal channels once formal work and access social $187.8m (£133.2m) on prothe borders - which are cur- services, the Venezuelans viding health care for mirently closed due to the Covid will contribute to Colombia's grants. Colombia's Central pandemic - re-open. The productivity rather than be a Bank expects that figure to idea is to encourage future burden. quadruple for the period bemigrants to use the official But in the short term, tween 2020 and 2022.

With almost half a million migrant children attending public schools, the cost to Colombia's public school system has also been considerable.

The government hopes an international donor conference scheduled for next month will raise funds to cover some of the debts incurred by public hospitals.

But while funds are important, what matters more is to send a signal, says Lucas Gómez, Colombia's presidential adviser on border matters.

"We gave Venezuelan migrants a licence to dream," he told the BBC. "By granting them temporary protected status (TPS) for 10 years, they have room to breathe," he says, pointing out that the term is much longer than the 18 months granted by the United States.

For many undocumented Venezuelan migrants, the announcement in February was life-changing as it allows them to work legally without the need for a visa.

But Gómez says that it cannot stop there. "Granting TPS was a crucial first step but we still have a long way to go towards full integration and we'll need support with that."

Gómez hopes an international donors' conference to be hosted by Canada in June will bring some support, especially for a cash transfer system the Colombian government is planning in order to offer struggling Venezuelan migrants a minimum income.

But while Colombia's de-

cision to grant Venezuelan migrants TPS may have been lauded abroad, many Colombians feel the government should be putting the needs of its own people first.

During the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment has risen and 3.6 million Colombians were pushed into poverty.

For the past two weeks, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand that the government do more to reduce high levels of inequality.

Gómez insists that the TPS is a win-win for Colombia as it will allow migrants to work legally and contribute to Colombia's economy but he acknowledges that closing the gap between the haves and have-nots - be they Colombians or newcomers - will be a challenge.

But above all what he wants the international community to do is to send a message that decisions like the one Colombia took to grant TPS to more than a million migrants should not only be applauded but also be supported financially.

"We're hoping that it will create a domino effect and that other countries like Ecuador, Peru and Chile will follow in our footsteps."

"What we can't allow to happen is for Colombia to take a decision like this and for it to go wrong, then no other country will follow suit." (BBC)

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Creating opportunities

ECONOMIC growth is a powerful tool for reducing poverty and improving the quality of life in developing countries such as Guyana. Over the years, research has shown that in order to achieve millennium goals that go beyond poverty, a well sustained economy is critical.

Growth of an economy stems mainly from job creation and job opportunities.

The skills, knowledge and intellect that one has to have to provide goods or services to meet the demands locally or internationally are what constitute job creation. Intellectual minds are, therefore, crucial for developing countries like Guyana. While Guyana is notorious for its immeasurable natural resources, properly educated human resources are needed for sustainable utilisation and

cultivation of these resources. Proper management of these resources is pertinent not only for sustainability, but also for long-term economic benefits.

Therefore, young professionals need to do away with the idea of having a better life abroad, and remain in Guyana to contribute their skills to enhancing economic development. The young minds need to contribute to Guyana’s history in developing the country’s resources in innovative ways, and assist Guyana in adapting to the changes of the future. The Diaspora also needs to return to contribute their skills and expertise in developing the country, as opportunities are being created for them in all sectors they may have an interest in.

The world’s competitive nature will also keep

increasing, as innovative minds around the globe will generate ideas that will make life easier in ways for all which will be costly.

As such, these innovative minds are needed to implement ideas that are in sync with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which means that our traditional operation mechanisms will eventually come to an end, as the cost of maintenance will not be economically viable. Therefore, we have to prepare ourselves now to adapt to those changes that will unfold in the future, or we will not be able to move further up the chain in becoming a developed country. Guyana has to be able to become self-sustainable, and provide a better future for tomorrow’s leaders.

Bearing this in mind, Guyanese need to take steps in equipping themselves

with the relevant skills and resources to take advantage of the opportunities that will unfold, and assist in developing the country.

Guyana’s education system has been lapsing tremendously over the years to improve the quality of output, and to expand the scope of reaching every populated area within the country. However, the $60.7 billion budgeted for 2021 (representing a 175.9 per cent increase from 2019), has introduced many initiatives to not only improve the quality of and access to education, but also expand the curriculum and making education more affordable for all, inclusive of at the tertiary level. In spite of the numerous challenges faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, persons are still being afforded the opportunity to continue their stud-

ies online. This initiative, though it has its hiccups for some, creates an opportunity to adapt to a new forum of education, where they will be able to learn more in a convenient way.

One initiative implemented thus far is the introduction of “smart” classrooms. As the world is becoming technologically advanced and focussed, it is about time the younger generation be a part of this opportunity, so that they can cultivate and generate the necessary skills and knowledge in this arena.

The Guyana Leaning Channel is also being upgraded, so as to improve the quality of education it offers. Additionally, more channels and programmes are expected to be implemented, along with a radio station that will also assist in covering a wider scope

of the country, especially the hinterland regions.

Scholarships are also being offered by the government for persons to pursue diplomas and degrees so as they can specialise in their respective fields of interest. It can be seen that the government is creating opportunities to provide youths with the ability to improve their academic career, along with improving their knowledge on managing resources, making them better equipped in contributing to the development of the country.

These innovative minds, being a part of the development process of Guyana, are bound to boost growth in Guyana’s economy, as businesses will be opened to provide top notch goods and services locally and internationally.

Formal diaspora engagement recommended Dear Editor,

SINCE the time of President Cheddi Jagan I have been goading succeeding governments to develop a policy (an office) of continuously engaging the diaspora. Presidents toyed with a diaspora policy but their hearts were not in it. The President Irfaan Government has announced a conference with the diaspora for May 22. It is long overdue. I applaud the government. I encourage the government to establish a formal structure to engage the diaspora with delineated goals.

I have worked with, studied, and written extensively on diasporas – G u y a n a , Tr i n i d a d , Jamaica, India, Mexico, Fiji, El Salvador, among others. I travelled to virtually

every Indian diaspora country and also engaged their diasporas in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, and elsewhere. I don’t think anyone has traveled to more Indian diaspora countries and all of them multiple times, to study and investigate the role of diasporas in development.

Ashook Ramsaran and myself are perhaps the only Guyanese and only persons from the Indian diaspora who have consistently engaged and worked closely with governments in India from Vajpayee (1998) to Modi to harness the resources of the Indian diaspora for India’s development and to lobby Washington for India on varied issues of concern. We were politically neutral and had India in our heart and as such were taken into confidence by alternating governments. Ramsaran also

advised the government of El Salvador on how to engage her diaspora; El Salvador has an effective diaspora engagement network in America as do Mexicans and several Central American and African governments.

From my studies and practical experience of working with Indian diaspora groups, mounting evidence confirms that diasporas play a significant, important role in development in countries of origin. Aside from sending remittances, they have helped home countries with promoting trade and investment, transferring knowledge and skills, spurring entrepreneurship, creating businesses, forming civic groups, funding charities, building schools, opening foreign currency accounts at origin countries, among other contributions.

Indo-Caribbeans, including

myself, have done all of the preceding in India.

Politicians from every developing country have been coming to the diaspora (in North America and Europe) since the 1980s for funding for election campaigns and selected development projects of a self-interest nature. Politicians looked to see what they could get out of it with little heart driven.

There has not been a formal policy per se on the Guyanese diaspora.

Guyanese politicians ‘talked’ to the diaspora in their visits telling them to return home and invest but they offered no specific or concrete projects. There was no formal policy. Succeeding Guyana governments worked with some members of the diaspora on discrete projects that benefited a few or that were self-serving. Missing is a proactive engagement

policy of mutual interest for the entire diaspora, or practical collaboration as equal partners. They did not engage the diaspora as active equal partners in development; they did not seek the advice of the diaspora as the governments of India or El Salvador or Mexico or Jamaica did.

During the mid-1990s, then BJP leader Atal Beharri Vajpayee met with the Indian diaspora in Manhattan during which Guyanese Dharamdatt Sukhai Durjan broached the subjects of the role of the Indian diaspora in India’s development and the conditions of the Indian diaspora in developing countries overseas. Vajpayee committed that should his BJP were to come into government, he would commission a study on the diaspora and establish a formal institution to

engage them. Vajpayee’s d e p u t y, L a l K r i s h n a Advani Vajpayee, made a similar commitment when he engaged the diaspora, including Guyanese, in New York. Vavpayee and Advani honoured both promises after they became PM and deputy PM respectively in 1998. An Overseas Indian Ambassador was set up in Manhattan and he engaged the diaspora regularly, including meeting Indo-Caribbeans in NY and India. Ramsaran, myself and other Guyanese met with him regularly in NY on diaspora policy. We also engaged PM Vajpayee in his every visit to NY on policies beneficial to the Caribbean; we lobbied for greater assistance to the Caribbean. Manmohan Singh replaced Vajpayee as PM in May 2004. He deepened engagement with Continued on Page 7

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

More stringent COVID-19 measures needed Dear Editor,

I WISH to take this opportunity to recognise the Government of Guyana, particularly the Ministry of Health, the office of the Prime Minister, the office of the President, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and all other ministries and ministers for their admirable and splendid efforts in attempting to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our country.

Unfortunately, since the emergence of this awful disease, we have seen the loss of tens of thousands of lives, particularly in countries such as India and Brazil, whose daily death toll is heartbreakingly staggering. Even in Guyana, our rate of infection is quite alarming given the ratio per capita.

