Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-06-2021

TUESDAY 8th June, 2021

No. 106385

COVID-19 vaccination rollout ‘injected’ SEE PAGE

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―with 100,000 more Sputnik V doses

The 100,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine that were received at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Monday afternoon (DPI photo)

One dead, three injured in Soesdyke-Linden Highway accident SEE PAGE

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Brothers found not guilty of murder

SEE PAGE

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‘We are going to do everything to restore your livelihoods’

SEE PAGE

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‘Be responsible and an extension is possible’ ―THAG President tells businesses eyeing extended opening hours

SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Flood-affected Mazaruni residents get much-needed help

By Naomi Parris

STILL grappling with the effects of persistent rains and high water levels, several communities in Upper and Lower Mazaruni, Region Seven, remain inundated with more than 200 farms destroyed.

This is according to Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday. “[My] biggest concern is that villages in both the Upper Mazaruni and Lower Mazaruni continue to report of the economic devastation to their livelihoods and that the floodwaters in most communities have not receded significantly. Also, that some areas have experienced higher levels than yesterday [Sunday].”

Nevertheless, Williams noted that the regional authorities in collaboration with the Civil Defence Com-

mission have been able to provide some relief to residents who are severely affected by the floods.

mosquito nets.

In a countrywide update, the CDC stated that Regions 10, Nine, Eight, Seven, and

related that cloudy to overcast skies are likely throughout Guyana during the period of June 7 – 10, 2021 and coastal locations may experience showers of varying intensities, frequent rain, and

moderate showers during the morning hours, with conditions deteriorating during the afternoon and evening hours, giving way to showers of varying intensities, frequent to continuous rain and

possible isolated thundershowers. Precipitation is also expected mostly during the early to late morning hours, and is forecast to range between 25 mm and 60 mm.

The rest of the country may experience scattered light to

thundershowers. Rainfall is forecast to range between 40 mm and 100 mm.

During a recent community outreach in the region on Sunday, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai reassured residents that the

Over 600 relief hampers were distributed to residents affected by floods in the Upper, Lower Mazaruni regions

Williams reported that over 600 hampers were distributed to residents across the region on Monday and the CDC is expected to do more distributions within the coming days.

Residents received foodstuff, cleaning agents and other necessities, including

Six have been mostly impacted by the floods.

Since May 18, 2021, the CDC has received reports of more than 26,000 households affected by the flooding in more than 300 communities across all 10 administrative regions.

Additionally, the CDC

government sympathises with the hundreds of miners and farmers affected by the floods in Upper Mazaruni and is committed to providing aid. The minister told persons at Imbaimadai and Omanaik that the government will ensure that their needs are met.

“We will document it, and it will go forward for consideration by the government with respect to this particular group because it is a mining area.

We are looking also at farming areas and mining [which are] affected.

So, I’m sure that the government will have to consider [that] in the entire approach to addressing the aftermath. We will also have to take into consideration other sectors that are affected, because it is not only [the] agriculture sector that has been affected in many parts of the country,” the minister had said.

Falcon Logistics Inc, Stena Drilling give $4.2M for flood relief FALCON Logistics Inc. and Stena Drilling, on Monday, gave $4.2M to the Civil Defence Commission in support of the countrywide flood relief efforts.

CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said that the timely donation will be used to support relief efforts in several critical areas.

Managing Director of Falcon Logistics Inc., Jennifer Falconer, who spoke on behalf of both companies, said they were elated to support the humanitarian cause.

Managing Director of Falcon Logistics Inc., Jennifer Falconer, hands over the cheque to CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel, Kester Craig

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination rollout ‘injected’ with 100,000 more Sputnik V doses

AS Guyana continues its aggressive COVID-19 vaccination rollout, after already administering more than 210,000 people with their first of two doses, an additional 100,000 first doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine were received, on Monday afternoon, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The amount of vaccines received on Monday was confirmed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Health, Shabana Shaw. In total, Guyana received about 305,537 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine as well as 118,400 AstraZeneca doses and 20,000 Sinopharm vaccines.

The Russian Sputnik V vaccine, like the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines, is given in two doses. The first dose, according to scientists, helps the body to recognise the virus and allows the immune system to respond; the second dose, on the oth-

The 100,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine that were received on Monday afternoon at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) (DPI photo)

er hand, is known as the ‘booster dose’ and it helps to strengthen immunity.

Unlike the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines which have identical first

and second doses, the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine is made differently from the first.

Recently, the Ministry of Health announced that there

has been a shortage of the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccines, owing to a delay in shipment. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the shipment is expected

soon.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, recently explained that if people are due for their second dose of this particular vaccine, but are unable to receive it because of the shortage, there is no need to worry, since the date for the second dose has been extended.

For clarity, the Health Ministry had asked people who received their first dose of the Russian vaccine, by way of writing in their blue vaccination books, to return four weeks after to get their second dose. This was because the Gamaleya Research Centre, which developed the Sputnik V vaccine, advised that the second dose should be given at this time.

More recently, however, the Research Centre, by way of a press release, noted that it is possible to increase the minimum interval between the first and second vaccine doses up to 12 weeks (or three months) after getting

the first. This has been accepted by the local Health Ministry.

As such, those people who are now due for their second Sputnik V dose, but are unable to receive it due to the shortage, can wait until the consignment of second doses arrives to get that jab.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has noted that those who require the second dose of the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm can get those vaccines now.

Guyana has ordered a total of 800,000 Sputnik V vaccines; 400,000 first doses and 400,000 second doses.

The Adviser at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, said that the fact that Guyana was able to secure such a large number of vaccines when other countries have not been able to do so, proves that the government has been “very aggressive” in its efforts to tackle the disease.

early as July, and the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the executing agency, the Central Housing and

Planning Authority (CH&PA), has already advertised these projects for tender, Minister Croal said.

Over $800M set aside for road upgrades in Region 3 AS part of the government’s plan to develop and upgrade the infrastructure across the country, the Ministry of Housing and Water, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will be expending over $800 million for road improvement works in six communities in Region Three.

These upgrades are part of the ministry’s Road Network Upgrade and Expansion Programme. The communities that will be targeted are Schoonord, Parfaite Harmonie, Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee and Lust-En-Rust.

The infrastructural upgrades will see 10 kilometers of road undergoing significant facelifts and the transformation of several earthen roads to an asphalted concrete surface. Additionally, the project will see the creation of reinforced concrete drains, culverts and sidewalks.

Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, in an invited comment, on Monday, said that the scheduled road upgrades are part of the government’s roadmap for growth and advancement in the local economy. He noted the impending work will significantly improve the standard of living of residents who reside in the targeted communities.

through the drainage way and flood mitigation.

Works under the IDB project could commence as

Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal

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

Minister Croal underscored the importance of these road upgrades and noted that easier access to communities would be beneficial to business persons, residents and persons who traverse the communities for work or school.

He said that with the earthen roads transformed to asphalt, residents would no longer be faced with the added burden of vehicle repairs or the long commute by foot for those who rely on public

transportation.

Minister Croal added that the earthen roads make it somewhat difficult for residents to traverse the community during the rainy seasons.

He stated that the transformation to asphalt would allow for a better standard of living for the residents.

Further, Minister Croal noted that another notable benefits of road upgrades is that travel time will be reduced. He explained that persons can expect to get to and from their destinations more safely and with less hassle.

The upgrade works will include some sections of concrete drains being built.

According to the minister, this will significantly aid in the easier flow of water

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

One dead, three injured in Soesdyke-Linden Highway accident

A three-vehicular accident, on Sunday evening, at the Dora Public Road, Soesdyke Linden Highway, resulted in the death of 48-year-old minibus driver,

Mark Ault, and has left three others suffering various injuries.

According to Police Headquarters, at around 20:30hrs, Ault, of Republic

Park, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was proceeding north in his vehicle bearing registration number PKK 3866 on the western side of Dora Public Road when a taxi proceeding in the opposite direction ended up in the path of the minibus.

It was reported that the front right side of the taxi bearing registration number HC 9662, driven by Lindon Lamaizon, 51 years old, of Brusche Dam, Friendship Village ECD, collided with the rear wheel of the minibus, causing Ault to lose control

The minibus bearing registration number PKK 3866, owned and driven by 48-year-old, Mark Ault of Republic Park, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara

of the vehicle.

This resulted in the front right side of the minibus colliding with the right side of a motor car bearing registration number PLL 3468, owned and driven by Julian Elliot, 61, of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, which was at the time proceeding south along the eastern carriageway, behind the hire car.

Police reported that, as a result of the collision, the driver of the minibus and the occupants of the motor car bearing registration number PLL 3486 received injuries about their bodies. Ault was picked up in an unconscious condition and transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty, and pronounced dead.

Further, the driver of motor car bearing registration number PLL 3486 and the occupants of his vehicle at the time, Akeemo Elliot and Candace Gordon were picked up by public-spirited citizens and the police and were also taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty.

