Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15-06-2021

TUESDAY 15th June, 2021

No. 106392

220,997 take first dose; 87,919 fully vaccinated against COVID-19 SEE PAGE 14

$21.3B

supplementary budget approved

― for flood relief, vaccines, other emergency interventions SEE PAGE

15

SEE PAGE

3

More feed, veterinary services for flood-affected farmers

Cattle affected by the flooding being transported from the Abary backlands in a pontoon (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

Three dead, three injured in WCB accident SEE PAGE

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The mangled car Dead: Shabana Latif

Dead: Carlos Edwards Jr

Dead: Hookumchand Parmanand

Injured: Lakeram Mangal

Patterson’s future as PAC Three dead, three injured in West Coast Berbice accident Chair likely for vote today

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By Nafeeza Yahya

THREE persons have died the 29th Sitting of AS and another three, includParliament con12th the ing a six-year-old, have House today, venes serious injuries,the after a moa debate is torexpected car drivertolost control reto Fort of his vehicle on the intended motion Wellington Public memRoad, opposition move WestDavid Coast Patterson Berbice, early as ber Monday morning.

Pubthe of Chairperson The dead persons have Committee Accounts lic been identified as driver of (PAC). the ill-fated vehicle, Carlos wasofappointPatterson Edwards Jr, 23, Lot 39 in DecemPAC ChairNew ed Stanleytown, Amsterdam,2020; Berbice;however, Shabana Latif, on ber 36, of Brothers Village, East

Bank Berbice and former police officer, Hookumchand Parmanand, 59, anduring over1, 2021, February seas-based Guyanese and forof the meeting sixth the merly of Number 36 Village. of Minister committee, The injured were identiParliamentary fied as LakeramAffairs Mangal,and 57, Gail TeixeiGovernance, of Angoy’s Avenue; Joyclyn Cole, 27, anda her six-monthcallmotion moved ra, old child, Carolyn Edwards. to be for Patterson ing According to reports, the oppoby another replaced accident occurred around sition member of the PAC. 05:00 hrs while Edwards premised had passengers wasTeixeira transporting fact that her frommotion Berbiceon to the Georgetown. facing pubPatterson Among thewas passengers were to relatingand allegations lic Edward’s child-mother his infant daughter.

According to the police, motor car #HC6077 was proceeding west along the southern side of Fort Wellington Public Road at a fast rate and while negotiating a left bend in the road during

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

a heavy downpour, the driver lost control of the vehicle, collided into a GECOM concrete and mesh fence, then ploughed into a GTT lamp pole before finally turning turtle in a drain on the said

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira Dead: Shabana Latif

fraud and mismanagement of public funds. He was, therefore, deemed unfit to spearhead the work of the PAC, which is tasked with scrutinising irregularities highlighted in the Auditor General (AG)’s annual reports.

At the time of that motion, the PAC was examining the findings of the 2016 AG Report, which highlighted “paragraph after paragraph” worth

Dead: Carlos Edwards Jr

of infractions on the part of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, headed by Patterson during his party’s 2015-2020 tenure in government.

In a telephone interview on Sunday, Minister Teixeira reminded that the motion did not seek to remove Patterson as a member of the PAC, but simply called for him to be replaced with another opposition PAC member.

southern side of the road.

The driver and passengers of the motor carthe received other However, injuries about their PAC three oppositionbodies and were taken to the Fort Ganesh Mahimembers, Wellington Public HospiFigueira Jermaine paul, tal, where Parmanand, EdFernandes, and Juretha have refused to take Patterson’s place. They have been vehemently insisting that the former minister has earned the full confidence of his Coalition party – the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

Patterson has since Dead: Hookumchand Parmanand been criminally charged for allegedly defrauding the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) – an agency previously under his purview.

The opposition Member of Parliament is also being investigated as part of the gift-giving scandal, in which he allegedly benefited from gifts valuing more than $2 million, agencies that were from The mangled car under his remit.

Meanwhile, Teixeira

wards Jr., and Latif were pronounced dead on arrival. The three passengers were that since indicated has injured initially treated at the efFebruary, a series ofFort Wellington Hospital before forts have been made to they were transferred to the of the furtherance stymie New Amsterdam Hospital. motion committee’s the Mangal, who suffered “FunPatterson. against head injuries, was later transevuses he damentally, ferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. ery means to prevent the The families relatives put to being from and motion ofathose involved in the accivote,” the Government dent are in a state of agony Chief Whip noted. and disbelief.

She said that the “mind-boggling” situation persists, even though the committee was advised on multiple occasions by both the Clerk and Speaker of the National Assembly that the motion was valid. “This is a serious of events [sic], in which the chairman has refused to comply,” the minister Injured: added. Lakeram Mangal AtItthe home of Latif, highlighted was neighbours and3,relatives 2021, the that on May gathered as they mourned Nationthe Speaker of her passing. Her husband, al Assembly, Ramsammy Kisten,Manzoor 32, who to PatterNadir, wrote identified her body at the his thatwas son indicating Bailey’s Funeral Home,

See page 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

$21.3B

supplementary budget approved

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― for flood relief, vaccines, other emergency interventions

By Rehana Ahamad

THE National Assembly last night approved a $21.3 billion Supplementary Budget for the remainder of 2021. The funds will be spent on addressing a number of key issues, including the ongoing floods; the purchase of more COVID-19 vaccines; the execution of much-needed repairs to the Demerara Harbour Bridge and increased support for the Guyana Sugar Corporation.