It is unfortunate that despite the infection numbers rising across the globe, there are those who simply ignore it. For those of us who are mindful of the gravity of this terrible epidemic, I take this opportunity to remind those who are indifferent about this horrific disease that it has

the ability to decimate mankind in the same manner that a hostile alien invader invades a body and kills the host as it travels from person to person. When the COVID-19 virus mutates, it poses an even more serious threat.

Many people are unaware that they may be asymptomatic and therefore transmit the disease. They are unaware that this virus is a killer capable of destroying not only themselves, but also their friends, families, and anyone else in their path.

If the disaster in India is not a wake-up call, I do not know what is! As we speak, India’s COVID-19 death toll continues to surge, so much so that bodies, given the large number of deaths, are being washed up along the great Ganges. My fingers tremble and my heart aches as I type this!

Here in Guyana, the challenges we encounter in persuading the indifferent minds are understandable. However, if we are to put an end to this, we must instill more discipline in the people by establishing and applying tougher rules and regulations.

I believe that impromptu raids, for example, at the Mon Repos

Formal diaspora...

develop a new one. There the diaspora, establishing is need for a formal policy a Ministry of Overseas or structure to link diverse Indian Affairs headed by communities of Guyanese Vyalar Ravi who never d i a s p o r a , s t r e n g t h e n gave up an opportunity to overseas bonds, and explore meet with Indo-Caribbeans the benefits of collaboration to listen to their concerns b e t w e e n g o v e r n m e n t and recommendations on and them. Just like how improving relations between India formally engages India and the Caribbean; he met Ramsaran regularly h e r d i a s p o r a w i t h a n in NY and India. Modi institutionalised structure replaced Manmohan as PM and an office established in May 2014 replacing the s p e c i f i c a l l y f o r t h a t Ministry with an Office for purpose, holding regular Diaspora within the Ministry meetings with community of Foreign Affairs that has leaders and consulting been actively engaging the diaspora experts, Guyana diaspora; a Senior and a g o v e r n m e n t s h o u l d junior Minister took charge of diaspora affairs with who examine that or a similar I engaged in NY and Delhi. w o r k a b l e m o d e l . T h e India has attracted annually government must recruit tens of billions in American people with expertise in d o l l a r s o f i n v e s t m e n t the field to assist it. It is from her diaspora over not a task for amateurs the last 15 years because or those who will learn of her engagement. The o n t h e j o b . T h i s i s a diaspora has championed skilled task. Government investment and charitable needs specialists in the and philanthropic activities in India; Indo-Caribbeans field. Staff has to have a assisted in those endeavours. love for, an interest in, and The government cheered b a c k g r o u n d i n t h e the diaspora and honoured f i e l d . G u y a n e s e l i k e several who contributed to Ramsaran and myself, development of India. with extensive experience Guyana should consider in diaspora engagements, emulating the Indian model would be willing to lend a as indeed several other helping hand. countries have done or Yours faithfully, some other model or Vishnu Bisram From Page 6

Market, shops on Water and Regent Street, the seawall and other recreational places, mosques, temples, and churches, are necessary to ensure that procedures are observed. I would also go so far as to recommend that offenders be detained in a “stockade,” so to speak. A school building could be used for this purpose, where perpetrators could be detained for 12 to 24 hours. They must not have access to their mobiles whilst in the stockade, and can only make one phone call to a family member or friend. They would be required to sign a statement, both soft and hard copies, explaining that they were detained for violating the law and that a recurrence would result in more stringent detention time.

This is for the sake of instilling fear in their hearts and the inconvenience of being detained!

Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the Government of Guyana to appoint or consider COVID-19 “enforcers/counselors”, comprising of high school students, business people, other professionals, university students, and even members of

the public. These enforcers/ counsellors who volunteer their time can be appointed to be on the lookout for those who violate the COVID-19 protocols and regulations. These enforcers/ counsellors can warn them, show them pictures of the stockade, and if they do not comply, then off they go to the stockade. If people in Guyana who break these rules see this as a scare, they may probably adhere to the COVID-19 protocols more. We need to create such “enforcer/ counsellor teams” from Berbice to Essequibo, from the West Coast of Demerara to the West Bank of Demerara, to all interior areas, etc. These enforcers/counsellors can be given an ID card and certificate appointing and recognising them for their voluntary work in the aide of Guyana’s development and growth during this difficult time. This certificate of recognition can even be used as a form of patriotic motivation and for which can be produced in time to come to get certain benefits for their personal development.

With the aforementioned in mind, I also wish to recommend

to the Government of Guyana to accept the Antigen test upon entry to Guyana, so as to facilitate travels. Antigens are widely used in the USA and other developed countries. It is even commonly accepted for Guyanese flying to the United States. It simplifies life and is less costly. As a frequent flyer that flies on a need-to basis for business and medical emergencies, getting the PCR test completed so as to return to Guyana can be inconvenient at times. Take for instance in the United States, where it is sometimes very difficult to get a PCR test in time to travel within three days of the test. On a recent emergency trip, I was told that I would have to wait five days for my results, despite being told earlier that it would take only 24 hours. This seemed to be a ruse to me for the profitability of the laboratory in Fort Lauderdale.

My point here is this: in order to facilitate travel, we take the Antigen test in the United States or elsewhere before returning to Guyana, much as we would for entry into another country. If the PCR is still required by law upon entry into

Guyana, I respectfully propose we do it here, allowing local labs and clinics in Guyana a chance to make some money while also lowering the cost to the Guyanese traveller returning home.

While I share this Antigen concept, I was asked on Facebook in a very derogatory manner if I was “going on vacation” and why I was vehemently advocating for Antigens when I could afford a PCR test. I certainly was not going on any vacation.

That was the farthest thing from my mind, and I am sure it is the same for most people who have to travel for emergency purposes.

At that moment, I realised that some people will rather assume than understand.

I hope my suggestions are taken into consideration, but most importantly, I pray that Almighty God heals us from within! I implore all to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and follow the government’s restrictions and protocols. We will only be safe if everyone else is safe!

Sincerely, Haji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Economic growth or environmental protection can both take place Dear Editor,

I HAVE read various news items and letters on the controversy surrounding removing mangrove trees in the Malgre Tout/Versailles area. It seems as if many of

the utterances were emotional reactions rather than a scientific ones.

One recognises the vast importance of the mangrove trees. They help to stabilise the ecosystem of the coastline and prevent erosion.

However, nature’s ways are not perfect, and one must appreciate its limitations. Manmade kokers are necessary, for example, to help control floods.

Would the Tristar proposed development significantly affect the ecosystem and contribute to destruction of the environment and degradation of the shoreline? The developer/government has

indicated that they will install structures (steel sheet piling) to strengthen the shoreline and do whatever to help protect the environment.

As someone who has studied the field of resource management and one who promotes conservation and environmental protection, I have recognised the need to appreciate the three-pillar conception of social, eco-

nomic and ecological sustainability. Suppose the developer is conscious of the social and physical environment and the need to sustain the vista and ecosystem of the area (as seems to be the case).

In that case, I surmise that the development should proceed.

(It seems as if the Ramada Inn/Pegasus Hotel folks did a marvellous job at their shoreline. They have an at-

tractive man-made beach, and there are no mangroves there!)

There are push and pull factors to choose either economic growth or environmental protection.

At times, we can achieve both if proper planning is in place.

Dear Editor, I’VE been following very closely reports in

sections of the media about the successes of our farmers for the first rice crop of 2021. This crop, formally known as the Spring Crop, usually sets the tone for rice production figures for the year. A successful first crop puts you in a better position to have commendable production figures at the end of the year.

I am a cash-crop farmer from Region Six, but I have many friends who plant rice. They all tell me that with the interest I have in rice I should venture into rice production, but I enjoy what I do.

For this crop, all of my friends have completed reaping and enjoyed favourable yields. Their averages are between 50 to 54 bags per acre. At the end of every crop I would usually engage them about their overall experience and what they think could’ve been done to improve their activities.

Generally, their experiences were similar.

What stood out this time around was the fact that they all said more engagement was had between themselves and the extension officers

attached to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Guyana Rice Development Board. They all expressed that the extension officers were more available this time around. The reason for this, in my opinion, is the no-nonsense approach taken by the Agriculture Minister and him insisting that extension officers needed to up their game, so to speak.

However, whatever the reason may be, I’d like to commend those extension officers for their hard work and increased efforts during the crop.

They also said that they could see more efforts were being put into preparing and maintaining dams by the NDIA and the regional offices. This reminded me of when the government took office and millions of dollars were spent almost immediately to take care of dams, so that rice farmers could transport their paddy. Although some of those dams are once again in a terrible state due to the rains, I want to commend those who worked to have those dams repaired in time for harvesting.

The leadership of the Ministry of Agricul-

ture must also be commended. During the first farmer’s field day for the year, which was hosted by the GRDB, a charge was made for extension officers to work with low-yielding farmers to improve their cultivation. Many low-yielding farmers would’ve benefited from this exercise.

A great deal of advice was given and I hope that farmers would be able to apply what was taught in order to improve their current cultivation. It seems as though those in charge are working to address low yields from the source.

In conclusion, I want to encourage our nation’s farmers to continue with their valiant efforts. I also want to encourage the government to continue supporting our farmers. I see a great deal of support is being given and I urge those responsible for guiding the sector to continue to invest the necessary resources, so that our yields can continue to increase with every crop. Kudos.