Julian Elliot was subsequently referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and admitted in the male surgical ward suffering from a fractured pelvis and spine.

The occupants of his vehicle were kept at the Linden Hospital Complex for observation.

Man in custody for having sex with cow, four calves The white Toyota 212 bearing registration number PLL 3468, owned and driven by Julian Elliot, 61, of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden

The cow that the farmer was allegedly caught having sex with

A cattle farmer of Pomona Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, is in custody after he was caught red-handed having sex with a cow on Monday.

The farmer, following his arrest, admitted to detectives in Region Two that aside from the cow he was caught committing the bestial act on, he had sexual intercourse with four calves.

The farmer reportedly told police that he has cancer and was advised that having sex with animals will cure his sickness. He is expected to make a court appearance this week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Second hit-and-run at Mon Repos in two days Brothers found not guilty of murder

A pedestrian, identified as 36-year-old Devanand Persaud, of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, is the second victim of an alleged hitand-run accident in the space of two days on the Mon Repos Public Road.

Police reports indicate that on Sunday, around 19:25hrs, Persaud was attempting to cross the thoroughfare when a motor vehicle, the particulars of which are unknown, struck him.

The hit caused the victim to fall onto the road surface, receiving injuries about the body.

He was picked up in an conscious state by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was seen and examined

by a doctor on duty and admitted a patient suffering from injuries to the head.

Police are investigating the incident.

On Saturday last, a minibus driver, subsequently identified as Quincy Trotman, 37, of Doch Four Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, allegedly also fled the scene after hitting down a 16-yearold pedal cyclist on the Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

Ekwensi Victor Philemon Langhorne wanted by police

Wanted: Ekwensi Victor Philemon Langhorne

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for Ekwensi Victor Philemon Langhorne who is needed for questioning in relation to a felony committed on Ashley Hinds between March, 16, 2021 and April, 3, 2021 at the Guyana Revenue Authority, Georgetown.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Ekwensi Victor Philemon

Langhorne is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 227-2603, 2266978, 225-8196, 268-2328, 268-2298/2222, 226-7065, 226-4701, 22-3052, 911 or the nearest police station.

Police said all information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

The last known address of the 35-year-old is Lot 13 Enterprise, East Coast Demerara.

East Canje man drowns in trench

THE lifeless body of Devanand Ramotar was discovered in a trench at Goed Bananen, East Canje on Monday, hours after he left home to fix his bicycle.

It was a niece who found the Lot 32 Goed Bananen resident after worried relatives launched a search for him.

His wife, Hemwatti Boodhoo, was overwhelmed with grief, and had to be comforted by her adult son, who had earlier discovered his father’s bicycle on the government reserve, in the vicinity of the ball field.

Following the discovery of the bicycle, visits were made to the Reliance Police

Devanand Ramotar

Station, where ranks advised relatives to make checks at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Officials at the health institution were not

in possession of any useful information. Relatives later returned to the police station to seek further guidance.

While there, ranks advised them to check the waterway located a short distance from where the bicycle was found. When they arrived at the location, Ramotar’s niece had already made the startling discovery.

His body was transported to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was officially pronounced dead. A post mortem examination is expected to be conducted later in the week.

Ramotar was a labourer at the Albion Sugar Estate for over 30 years.

‘Passenger’ accused of robbing taxi driver at gunpoint remanded

DENNIS Johnson, who is accused of robbing a taxi driver of his motorcar and other valuables at gunpoint, was, on Monday, remanded to prison by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs - Marcus when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The Stevedore resident denied that, on May 20, 2021, at Cane View Avenue, Georgetown, he, while being in the company of another, robbed Ulric Da Silva of one motorcar, HC8838, valued at $3,600,000, one cellular phone valued at $4000 and $4000 cash.

According to the prosecution, Johnson hired Da Silva to transport him to South Ruimveldt. Moments after arriving at the destination, Johnson and his accomplice held Da Silva at gunpoint and relieved him of the articles mentioned in the charge.

The matter was reported. The car was later recovered but no arrest was made at that time.

On June 4, 2021, while at the Brickdam Police Station inquiring about another matter, Da Silva saw Johnson and pointed him out to the ranks as one of the persons who had robbed him.

Johnson was arrested and later charged.

The matter was adjourned until June 18, 2021.

PHILLIP and Fidel Williams were on Monday acquitted of the murder of Brazilian gold miner, Nandinho De Costa Souza, who was found with his throat slit in his Fish Creek, Cuyuni River camp in 2016.

The brothers were on trial before Justice Navindra Singh, at the Essequibo High Court.

A 12-member jury, on Monday, after deliberating for almost two hours, found the two men not guilty of the crime. The duo had denied that on February 9, 2016, at Fish Creek, they murdered Souza.

The State was represented

Phillip Williams (right) and his brother, Fidel Williams

by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken, while the brothers were represented by attorney-at-law Lachmi Dindayal.

In March 2021, the case was sent for retrial after a jury was unable to arrive at a verdict when the matter was being tried before Justice Gino Persaud, at the same court.

According to reports, Sousa, of Boa Vista, Brazil, was found next to a sluice box, and a quantity of gold was said to be missing. Souza, who owned two land dredges at Fish Creek, was reportedly last seen washing down the sluice box with one of the brothers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

COVID-19 and NCDs AS countries around the world continue to battle the novel coronavirus pandemic, increasing attention is now being placed on the safety and health of persons who are already suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Director of the Pan American Health Organisation, Carissa F. Etienne in May last year had said that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the region of the Americas must include chronic-disease care, as one in four people are at increased risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 due to underlying non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Etienne had noted that persons with diabetes are twice as likely to have severe disease or die. She also disclosed that 28 per

cent of cancer patients who contracted COVID-19 died, compared with two per cent of overall patients, citing recent studies.

PAHO has also noted that smoking increases the chance of severe disease from COVID-19. Stay-athome measures, disruptions in provision of health care services, as well as the fear of attending care facilities have resulted in reduced elective clinic visits and lower access to renal dialysis, cancer care, and delays in high-priority treatments for patients with NCDs, Dr. Etienne said, pointing out that many health workers who normally provide care for people with chronic diseases “have been redirected to the COVID-19 response, adversely impacting the timely diagnosis and treatment of NCDs. Before the COVID-19

pandemic, some 71 per cent of deaths globally were a result of non-communicable diseases. This disturbing statistic as made known by the World Health Organisation (WHO), suggests that people can live healthier and longer lives.

Demographic research has shown a predisposition for certain diseases in one race as against others and effective management of the problem requires diverting resources to the source.

Though a recent report has said that Guyanese are living longer and this fact also requires improving or facilitating institutions to suit this demographic, the elderly also bring with them their own form on NCDS such as high or low blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia, which will require unique treatment plans.

As such, government may also find it useful dealing with NCDs both from a preventive and curative/ management standpoint.

Where some diseases are preventable, based on lifestyle choice, such as eating healthy and exercising, public education and other forms of up-front incentives could serve as worthy investment in the people.

Ours is a society where reservations or disinterest exists about seeing a doctor, unless very sick. It is not uncommon when one is feeling unwell to tie his/her head, put a leaf in the head tie, sap the forehead with Limacol or methylated spirits, drink a panadol, some “bush tea” or epsom salts, thinking the symptoms and cause will go away. Periodic visits to a doctor could lead to early detection, diagnosis, and management

of what the illness might be.

Needless to say, persons are walking around with heart issues, abnormal cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, are overweight or obese, and with cancer, which when unattended, can suffer dire consequences. Impressing upon society the importance of these examinations as a means of knowing, and the fact that early detection can save lives, can never be over-emphasised.

Alcohol abuse can lead to NCDs in the form of alcoholism, which is a problem in our society. Abuse of prescription medications and other substances such as heroin and cocaine will also lead to NCDs. These are mental issues that require specific planning, treatment and diversion of resources. They also lead to other socio-economic

spin-offs. Abuse takes place in the home, families are torn apart, children end up on the streets, themselves abused, teenage pregnancy or in foster care. The cultivating of preferences for imported foods, the majority of which are over-processed and of cheap quality, necessitates that attention be given to the consequences their consumption could bring.

These foods also carry other additives that have proven to be unhealthy.

NCDs do not only affect the individual, they also affect the family and communities as a whole.

This is why regular checkups are important to prevent them from becoming life-threatening, moreso in light of rising cases of COVID-19 and the risks to life posed by the virus.

Seek help, we cannot let suicide win Dear Editor,

DURING the past week, I became aware of two teenagers whose lives were cut short by suicide. I also learned that there were two adult suicide cases prior to and within the last week.

While I am unaware of what the triggers were for a permanent end to those lives, I am concerned that persons are voluntarily ending their lives. Every life lost to suicide could have been saved. We cannot let suicide win.

Please, anyone out there, if you are thinking of suicide...please read this...you may be feeling very lonely, lost, frightened or confused.