As it relates to flooding, the House cleared a sum of $10 billion which will be spent on intensifying the government’s relief efforts, particularly as it relates to the provision of food, sanitary and medical supplies to those affected. The supplementary funds for flooding

will also facilitate the execution of critical emergency repairs to a number of public infrastructures such as roads and bridges that have been destroyed by unprecedented levels of floodwaters.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips informed the National Assembly that the government’s flood response is being rolled out in phases, and that the recovery phase will cater to the

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

rebuilding of livelihoods and communities in a way that mitigates disasters.

“Government will work during recovery to assist people to move to safer grounds; at the end of it, we will have a more resilient approach,” the PM indicated.

He said that currently, the government is focusing heavily on addressing the immediate needs of the affected residents and communities. “What is happening now is relief operations,” the Prime Minister posited.

Further, the National Assembly also approved some $1.9 billion for the Ministry of Health. These monies will go towards the procurement of more COVID-19 vaccines; the purchase of three ambulances and a pick-up; the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

and other pharmaceuticals for the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The supplementary budget also caters for $1.5 billion for the restructuring of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told the National Assembly that so far, 40 per cent of the works to restructure GuySuCo has been completed.

The Ministry of Public Works also received some $623 million to rehabilitate the retractor spans of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

According to subject minister Juan Edghill, the urgent repairs stem from neglect, and failure to address key maintenance issues of the structure.

Edghill warned that in addition to the already al-

located monies, the bridge will also require an additional $412 million to fix its neglected anchorage system.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport also benefited from $186 million which is expected to go directly towards the Sports Department’s Ground Enhancement Programme. The Ministry of Home Affairs also benefited from an allocation to help bolster the operations of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

The funds were secured just as Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, piloted the Supplementary Appropriation Act which was passed following meticulous scrutiny and lively debates late Monday night.

dent purchases, Guyana stands to also benefit from the acquisition of some 148,000 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines, via an agreement brokered between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union.

in infections and deaths could point to the presence of the B1 and B2 variants that have been detected in neighbouring Brazil.

Dr. Anthony said pointedly that the vaccines have been working, and that Guyana has not seen any cases where immunised per-

to the storage and transportation needs of the vaccines that have to be kept under specific temperatures. More specifically, he said that the government has built more than 15 regional storage hubs as a means of ensuring adequate availability of the vaccines all across the

Withdrawals from Contingency Fund not ‘mismanagement’ -- says Dr. Anthony, defends vaccine purchases

By Rehana Ahamad

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has vehemently defended his government’s move to visit the country’s Contingency Fund for the purchase of some $1.3B worth of COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Anthony told the Committee of Supply on Thursday that, unlike many other Caribbean countries, Guyana did not rely solely on the COVAX facility for the life-saving vaccines.

He said that had Guyana not gone ahead to independently purchase the vaccines, then the country would not have managed to even vaccinate 10 per cent of its adult population. As it is, Dr. Anthony said that more than 44.3 per cent of the adults in Guyana have already received their first jab of the vaccines available locally – AstraZeneca, the Sputnik V from Russia, and China’s Sinopharm.

Between April and June 2021, the government went ahead to spend $957 million to procure 200,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine, and another$326 million for the supply of 100,000 doses of

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

the Sinopharm; these were monies that were not budgeted for, but rather, taken from the Contingency Fund.

Questioned by members of the Opposition as to why the government did not include the purchases in its $383 billion budget for 2021, Dr. Anthony said that the vaccines were simply not available at the time.

Pressed further by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon for details as to why the Guyana govern-

ment paid increased prices for the vaccines, Dr. Anthony said that the hike in prices is as a result of the well-established global shortages. “If it is not available, then we have to buy at the price that we are getting it at,” the Health Minister asserted.

He reminded that both Moderna and Pfizer had informed that they would not be able to supply Guyana with vaccines until 2022.

Outside of the indepen-

Asked whether the vaccines have been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Minister Anthony said that only Sputnik V is awaiting approval for the status of Emergency Use Listing. He assured however, that Guyana has moved to purchase and administer the Russian product based on its clinical merits, and efficacy. He said specifically that a real-life study has shown Sputnik V to have an efficacy rate of approximately 97 per cent.

NEW VARIANTS, ONE VOICE Meanwhile, Opposition Member, Sherod Duncan asked whether the vaccine purchases were done in an effort to cater for new variants of the coronavirus; to this, Dr. Anthony reminded that Guyana does not yet have the capabilities to test for such mutations. He noted however, that an increase

Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon

sons have been hospitalised or have died.

Responding to the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)’s Ganesh Mahipaul, Minister Anthony said that none of the purchased vaccines have expired.

He boasted that, so far, the administration has been able to respond adequately

country, especially in rural and hinterland areas.

Minister Anthony also used the forum to appeal to all Members of Parliament to “Speak with one voice” as it relates to the national vaccination programme. As the lively discussions on the subject wrapped up, the Committee of Supply approved the purchase of the vaccines.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Bar Association calls for withdrawal of bill tabled for DNA collection THE Bar Association has expressed deep concern on the proposed “Bill tabled for DNA collection of persons in custody” and has called for its forthwith withdrawal.

“The Bar Association notes the publication in the Official Gazette, between June 4-12, 2021 of at least seven proposed amendments to legislation which fundamentally touch, concern and affect the administration of justice. The Bar Association, a stakeholder and body affected by many of the proposed amendments, was not consulted thereon as we should have been and must be in recognition of the duty in law to consult,” the association noted in a press statement on Monday.