Yours truly, Devanand Bhagwan

I commend our nation’s rice farmers

Yours truly, Bisnauth Rampersaud

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

400 jobs to be created through Linden duo $20M block-making project wanted by police

-vulnerable communities in Regions 3, 4, 6 and 10 being targeted

By Jared Liddell IN keeping with government’s promise of job creation, the Ministry of Housing and Water, on Monday, launched its $20 million pilot Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP) in Tiger Bay. The initiative, which is the brainchild of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, was conceptualised with the goal of creating block-making jobs in several vulnerable communities in four regions.

Of the project sum, $3.9 million has been set aside for the Tiger Bay community.

In the coming months, the project will be expanded to include Albouystown, East Ruimveldt, West Ruimveldt, Sophia, Agricola, Mocha, Lusignan, and Buxton in Region Four, along with, Linden in Region 10, Canje in Region Six and a number of still-to-be determined communities in Region Three.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said the initiative is aimed at unemployment reduction and noted that block makers in the identified communities are strategically positioned to benefit from the CESP initiative, which is expected to create some 400 jobs.

He explained that with the construction sector taking off, this is a pivotal juncture for wealth expansion of persons in the construction chain, which includes block makers and suppliers.

“The construction sector as you know is taking off once again and the demands are many. Participation at this activity will allow those of you who are willing to make the commitment to become exposed to the world of work in a much more structured manner, become entrepreneurs for yourselves and better provide for your families. One such demand that I am alluding to is the demand for blocks,” Minis-

ter Croal said.

He highlighted that currently there is a market of demand for 123,000 blocks that will be used for the construction of houses being built by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in Cummings Lodge on the East Coast of Demerara and Prospect which us located on the East Bank corridor.

Further, he noted that the ministry has secured the commitment of 10 contractors to purchase the blocks produced through the CESP initiative.

The initiative, according to the ministry, comes not just as a job creation platform, but also a platform for the creation of new entrepreneurs in the block-making business.

Minister Croal indicated that the ministry will work to provide start-up support to those participating in the project.

“If you are not already a block maker or you have the skill and may have been working for someone, now is the time to become an entrepreneur; you have nothing to lose. The CH&PA will provide the support and the start-up materials, even credit and training and certification from the GNBS to ensure that the blocks you make meets the contractors’ demands. All you have to do is take up the challenge,” the minister told those gathered at the launching ceremony.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, stated that the aim of the government is to “teach its citizens to fish” so as to ensure that each person is equipped with adequate training and experience to ensure sustained earning as the economy develops.

“We don’t want to give you a fish, we want to teach you how to fish, we want to empower our people so that they can go out there and

find employment or start their own business, so that they can enrich their own lives improve their own lives and that of their families. They don’t have to be dependent on government.

We want to make you fully independent, but it is our responsibility as your leaders, as your government, to provide those opportunities for you to take advantage of,” said Minister Rodrigues.

Further, she noted that the ministry chose the most vulnerable communities because the government is cognisant of its commitment to improving the standard of living of all Guyanese regardless of race, religion or geographical location.

She noted that the equitable distribution of wealth in Guyana is especially important to the government as the country’s economy continues to grow.

Minister Rodrigues also noted that the CESP provides a type of connected work environment that could only serve to improve the work ethics of those employed at the block-making organisations as they would have deadlines to meet for contractors and other persons purchasing blocks from their businesses.

“It’s not just about buying blocks from a block maker to supply a contractor. The programme addresses a softer issue of training and not just training in block-making skills but ensuring that we help in life coaching. A lot of vulnerable communities and people who live in vulnerable communities have been out of work for a very long time and sometimes it is difficult for them to even know what is their responsibility when they do have to go and work. They have to train themselves to have that discipline to be able to show up to work, to be able to participate meaningfully,” she added.

THE Guyana Police Force, on Monday, issued a wanted bulletin for the arrest of Kevin Adams in connection with the death of Samuel De Souza.

Adams’s last known address is Lot 51 Victoria Alley Street, Wismar, Linden.

A wanted bulletin was also issued for another Linden resident known as Nicolai Cameron.

The 29-year-old is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to rape.

His last known ad-

dress is Lot 28 Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, Linden.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the duo

is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 442-0759, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

Wanted: Kevin Adams

Wanted: Nicolai Cameron

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Family in disbelief after nine-year-old’s tragic death

THE family of nine-yearold, Enam Holder, whose life was tragically cut short on Sunday when he was crushed by a garbage truck, is still struggling to come to grips with his passing.

The lad’s father, Nigel Holder who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday evening, related that the accident occurred at Church Street, Section ‘C’ Field, Sophia, while his son was making his way home.

According to the man, he received the message about the accident shortly after his son left his side to return home.

“Yesterday me and my son was in the shop along with his mother and he left

Enam Holder

to go with his sister to do something and on his way home he reach up with an accident with the truck,” the grieving man said, adding: “While I was going home I receive the message that my son get smash up. The truck just smash his head and that’s all I know.”

The Guyana Chronicle was unable to speak to the lad’s mother, Roxxane H o l d e r, a s s h e w a s inconsolable and in and out of consciousness.

According to a police report, the garbage truck which was picking up garbage was proceeding east along the roadway when the driver stopped in the vicinity of a heap of mud, which was on the southern side of the

said road. He exited to assist his porter to load the garbage onto the truck.

He then re-entered the truck and while driving off, the lad who was proceeding in the same direction, tried to pass the truck on the southern side and rode onto the mud before losing control of his bicycle.

The boy fell onto the road surface under the garbage truck, and as a result, the right side rear wheel ran over his head.

The police said Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. The body was then taken to the Lyken Funeral Home Mortuary to await a post-mortem examination.

A breathalyzer test conducted on the motor lorry driver showed a 0.00 reading. He remains in custody, assisting the police with further investigations.

According to the police, a notice of intended

prosecution was prepared and served.

The young lad was described as a pleasant and loving individual. He leaves behind his parents and three siblings.

The child’s mangled bicycle after the accident

Man dies after motorcycles collide A COLLISION between two motorcyclists along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, has left one dead and another injured.

Reports indicate that the accident occurred around 17:00hrs on Sunday. Dead is Calvin Peters, 20, of East Ruimveldt Squatting Area.

The injured motorcyclist who is hospitalised was identified as Shemar Pratt.

Enquiries disclosed that the motorcycle which was being driven by Peters was proceeding south along the eastern side of Nelson Mandela Avenue.

While in the vicinity of the Multilateral Secondary School, he stopped his motorcycle in the centre of the said drive lane, in the path of another

Dead: Calvin Peters

motorcyclist driven by Shemar Pratt which was proceeding in the said direction.

Pratt subsequently collided with the rear right side portion of the stationary motorcycle. As a result of the collision, both riders fell to the

road surface where they received injuries about their bodies.

They were then picked up in a semi-conscious state by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Calvin Peters was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Shemar Pratt was also seen and examined by a doctor on duty and treated for head injuries and lacerations about the body. His condition is deemed stable.

Police said that the accident area was checked for the motorcycles, but none was seen as an investigation continues.

Venezuelan found with illegal firearm, ammunition remanded

JUNIOR Jose Garcia Ferrer, a Venezuelan man who was found with an illegal firearm and matching ammunition, on M o n d a y a p p e a re d at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Ferrer denied that he, on May 13, 2021, at the Cuyuni River,

had in his possession a Glock 19 pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence at the time. He also denied that on the same date and at the same place, he had in his possession 22 rounds of 9mm ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

According to the prosecution’s case, at about 16:00 hours on the day in question, ranks of

the Eteringbang Police Station were patrolling the Cuyuni River when they observed Ferrer in a boat.

When the stopped the boat and conducted a search, the items mentioned in the charge were found in a red haversack.

Ferrer was arrested and subsequently charged, and is scheduled to return to court on June 14.

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Criticism of IRI ‘duplicitous and disingenuous’

--says PPP/C; Guyana should welcome electoral reform, contends Datadin

By Richard Bhainie THE People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has labelled the criticisms against the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) project on electoral reforms as “duplicitous and disingenuous”.

Through the U.S Department of State backed 18-month project, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Attorney-General’s Chambers and various civil society organisations (CSOs) are expected to advocate for electoral reform in accordance with regional and international standards.

It was reported that the stakeholders will collaborate to improve local electoral systems, and knowledge about constitutional law, establish an internal timeline to address electoral reform, improve collaboration for joint advocacy actions, and prioritise electoral and constitutional law issues, all while promoting reform through citizen engagement.

The project, however, has received much criticism from The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), the opposition-nominated GECOM commissioners, and the African

PPP/C Member of Parliament, Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin

executed an extensive voter-education campaign targeting youths, entitled “Vote Like a Boss”.

The party has noted that it was their intention, from the time they assumed office, to undertake electoral reforms that are government-driven, and that in doing so, the government will accept assistance from, and work with, international organisations willing to offer aid.

“Needless to say,” the PPP/C says in the release, “it is downright naive for anyone to think that such a process can be undertaken with-

expressed the view that the IRI should be given the opportunity to execute its mandate, as he had the privilege of addressing certain concerns with its Resident Director during her meeting with members of the Opposition last Tuesday.

The GHRA, in denouncing the IRI, had noted that the organisation’s affiliation with the United States Republican Party is worrying, and noted that “continued association with Republican politics, even with ‘Republicanism lite’ in the form of the IRI is unacceptable”. However, Ramjattan sought to explain to his followers on Facebook that while the Republican Party forms the trustees of the IRI, it does not influence their work.