You may be feeling that there is no solution to your problem, difficulties, worries or whatever caused you to contemplate taking your life.

It may be that at the moment you are so overwhelmed that you are not able to think clearly about other possibilities, other solutions, other alternatives, other ways of coping.

Suicide is final -- if you succeed in taking your life -- there are no second chances and nobody really knows what will happen when they die. It may be difficult to take in at this moment in time but the feelings you have may be temporary -- you may not always feel this way. There are persons who have been in the

exact same position as you and have found the strength to come out of it and have gone on to find happiness and fulfilment in life, and are able to cope with life more easily.

They have found alternatives to suicide and were glad that they did not take their own lives.

You may feel helpless because the pain you are experiencing has become unbearable. Just talking to someone else about how you are feeling can take some of that weight off your shoulders. There may be other things you can do to help yourself to cope, to change things, to survive. It is incredibly sad that you feel so bad that you want to die. You

may be telling yourself that other people would be better off without you, but those people would not want you to take your life.

You may feel that nobody cares about you anyway, but there are people who will care if you allow them to care for you. We care deeply that you are thinking of ending your life, that you see no hope, no alternative, but something so final as death.

You may be trying to convince yourself that your loved ones would be better off without you, but if you were able to see the devastation that it causes families and friends of persons who commit suicide, you would not think that way.

If you cannot see a reason to carry on living, try and give others the chance to explore with you whether they can help you to find a reason for you to carry on.

Give someone a chance to do that for you. You have nothing to lose. If you are determined to kill yourself there is no hurry -- there is no need to take immediate action.

Give yourself the next few days to see whether there are any alternatives, talk to a friend, a relative, a helpline, a social worker; look at some of the websites where other people have felt suicidal but found alternatives to killing themselves. There are alternatives to suicide, so give yourself some time to find

some support, some help with coping and talk to others about how you are really feeling. Allow others to care for you just as you would if your best friend came and told you he/she was suicidal - talk to yourself as you would a friend.

Please see your life as precious and valuable.

Call the Suicide Helpline on 223-009 or Childcare and Protection Agency Hotline on 227-0979. You don’t have to have airtime in your phone to call. The call is free. Please reach out....we need you. Don’t let suicide win.

Regards, Shaundell Shipley

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

TCV is willing to resume the psycho-social training campaign for teachers Dear Editor,

IN a letter recently to the Guyana media, social activist Vidyaratha Kissoon, opined on the need for systematic psycho-social support for students and teachers during the pandemic. The Caribbean Voice (TCV) will argue that such support needs to be ongoing, pandemic or no pandemic.

In fact, some years ago TCV via an agreement with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) had embarked on such a campaign, offering training in schools in Re-

gions Six, Four and Seven before being forced to cease because of a lack of response from the GTU with respect to cost-sharing as the training sessions were proving too costly for our limited resources.

Responses from many teachers were very positive, with one of them writing on FB that she was so happy that at last their psycho-social needs were being addressed.

Also TCV had held a number of meetings with the Ministry of Education with respect to similar sessions for students which were already being offered at a number of

private schools. Feedback from principals of public schools who had approached us was that we needed to get permission from the MoE. So we requested an acrossthe-board access to public schools, since, given our limited time and resources it would be impossible to approach the MoE each time we had to go to a school.

This request was refused.

However, at one meeting, the MoE decided to incorporate our training curriculum into the Family Life and Heath curriculum so that it would become an available tool for all public school students, but

was never done.

At the time our training was offered absolutely free of charge, with some support from the local business community and all costs were covered by TCV. Now TCV is making yet another offer: given the rise of virtual training which is so much more cost effective, and which enables us to draw trainers from our members across the Caribbean (we have teams & contacts in Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St Lu-

cia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bermuda, Suriname) North America and the UK (where we have membership and contacts), TCV is willing to pick up back the psycho-social training campaign for teachers in collaboration with the GTU, MoE and Ministry of Social Protection. Also, we can train selected teachers across Guyana under a train-the-trainer programme to turnkey the training to other teachers, so that each school can then be able to provide necessary psycho-social

support to all students.

We are willing to meet to work out the details and also willing to collaborate with stakeholders in Guyana on these campaigns.

We guarantee that our fees will be a fraction of whatever can be offered by entities in or out of Guyana, and we are in the process of fine-tuning online training with respect to suicide and abuse prevention across the Caribbean.

ministries, the Head of State has been on the ground engaging the people and delivering relief to those affected.

These acts must be respected and commended.

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s activities must also be commended. The agricultural sector is one of, if not the most affected by the ongoing flood situation in Guyana.

Many farms and pastures are now inundated and he has been on the ground almost every day engaging those who were affected.

The minister has assured residents that every effort is being made to ensure that floodwaters are drained in addition to the systems being put in place to minimise further flooding.

Although most areas are still severely flooded, it would be unfair to say that the government has not made attempts to remedy the situation, or that the government is only engaging persons in perceived PPP/C strongholds.

Noticeably enough, the NDIA has been mobilising machines and mobile pumps to pump water on a 24-hour basis and clear clogged drains and canals in various communities. The GLDA has also been supplying livestock farmers with

feed and treatment for their animals. Efforts were also made to relocate animals after sections of the Cookrite Savannah have become inundated. Other agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture have also commenced flood-assessments in many if not all

of the affected farming communities. Minister Mustapha has also openly pledged to assist farmers to return to the land once this period passes.

The CDC has also been working, through the regional bodies, to provide hampers with food items and cleaning

supplies to every household.

To date, thousands of hampers have been distributed to affected persons across the country.

I am appealing to those persons with political influence to desist from using this very unfortunate

occurrence to gain political mileage and promote division. Once again, I stand in solidarity with those who were affected and hope relief comes your way soon.

Yours sincerely, Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice, Inc.

Using the floods to gain political points is cheap politics Dear Editor,

I FIND it sad that at a time when Guyana is experiencing a natural disaster, several agents of the opposition continue to play on citizens’ emotions in an attempt to peddle misinformation and cause division.

The rains and floods have not discriminated against persons based on whom they voted for during the last Regional and General Elections. The people chose and today the PPP/C is in government. This fact needs to be accepted and respected.

His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and all Ministers of Cabinet, along with other PPP/C Members of Parliament have been visiting flood-affected areas across the country, engaging citizens and offering assistance regardless of race or perceived political affiliation.

Contrary to what is reported during their many unsubstantiated social media rants, the opposition has demonstrated that it is incapable of delivering to the citizens of this country.

The President himself has been leading flood-assessment outreaches across the country. Rather than sending officials from the various

Yours sincerely, Raymond S. Chapman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

‘Be responsible and an extension is possible’ THAG President tells businesses eyeing extended opening hours

COMPLIANCE with the COVID-19 guidelines, including adherence to the national curfew, could lead to a possible extension of the opening hours for businesses.

This is according to the newly elected President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Harrinand Persaud, who said, during a recent interview with the Newsroom, that the lobbying for such an extension is dependent on complete compliance.

The COVID-19 emergency measures govern the operations of businesses including the opening hours of bars and restaurants. The current national gazetted curfew hours are 10:30 pm to 4:00 am.

Persaud noted that busi-

THAG President, Harrinand Persaud

ness owners have to prove that they are responsible and deserving of the extension by following the current measures.

“If you do things the right way, yes, you can operate until 12, but we have to prove that we’re able to close on time as stipulated and then push for an increase in the

time, because if you’re out during the day, it’s the same interactions, it’s the same risk that you can spread COVID and get it. But businesses need to ensure they are responsible. If you can make sure you sanitize, do all the temperature checks, and have all the measures in place, eventually we can push to see if things can increase,” he stated.

Further, he noted that many businesses in the sector were affected due to the pandemic and they remain eager to reopen and to return to normal operations. This, he noted, can only be achieved over time and with greater focus being placed on health and safety.

He further explained that

since awareness of the virus and how to mitigate its spread is becoming increasingly clear, businesses are at a strategic position to utilise this type of knowledge to implement practices at their varying establishments to ensure that the tourism sector can return to some level of normalcy.

“It’s very difficult when you suddenly wake up one morning and you’re told your business has to close or can’t operate. It’s a harsh reality check and everyone had to go through the same realization, closing for a period when you didn’t know what was coming. So, I feel you have to be understanding of the rules, of the safety and you have to be responsible to everyone so you have to try to find a way to operate while still trying to survive,” Persaud expressed.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY PARAMOUNT Meanwhile, Persaud noted that employees are the backbone of any organisation and, therefore, during this pandemic their health and safety is extremely important.

He said THAG intends to see 100% vaccination across all businesses to ensure that employees are protected against the virus as they continue to make a living.

“Within the industry, we plan to make sure we reach out to each one of our members … and see that each of them can aim to be 100% vaccinated and make sure all the measures are put in place. I know GTA has been policing some of the businesses and setting out how many persons can be in a location and THAG plans

to work along with the same bodies and ensure that all the members adhere to these regulations,” said Persaud.