The Police (Amendment)

Bill No. 8 of 2021 tabled in the National Assembly last Thursday, the association said is at variance with such provisions in other jurisdictions and called for it to be reconsidered with due and proper consultation.

Underscoring that the said proposed amendment does not have the support of the Bar Association and will be met with challenge should it proceed in its current form, the Bar Association stated that the said Bill, inter alia, proposes to amend Section 25 of the Police Act, Cap. 16:01 to empower a member of the Police Force, for the purpose of identification, to take the ‘DNA’ of any person who may, from time to time, be in lawful custody.

“The proposed amendment, if passed in its cur-

rent form, without more, can result in the gross erosion and infringement of a person’s constitutional rights. Inter alia, Article 143 of the Constitution protects against the search of a person without his/ her consent or an Order of the Court. The Bar Association therefore finds it wholly unacceptable that the power to obtain ‘DNA’ from the body, would be placed in the hands of a member of the Police Force without oversight and sufficient safeguards,” the Bar Association empha-

in a sorrowful state.

Latif, a mother of four was on her way to the Georgetown Public Hospital to take food and other necessities for her 19-year-old who is hospitalised for the past week after falling off of his motorcycle.

“She does gotta go every morning to feed him and stuff. I carry her to the park

and we waited until ah see a car come, he pulled up and she went in and the next big man from Angoys Avenue was at the park too and he went in the same car.”

Kisten recalled dropping her off by the New Amsterdam Park at around 04:30 hrs and specifically cautioning the driver to take good care of his wife, and wished her

a safe journey unknowing it was their final goodbye.

NEVER EXPECTED “We were living good, had no problems and this just shock me. I never expect to hear this,” he said as tears streamed down his face.

Kisten, a hire car driver said he received the news of the accident at around 09:00 hrs.

His wife, he said would leave early in the mornings and return by 16:00 hrs, after taking care of her son’s breakfast and lunch.

“We say weekend we

sised.

would go with we own car cause the passage high to travel up with everyday with it but she didn’t have to problem to catch transportation by now she would ah done come home. I never expect this,” he said. Latif was described as a caring and joyful individual.

She and her husband had only recently constructed their house. They have been together for 10 years.

Meanwhile, when the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of Parmanand, his wife and son had left for another relative’s home.

However, residents de-

It noted that Section 25(2) of the said Act makes provision in the case of refusal of a person to submit to same, to be taken before a magistrate. However, the Bar Association stated that this threshold is low as the magistrate only needs to be satisfied that the person is in lawful custody.

No consideration, the Bar Association stated is required to be given to any other factor or circumstance including whether the ‘DNA’ is required in connection with the offence,

there is sufficient evidence to ground a charge, the nature of the offence and or how the DNA is to be obtained or secured. “‘DNA’ evidence is a useful tool in proving the guilt or innocence of an accused. However, the obtaining of that information merely on arrest, without consent or Order of Court, is alarming and dangerous. Generally, ‘DNA’ can only be obtained from the body by invasive means, which also raises concerns of State-sanctioned assault, if done without consent.

The proposed amendment is so wide that it lays fertile ground for much mischief in the event of its misuse, without due and proper safeguards,” the Bar Association stated.

scribed him as a humble, fair and easy-going individual.

When contacted via telephone, his wife Oma Parmanand was crying inconsolably but still managed to call on the authorities to implement more strict penalties for speeding.

“Oh my God! Them need to do something about this speeding. Them leff the man, nah go back home. This is very hurtful,” she cried.

Parmanand was scheduled to return to the United States on Thursday and would have celebrated his 60th birthday today (Tuesday). His relatives were planning to surprise him with a birthday celebration.

The family members of Edwards Jr. were in a state of

shock and was unable speak with the media.

At the home of Mangal, his son Lalchand Mangal, 31, said he received a call from the hospital informing him of the accident.

He said he was able to speak with him briefly in the hospital and noticed his head was bandaged. His father was heading to the Ogle Airport to board a flight to the interior where he was due to return to work.

“At around 04:00 hrs, I drop he by the gas station and when I get call later I was just shocked. He was off working for a good while and he recently get a call back to go in,” Lalchand said.

An investigation into the accident is ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Banks should exercise some flexibility -- say some Region Seven residents ‘squeezed’ by flooding

By Naomi Parris WITH several homes and businesses still under water, Region Seven residents are reporting millions in losses and some with outstanding loans are calling on banks to exercise some flexibility during this trying period.

Oswald Greaves, a business man and one of the affected persons, who chose to go on record, said the economy in the region has been at a standstill since the start of the rainy season.

“My main thing here is producing, nothing is going on here and more so the miners, everybody here are down, more so Mr. Bank, we got to deal with Mr. Bank. We would like for them to give us a little space, a couple of months at least until this thing has come to an end and everything back to normal and we start traversing again,” he said, stressing that some form of amnesty is needed during this time as many miners, farmers and businesses are barely keeping afloat.

Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams, told the Guyana Chronicle that, himself and Vice-Chairman, Kamal Persaud, had spent three days in several flood-affected communities interacting with residents, providing relief and making assessments.

“We saw, first-hand, the devastating impact and financial ruin on the hundreds of farmers and businessmen and women,” he said, adding: “Most businessmen

Amerindian Affairs, Minister Pauline Sukhai interacting with a resident who had lost her crops to the floods (Ministry of Amerindian Affairs photo) and residents are seeking some of personnel and resources to sort of financial relief from the support in flood response.