“It is important that we understand, too, what is this IRI all about. It is my view, and having worked with them, to the extent of being associated with them in that 2013 – 2016 period… it had its origins in 1982, when Ronald Regan decided that both parties should have a foundation that should be sponsored by the State Department to have democracy globally enhanced,” he said.

“IRI was the foundation step up by State Department alloca-

Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon and his team, comprising Aubrey Norton, Khemraj Ramjattan, Amanza Walton-Desir and Roysdale Forde during their meeting last Tuesday. IRI Resident Director, Dorota Ryzy and its local representative, Sarah Bharrat, are also in photo Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) among others.

The PPP/C has posited that the role of the IRI is being “manipulated and misrepresented” to win political partisanship and ethnic sentiments. In making its claim, the PPP/C noted in a press release on Thursday that the IRI is not a new organisation to Guyana, as it has worked extensively with the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government prior to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“The International Republican Institute is not new to Guyana, and is part of a constellation of organisations that have worked to improve Guyana’s democratic process over the years. Indeed, the very APNU+AFC Coalition which is condemning the IRI now was comfortable in partnering with the very IRI during the 2011 and 2015 electoral campaigns across the country,” the PPP/C said in its press release.

It also highlighted that the IRI, in 2014, had supported the formation of The Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) which

out the input of the major opposition political party in Guyana. The law reforms must be done through the Parliament, and the Opposition will have an input both in and out of parliament.”

Last Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon and his team, comprising of Aubrey Norton, Khemraj Ramjattan, Amanza Walton-Desir, and Roysdale Forde, met with IRI Resident Director, Dorota Ryzy and its local representative, Sarah Bharrat to discuss their concerns.

NO POLITICAL MOTIVE At the meeting, Harmon expressed that he is of the opinion that the PPP/C Government may have intended to use the IRI as “an instrument to destroy the democratic processes in Guyana, and to fortify themselves in office”. He, however, said that the IRI’s Director has reassured him that there is no political motive involved.

Ramjattan, the former Minster of Public Security under the APNU+AFC coalition government, while appearing on a Facebook programme, called “Politics 101”, with WPA executive member, Dr. David Hinds last Thursday,

tions, and I think they can also get monies from charities and a whole host of other places for this global democratic objective. The Republican Party … they are the trustees for IRI, but when it has a programme like this, they have to accept the existing State Department guidelines as to how they operate in the various counties that they go to,” he added.

PPP/C Member of Parliament, Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin, appearing on a Facebook programme entitled “Let’s Talk Politics” with Edward Layne as host, expressed the view that “no sane person” will think that Guyana does not need every assistance it can get with its electoral process, as he referenced the elections fiasco that followed the March 2, 2020 General and Region Elections.

SYSTEMIC CHANGE “The system needs changing; there are things that need to be done. Our laws need to be amended; our Constitution needs to be strengthened. We cannot have people who are public officials working at GECOM deciding

what they want to do, and have that charade that we had to go through; it is so painful,” Datadin said, adding: “The only way to ensure it happens, is that we have to get some reform; we’ve got to put laws in place, and our Constitution has got to be adjusted, so that these mathematical geniuses; these ‘wordologists’ don’t twist things that are plain simple English, into things, and hold the nation at ransom.”

In addressing the GHRA’s calls for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to be at the helm

of electoral reforms, rather than the IRI, Datadin said that while he is certain that CARICOM will provide assistance, the situation should be confronted from a realistic approach, taking into consideration factors currently affecting CARICOM nations; factors such as the COVID-19 virus and the recent La Soufrière volcanic eruption on the island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

“There is no reason why we can’t listen to IRI and CARICOM as well; it’s not an ‘either-or-situation’. We should engage everyone that is willing

to engage with us. My personal view is, I don’t see it as being a CARICOM issue and IRI issue; this is an issue that really and truly has to be solved by our Parliament and our agencies, and it is really something that we need to have a hard conversation about,” Datadin said, adding: “But there is absolutely no reason why we can’t seek guidance; get the opinions of those experienced with it. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we don’t need to criticise and complain about assistance for the sake of complaining.”

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Diaspora conference to address remigration, security and more

THE Government of Guyana will be hosting its Inaugural Diaspora Conference on Saturday, May 22, under the theme, ‘A New Era of Engagement for the Guyanese Diaspora.’

The virtual forum, a c c o r d i n g t o F o re i g n Secretary, Robert Persaud,

seeks to provide a platform for Guyanese working and residing outside of Guyana to be constructively engaged on matters relating to the country’s development and how they can contribute.

It is slated to commence promptly at 09:00hrs.

Persaud told reporters

at a press conference on Monday that the engagement is in keeping with an earlier commitment made by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali to provide opportunities for Guyanese in the diaspora to participate and make positive contributions towards the transformation

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud and development of their homeland. “It is well documented that the Guyanese diaspora is highly skilled, patriotic and have a great desire to contribute,” Persaud said.

He noted too that the conference will seek to examine a number of areas and sectors including remigration, security, trade and investment prospects, as well as agriculture and youth development.

“It is envisioned that the conference will help to assure the diaspora of the Government’s commitment to fostering a deepened and sustained relationship to allow their participation in the country’s development,” the Foreign Secretary affirmed.

Responding to questions, Persaud assured that the engagements will not be part of “just another conference,” but will have an impact on future plans and policies instituted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. “It is intended to be one with a specific outcome and one that will inform government policy and interaction,” Persaud said.

He further noted that the PPP/C’s commitment to

supporting diaspora dialogue and contribution is aptly reflected in the move to establish a Diaspora Unit as a budgeted component of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Persaud believes that the forum will better enable and equip the newly-established Diaspora Unit to create a work programme which can be much more responsive to the needs of the diaspora.

“We expect from this conference to use the feedback so that it can impact on the Government’s plans to further engagement,” Persaud posited, adding, “this conference is about ensuring there is sustained and longterm results.”

BROADER INITIATIVE The conference also forms part of a broader objective to craft a Guyana Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Plan of Action, which will further guide diaspora engagements and partnerships.

In addition to President Ali delivering the keynote address, the forum will also feature presentations and discussions led by various government ministers and senior officials, including Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Other ministers slated to address the conference include Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs and

International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.

A number of other state agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) are also expected to participate.

Other key players, including the Private Sector Commission, led by Paul Cheong, and several foreign missions in Guyana, have also committed to be part of the initiative.

So far, in excess of 500 persons and groups outside of Guyana, particularly in the United States and Canada, have already registered to be part of the conference which will ultimately accommodate no more than 1,000 virtual participants.

Ms. Rosalinda Rasul, who heads the Diaspora Unit, said that Guyanese in the United Kingdom have also expressed interest in being part of the forum During a panel discussion held in February, President Ali had underscored the critical role of the diaspora communities in taking Guyana forward. “With the magnitude and scale of developmental opportunities that will take place, it requires a different mindset and I would like to see the diaspora coming together with their investment potential. It will be incredible if they come together and push for the opportunities that are ahead,” Dr. Ali had previously said.

Overseas-based Guyanese who wish to participate in Saturday’s conference, can visit https:// www.minfor.gov.gy/virtualdiaspora-conference2021-registration to get registered.

Seasonal flooding hits Region 9 hard THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is closely monitoring the seasonal flooding in several parts of Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo, Region Nine.

So far, the CDC noted that no homes were directly impacted but sections of roads, bridges and savannahs have been inundated.

The CDC is prepared to deploy resources and personnel to the region if assistance is required.

The regional authorities in Region Nine and all other administrative regions across Guyana are urged to be alert and activate their regional response mechanisms as required and in keeping with their Regional Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan.

Sections of the roadways taken over by floodwaters “It is noted that Guyana observe weather patterns is currently within the an- and at-risk areas,” the CDC nual May/June rainy season noted.

Persons in need of help during which the National Weather Watch Centre can contact the CDC's indicates that continuous National Emergency Monrainfall is expected. Res- itoring System (NEMS) idents are encouraged to on 600-7500, 226-1027, stockpile on potable water, and 226-1114 or they can food, health and hygiene send a message on their supplies; avoid flood waters Facebook, Instagram or and inundated areas; and Twitter accounts

‘Pursue decriminalisation of intimate same-sex relations’

13

guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

--ABCE countries urge local leaders CONSTRUCTING a society that respects the rights of every individual regardless of their sexual orientation will require certain regulatory changes, stakeholders have been advised.

In a message commemorating International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), resident representatives of the United States of America (U.S.); Great Britain; Canada and the European Union (EU), encouraged civil society and political leaders to embark on a process of engagement and change in 2021 with the aim of decriminalising intimate same-sex relations. “ We u n d e r s t a n d a n d respect that countries are at different stages of acceptance and engagement on this issue. Nevertheless, human rights of all persons are universal and indivisible,

and these include the human rights of LGBTQI+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex+] persons.

“We believe that May 17 is a day we can all come together and continue our dialogue and collaboration with all our partner states and civil society organisations to help bring an end to discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons,” the resident representatives said in a joint press statement.

Further, representatives of the developed nations said: “On this day, let’s raise our voices and recommit our efforts to put human dignity at the heart of all that we do to build more just and more inclusive societies.”

The diplomats contended that LGBTQI+ people still face serious challenges in their everyday lives. With 69 countries still criminalising same-sex relations, millions

of lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people live in fear of being who they are and showing whom they love.