He further noted that diversification is one of the major systems that can be undertaken by tourism businesses especially bars and restaurants, to ensure that they stay in compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines and are able to continue operating. He stated that innovative delivery packages are especially needed during this period as the tourism sector regroups.

According to Persaud, Guyana’s tourism sector has “great potential.” He noted that the industry is working hard to create innovative solutions and policies to reaffirm its status as one of the best eco-tourism destinations in the world.

Man accused of gunpoint robbery remanded

SHAMAR Davis of Sophia who allegedly robbed a man of $600,000 at gunpoint, was, on Monday, remanded to prison by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs - Marcus when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

David denied that, on May 1, 2021, at Avenue of the Republic and America Street, Georgetown, he, while in the company of another, and armed with a gun, robbed David Wilson of $600,000.

The matter was adjourned until June 18, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

NA man dies in fire at disputed property A Berbice man was pronounced dead at the New Amsterdam Hospital late Sunday night, moments after he was pulled from his fire-damaged home.

Dead is Martin Lindie of Trinity Street, New Amsterdam.

According to reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the man had alerted his neighbour to the fire around 23:00 hrs and reportedly told her to pick up her children and run.

His cousin, Nichola Luther, told Berbice reporters, on Monday, that the man had recently gotten divorced and the house where the fire occurred was in dispute. Both parties, she said, had a vested

Martin Lindie

interest in the property which housed a play school in the lower flat.

Nichola told the media that the house was secured with iron grills fitted with padlocks and that it would appear that Martin was trapped after he was unable to find his keys to open the padlocks. His lifeless body was found behind the door Nichola, who is the manager of Cool Ride Taxi Service, said that after being informed about the fire, she rushed to the scene which is located a few streets away.

She said upon arrival, she asked the firemen to open the door but was told that they could not do so until the arrival of the police.

“But, a life was at stake so the boys broke the door so as to rescue Martin. The body was partially burnt. Ap-

parently, he was asleep as he was partially dressed. He was taken to the hospital where the doctor said there was no

The house after the fire

pulse,” she recalled.

The woman is calling for a thorough investigation to be done.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

‘We are going to do everything to restore your livelihoods’ — President Ali tells flood-affected Region Two communities ― excavators and pontoon to be purchased for the region

President, Dr Irfaan Ali has promised Region Two residents that all systems will be put in place to ensure that they not only returned to some level of normalcy but become better prepared to deal with flooding, which has affected several parts of the country.

In total, the Head of State visited nine riverine communities along the Pomeroon River--Karawab, St Monica’s Mission, Kabakaburi, Abrams Creek, Siriki, Jacklow, Martin Dale, Marlborough, and Hack-

ney—to assess the impact of rising floodwaters that have been caused by heavy and intense rainfall over the last two weeks.

“We are going to do everything to secure back your livelihood. We are going to do everything to get you back to the farmland; we are going to do everything to help back the household.”

Along with listening to the residents and having a firsthand assessment of the area, the President said that his visit was also to ensure that every-

thing that can be done by the different arms of his Government is being done.

He stressed that this is not the time for the regional health officials or the Agriculture Department and other Government agencies to be sitting in an office, but a time when they should be out and on the ground providing 24/7 assessment and support for the flood-affected communities.

“I want to ensure that the different arms of Government are functioning and reaching you.”

The Head of State was accompanied by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha; Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess; Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel, Kester Craig; Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Lionel Wordsworth, and representatives from the region, including the regional Chairman.

ter. I am not here as a joke. I am here because the concerns of the people of this country affect me. Regardless of which community you are from or regardless of any support you have for any other political party. And I want to say this, the only way we can take things forward in this country is if we exercise some amount of dignity for the situation we are faced with. This is not a laughing situation our country is facing, that is the first thing we have to learn—exercising that dignity.”

necessary support,” the minister said.

FULL REGIONAL AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT Also giving an update was Minister Dharamlall, who told residents that they can expect his ministry’s and the region’s “full support”.

He noted that the ministry has been working along with the communities in Pomeroon by sending health and food hampers as well as water tanks to store clean water.

President Ali greets a young resident on his visit to the Pomeroon

FULL ASSESSMENT President Ali explained that the CDC and the Ministry of Agriculture are going to do a full assessment after the water recedes. However, as it stands, the President emphasised, the Government’s priority is to ensure that affected communities are provided with food, medical supplies, and adequate shelter—since there is more rainfall forecasted for the coming weeks.

“If there is any need in terms of shelter, you have to talk to the CDC now so we can make those arrangements, and we have to ensure that you have access to primary healthcare services that is necessary under flooded conditions.”

The President also noted that while those are the immediate needs, the Government would also have to assess damages to farms.

“I am here because we care. We know the hurt you are going through, and we have to work together to bring help to you and the community.”

SERIOUS MATTER The President, who has witnessed the level of damage and difficulties flooding has caused in other parts of Guyana, called on Guyanese to come together and work for a common purpose and understand the grave implications of the floodwaters.

“I am not here for fun and games. I am not here for laugh-

THOROUGH ASSESSMENT To enhance draining and irrigation, it was also announced that the area will benefit from its own pontoon and excavators.

Minister Mustapha said that the machines will stay in the region.

“The funds have been approved, the President has agreed, and we will purchase a pontoon with two excavators for the Pomeroon itself that will remain in the Pomeroon.”

He reiterated the President’s point that every single farmer will benefit from the Government’s assessment.

“We recognise the importance of the Pomeroon for the agriculture development of our country.”

The minister also explained that contracts are expected to be awarded soon for drainage throughout some of the communities — and those projects will begin when the floodwaters recede. Community members will also be employed as a means of returning money to their pockets.

“We will continue to monitor the situation, and all the extension officers will be coming back here. I, myself, will be coming back here to work with the community so we can get our farmers to go back to the land. We know that is your livelihood, and you depend on it, and we will continue to ensure that we give you the

“I know it is going to be a difficult next few weeks, and we hope that whatever you are doing, you are doing as a community. Please help each other during these critical times.”

Minister Dharamlall also announced that the Government buildings in the communities would be opened if persons need shelter and that the Government will provide all the necessary resources.

“All we want for you right now is for you to be comfortable, and we will see you through this period.”

Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Craig, also spoke to the communities. He explained to them the role of the CDC and the works they have accomplished so far in assisting flood-affected communities in the region and across the country.

Meanwhile, President Ali also implored the residents of each community to take their COVID-19 vaccines. He directed the regional officials to return on Tuesday to carry out a vaccination drive.

Prior to today, President Ali had visited communities in regions Three, Five, Six, Seven and 10.

During all of his visits, the President has assured flood-affected residents that his Government’s support would be continuous at that the current focus is ensuring that they are safe, secured and out of danger.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Chinese Medical Brigade makes impact THE changing seasons mark the passing of time. Since the 16th Chinese Medical Brigade arrived in Guyana, it has carried out medical aid for more than half a year. After passing the initial adaptation period, all consultants are getting better and better and have become the absolute anchors and strong dependence of their departments.

No matter in the middle of the night, in the early morning or on holidays, when receiving emergency calls, they immediately rush to the

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Among the four patients, three were male and one was female. The age span was 50-76 years old. Dr. Zhiming also perfectly completed the first Partington Rochelle operation for pancreatic duct stone in Guyana’s medicine history, and the patient recovered smoothly. Through the cooperation of surgery, Dr. Zhiming showed his counterparts pioneering surgery technologies and the latest ideas, which deepened mutual understanding, made Chinese doctors widely praised, and gained sincere friendships.

Dr. Qin Gongzhao (centre) performing a caesarean section

hospital to take charge of the treatment of patients. Every movement showed the courage and responsibility of the Chinese medical team. The introduction of new technologies had shown outstanding professionalism and dedication of the Chinese Medical Brigade.

“We are a team of Guardians of the Great Wall of life!

We are looking forward to holding the wonderful and unforgettable experiences of Guyana, just like tasting sweet many years’ Rum, leaving us with exciting imaginations in the future,” said Dr. DAI Dechun, a point reiterated by Dr. QIAO Zhiming, Captain, the 16th Chinese Medical Brigade.

A pancreaticoduodenectomy, also known as a whipple procedure, is a major surgical operation most often performed for pancreatic head tumour, or periampullary tumour, or lower common bile duct tumour. During this procedure, surgeons remove the head of the pancreas, most of the duodenum, a portion of the bile duct, the gallbladder and associated lymph nodes.

Occasionally, the surgeon may remove the body of the pancreas, the entire duodenum and a part of the stomach.

This is an extensive and difficult surgery that is intended to eradicate the entire malignant cells or cancer cells. The average surgery time is six hours.