Government.”

According to the CDC, ReMining landings such as gions 10, Seven, Six, Five and Tamakay, Surinamo, Apaika, Two are the most impacted.

Hyamerica and Pappy Show A total of 216 persons are have been forced to shut down currently being housed in a total all economic activities. of nine shelters activated in ReIn the Indigenous communi- gions Two, Five, Nine and 10. ty of Kangaruma, some 54 farms have been under water for the LOSSES past two weeks and farmers have In an extensive assessment recorded loses close to $20M. the CDC, last week stated that Over the past 25 hours, over 200 farms in Waramadong, the Civil Defence Commission have been impacted, five houses (CDC) has continued to receive are flooded and residents have reports of flooding across the been relocated to higher ground. country. Further, the CDC has In Jawalla, over 150 farms continued its and over 60 households have verification of flood reports, been affected, with seven famin addition to the deployment ilies being relocated to safer

Minibus driver found guilty of raping girl twice

Inteaz Mohamed, called “Uncle Shameer” A MIXED jury on Monday found 44-year-old minibus driver Inteaz Mohamed, called “Uncle Shameer,” guilty on two counts of rape committed on a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

Mohamed of Success, East Coast Demerara, was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court. The charges against him were that during September 2014 and January 2015, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child, who was at the time under the age of 15.

The jury, after deliberating for two hours, returned guilty verdicts on both counts. Sentencing has been deferred until July 2, pending the presentation of a probation report.

The state was represented by prosecutors Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig, while Mohamed’s attorney was Latchmie Rahamat.

Mohamed in his defence told the court that he is unable to perform sexual activities due to a

surgery he did in April 2014 for a hernia. He stated that he is being framed since the victim’s story was fabricated by her brother.

Mohamed further claimed that he would only transport primary school pupils to school and not students from secondary school like the victim.

According to reports, Mohamed operated a minibus and would transport the victim along with other children to school. He would also pick them up in the evening from lessons. It is alleged that Mohamed is also known to the victim and her family.

It is alleged that during September 2014, Mohamed picked up the teen in his motorcar and while taking her home, he took her through a bushy area at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara and raped her.

Before dropping her home, it is alleged that Mohamed threatened the teen that if she reports

the matter to the police, he will kill her.

The victim became afraid and did not report the matter to the police, and in January 2015, while being taken home from lessons by Mohamed, she was raped again.

After this incident, the victim was picked up after lessons by her brother. During this time, Mohamed managed to acquire the teen’s cellphone number and would harass her.

However, it is alleged that during February 2018, Mohamed visited the victim’s home and handed her several letters. Before leaving he told the teen not to tell anyone what was written in the letters or else he would shoot her.

The victim, however, confided in her brother about being raped by Mohamed and showed him the letters as evidence.

The matter was reported to the police and Mohamed was arrested.

living quarters. One house was reported to have collapsed due to the floodwaters.

Quebanang, another village in the region, has a total of 86 affected households, the CDC said.

Additionally, five government buildings are inundated. In Kako, 120 farms and 12 houses have been flooded. Residents who are concerned about water-borne diseases have requested mosquito nets, rain boots and water tanks.

An assessment of Chinoweng and Wax Creek found that 132 farms and 98 farms respectively were destroyed by floodwaters, the CDC said.

However, no family was required to be relocated. In Abbou, a small mining community in the region, three houses were flooded but no residents had to be relocated. In other mining ar-

eas such as Imbaimadai, Ominik and Kambora, at least 20 mining camps have been flooded, forcing miners to move to higher ground, the CDC said.

RELIEF Over the weekend, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, travelled to Chenapou Village, Region Eight (Potaro-Sipuruni) to conduct a flood impact assessment and deliver relief supplies to the affected residents in the village.

The minister met with farmers and visited the farms which were completely devastated by the floodwaters. She also visited those residents who suffered losses after their homes went underwater due to high water levels.

A total of 126 food hampers, cleaning agents were presented to residents, and an agricultural tool (chain saw) was handed

over to Toshao Stanford John for flood-affected residents.

Regional Councillors and Community Development Officer, Kurt Pereira, accompanied Minister Sukhai on her visit over the weekend.

Housing and water Minister, Colin Croal, has conducted a two-day outreach in Moruca at the weekend, where he distributed hampers to some 412 families in communities located along the Barima River.

Hampers were delivered to residents of Santa Cruz, Chinese Landing Kokerite, Waikarebi, Kariako, Warapoka and Ayanna Landing.

In addition, some 200 food hampers were distributed to residents of Tigerbone Banakari and Waiakabra, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway

by Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame Mckoy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

The struggle, commitment and change JUNE 16 or tomorrow will mark 73 years since the shooting to death of five sugar workers, now immortalised as the 'Enmore Martyrs.'

The workers-- Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surujballi and Harry -- were shot and killed by colonial police during a protest action called by their union, the Guyana Industrial Worker's Union (GIWU), now the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) against the 'cut-and-load' harvesting system which was introduced in 1945.

The new system forced cane cutters to both cut the canes and load the sugar punts; the workers felt it was an unfair system, as in the past they would only cut the canes and others would have the canes loaded into the punts. The workers were also calling

for higher wages and improved living conditions.