Transgender people are subjected to punishments in at least 37 countries and experience unprecedented levels of violence across the globe.

“Education, awarenessraising and dialogue have helped tremendously in addressing stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTQI+ persons and we encourage Guyana to join regional partners to continue these efforts,” the representatives of the developed nations related.

This year, the IDAHOTB theme is “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!”, and it celebrates the power of communities to promote social cohesion.

The date May 17 was specifically chosen to commemorate the World H e a l t h O r g a n i z a t i o n ’s

decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. There has been some progress since this day was first celebrated in 2004.

“We are proud to see that countries in the hemisphere have taken concrete steps toward the elimination of discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons in the past year,” the diplomats said.

In Guyana, as in most other parts of the world, there are no public gatherings for IDAHOTB and Pride celebrations this year.

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), therefore, launched its second 592 Virtual Pride 2021, under the theme: “#LiveOutProud.”

The one-week online festival will commence on June 7, marking SASOD Guyana’s 18th anniversary, and run until June 13.

“LGBTQ+ persons and allies alike can look forward to the live launch on June 7, the Pride Yoga session on June 8, the Queer Film Night on June 9, the Queer Quiz Night on June 10, Pride Games Night on June 11, Caribbean Inferno Pride Party on June 12 and a final Pride Inter-Faith Forum on June 13, which brings the curtains down on the week of virtual activities,” SASOD said in a press statement.

Persons can follow SASOD Guyana on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more details on the upcoming 592 Virtual Pride celebrations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Control your blood pressure, live longer — Health Ministry advises on World Hypertension Day

RECOGNISING that there exists many challenges in identifying and caring for patients with hypertension, the Ministry of Health will embark on the HEARTS project.

This initiative will be spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and aims to reduce some of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

In observance of World Hypertension Day on Monday, under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer”, the ministry noted that Guyana is not exempt from the many challenges associated with hypertension, or high blood pressure as it is commonly known.

High blood pressure is considered a ‘silent killer’ as it often presents vague symptoms or no symptoms at all.

However, over time, once uncontrolled it commonly leads to chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, dementia and even death.

A message from the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on World Hypertension

Day noted that with stroke and ischemic heart disease, arising from hypertension, consistently being among the top three causes of death in Guyana, the implementation of the HEARTS initiative aims to reduce premature death and disability from hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

HEARTS is the acronym for Healthy lifestyle counselling, Evidence-based protocols, Access to essential medicines and technology, Risk-based cardiovascular disease management, Teambased care and Systems for monitoring. It is fundamentally evidence-based practice in diagnosing and treating arterial hypertension.

According to the PAHO website, HEARTS is being implemented and expanded in 16 countries of the region of the America, to include 739 health centres across the region, which together covers approximately 7.5 million adults in the respective catchment areas.

PAHO’s aim is that the HEARTS model will be the model for cardiovascular disease risk management, including hypertension, diabetes,

and dyslipidemia in primary health care in the region of the Americas by 2025.

An estimated 1.13 billion

persons globally, with more

(ARMS) will soon be offering the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

She made this disclosure while reading the committee’s report to the RDC at its May 12 statutory meeting.

Sukdeo informed the councillors that the Department of

Education is hoping to commence the CAPE programme in September 2021. A building in the compound of the school will be rehabilitated to house CAPE students and teachers.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva said that she is happy with this

than two-thirds living in lowand middle-income countries, are affected by hypertension, with men being slightly more

at risk than women. However,

fewer than one in five people with hypertension are well controlled worldwide.

According to the Guyana STEPS Survey conducted in 2016, 18.4 per cent of Guyanese who were found to have raised (high) blood pressure were not on medication, the Health Minister noted in his message.

He noted that nationwide implementation of HEARTS will standardise the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, and medical practitioners will be more equipped with evidence-based knowledge at the community level.

The project will also see the review and procurement of more effective medicines to treat high blood pressure and the screening services offered to the population will be more efficient to allow for cases to be detected earlier.

This will see a lowering of complications and death rates arising from hypertension and the Ministry of Health expects to see significant positive outcomes from the HEARTS project, within two to five years, Anthony said.

“Despite the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, work has begun on

this transformative project for primary healthcare in keeping with this government’s vision to develop an adequate, well-trained, competent, and compassionate healthcare workforce,” Anthony said in his message.

The Health Minister in his World Hypertension Day message encouraged citizens to learn how to measure their blood pressure and how to control, to live longer. He urged that persons request their health care providers to teach them how to measure their pressure.

“Make sure that you check your blood pressure regularly to ensure that it is controlled. In addition, if you are on medication for hypertension, make sure that you take your treatment as prescribed by your doctor, avoid skipping your tablets,” he noted.

Dr. Anthony also commended all health care professionals for their commitment and efforts in ensuring that persons with hypertension are properly diagnosed, managed and controlled and charged stakeholders to work together to reduce the burden of the “disease”.

development, since most of the online courses being offered through the government’s Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) initiative require participants to have at

least two CAPE subjects.

De Silva said this requirement puts the region’s students at a disadvantage, since there is no Sixth Form school to offer CAPE.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed by the Regional Education Officer Nichola Matthews that the Department of Education had conducted a feasibility study for the exam and a building has been identified.

Matthews explained to this publication that Law and Business Administration are the subjects that will be offered to students attaining five subjects and over, including Mathematics and English at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

Those two subjects will be available to students from all the secondary schools in Region Two. The Department of Education is now tasked with furnishing the building and ensuring that the school is provided with the necessary curriculum guides.

The Guyana Chronicle was also informed that the region has achieved universal secondary education status and that communities in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River have a secondary school, as opposed to an annex.

Headmaster of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, Lalljeet Rooplall, said that many students are excited to commence the CAPE programme. He said that ARMS is happy to be offering CAPE subjects which will help to enhance the education level of the region’s students.

Students who recently completed their CSEC studies are very excited about this new venture and are calling on the relevant stakeholders to speed up the process.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony

Anna Regina Secondary to offer CAPE

By Indrawattie Natram CHAIRPERSON of the Regional Education Committee, Shaleenie Sukdeo, has informed the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) that the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School

Regional Education Officer Nichola Matthews and the Headmaster of the Anna Regina Secondary, Lalljeet Rooplall

Chairperson for the Regional Education\ Committee, Shaleenie Sukdeo

guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

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New Chilean ambassador accredited -- Guyana-Chile relations bolstered by similar aspirations, values, says President Ali PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that the a c c re d i t a t i o n o f J u a n Manuel Pino Vásquez as Chilean Ambassador t o G u y a n a i s t i m e l y, particularly as the two countries prepare to commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations.

The Head of State made these remarks after the accreditation ceremony on Monday at the Office of the President.

“Your accreditation, therefore, is as timely an occasion to underscore the excellent relations we enjoy, and which have been enhanced in recent years through your embassy in Georgetown. Our relations have been bolstered by our deep commitment to democratic values; the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, and the guarantee of fundamental freedoms.

We are also enjoined in our commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and the sanctity of treaties.”

He added that inhabitants of the South American nations harbour similar aspirations with respect to economic opportunities, social advancement and safety and security.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he emphasised that the Government of Guyana is working to protect the lives and livelihoods of Guyanese, while strengthening the foundations of democracy in an effort to build a more resilient and sustainable economy.

“We remain focused in particular on the development of our agriculture sector while harnessing the opportunities in emerging sectors such as oil and gas and information communications technology.”

A R E A S O F COOPERATION President Ali noted that Guyana-Chile relations have been buttressed by cooperation in various areas such as geology, mining, agriculture, and human resource development, which has been expressed at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.

The Framework Agreement on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between the two countries, signed in 1994, he explained, remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

“The Statement of Intent on Cooperation i n E n e rg y a n d M i n i n g and the Memorandum of

Understanding between the “Andres Bello” Diplomatic Academy of Chile and the Foreign Service Institute of Guyana, demonstrate our desire to enhance cooperation,” the Head of State said.

E N H A N C E D RELATIONS “The time is now opportune for further enlargement and diversification of our relations. I welcome your indication of Chile’s interest in strengthening economic and commercial links…I bid you a warm welcome to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. I congratulate you on your appointment and wish you a successful tenure.”

In his remarks, the newly accredited ambassador stated that Chile shares a similar vision with Guyana regarding development policies, regional and global affairs, human rights, the defence of democracy and territorial integrity.

The new ambassador pointed to future collaboration on major projects in agriculture, training, human resources, and mining development.

He also indicated that there will be opportunities for enhanced partnership in other areas, such as the environment, energy, human resource development and human rights.

“This is my first post as an ambassador, and it is an honour to me it started in Guyana, a member country that links South America and the Caribbean in a privileged position. Thank you very much, Mr President.”

Va s q u e z h a s s e r v e d in various international relations positions in South America since 1992.

These include his most recent posts of Counsellor and Consul General of Chile in Argentina from 2016-2017 and Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Counsellor in Paraguay.

He is replacing Patricio Becker as Chilean Ambassador to Guyana.

The simple ceremony, which was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and his Permanent Secretary, Elisabeth Harper, was held at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

Guyana and Chile established diplomatic relations on July 22, 1971.

(Public Information and Press Services Unit)

Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Juan Manuel Pino Vásquez, presents his Letter of Credence to President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday at the Office of the President

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Region 2 communities to get free WiFi

MANY villages on the Essequibo Coast and in the riverine areas will soon benefit from governmentinstalled WiFi, free of

In responding to opposition councillor, Trevor Cozier’s comment that many students in the Lower Pomeroon River are requesting the WiFi service to get their assignments done, she said such a facility will be installed through the Prime Minister’s office.