Since November 2020, Dr. Qiao Zhiming, Consultant of Hepatobiliary Surgery, had successfully completed four cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy at the Georgetown

For every patient, Dr. Zhiming will lead the team to carry out preoperative condition assessment and detailed images analysis carefully, intraoperative prudent operation and close cooperation, postoperative rigorous ward management to ensure the safety of patients. Behind every patient’s recovery, a lot of hard work had been done by Chinese and Guyanese doctors. They would like to carry patients, one after another, to safety.

Placenta previa can result in life-threatening maternal complications such as haemorrhage and shock and in adverse infant outcomes such as prematurity, stillbirth and neonatal death. In Latin America, placenta previa occurs in about 5.1 per 1,000 pregnancies.

On April 20, during the cesarean section, Dr. Qin Gongzhao, Consultant of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ran into the central placenta previa of the pregnant woman, and the whole placenta completely covered the cervical orifice. At the same time, part of the placenta was found implanted into the anterior muscle layer of the lower part of the uterine body during the artificial dissection.

After placental dissection, the blood sinus of the wound was opened and bleeding heavily. Dr. Gongzhao was not disorderly in the face of danger, but quick-witted in the midst of it. She skillfully used sterile surgical gloves to replace the shortage of sterilised tourniquets, strapped and compressed the lower uter-

Dr. Qiao Zhiming (second right) performing pancreaticoduodenectomy

ine segment, so as to reduce bleeding, and quickly sutured the blood sinus.

Dr. Gongzhao made a race against time and fully demonstrated her deft surgical skills with the efforts of Dr. Pan Jianhua, Consultant of Anaesthesiology, operating room nurses, obstetricians, and Linden hospital administration office. The patient did not develop into Diffuse Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), and her uterus was finally saved.

The most effective way of controlling bleeding during childbirth is a hysterectomy. Losing a uterus

could be physically and psychologically devastating for a young woman. Dr. Gongzhao said that she knew the reason very well as a woman and has the obligation to protect every woman’s uterus as an obstetrician and gynaecologist.

The battle for the uterus had been hard and lasted more than two hours. The total amount of bleeding was about 2000 ml, but the result was satisfying. This is also the first successful rescue case of dangerous placenta previa to preserve uterus in Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

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Food, nutrition-secure nation a priority

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

―Minister Mustapha underscores as Guyana observes World Food Safety Day

MAKING Guyana a food and nutrition-secure nation is a priority area of focus for the government, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha told participants during a virtual presentation to mark World Food Safety Day (WFSD) 2021 on Monday.

“As we observe World Food Safety Day 2021, the first call to action is to ensure it’s (food) safe, that is, governments must ensure safe and nutritious food for all. A priority area of focus for this government is ensuring that Guyana

is a food- and nutrition-secure nation. One aspect of this entails strengthening our food safety systems which will ensure that all agricultural produce for human consumption is of the highest quality, produced under the strictest of hygienic conditions and are not capable of causing harm to the consumer” Minister Mustapha.

Minister Mustapha also said that it was important to recognise that the health of people, animals and the environment is interconnected and that any safety adverse

Some of the participants in the World Food Safety Day virtual observance

event, especially now with the incidence of flooding being experienced, may have an impact on public health, trade and economy. He also stated that for Guyana to be a food-secure nation there must be safe food available for consumption and that government remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure safe food is indeed available for consumption.

Guyana’s Country Representative for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr. Gillian Smith stressed that the production and consumption of safe food have immediate and longterm benefits for people, the planet and the economy.

“Food safety is both critical and complex. If you produce, process, sell or prepare food, then you have a role in keeping it safe.

This year’s theme, ‘Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow’, stresses that the production and consumption of safe food have immediate and long-term benefits for people, the planet and the economy. It also draws attention and inspires five actions to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks to ensure food security, human health and economic prosperity. Our health and prosperity are guarded by effective food safety and quality control systems. Strong food safety systems foster economic development and improve livelihoods, which can promote access to domestic, regional and international markets. These are essential to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” Dr. Smith said.

Similarly, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture’s (IICA) Country Representative, Wilmot Garnett said the theme of this year’s World Food Safety Day stands at the heart of IICA’s

technical cooperation programmes.

“This theme is at the heart of IICA’s technical cooperation programmes, in particular, our Agricultural Health and Food Safety and Quality Programme, which seeks to promote a productive, profitable, competitive agricultural sector that provides safe food to local, regional, and global markets through the application of appropriate SPS measures,” Garnett said.

World Food Safety Day (WFSD), celebrated on June 7, 2021, aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development.

Minister Mustapha reminded participants that food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers. He also said that everyone has a role to play, from farm to table, to ensure that the food consumed is safe and healthy.

Recognising that this year is also International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, Minister Mustapha stressed that his ministry will continue to raise awareness on the food safety standards and guidelines for fruits and vegetables. He also stated that the agriculture sector has a key role to play in transforming Guyana’s food system.

“By adopting a holistic ‘food systems approach’ rather than an individual sector approach, Guyana can be more productive, more inclusive of the poor, more environmentally sustainable and resilient, and better equipped to deliver healthy, safe and nutritious diets to all Guyanese,” Minister Mustapha said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Teachers launch forum to enhance learning

By Tamica Garnett

ONE year ago when Guyana’s education system was hit by school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Amsterdam Modern Language teacher Monix Hetemyer, created The Teachers’ Initiative Online Programme whereby she helped parents to navigate the process of home-schooling.

The initiative gained almost 1200 followers on its Facebook page, and has helped hundreds of students. However, with school now scheduled to reopen in September 2021, Hetemyer decided to restructure the programme to make the initiative a permanent feature.

Hetemyer has teamed up with a number of other educators to launch The Teachers’ Initiative Forum (TTIF), which is geared towards finding solutions to education issues, facilitating training/ workshops for teachers and students, as well as pursuing community projects centred on education.

She hopes that other teachers will look forward to getting on board.

“Ultimately, our essential goal is to create positive and rippling changes in our education system. We also envision ourselves collaborating with the Ministry of Education on various projects,” Hetemeyer shared in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

The initiative is being managed by a core group of nine secondary school teachers, along

Monix Hetemyer

with two advisers, namely local psychologist and University of Guyana (UG) lecturer Wil Campbell, and Dr. Tamarind Delisser who is also a UG lecturer.

“We are in the initial stages, so it is really a process of building a team with the right people.

We are a group of enthused brilliant and driven educators that are striving towards building a better education system for all stakeholders involved: educators, students and parents,” Hetemyer commented.

The teachers involved in the initiative are Daniel Jacobs, of the New Amsterdam Multilateral; Feona Jones, of Ann’s Grove Secondary; Jessica Sam of Buxton Secondary; Delney Swavin and Sarafina Burrowes-Henry of the North Ruimvelt Multilateral; Roneisha Harvey of Bladen Hall Multilateral and Jared McPhoy of Annandale Secondary. They are joined by Rosemarie Ramitt who teaches at the Ministry of Education’s Resource Unit for the Blind.

Other teachers interested in the initiative can also get on

board.

“There is no fee for joining the group. If you are an educator and your desire is for better education and opportunities in education, then we welcome you,” she said.

As the initiative continues to grow, the group will consider establishing regional representatives, and other sub-units across the country.

Campbell later explained that he sees the initiative developing into the local equivalent of the American Association of Educators in the United States of America (USA) , or the Association of Teachers and Lecturers in the United Kingdom (UK).

“When I was asked to serve as an adviser to TTIF, I counted it a privilege and an opportunity.

I have worked in different school systems abroad and one of the most enriching experiences being a professional is being able to interface with other professionals in the field who can share different experiences, perspectives and ideas in a structured way,” Campbell commented.

The initiative already has a student portal on our page with over 800 students who utilise the multiple resources which are posted to help the students. The programme also hosts monthly Zoom sessions for the students, and has started “The Inspiration Corner,” where educators from all over the country are featured.

The Zoom sessions are geared towards creating a space for

Wil Campbell

students to deal with issues that affect them.

“We have already looked at topics such as, Maintaining your Mental Health during Covid-19 and A Discussion on Depression and Body Image. These sessions seem to be a great help to our students. We also have various other projects in the works,” Hetemyer explained.

Hetemyer, who is also a part-

time UG lecturer, has been in the teaching profession for over 12 years .

“Teaching was actually a profession I stumbled into. It was not a deliberate decision, but I have grown to love it and I am 100 per cent certain that I am doing what I was meant to. My love for teaching stems from seeing my kids grow into agents of change.

Seeing my kids use the knowledge they have learnt to positively apply it to the world around them is such a joy. I am truly passionate about teaching and am willing to help anyone who is desirous of learning,” she said.

“My area of expertise is in the teaching of Spanish. I am also skilled in the area of group interaction and classroom management. I have efficiently functioned in administrative positions and therefore possess leadership

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and management skills,” she added.

Hetemyer decided to get others on board after realising the potential her programme had to now reach even more students.

“I understand how important collaboration is, so I reached out to some of my colleagues for us to manage the page as a group,” she explained.

The forum operates with the motto: “Changing Lives, Communities and the World through Transformative Education.”