Unable to find a resolution to the issue due to the refusal by the Sugar Producers Association (SPA) to negotiate with the union of their choice, the workers were left with no other choice but to take industrial action. The SPA wanted to negotiate with the Man Power Citizen's Association (MPCA), but the workers had lost confidence in that union and preferred the GIWU to negotiate on their behalf.

The workers were further angered over the use of 'scab' labour by the estate management to undermine the effects of the strike action and take away work assigned to them. On the morning of June 16, 1948, the striking workers gathered outside the factory at the Enmore estate to register their protest. This resulted in a confrontation

between protesters and the police, which led the shooting to death of the five sugar workers and serious injury to several others.

The workers were supported politically by the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) which was formed in 1946 with Dr. Cheddi Jagan, his wife Janet, Ashton Chase and HJM Hubbard as founding members. A funeral procession took place the following day from Enmore to Le Repentir Cemetery, where the large gathering was addressed by Dr. Jagan and other union leaders. It was at the graveside of the fallen sugar workers that Dr. Jagan made a silent pledge to dedicate his entire life to the cause of the working people of Guyana.

One consequence of the slaying of the five sugar workers was that it served as a catalyst to the formation of the first mass-

based political party in the country, the People's Progressive Party (PPP) which was formed on January 1, 1950, a mere two years later. Dr. Jagan had already secured a seat in the Legislative Council as an independent member in 1947, but following the brutal killings of the sugar workers, the need was felt to advance the struggle to a higher political level.

The conditions of life in the then colony were dire, not only for sugar workers, but for working people as a whole. The depression of the 1930s had resulted in a fall in demand for exports from the colony, which resulted in several protest actions by workers, especially sugar, bauxite, water- front workers and those in the public transportation sector.

So bad were the conditions facing the working people in the country that

the British Government appointed the West Indian Royal Commission led by Lord Moyne in 1938 to investigate and make recommendations on the social and economic conditions in the various territories.

The commission exposed the harsh conditions under which people lived, especially sugar workers.

Among the several recommendations were the need for better living and working conditions and constitutional reforms, including universal adult suffrage which eventually took place in the 1953 election, that was won overwhelmingly by the newly formed PPP. It was against that background that the protest action taken by the workers had to be situated.

After the incident the Governor Sir Charles Woodley appointed a Commission of Inquiry which

justified the shooting, but it was also critical of the police for the use of unnecessary and excessive force.

It is indeed unfortunate that several sugar workers are today out of employment as a result of the reckless action taken by the former APNU+AFC administration to close down four of seven grinding sugar estates, even against the advice of a commission that it had established to examine financial and other options. However, there is renewed hope that the current interventions in the sugar industry will result in a better day for sugar workers and that the pain and sacrifices of the fallen sugar workers will not be forgotten, but will serve as a living monument to the virtues of struggles and sacrifice as exemplified by the Enmore Martyrs.

Due homage to a great patriot PNC mourns Gittens’ passing Dear Editor,

THE PPP/C government’s recent announcement to correct the historical falsification of the death of revolutionary intellectual Walter Rodney is an extraordinary step in ensuring that Rodney’s contributions to the struggle to remove the Burnhamite dictatorship lives in the conciousness of future generations.

The old saying that one’s

man revolutionary is another’s terrorist holds true in reference to Walter. He definitely drove terror into the hearts and minds of Burnham’s PNC dictatorship.

They were mortally afraid of his message of demystifying the racial and class contradictions that were leading to a mass, multi-racial movement threatening the very existence of the Burnhamite dictatorship.

This is the reason for

the PNC to deliberately degenerate the status of Rodney by stating that he was unemployed and died due to misadventure. Stating the true nature of Walter’s death by assassination and recognising his prodigious scholarship is due homage to a great patriot.

Correcting the historical misinformation ensures that Walter lives.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

THE People’s National Congress (PNC) mourns the death of Mr. Douglas Gittens, Vice-Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council of the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice region (Region 10). He was elected to that position in September 2020 after the General and Regional Elections.

Mr. Gittens was in the forefront of assisting the region’s flood-relief ef-

forts in Kwakwani and other flood-affected communities, for which he held direct responsibility.

He travelled frequently to various parts of the sub-region to supervise flood-relief efforts.

Mr. Gittens, only 38 years old, was paired with the Regional Chairman Mr. Deron Adams, of the same age, leading the RDC. He taught Information Technology and Caribbean Studies at the

Mackenzie High School.

His death is a loss for the people of Linden town, the region and the People’s National Congress.

The PNC extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Gittens’s mother Ms. Enid Gittens, to his family and friends, to his colleagues on the RDC and to the residents of Region No. 10.

Yours sincerely, People’s National Congress

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

UG to launch nine new programmes at virtual career fair THE University of Guyana is set to launch nine new programmes which will commence in the new academic year, when it holds it first-ever virtual career fair on June 18 and 19.

The university, in a press release issued on Monday, said three of the programmes: BSc. in Sustainable Tourism Management, MSc. in Supply Chain Management & Procurement and MSc. in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management, are being launched under UG’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI).

It was explained that these programmes are being launched in recognition of the skills gap within the public and private sectors in the areas of supply chain management and procurement as well as the gap in the national framework of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management.

The additional six programmes: BSc. Computing; Information Technology and Business, Diploma in Crime and Criminology, Pre-University English Reading

Skills, Pre-University English Writing Skills, Small Business Management, and Business Plan Preparation and Writing, are being offered under UG’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).