C o z i e r, d u r i n g t h e meeting, stated that many

R e g i o n T w o Chairperson, Vilma De Silva cost, according to Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva.

De Silva made this revelation to councillors during a recent meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

O p p o s i t i o n councillor, Trevor Cozier

are doing online courses and are finding that the purchasing of data is very expensive.

It was then that he was informed by De Silva, who was the chair of the RDC meeting, that a team from the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) visited the region to assess how many of the hubs were functioning.

She said that based on that assessment, the necessary recommendations were made for WiFi in several areas.

She also said discussions were held with the team to ensure that priority will be given to the Pomeroon and hinterland communities.

Cozier subsequently commended the efforts of the NDMA and called on them to speed up the process so that the students in particular can benefit.

guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Guyana deeply values education for sustainable development

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, during her virtual participation on Monday E D U C AT I O N M i n i s t e r, Priya Manickchand, on Monday, participated in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) Wo r l d C o n f e r e n c e o n Education for Sustainable Development where she registered Guyana’s continued commitment to this process.

According to a release, the minister said that education for sustainable development is not new to Guyana and its commitment to this process started in 2009 through the Low Carbon Development Process built around the sustainable use

of its forestry resources.

She said that this process forms the basis of policies at a national level that aims to transform Guyana’s economy to deliver greater economic and social development and to provide a model for the world on how climate change can be addressed through low carbon development in developing countries.

Further, the Education Minister noted that the development of an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Policy in 2016 by the education sector in Guyana is a testament to the country’s commitment. She said that great

strides have been made as it relates to the policy objectives that are still relevant today.

“These are evident in our ongoing curriculum reform process, which articulates the Guyana vision of the new curriculum where Guyanese students have the knowledge, skills, and values to live life and reach his/her potential to participate positively towards social cohesion and sustainable national, regional and global transformation,” Minister Manickchand remarked.

She added that the m i n i s t r y ’s 2 0 2 1 – 2 0 2 5 Education Sector Plan that will be launched soon is the sector’s policy position with a 2030 vision that is about providing opportunities for quality, equitable education and lifelong learning for all that are aligned with all of the Sustainable Development Goal Four targets. She said that these two documents are the roadmaps through which the ESD is integrated into the education sector in Guyana.

Minister Manickchand said that Guyana supports any movement towards Education for Sustainable Development.

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guyana CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Project signed to empower LGBTQ community THE High Commission of Canada, on Monday, signed a new project that will be funded through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and implemented by EQUAL Guyana.

According to a release, EQUAL Guyana is a nongovernmental human rights organisation whose aim is to engage, educate and empower LGBTQ communities and allies in Guyana to create an atmosphere of acceptance and respect that can foster individual and community development.

The name of the project is ‘Promoting Gender Equality with the focus of establishing LGBTQI+ rights through engagement, education and empowerment’. It will be executed over one year.

The signing date, May 17, is significant as it is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This year’s t h e m e i s : “ To g e t h e r : Resisting, Supporting, Healing!” It celebrates the power of communities to promote social cohesion.

Canadian High C o m m i s s i o n e r, M a r k Berman, in his remarks, highlighted that Canada is pleased to be a key contributor to the growth of the global movement against discrimination and violence towards LGBTQ persons.

“The project highlights the necessity for more dialogue to encourage change in attitudes and p r o m o t e i n c l u s i v i t y.

Changing perceptions is never easy but the key to success is persistence.

Canada remains committed to working in solidarity with other governments and civil society organisations towards the goal of ending discrimination and violence against LGBTQ persons,” he said.

“No one should be subjected to discrimination or violence because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. In the words of Prime Minister

Justin Trudeau, “[E]veryone deserves to live free of stigma, persecution, and discrimination – no matter who they are or whom they love,” he added.

E Q U A L G u y a n a ’s Managing Director, Anil Persaud, stated that their mandate is to promote LGBTQ rights and create a safer, more inclusive and progressive society.

“We believe in more open communication and the unmatched power of creating strong working relationships with our allies in all sectors. We have not been antagonistic, h o w e v e r, w e r e m a i n cognisant of our realities, and develop mechanisms and methodologies that are somewhat unconventional, but have proven to be positive and promising,” he stated. Through the project, the organisation will be doing several campaigns to encourage dialogue and promote social change.

Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, who was also present at the signing event, indicated that she was pleased to see more civil society organisations addressing the rights of the LGBTQ community, but noted that Guyana still has a long way to go.

“We have a long way to go. We have not made many of the changes that many other countries of the world have made.

However, I believe strongly in the three principles that Equal Guyana is also promoting – the idea of engagement, education and [empowerment]. I believe they are critical tools and foundations upon which we can reduce prejudice, ignorance and intolerance within our society,” she said.

“What I find interesting about IDAHOTB is that it recognises the individuality and the uniqueness of different countries, their cultural, religious practices and diversity that lead to sometimes different approaches and different solutions to ensure all people in society have equal

rights” Minister Teixeira noted.

The High Commission continues to stand with our partners in government and civil society in the call for the elimination of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, t r a n s g e n d e r, q u e e r / questioning and intersex (LGBTQ) persons and the respect for their human rights, the release said.

From left: Raiza Khan – Consultant Psychologist at EQUAL Guyana; High Commissioner, Mark Berman; Minister Gail Teixeira; Anil Persaud – Managing Director of EQUAL Guyana and Scott Singh, Project Coordinator at EQUAL Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

India brace for long quarantine: two weeks in Mumbai, 10 days in Southampton THE Indian contingent that will head to the UK for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand and the five-match Test series against England this summer will undergo a hard quarantine, spanning two weeks, starting May 19.

Also part of this plan will be the Indian women's squad, which is scheduled to play a one-off Test followed by three ODIs and three T20Is. Both the Indian squads will assemble in Mumbai and are likely to fly out together on a charter flight to London on June 2.

As per the BCCI's plan, the 20 players in the men's Test squad, excluding those residing in Mumbai, will start their quarantine at the team hotel from Wednesday. The BCCI has arranged charter flights that will pick up all the players, coaches and support staff from different parts of India and bring them to Mumbai.

From May 24 onwards the rest of the squad and members of the team management residing in Mumbai, including Indian captain Virat Kohli, his deputy Ajinkya Rahane, senior batsman Rohit Sharma along with head coach Ravi Shastri, will enter the bio-secure bubble at the Mumbai team hotel.

The Mumbai group will also serve a strict home quarantine starting on May 19.

To ensure the bubble is completely secure, the BCCI has arranged for all members - both the men's and women's squads - to get three negative tests before they board the

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flights to Mumbai. There will be further testing done at the team hotel in Mumbai before they embark on the London flight.

SAHA TO JOIN MUMBAI BUBBLE LATER Wriddhiman Saha, who is one of the two wicketkeepers along with Rishabh Pant for the WTC final and the England series, will join the Mumbai bubble in the week leading to the England departure. Saha had tested positive for Covid-19 during his stay in the Delhi leg of the IPL where he plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that Saha, who has been in quarantine for two weeks, has got the BCCI permission to visit his family in Kolkata before he heads to Mumbai to join the Indian Test squad.

Saha was one of the three players, along with KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna, whose availability, the BCCI had said while naming the squad, was subject to fitness. Rahul had undergone surgery to treat appendicitis during the IPL where he is captain of Punjab Kings. Krishna, who plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders, had tested positive for Covid-19 a day after returning from the IPL to his home town Bengaluru recently.

TEN-DAY QUARANTINE IN SOUTHAMPTON The men's squad will head directly to Southampton where India will play South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:15 hrs Mcebishi 08:50 hrs Veld Flower 09:25 hrs Senescence 10:00 hrs Vars Vicky 10:35 hrs Nordic Rebel 11:05 hrs Imperial Duke English Racing Tips Nottingham 08:10 hrs Unspoken 08:45 hrs King Of Clubs 09:20 hrs Legendary Day 09:55 hrs New Day 10:30 hrs Atomic Jack 11:00 hrs Annie Rose

The India squad will arrive in Mumbai before travelling to the UK on a charter flight. (BCCI photo)

New Zealand in the inaugural WTC final between June 18-22. ESPNcricinfo understands that as per the permission sought from the British government by the ECB, which will coordinate with the ICC in hosting the WTC final, the Indian Test squad will undergo a 10-day quarantine at the team hotel which is located within the ground premises in Southampton.

However unlike the hard quarantine in Mumbai, the Indian squad would be allowed to train in a controlled fashion within the Southampton bubble, which will comprise the team hotel and the ground and training facilities.

BCCI AWAITS EXEMPTION FOR FAMILY MEMBERS One significant question still facing the BCCI is getting exemptions for the family members of the Indian contingent. It is learnt that the ECB is working with the UK government on seeking these exemptions.

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With the number of Covid cases nearing 25 million overall, India is only behind the US globally and also has the third-largest death count since the pandemic hit.

Recently the UK government had put India on the red list of countries for travel - both outbound and inbound.

Despite most of its adult population having received at least one shot of the vaccine, the UK government has been cautious about incoming travellers from India mainly due to concern over the growing number Mof cases related to the coronavirus variant, B.1.617.2, which originated in India. On Monday, Matt Hancock, the British Health Secretary said there were about 2,323 cases of the Indian variant.