“This represents the core of what we stand for. Education should not just be the dispersing of knowledge, it should be transformative which means that as we teach, we ought to see our students use that knowledge to create tangible changes in the world around them,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

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GWI offers 50 per cent discount to disconnected customers WITH over 8,000 disconnected customers collectively owing more than $291 million, the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) is hoping that a 50 per cent discount on arrears and several fees will encourage them to settle their debt.

The promotion which ends on June 30 will see arrears, the reconnection fee and all penalty and replacement fees being slashed by half. Failure to take advantage of this offer will result in the company taking legal action against them. GWI is also targeting those with illegal connections.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, the company’s Executive Director of Commercial Services and Customer Relations, Marlon Daniels, explained that the promotion is a win-win for the consumer and the company, as the company continues to explore amicable means of getting

money owed it.

“We feel it is better to have our customers on the database receiving water legally, and contributing positively to our revenue stream rather than having them illegally connected and making it difficult for others to benefit from the service,” Daniels said.

He added: “In this case both GWI and the customer benefit, because you can regularise yourself without the full penalty, and at the same time the utility is benefiting because we now have you back as a customer and you can do your best to contribute to the services we offer.”

Customers who had their water service disconnected have to pay $7500 to be reconnected. Additionally, those who had their services disconnected for over three months would have also had the service entirely removed.

The fee to have the service returned is $20,000.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

GWI’s Executive Director of Commercial Services and Customer Relations, Marlon Daniels

“So if a consumer was disconnected for non-payment, instead now they would pay $3750. In the case of customers who would’ve been disconnected and had the service removed, when

you want to come back on the database you would’ve had to pay $20,000 to get back the service; we are now halving that to $10,000,” Daniels explained.

Persons who are caught

with illegal connections are subjected to a $35,000 tampering fee; however, that will also be slashed by 50 per cent.

“If you would’ve tampered and we caught you, that’s the fee in addition to whatever you would’ve owed. So for [the] purpose of this promotion if you would’ve illegally reconnected yourself, we are now being lenient and would half that tampering fee also,” Daniel said.

According to company statistics, GWI is currently owed $291, 968, 674 by 8022 consumers who have since had their services disconnected. The largest section of errant consumers hails from the East Coast Demerara areas, where 2825 disconnected consumers collectively owe $83, 064,932.

The Georgetown and Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) areas both have just over 1000

consumers each, owing $47 million and $35 million respectively.

Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) has 639 disconnected customers who collectively owe $41, 850, 314; Region Six (East Corentyne-Berbice) has 855 disconnected consumers owing over $30,789, 750; Region Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni) has 269 disconnected consumers who owe $21, 225, 791 and the East Bank of Demerara has 655 disconnected consumers owing $17, 768, 202.

Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has just 37 disconnected consumers who owe $603,420, while Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has nine disconnected consumers who collectively owe $338, 169.

The promotion follows a five per cent reduction in tariffs implemented by the company earlier this year.

President orders evaluation of Pomeroon health centres 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

-- after discovering shortage of drugs, disconnect between centres and region “I want the community to hear what you are facing.

No requisition came from the centre. If you don’t send a requisition for what is short, how can the region send anything? I want a complete evaluation. Let’s get our people in here because this is absolutely irresponsible—a total disconnect between the centre and the region. I want a complete evaluation of the health centres in the Pomeroon,” President Ali told the

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the community meeting in Hackney

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has ordered a complete evaluation of all health centres I the Pomeroon after discovering that the Hackney Health Centre had a drug shortage.

During the Head of State’s visit to the area to conduct a flood assessment, one of the residents told the President that he had to go to a nearby shop to purchase needle and thread to stitch a wound, since the health centre did not have supplies.

Other residents also relat-

ed that the health centre is often without medical supplies.

As a result, the Head of State requested the presence of the health worker stationed at the health centre to explain the situation. The representative said that while there is a shortage, no requisition for medical supplies was sent to the region “lately.”

President Ali also questioned the Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh, who related that the region currently has medical supplies in stock.

Two critical after collision on Riverstown Public Road

TWO friends have been admitted to the Suddie Public Hospital, Region Two, following a head-on collision on the Riverstown Public Road. Lakeram Singh of Affiance and Krishna Singh of Airy Hall, both 22, are nursing head injuries.

According to information received, the two friends were riding motorcycle CF9313 when the accident occurred around 20:30hrs on the Riverstown Public Road Sunday night.

Reports indicate that Krishna was proceeding north along the western side of the Riverstown Public Road when he came in contact with motor car PXX 5401 driven by Evwayne Isaacs, a student of the University of Guyana. The motorcycle reportedly collided with the left side of the motor car.

During the collision, Lakeram, the pillion rider and Krishna fell onto the roadway and received severe injuries to their heads and bodies. The friends were picked up by the driver of the car and were taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where they were admitted in an unconscious state.

The driver of the motorcar is currently in police custody assisting with an investigation.

Region Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt.

The flood assessment team made stops in Karawab, St Monica’s Mission, Kabakaburi, Abrams Creek, Siriki, Jacklow, Martindale and Marlborough.

In Marlborough, the President also upbraided the region’s engineering department for not updating residents about their planned infrastructural projects.

After explaining to resi-

dents of the community about his government’s plan to address the flooding, a young grade six student approached the Head of State in tears and explained to him that she was requesting that the government address the deplorable condition of the school.

After enquiries with the region’s head, it was revealed that the contract for repair of the school had been awarded and that residents had not been properly informed of the

status of the project.

President Ali said that the region needs to stay connected with the communities and keep them informed about all projects.

Along with the President, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha; Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall and other officials were also in the region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Ninvalle promises NSC support …Director of Sport hails Table Tennis for Edghill stars’ Olympic accomplishment TOKYO-bound table tennis player, Chelsea Edghill, paid a courtesy call on Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, at his Middle Street office. She was accompanied by her mother, Deirdre Edghill and president of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Godfrey Munroe.

Edghill created history when she picked up the International Table Tennis Federation’s lone global wildcard spot for female

players and became the first player from Guyana, male or female, to feature for the country in the sport at the Olympics.

Ninvalle, who was recently appointed Director of Sport, congratulated Edghill on not only creating history, but for also being recognised

by Table Tennis’ global governing body as the player worthy of their spot in Tokyo, Japan.

According to Ninvalle, Edghill, throughout her play-

ing career, has been an exemplary athlete; one that is disciplined and works hard.

Ninvalle said it is now important for Edghill to receive as much support as possible, so that she can be competitive in Japan, as well as at other tournaments.

Edghill thanked the Director of Sport for taking time out from his busy schedule to meet with her before her departure to Portugal, where she’s setting up camp in preparation for the

Olympic Games.

The former Youth Olympian and Caribbean U-21 Champion explained to Ninvalle her many needs in order to fully focus on table tennis and representing Guyana at major tournaments around the world.

Ninvalle stated that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is looking forward to working with the GTTA in ensuring that Edghill receives the support needed.

P&P Insurance Brokers on Naomi Osaka withdraws from board with Chelsea Edghill Wimbledon tune-up tournament P&P Insurance Brokers, on Monday, made a financial contribution to national table tennis player, Chelsea Edghill, to assist her in her preparation for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

The presentation was made at the P&P Offices at 272- 273 Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

In brief remarks, Jaya Panday, Accounting Executive of P&P Insurance, said that P&P was very happy to support Edghill and wished her all the best. She said P&P has an outstanding record in the discharge of its corporate

social responsibilities.

Panday also congratulated Edghill on all the hard work she has been putting in and said that she was sure that the player will make Guyana proud.

In response, Edghill thanked Ms Panday and P&P Insurance and promised to do her very best.

She also remarked that over the years, P&P Insurance has consistently supported table tennis.

Already, the Guyana Olympic Association and the Guyana Lottery Company have thrown their support behind the 23-year-old Edghill.

10:50 hrs Feather The Nest

American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1 Catskill Rivers Race 2 Old Man Winter Race 3 Quality Stones Race 4 Aurannian Race 5 Honorable Avenue Race 6 Out Of Tune Race 7 Bellamy's Treasure Race 8 Colonial Lass Irish Racing Tips Roscommon 08:15 hrs Gibraltar 08:50 hrs Zamond 09:25 hrs Jack Holiday 10:00 hrs Enniskerry 10:35 hrs Isotope 11:10 hrs Bold Enough 11:45 hrs Lord Lariat 12:20 hrs Carrarea South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:30 hrs French Joy 09:05 hrs Greens 09:40 hrs Tyrus Express 10:15 hrs Putins Promise

English Racing Tips Salisbury 08:35 hrs Fille D'Or 09:10 hrs Papacito 09:45 hrs Mirrooj 10:20 hrs Talbeyah 10:55 hrs Franklet 11:30 hrs Hawridge Flyer Wolverhampton 08:45 hrs Let's Go Lucky 09:20 hrs Fact Or Fable 09:55 hrs Manhattanville 10:30 hrs Rita The Cheetah 11:05 hrs Highest Ambition 11:40 hrs Ladywood 12:10 hrs Margaret Dumont 12:40 hrs Beyond Infinity Ayr 12:15 hrs Tribal Art 12:45 hrs Pearl of Qatar 13:15 hrs Tricorn 13:45 hrs Modular Magic 14:15 hrs Tommy G 14:45 hrs Motawaazy 15:15 hrs Three Castles

NAOMI Osaka will no longer compete in the Berlin WTA 5000 grass-court tournament after pulling out of the event that begins in one week, the tournament announced.