Additionally, the newly-established Institute of Energy Diplomacy has announced a suite of executive-level professional courses, some of which have already begun. These courses are being taught by leading international academics and experts from universities around the world with long track records in training for the energy sector, the release said.

The two-day fair which is being held under the theme, ‘Discover Your Potential: Beyond Limitations’, seeks to provide all the necessary career, application and registration guidance and support to prospective students. This will help them to make informed decisions as they choose their next academic step.

Thousands of prospective students, both locally and internationally, will get the opportunity to learn

A section of the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen campus

about the 140 programmes across 50 disciplines which are being offered by the university.

Vice-Chancellor XI, Professor Mohamed Martin noted the university is focused on ensuring that everyone who joins it succeeds and is fully equipped with the skills necessary to cope in an ever-changing world.

She further noted that the university is pushing

ahead in ensuring the realisation of its main goal of having one graduate per household as laid out in the institution’s Blueprint 2040 - a policy document which outlines the transformative growth of the University over the next twenty years.

“Making the decision about where to go and what to study in higher education is usually bewildering for most persons as it is

life changing. In addition to providing useful information, the career fair also seeks to educate and inform prospective students about campus life, student services offered by the institution and how they could cope effectively with the demands of tertiary education,” the UG press release stated.

UG noted that in a virtual space, prospective students will have an

opportunity to network and to engage university staff, faculties, current students, international and local partners, and members of the Senior Management Team in ways that were previously not possible.

The 2021 career fair is being prepared with a virtual auditorium, lobby, hall, and virtual booths for partners, sponsors, and the various faculties, schools and institutes of the university.

Further, UG indicated that the interactive sessions will also facilitate fun games, educational talks and prizes to be won.

The university release noted that its 2021 career fair will provide a “richer, more inclusive guest experience” as the set of integrated chat rooms, polls, Q&A sessions, emoji reactions, seminars and similar interactive elements will make participants feel almost as if they were physically present at a face-to-face event, even though they are there virtually.

Remembering Shane Warne’s ‘Ball of the century’ Dear Editor,

JUNE 4, 2021 marked 28 years since Shane Keith Warne bowled what is considered by many cricket analysts as the “Ball of the century,” “The ball from hell,” “The wonder ball,” or simply “The ball.”

It was the first ball bowled by Warne in a Test match in England. Mike Gatting that stocky and gritty English batsman, whom several commentators posited would normally eat spinners for breakfast, faced the ball.

England were cruising at one for 80 chasing a small Australian total.

This is how Paul Barry in his book Spun Out, Shane Warne, the authorised biography of a cricketing genius, described the delivery: “The bare facts of it are that at 3.06pm on 4 June 1993, a leg break from Warne landed outside Gatting’s leg stump at Old Trafford and spun 60 centimetres or roughly two feet to the left, clipping the top of the off stump and removing the bail. But

that doesn’t describe how amazing it was. I remember thinking it was impossible for the ball to have spun pass Gatting’s bat and hit the wicket. And that’s clearly what Gatting had thought too. Looking back at the tapes, what immediately strikes you is how quickly the ball comes through and how slowly the batsman departs. The ball drifts, dips, spits off the pitch and wreaks its havoc in about the time it takes to blink twice. Gatting stares at his wicket, then at the umpire, clearly expecting a reprieve and stands there for almost 10 seconds.”

Finally, Gatting tucked his bat under his arm and trudged off, shaking his head in disbelief. Ian Botham, England’s hero, later quipped that no one had seen “Gatts” so crossed since the day someone stole his lunch.

I watched the ball live on television and I was amazed.

I recently looked at a replay and was equally astonished with what the ball did. Warne got three other wickets in the innings.

Another four more dismissals in the second innings earned him the man of the match. Australia won the match easily. Warne repeated his performance in the next Test, which Australia won, with eight wickets.

During the series he bagged 34 wickets. At the end of the fourth Test with Australia leading 3-0, Gooch resigned as captain. Chairman of selectors Ted Dexter at the end of the series fell on his sword, having used 24 different players in a desperate effort to turn things around.

England sacked seven players, including Gatting, and had to hold a cocktail party so new ones could get to know each other.

In relation to the ball, Shane Warne wrote in Shane Warne, My Autobiography, “ In the second or so it took to leave my hand, serve to pitch outside leg stump, fuzz past the batsman’s lunge forward and clip off stump, my life did change.”

According to cricket analyst and author, Paul Barry, apart from Shane Warne’s

leg break, he has four others in his box of tricks which are the ones that really cause damage: the flipper - the skidding-back spinner that keeps low and stays straight; the zooter which is like a flipper that runs out of gas.

It looks like a leg break, but floats out the front of the fingers with some backspin on it and then goes straight on.

Then there is the top spinner, which is bowled with overspin, not side spin. This one loops in the air, drops shorter than you expect and bounces high off the pitch without turning; then there’s the wrong’ un, the one that spins from off to leg as you look at it from the batsman’s point of view. Also called the googly, it goes the other way to the standard leg break. I may also want to add sledging as a weapon.

Batsmen around the world suddenly realised that Shane Warne had a weapon that could pierce any armour.

Some analysts referred to it like an Exocet missile that the British unleased against Argentina during the Falk-

lands War. In 1992, Shane Warne had an unimpressive entry into Test cricket against India. After 40 overs he got the wicket of Ravi Shastri, caught by Dean Jones for 206. His overall figures in the series were one for 228. He was subsequently dropped from the Test team.