At present, the BCCI has allowed family members to be part of the Mumbai bubble. The family members will undergo the same bio-safety protocols meant for the team while living in the bubble.(Cricinfo).

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JFF congratulates former Reggae Boy Wes Morgan after FA Cup success THE Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has offered its congratulations to former Reggae Boy Wes Morgan, whose side Leicester City defeated a star-studded Chelsea 1-0 to win the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday.

Youri Tielemans’ longrange strike in the 63rd minute was enough to give the Foxes a 1-0 victory over their more celebrated rivals.

“We are extremely happy for Wes,” said JFF President Michael Ricketts. “He has been a great soldier for Leicester City and a willing servant for Jamaica. There is no better way to bow out of the professional game than with a prestigious trophy.

We wish nothing but the very best for him in the future.”

Morgan hinted at retirement following Saturday’s victory that gave Leicester City their first-ever hold on the trophy.

“Nothing’s been announced yet, I need to discuss it with the club, but I don’t think I’ve got too many more miles on the clock, we’ll say that,” said Morgan who played the last eight minutes of the match after being out with a back injury since December.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to make the squad. The gaffer asked me if I could make it on the bench and I said if I’m needed for the last 10 minutes, I’ll be available.

We were 1-0 up and the last thing I expected a week ago was to be playing again, but I came on and now I have won the FA Cup.” The FA Cup is the second major trophy captain Morgan has won with Leicester City.

He lifted the English Premier League with the club in 2016.

Morgan made 30 appearances for the Reggae Boyz between 2013 and 2016.(Sportsmax).

‘We can’t give up on getting back to our... (From back page) must find a way to create a winning culture, supported by adequate incentives that combined makes players feel financially and emotionally secure.

We want our players to choose West Indies cricket in a heartbeat. To be fair, the current Cricket West Indies administration has adopted a player-first approach, but there is much more work to do, a lot more.

Finally, a lot of responsibility must fall on the shoulders of the players and we

must not be afraid to say so.

They are the ones that must dream of, and work towards, being the very best at what they do. Especially as it relates to things like fitness.

Failing a fitness Test has to be be a big, no-no, that is poor on their part and there can be no excuses. The long climb back to the top will take more than a few guys to step up. Cricket is a collective sport, and it will require a team effort, from all of us.

(Sportsmax)

Choo-wee-nam and Narine lead... (From page 27) lotted 30 overs, Richmond Hill reached 280-8. Laddi Singh, who got the wicket of Narine, finished with 5-24.

When Punjab batted, Narine and Choo-wee-nam were in the thick of the action again. Narine, who did the damage early, got three wickets with his medium

pace, while Choo-wee-nam, who is a two time-time reigning MVP for his club, spun his way to two wickets, which helped to restrict Punjab XI to 123 all out in 27.4 overs.

Keron Sewnarine and Terrence Madramootoo also finished with two wickets each.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Labuschagne ruled out of Windies tour, stars return

Steve Smith is not the ideal candidate to lead Australia again says Ian Chappell

MELBOURNE, Australia, (CMC) – Batting star Marnus Labuschagne will miss Australia’s whiteball tour of West Indies in July due to “logistical complexities”, Cricket Australia(CA) said Monday.

The 26-year-old, who is currently playing for Glamorgan in the English County Championship, was left out of a 23-man squad and is expected to now continue his duties with the Welsh club.

Labuschagne made his name in Tests where he averages 60 from 18 matches but recently broke into the One-Day International side and averages nearly 40 from 13 games.

It was not immediately clear what the logistical challenges were but national selector Trevor Hohns said but for the current COVID-19 pandemic, the player would have definitely made the Caribbean trip.

“Anyone who knows Marnus understands he would give absolutely anything to play for Australia and he is deeply upset to miss out due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control,” Hohns said.

“We worked through numerous options in conversations with Marnus to find a workable solution but ultimately came to the conclusion it was more practical for him to remain in the UK. “Had we not been in the middle of a global pandemic Marnus would be on this tour as a well-established member and important part of the one-day side. It’s an unfortunate circumstance of the many challenges the

FORMER Austraone of only three that lian captain Ian got pinged for what Chappell feels Steve happened, and most Smith should not people would realise lead Australia again that there were more as the five-time than three people inWorld Champivolved,” he said. ons are looking for Chappell feels possible candidates Bancroft’s statement to lead the nationshould not disturb al team ahead of a Cummins as he is the busy 2021-22 schedunanimous choice to ule. Currently, Tim lead Australia in the Paine is leading the near future. He feels Test side, while Aarthat Cummins should on Finch is the leadremain unfazed and er for the white-ball feels the responsibiliformats. ty of Sandpaper-Gate Incumbent Test Ian Chappell has advised Cricket should solely fall on skipper Paine has Australia not to go back to Steve Smith to Smith. backed Smith to re“If people start ahead, not in the rear-vision turn to the leadership jumping up and down role in the future after the mirror,” he explained. about Pat Cummins captainThe 77-year-old also had ing Australia if he knew, infamous Sandpaper saga in the year 2018. The wicket- his say on Cameron Ban- well the answer is pretty keeper-batter also added that croft’s recent comments, clear because it falls back on he will support Smith fully if where he shockingly stated Smith. He’s the bloke who he gets the captaincy oppor- that Australia’s bowlers were should have stopped it. The aware of the ball-tampering captain’s got the overall say tunity again.

Chappell has shared his event in South Africa. The and power to stop it, and he opinion on the same and feels former captain was not sur- didn’t. I don’t think it should Smith is not the right person prised by the same, as he count against Pat Cummins, leading Australia again. In feels there might be more to even if they decide the bowlan exclusive interview with the infamous saga than what ers did know. Smith is the the Wide World Of Sports, Bancroft had shared. bloke who should have made “It’s probably something sure the whole thing never Chappell has advised the management to not go back that’s been on Bancroft’s started,” Chappell concluded. chest for a while, and he’s to Smith.

Both Cummins and “I think it’s time to tried to get it off his chest Smith are included for the move on. To me, if you go as diplomatically as he pos- white-ball tour to West Inback to Smith, you’re going sibly could. I’m not sur- dies in the month of July. backwards. It’s time to look prised, because Bancroft’s (CricTracker)

Batsman Marnus Labuschagne will miss the tour of West Indies.

world is facing right now.

“As it stands, Marnus has the opportunity to continue in County Cricket and T20 games with Glamorgan as we head into the World Cup and home summer.”

Former captain and leading batsman, Steve Smith, is one of eight players who missed the Twenty20 tour of New Zealand last March, who have been included for the five T20 Internationals and three ODIs from July 9-24.

He has been joined by David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Alex Carey and Mitchell Swepson in the squad expected to be trimmed to 18.

The 27-year-old Swepson, who has played four T20Is, is one of three leg-spinners in the squad, with Adam Zampa and uncapped 19-year-old Tanveer Sangha also included.

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar has also been named with Hohns noting the large spin complement was in preparation for the T20 World Cup later this year.

“Mitch Swepson has been in exceptional form

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday May 18, 2021)

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across all three forms of the game. His Big Bash performances with the Heat have been superb, as was his bowling for Queensland,” Hohns pointed out.

“Tanveer Sangha was extremely impressive for the Sydney Thunder and we regard him very highly.

While he didn’t play in New Zealand it was a great opportunity for a young bowler to be around the group.

“Along with the class of Adam and Ashton we are very fortunate to have four highly capable spinners on this list.””

All-rounder Daniel Sams, who made himself unavailable, along with batsmen Ben McDermott and Ashton Turner who were dropped, are the players missing from the side that toured New Zealand.

All-rounder Cameron Green has also opted to remain home and continue his pre-season work with Western Australia.

Australia take on West Indies in five T20Is at the Darren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia from July 9-16 before travelling to Barbados for three ODIs at Kensington Oval from July 20-24.

SQUAD – Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Tanveer Sangha, D’Arcy Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Curry beats out Beal to win second NBA scoring title AFTER an intense battle that raged for the entire season, Stephen Curry has officially clinched the scoring title over Bradley Beal, who only managed to put up 25 points in the Washington Wizards' win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Due to Beal's relatively low total, Curry only needed three points to lock up the scoring race and took care of that in the first quarter of the Golden State Warriors matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. Curry ended the season averaging 31.98 points per game to Beal's 31.3.

Beal would have beaten Curry in any other season, but this was something of a career year for the Golden State Warriors guard.

He may not win MVP or

compete for the championship, but that scoring total is now the highest of his career, beating out his historic 201516 season in which he averaged 30.1 points per game.

The amazing thing about Curry's 2020-21 success is that, despite his undermanned roster, it was largely organic. Curry actually played more minutes per game on the 2015-16 team that frequently blew out opponents and sat him out of fourth quarters, and while he attempted more shots this season, his efficiency numbers were roughly in line with his prime averages.

Curry's scoring title, the second of his career, made plenty of history. At 33 years old, he became the oldest player to lead the NBA in scoring since Michael Jor-

dan did so at the age of 35.

No other player has won the scoring title at that age.

By winning his second title, Curry became only the fourth player in NBA history with multiple scoring titles, MVP awards and NBA championships. The other three?

Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Curry's win breaks the three-year streak that James Harden had established in Houston. Harden has adopted more of a playmaking role with the Brooklyn Nets, so if Curry were to repeat next season, he would tie Harden, George Mikan, Neil Johnston and Bob McAdoo for the sixth-most in NBA history. Jordan holds the (likely unbreakable) record with 10. (CBS Sports)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 18, 2021

COVID squeeze being felt but organisers still confident, says Hall BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Director of operations, Michael Hall, says the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has continued to experience the economic fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but remained confident this year’s showpiece in St Kitts and Nevis would be a success.