The move comes after Osaka pulled out of the French Open, citing her mental health, and puts her entrance into the Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament into doubt.

"We have received notification Naomi Osaka cannot start in Berlin. After consulting her management, she will take a break," Berlin event organizers said in a statement via Reuters.

The bett1open returns to the German capital for the first time since 2008. Ahead of Osaka's withdraw, 15 of the top 20 ranked women were set to compete in the tune-up to Wimbledon.

Wimbledon will return to the calendar on June 28 after canceling last year's tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The To-

kyo Olympics are also steadily approaching in July from Osaka's home country of Japan.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, pulled out of the French Open last week one day after the tournament fined her for not speaking to the media. She said in a statement she battled depression since winning the 2018 U.S. Open and wanted to skip press conferences.

The 23-year-old wrote in a close her note on Twitter: "I'm gonna takes some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans. Anyways, hope you are all doing well and staying safe, love you guys I'll see you when I see you."

The Grand Slam tournaments collectively said in a statement they would work to improve the player experienced and offered "support and assistance" to Osaka. (Yahoo Sports)

Pulisic seals Concacaf Nations... (From page 27) on by Weston McKennie's header to take the game into extra time.

The two sides remained deadlocked going into the second period of added time.

Pulisic, who joined up with the United States squad straight after winning the Champions League with Chelsea, won the penalty himself, going down in the box under a challenge by two Mexico defenders.

Referee John Pitti initially opted against awarding a penalty but it was given af-

ter the lengthy VAR process that also saw Martino sent off. Some fans then threw projectiles towards the pitch but, unperturbed, Pulisic smashed the ball into the top corner when play resumed.

Mexico still had a chance to level six minutes later when they were awarded a penalty following Mark McKenzie's handball, but Horvath saved well from Andres Guardado.

USA next play Costa Rica in friendly on Wednesday. (BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce says she’s hungry for more glory TWO-time Olympic 100m gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce sent shock waves around the track and field world on Saturday morning when she ran an astonishing 10.63 seconds to break the Jamaican national record of 10.70 seconds held jointly with reigning Olympic gold medallist Elaine Thompson Herah.

In becoming the first Jamaican woman to break the 10.70-second barrier, Fraser-Pryce established herself as the second-fastest woman ever in the history of track and field with the time she ran and she is now currently the fastest woman alive.

It was the first time that the Elite Track Club athlete was competing at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA)/Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Olympic Destiny Series, having been away competing in Europe and

the Middle East at the two previous meetings.

Her performance at the third and final meet in the series is no doubt the highlight performance of the inaugural staging of this unique series and gives credence to it becoming a part of the local track and field landscape going forward.

Speaking with reporters after her historic run, Fraser-Pryce, who was clearly overcome with joy, gave praises for her performance to a higher power.

“Man, look at God, that's all I can say, look at God!” With the whole world having to wait for an extra year for the staging of the Olympic Games due to the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, the 34-year-old acknowledged the importance of patience in the pursuit of goals and dreams.

“Delay is no denial, honestly, and that's a big, big,

big testimony from me. This morning, first I thought I was running first [race] and then I heard the 200m [was running] first.

“So, I was staying calm and making sure that I had this good run before the National Championships because I don't have any more races before that.”

Fraser-Pryce underlined the importance of competing at the meet on Saturday, but admitted to surprising even herself with how fast she ran.

“I was looking forward to putting in a solid race… technique and getting everything together before I get to the National Championships.

“In terms of the 10.6, I really wasn't looking for a 10.6 to be honest and I think that was, for me, a good thing because I was just focused on executing, and my coach has always said, once I execute, he knows I will do well.”

She was, however, able to explain why she ran so fast

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce reacts after smashing the Jamaica national record over 100 metres on Saturday at the National Stadium. (Jamaica Observer picture).

and even indicated that there may be even more to come.

“I have been doing some

crazy training. Coach and I have been working very hard, especially on endurance,

because there is still work to be done, especially the last 30 metres. So, I am really working on that, I am working on my technique overall, staying composed during any competition, no matter who I line up against.

“So, it's just been good and I am grateful that we have been able to put together this run. I am really excited.”

As to whether there is still hunger for more glory, Fraser-Pryce pointed to her new record as the indicator.

“The 10.6 should tell you that I am hungry; I have been training real hard and I am just glad that I was able to do it.”

Fraser-Pryce will next compete at the Jamaica National Championships scheduled for Thursday, June 24 to Sunday, June 27 for a chance to participate at her fourth consecutive Olympic Games. (Jamaica Observer)

Merciless Nadal marches into French Open quarter-finals Durant (REUTERS)-Claycourt king Rafael Nadal overcame a wobbly start to subdue Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 7-5 6-3 6-0 on Monday and book a place in the French Open quarter-finals.

The Spanish defending champion, looking to claim a record-extending 14th Roland Garros singles title and become the only man to win 21 Grand Slam singles crowns, has won 35 consecutive sets in Paris.

World number 19 Sinner, who at 19 years old has been labelled as the next big thing in tennis, hit a brick wall on court Philippe Chatrier after leading 5-3 in the opening set.

Third seed Nadal will

stars as the Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks

face Diego Schwartzman for a place in the semi-finals after beating the Argentine in the last four in the previous edition of the tournament.

"I played against a very good player who has a great future and I'm very happy with the win," Nadal said.

"I started playing well the first couple of games and then I played too defensive for a few games and gave him the chance to step into the court and play his shots. After that the match changed a lot."

Facing the ultimate challenge on clay, Sinner struggled to get into the groove before cancelling out an early break as Nadal experienced problems with

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday June 08, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Colin Croft-8/29 (Trinidad, 1977) (2) Imran Khan-8/70 (Bourda, 1988) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best match figures by a WI against PAK in Tests to date?

(2) What are the best match figures by a Pakistani against the WI in Tests to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his fourth round match against Italy's Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

his first serve.

Sinner, who lost to the claycourt master in the quarter-finals here last year, found himself up a break after two Nadal double faults and a few uncharacteristic errors.

Serving for the set, however, Sinner lost the game to love and Nadal levelled at 5-5 on his opponent's

25th unforced error before breaking to love again to seal the opening set.

After losing eight games in a row, Sinner stopped the rot with a break, clinching it after rushing to the net to retrieve a drop shot and delivering a stunning crosscourt passing shot.

Nadal quickly recovered to break again, however,

and he served out to take a two-set lead before securing his 104th match win at Roland Garros.

The Spaniard has not lost at the Paris Grand Slam tournament since 2015 when he was knocked out in the last eight by Novak Djokovic, his potential semi-final opponent.

KEVIN Durant scored 29 points as the Brooklyn Nets overcame an early James Harden injury to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 115-107 in game one of their NBA play-off Eastern Conference semi-final.

Harden had to be replaced with a hamstring issue in the opening minute.

Kyrie Irving added 25 points, while Joe Harris hit five of their 15 3-pointers.

Victory came despite a dominant show by Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who top scored with 34 points, shooting 16 baskets from 24 attempts in New York.

Former Net Brook Lopez added 19 points and Jrue Holiday contributed 17, despite the Bucks finishing with six baskets from 30 attempts from behind the arc.

The Nets will be hoping Harden can recover in time for the second game in the seven-match series, which took place in Brooklyn yesterday. (BBC Sport)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Focus on discipline as inexperienced Proteas eye series win GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – South Africa bowling coach Charl Langeveldt believes his inexperienced side can still pull off a series win against West Indies but will have to be disciplined enough to execute the right things “for longer periods”, during the two-Test rubber.

Speaking on the first day of full practice after the entire travelling party returned second negative COVID-19 tests to end their quarantine, the former South Africa seamer underscored the value of “boring cricket”, if the Proteas were to extend their excellent record against the home side.

West Indies have not beaten South Africa in a Test series since the one-off Test in Bridgetown nearly 30 years ago which marked the tourists’ readmission to international cricket. “[Our] Test cricket, we want to turn that around,”

said Langeveldt, best remembered in the Caribbean for his sensational hat-trick at Kensington Oval in a OneDay International in 2005, which earned South Africa a dramatic victory.

“A win – a one-nil [maybe]. A two-nil would be even better but we’ll take any win if we can play good cricket for longer periods, put West Indies under pressure and keep that discipline for longer periods. We can achieve that.”