He was later recalled and went on to play 145 Test matches, bowled 40,705 balls, took 705 wickets, best bowling 8 for 71, best match figures 12 for 128, average 25.42 and an economy rate of 2.65. He bamboozled batsmen across the world.

Only Sachin Tendulkar and our own Brian Charles Lara, the Prince of Port of Spain who later became the King of the Cricketing World, on numerous occasions tamed him. Lara and Warne were fierce competitors on the field of play, but they developed a bromance relationship off the field. In 2000, Warne was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Century. He was arguably among the greatest bowlers

ever to play the game. He excelled with the ball in all formats of the game. He was a reasonable low-order batsman, scoring 3,154 runs. He is the only batsman to score over 3,000 runs in Test cricket without recording a career century. He scored 99 in a test match. That significant single eluded him and he retired in 2007; some experts said that it was a little too early.

Wow! I believe that this is a good time for me to close my innings. However, many more titillating facts about the, “ Ball of the century, “ The ball from hell, “ The wonder ball, “ or, “ The ball “ and the magnificent achievements of Shane Keith Warne can be gleaned from Cricinfo, Spun Out, Shane Warne, the authorised biography of a cricketing genius

by Paul Barry and Shane Warne, My Autobiography.

Yours faithfully Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Inaugural Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition kicks off today -participants ready to ‘battle’

By Tamica Garnett AS the inaugural Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition gets underway today, the participants are eagerly waiting to dive into their respective battles.

Though some are new to competition at this level, they are all brimming with confidence ahead of round one, which has a total of eight debates.

Many of the participants are avid youth leaders in their own right, and are now keen to take it to the next step and show the

nation just what they can do.

“Our team is confident in our abilities in this first round. We will remain focus [sic] and shy away from intimidation if there is any,” commented 21-year-old Denzil St. Hill.

A former West Demerara Secondary School student, St. Hill was Student Body President at his alma mater and a volunteer with the United States Embassy’s Youth Action Network. To his credit, he has won a number of prepared-speech competitions hosted by the One Nation Youth Movement, Rising Nation Youth

Movement and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Representing Region Three, St Hill is part of the West Demerara Young Achievers and is joined

by St Stanislaus College alumnus and University of Guyana medical student, Nkosi Jupiter, and former Patentia Secondary student, Gabriel Jose.

“I’m looking forward to the energy that this competition will have. I hope to gain experience also and learn from other talented and experienced debaters,” Jupiter shared in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

T h e We s t B a n k Yo u n g Achievers will be among the dayone line up, and will be supporting

Day 1 fixtures for the debate

Day 2 fixtures for the debate the moot “Drug Rehabilitation is very effective in Guyana” against the Grove/Diamond Youths in Development at 14:00hrs.

The competition will continue on Tuesday at 10:00hrs, when Mahdia Youth Group takes on Queenstown Youth Group, arguing the moot, “Psychedelic drug use declines academic performance”. Also at 10:00hrs, Young Professionals will defend the moot, “The age of consent in Guyana should be increased to 18 years” with Golden OM Youth Group opposing.

Later at 14:00hrs, the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) will have to do their best to support the moot, “Secondary schools have insufficient programmes in career guidance to aid students” as Oronoque Sports Group opposes.

A total of 16 youth groups comprising three members each are participating in the competition, which will proceed in four rounds, using the knock-out method.

The competition, which will run from June 15 to July 9, is a collaboration between the Parliament and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. The competition will be held on Tuesdays and Fri-

days with two debating contests each day. Attractive prizes will be given to all participants with the ‘best speaker’ receiving a laptop.

Twenty-two-year-old Babita Singh, a member of the Berbice Development Youth Group, has participated in high school debates before; however, this will be her first national debate.

STEPPING STONE Notwithstanding being in competition with the other groups, what she is looking forward to the most is meeting new people and making friends.

“It is a competition yes and I will bring my ‘A’ game. But meeting new people from all over Guyana is what I am looking forward to,” the aspiring accountant shared.

Singh also wants to be a public representative, and being part of the youth group, and now the debating competition is just the kind of practice she needs.

Singh’s group will be on the chopping block on Friday when they come up against the KAST Talent Management Group, supporting the moot, “Like English, Spanish should be a core subject in the education system.”

Also on Friday at 10:00hrs,

Small Steps Big Impact Youth Group and Linden Super Star Youth Group will give their perspectives on the moot, “Students who graduate during the pandemic will not be taken seriously.”

Then at 14:00hrs, No. 58 Swing Star Youth Group will take on the Anna Regina Youth Group presenting for and against arguments on the moot, “Single-use plastic products should be banned in Guyana.” Angoy’s Avenue Youth Group will argue with Cummings Lodge Youth Group over whether playing video games leads to a dangerous addiction.

Hailing from East Public Road, Mainstay, on the Essequibo Coast, Anna Regina Youth Group member, 18-year-old Amar Boodram, is really looking forward to using the competition to be an example to other youths to get up and get involved.

“I am looking forward to challenge other youth groups and learn from what they have to propose and to develop my public speaking and also demonstrate to other fellow young Guyanese that age should not determine your capability to start taking responsibility and to demonstrate leadership,” the future economist shared.

The competition will be judged by nine judges with chief judges being Guyana Press Association (GPA) President, Nazima Ragubir; distinguished Toastmaster Delon Fraser, and UG English Lecturer and Debating Coach, Dr. Valerie Goorsammy-Smith.