For the second straight year, players and officials will be subject to a pay cut and even though fans could return for this year’s tournament, they will have to be fully vaccinated and limited to only half the capacity of the Warner Park venue.

Hall pointed out that all global sports events staged in the pandemic environment had taken a financial hit and the CPL was no different.

“Even more so in the case of the CPL, our brand is that we’re the biggest

party in sport and obviously you can’t have a party if you don’t have guests at the party,” the veteran Jamaican administrator said in reference to the absence of fans.

“And so the atmosphere is not there. CPL is punching above its weight. We play in a small market in terms of attendance, we play in economies that are generally weaker than where the other leagues take place.

When the CPL is in full swing and we’re playing across the six territories in the Caribbean where franchises are domicile, we probably have higher costs of running the tournament than any league does because we’re not playing in a contiguous land mass.

“We’re constantly having to pull up stumps and ship the circus down the road to another venue and so on. So it’s always been

a challenge for the CPL and that challenge has just been exacerbated over the last couple of years because of the pandemic.”

He added: “I don’t think it is a secret that last year our players and everybody involved in the tournament were asked to take a 30 per cent pay cut to what they were normally accustomed to receiving.

“We’ve pegged that back a bit this year and that number is at 20 per cent at the moment, but I think that’s the clearest indication of the fact the pandemic is squeezing anybody who is trying to put on a major sporting event, not just the CPL.” Organisers successfully staged the popular Twenty20 franchise tournament in Trinidad and Tobago last year at the height of the pandemic, with players and officials entrenched in

a bio-secure bubble and guided by strict government health protocols.

And while strict health protocols will obtain for this year’s edition, the fact St Kitts and Nevis currently have no active cases of COVID-19 – and have recorded only 44 infections since the start of the pandemic – has further boosted the confidence of organisers.

Hall said the Trinidad experience had been a critical learning curve.

“This is not our first rodeo and interestingly and positively, this is not our first rodeo staging a tournament in the midst of a pandemic.

We did it successfully last year and we learnt a number of important lessons from doing it last year,” Hall said in an interview with Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest.

“One of the primary considerations in hosting

CPL’s director of operations, Michael Hall.

the tournament and looking to St Kitts and Nevis as the host country, is the fantastic job that they have done in managing the pandemic.

There are zero active cases in the country and … I think about 40 per cent of the population has been fully

vaccinated.

“So we have a duty of care to go to St Kitts and Nevis and protect that enviable record that they have established, and we’re going to work very closely with the authorities there to make sure we have protocols in place that will allow us to do just that.”

The challenge of staging cricket during the pandemic was underscored only last month when the lucrative Indian Premier League had to be suspended because of a surge in COVID-19 cases across India which resulted in positive cases among some franchises.

And last March, the Pakistan Super League was also halted when players also tested positive.

The ninth edition of the CPL is expected to bowl off August 28 and feature 33 games.

Omar McLeod runs second-fastest time in the world in first race in almost two years

Choo-wee-nam and Narine lead Richmond Hill Liberty CC to crushing victory

OLYMPIC champion Omar McLeod and Britany Anderson won in impressive fashion at the American Track League meet in California on Saturday.

Rhonda Whyte, a former Jamaican champion in the 400m hurdles also chalked up a victory as she continued to prepare for the Jamaican championships next month.

The 27-year-old McLeod, the defending Olympic champion, gave an early glimpse of what can be expected this season when he raced to victory in 13.11, the second-fastest time in the world this year. Only Grant Holloway, who dethroned the Jamaican at the 2019 Doha World Championships, has run faster this season.

The American ran a world-leading 13.07 in Gainesville, Florida on April 17.

The victory represents a welcome return to form for the Jamaican, who has strug-

FORMER Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) cricketer, Dion Choo-wee-nam and former Berbice Inter-county all-rounder, Derick Narine, scored half-centuries before striking with the ball to hand Richmond Hill Liberty Cricket Club a huge 157-run victory against Punjab X I w h e n a c - Derick Narine scored 88 and picked tion in the New up three wickets for Richmond Hill Liberty CC. York National Saturday.

Cricket League Narine was also in scor30-over competition coning mode, his 88 runs came tinued over the weekend.

Richmond Hill won the off of 45 balls and included toss and opted to bat first at six sixes and eight fours.

Baisley Pond. They had in For the first wicket, the pair their mix the in-form Choo- added 186 before Choowee-nam, who broke the wee-nam fell in the 14th club record in the 40-over over. Narine followed him competition two weekends in the next over.

Punjab XI were able to ago. The overseas-based Guyanese, who had scored pull the game back and re181 in the 40-over compe- strict the run flow after the tition, was able to race to openers fell.

By the end of the al92 off 42 balls by blasting (Turn to page 25) 10 sixes and five fours on

Olympic champion Omar McLeod raced to victory in 13.11, the second-fastest time in the world this year.

gled over the past few years during which he changed coaches twice. Now under the guidance of coach Rana Rieder at the Tumbleweed Track Club in Jacksonville, Florida, he seems to have rediscovered the form that led him to the Olympic title at Rio 2016 and the World title in London in 2017.

“Ran 13.11s today for a season opener! Fastest opener in over 4 years and first 110 race in almost 2 years!” he declared proudly on his Facebook page afterwards.

That’s patience, hard work, faith, resilience, commitment, staying true to you, blocking out the noise and trust!”

The former Razorback defeated a quality field of athletes including former USA champion Devon Allen, who ran 13.26 while finishing second. The talented and dangerous Daniel Roberts finished third, stopping the clock at 13.30.

Also in the race was world-record holder Aries Merritt, who is making a

comeback after a serious illness. He was sixth in 13.90.

Britany Anderson, the 2018 World U20 silver medalist ran a fast 12.69 to win the 100m hurdles. The time would have been a personal best had the trailing wind not been just above the allowable limit, registering at 2.1m/s.

Second place went to Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas, who clocked 12.74.

Tia Jones, who edged Anderson at the World U20 Championships in Tampere, was third in 12.95, just ahead of Pedrya Seymour of the Bahamas who finished fourth in 12.96.

Former Jamaica national champion, Rhonda Whyte, won the 400m hurdles in 55.11 in an all-Caribbean 1-2-3. Whyte’s compatriot, Leah Nugent finished in second place in 56.12 while Sparkle McKnight from Trinidad and Tobago finished third in 56.54. (Sportsmax)

‘We can’t give up on getting back to our glory days, just yet’, says Sir Curtly

Former Reggae boy Wes Morgan celebrates Leicester City FA Cup victory on Saturday at Wembey.

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25

JFF congratulates former Reggae Boy Wes Morgan after FA Cup success

WEST Indies all-time bowling great Sir Curtly Ambrose recently set off a firestorm by suggesting that the team would never return to the days of dominating world cricket.

The all-conquering West Indies were the source of Caribbean pride for the better part of 20 years. During this time, the team claimed back-to-back ICC World Cup titles and devoured all who came before it, creating scenes of jubilant fans who stormed the field in rapturous celebration as common occurrences.

Were we to be bold enough to apply a term like ‘things have changed’ to describe the current scenario, we would be guilty of uttering a massive understatement.

For instance, let’s consider that since the year 2000, the regional team has won just 17 of 68 Test series, making that around 25 percent of those matches. By way of quick comparison between 1980 and 1995, the team won 21 of 32 Test series for a healthy 65.6 percent win ratio, with a solitary loss coming to Australia.

Having suffered such a massive change in fortune and for what has now become a prolonged period, one could be forgiven for thinking we may never get back to the top of the mountain.

It certainly isn’t the time to give up, however, and I think plenty of good advice has been making the rounds in regional and international cricket circles.

First off, we need to start our development at the basic and primary school level. If we are able to successfully hone our young talent from a tender age, we will eventually end up with a much bigger selection pool.

Secondly, our leaders must always be willing to take responsibility and accept that the task ahead will not be an easy one. They TURN TO PAGE 25 ►

Mangal wins Genuine Auto Spares and Tools golf competition

Mike Mangal (second from left) with other golfers and tne sponsor’s representatives at the presentation ceremony.

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SEASONED golfer, Mike Mangal, scored four over par to win last Saturday’s Genuine Auto Spares and Tools golf competition, which was held at Guyana’s lone golf club, located in Lusignan.

The former Guyana Open champion (2005) was impressive in his short game. Over the 18 holes of play, which is twice around the nine-hole course, he tallied a gross score of 74 to finish with a net 67. The 50-year-old, who finished with a total of five birdies over the two rounds, said that he putted well. His front nine score of 32 earned him an additional trophy (best front nine). Second place in the competition went to fellow single-digit handicapper, Naro Dhanpat, who finished with a net score of 72 after registering a gross score of 80. Brian Hackett placed third with a gross 90 to finish with a net score of 72.

Eureka Giddings (handicap 31) earned the other prize, which was the best back nine for her net 33.

TEE SIGNS Meanwhile, the golf course was further equipped with signage last Friday, when Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) handed over 21 tee box signs to the club.

The signs are equipped with the necessary yardage to the holes, which will help new golfers to select the right clubs to use. MACORP, which sponsors one of the big competitions at the Lusignan Golf Club-- the MACORP Open-- has been attached to local golf for the last 15 years.

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021