He added: “For me, it’s getting the actions repeatable – doing the same things for longer. The captain [Dean Elgar] speaks about playing boring cricket for long, and in Test cricket that’s what you want to do, day in and day out.

“It’s a process. If you want to improve yourself, you have to be able to have these disciplines and do the same things for longer periods.”

South Africa find themselves in a rebuilding phase for the tour with the likes of veterans Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis all having quit the longest format in recent years.

It means selectors have chosen six uncapped players in the 19-man Test squad with Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Prenelan Subrayen, Marco Jansen, Sarel Erwee and Keegan Peterson all newcomers.

Elgar is the most experienced on tour, the top-order batsman averaging 40 from 67 Tests, and leads a tested quartet comprising Quinton de Kock who averages 37 from 51 Tests, vice-captain Temba Bavuma who averages 32 from 44 and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada who has taken 202 wickets from 45 Tests.

Langeveldt said it was critical both the playing XI and the reserves were intense

in their buildup so tour selectors had a well-prepared unit to chose from.

“I think my demeanor is very calm. I’m a very laid back person but I want to bring the energy,” Langeveldt said.

“I always say to the guys, you never know what can happen days before leading into a Test match – guys can have a lack of form. So you need to be always pushing the guys in the playing XI, you always look to better yourself by having good energy at the practice [and] attitude.”

He continued: “We have a young team here, guys that haven’t played a lot of first class cricket, haven’t played a lot of international cricket so it’s all about competing and bringing that competition into the nets, into the warmup games.

“This is how you can improve yourself and say to the guy that’s in front of you ‘I’m not just here to tour, I’m

CCUA executive members remain intact TORONTO, Canada – All six executive members of the Canadian Cricketers Umpires Association (CCUA) remained intact when the entity’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on Sunday via Zoom.

Based on the CCUA’s constitution, only three places were up for grabs, that of Vice-president, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and Certification Officer. Bisham Singh, Frederick Halley and Matthew Francis all retained their respective positions unopposed with Public Relations Officer (PRO) also being added to Halley’s previous portfolio.

Popular businessman Albert Ramcharran (President), Secretary Azad Khan and Treasurer Vish Jadunauth continue to serve in their respective designations which were secured at least for another year based on the constitution.

The CCUA is gearing up for what is expected to be a shortened 2021 cricket season which is likely to get underway by mid-July following a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The body previously held six weeks of seminars, which saw West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA)

FLASHBACK from last year: Executive members: From left (standing) are Mathew Francis, Azad Khan, Frederick Halley. Sitting (from left) are Vish Jadunauth, Albert Ramcharran and Bisham Singh.

Training Chairman Peter Nero conducting classes, ably assisted by its Secretary Vivian Johnson. Certification Officer Francis and Secretary Khan were the coordinators.

The Guyana-born Ramcharran, who was also the past president of both the disbanded Scarborough Cricket Umpires Association (SCUA) and the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL), in his presidential report, stressed that last year was indeed a trying one for the CCUA like it was for most associations involved in the organization of sports, not only in Canada but worldwide. The COVID-19 pan-

demic, he pointed out, had a telling effect on all sports and continues to do so.

Ramcharran reminded that annual training seminars for 2020 were limited to a mere two indoor sessions, while all exams for last year were also affected. These include both at local and WICUA levels. He expressed sincere thanks to the two senior functionaries from the WICUA “for doing a fantastic job during the well-conducted sessions and also to the CCUA Education Chairman, Francis, and Secretary, Khan, for their initiatives in acquiring the services of the two gentlemen.”

Special thanks were also extended to Terry Mathura for his major role in organising and hosting the meetings via Zoom at no cost to the association.

Ramcharran said the sessions were very well attended with an average of 55 persons participating and “while we were again unable to hold exams, we are anticipating that these may be possible before the end of the year, depending on several health-related factors.”

The president also praised the efforts of several members who contributed financially to the St Vincent Cricket Umpires Association whose members were severely affected by the volcano eruption in their island.

Ramcharran once again urged members to exercise caution and take proper precautions to safeguard themselves whenever the season gets going and also implore them to get vaccinated, while stressing the decision to do so rests solely with them.

The CCUA is affiliated to the WICUA which also includes members from Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, United States and Windward Islands.

South Africa bowling coach Charl Langeveldt during practice with the squad at the Daren Sammy National Stadium on Sunday.

(Photo courtesy Cricket South Africa)

here to push you’.”

Langeveldt, who played six Tests and 72 ODIs, said winning the five-match T20 International series would be a more difficult prospect but remained positive about South Africa’s chances. “[The] T20 cricket is going to be a tough one. They have quite a strong team,” he noted.

“It’s going to be a good competition. I think we’ve got a 3-2 [win] but it’s all leading up to the World Cup so we want to have a good T20 series as well.

“Five games are a lot and it’s against a good quality West Indies team so it will be a good challenge for our guys.”

The first Test is scheduled to bowl off here on Thursday at the Daren Sammy National Stadium, with the second Test getting underway on June 18 at the same venue.

All five T20 Internationals will be played in Grenada from June 26 to July 3.

Pulisic seals Concacaf Nations League final win for USA

Christian Pulisic scored his winning penalty in extra time after he was fouled by Carlos Salcedo.

CHELSEA midfielder Christian Pulisic scored an extra-time winner for the United States in a dramatic Concacaf Nations League final against Mexico.

The US twice came from behind to force extra time and the 22-year-old converted a penalty to win the title.

The penalty was only awarded after a lengthy VAR consultation during which Mexico coach Gerardo Martino was sent off for confronting the referee.

Mexico then had a penalty saved late on by substitute keeper Ethan Horvath.

"I'm kind of speechless to be honest," Horvath said after the inaugural final.

"If you're on the bench as a keeper you don't expect to come in the game.

"It's just a whole bunch of emotion. It's a special moment for me in my hometown of Denver."

The Nations League tournament was created for teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean and will be played every two years.

Played at Denver's Empower Field, the final saw a goal in the opening minute through Mexico's Jesus Corona before Giovanni Reyna levelled things up.

Diego Lainez put Mexico back in front only for his goal to be cancelled out late (Turn to page 25)

Maximo shifts attention to Gold Cup qualifier against Guatemala

....game against Puerto Rico today forms part of preparation

By Rawle Toney GUYANA’s final FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifier match today, against Puerto Rico, has now formed part of Coach Marcio Maximo’s preparation for the Golden Jaguars’ CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier campaign against Guatemala next month.

Maximo saw his Qatar World Cup dream come to an end following their 0 – 3 defeat to St Kitts and Nevis on Friday last, but now the Brazilian is putting that match behind him and focussing on the task ahead today at Warner Park from 4:00pm.

“We are in a development process. A lot of youths on the pitch, so we’re giving experience to them,” Maximo said, as he refuses to call his World Cup campaign a failure.

Guyana was drawn in Group F alongside St Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Golden Jaguars had opened their journey to the Middle East with a 0 – 3 defeat at the hands of the Soca Warriors, but had rebounded to beat The Bahamas 4 – 0 before going down to St Kitts on June 4.

But now, Maximo’s narrative moved from advancing to the next round of qualification for the World Cup, to preparing for Guatemala on July 3 at the DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale.

“Also, I think teams like Puerto Rico is a good test for us,

because they have a different style than us, but similar style that we’re going to play at the Gold Cup against Guatemala; so I think it's going to be a good test for us,” Maximo said.

Maximo is hoping to have a good result today, adding “of course we give respect to Puerto Rico. We know about their quality. They’ve improved a lot over the last few years, so I know it's going to be a good game.”

Maximo made a number of changes to his overseas component to his roster and he told reporters that it's unlikely that there will be any new addition.

“The professional players that can really help us are already selected in our national team. Now, we keep the balance in our national team and keep the line that is, give opportunity to young players, for local players and also for overseas players, but our overseas group are very young too and it’s the way that we should follow,” the former Tanzania national coach said.

Maximo believes that “we don’t change teams according to results; you follow the philosophy if it's good or not and the results to maintain and take benefit in the medium-term time. We need to give time to the players. This is a preparation game.

It's part of the process, nothing is completely ideal. Of course, we’re optimistic going into the game against Puerto Rico.”

This will be the third meeting between Puerto Rico and Guyana, with the Golden Jaguars walking away 1 – 0 winners, thanks to a goal from King Solomon Austin, in 2016.

Ninvalle promises NSC support for Edghill 25 PAGE

…Director of Sport hails Table Tennis stars’ Olympic accomplishment

Captain Matthew Briggs will be a key component in Coach Marcio Maximo's line-up against Puerto Rico.

P&P Insurance Brokers on board with Chelsea Edghill PAGE

25

From left: GTTA president Godfrey Munroe, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and table tennis star Chelsea Edghill following a courtesy call at the National Sports Commission.

Jaya Panday, (at left) Accounting Executive of P&P Insurance makes the presentation of a cheque for an undisclosed amount to Table Tennis star, Chelsea Edghill.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021