The other judges are Editorial Consultant Neil Marks; Parliament Office’s Chief Administrative Officer, Monette Garnett-Christopher; youth activist Breanna Ramnarain; Assistant Director of Sports, Melissa Dow-Richardson; Head of Distance Learning at the Ministry of Education, Aneishaw Mohamed, and second-year law student, Rayon Miller.

Sharing her expectations ahead of the competition, Raghubir in a comment on Monday noted that she is looking forward to a high level of quality debates from the competitors.

“I hope to hear well-researched arguments as well as an understanding of some of the issues these young debaters are expected to touch on. I feel this competition is a chance to show the public what quality debates really are and I am hoping every single one of them ‘brings it’,” she commented.

Her advice to the participants is, “Research. Research.

Find reliable sources. Understand the topic. This is a debate.

Don’t come reading anything. I expect quality and will be looking for that.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

WHILE calling on the public to be mindful and compassionate towards the family, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) on Monday announced that it has concluded its investigation into the recent suicide of a 15-year-old school student.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) and the CPA in a statement noted that an issue at the school contributed to the unfortunate occurrence, adding that “there is definitely a clear need for more trained counsellors

to be readily available to students.”

“CPA has concluded its investigation after speaking with school staff, students and parents.

From reports, there was an issue at the school involving the child that required special skills and guidance to deal with the matter.

The persons at the school, at the time, apparently tried their best that they knew in the situation,” the statement said.

The CPA had launched an investigation into the incident, given that the student was a minor. The CPA said that the agency

will share all its findings with the police, which has to give the definitive pronouncement on the cause of death and investigation.

C PA D i r e c t o r A n n Greene met with the child’s parents, had an in-depth discussion with them and offered CPA and the ministry’s support as they face this difficult loss.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the parents, family and friends of Sarah Narine. Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will partner with all other stakeholders and add our efforts to have

more counselling and support services available across the board for all those who need them,” the statement said.

The agency called on persons to avoid resorting to the “blame game” and instead let the focus be on compassion for the survivors.

“This is a life gone too soon, and understandably, the survivors (her loved ones, fellow students and teachers) are dealing with the trauma of such a loss,” the statement said.

Stressing that suicide is not the way out, the ministry and the CPA re-

minded persons to refrain from judging suicide victims as “as this act is a deep cry for help.”

“Suicide is not the way out. It is an unfortunate choice that some resort to, to escape situations / emotions they cannot handle,” the statement noted.

It added: “This kind of loss is especially hard on the survivors, who may be haunted with the thoughts of “could this have been prevented?” or “did I miss the signs?”

Questions they may never get answered, and they hurt from loss that will never go away.

9

The public is advised and encouraged to make reports pertaining to children by calling the suicide hotline. Children and their parents can also call the numbers to seek help and be directed to counsellors.

The numbers to call during working hours are 227-7542 or 227-4420, and the hotline service 227-0979, after working hours. Contact can also be made with the CPA via email address: childcaregy@gmail.com.

The 914 hotline is also an avenue to make reports of cases of child abuse.

Landlord allegedly sets house ablaze to rid building of tenant A Better Hope, East Coast Demerara landlord, on Sunday, allegedly set fire to his house to force a tenant out of the building.

Reports indicated that the 50-year-old landlord reportedly set his room on fire, due to a conflict between himself and his tenant.

Further enquiries revealed that the landlord had served his female tenant a lawyer’s letter to remove from the premises and she failed to comply.

Police said that on Sunday, around 19:00hrs, the tenant and her children were selling food when they observed smoke emanating from the house.

They claimed that they saw the landlord running from the house into the neighbour ’s yard. The fire department was summoned and managed to put out the fire. Investigations continue.

Taxi driver collects cash, beats passenger

A 26-year-old taxi driver has been arrested after he reportedly attacked a passenger, took his money and refused to take him home on Sunday. The incident occurred around 20:45hrs at Cromarty Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Reports indicated that Ajai Sanserran, a 24-year-old labourer of Number 36 Village, was at a bar when he hired the taxi driver to take him home.

Police said that the labourer paid the taxi driver $500 ‘upfront’. However, after securing the money the taxi driver reportedly refused to take the labourer home.

As such, an argument ensued between the two.

During the confrontation, the taxi driver went into his car, collected a piece of steel, and dealt the labourer a lash to his head, according to the police.

The labourer was rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and admitted a patient in a stable condition.

The suspect was arrested and is in custody assisting with investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Regional labour markets will be slow to recover from COVID-19 -- new ECLAC-ILO study

REGIONAL GDP in 2020 experienced a -7.1 per cent contraction, the biggest in a century, producing in turn a drop in employment and an increase in the unemployment rate, which reached 10.5 per cent on average that same year, ECLAC and the ILO have indicated in a new study.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched Edition No. 24 of their joint publication, Employment Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean (June 2021) – now available online – which analyses the impact of the crisis prompted by COVID-19 on the main labour market indicators in 2020.

According to the document, the biggest effects were

seen in the second quarter of last year, when governments implemented confinement measures and others aimed at containing the pandemic.

These measures produced a sharp drop in economic activity, employment, and in the number of hours worked.

Many workers, mainly informal ones, were unable to continue their productive tasks and had to withdraw from the market, which prevented them from earning incomes for their households and acting in a countercyclical way, as in previous crises.

Furthermore, the suspension of care services and schools gave rise to a heavy workload inside homes, which is unequally distributed in general, overburdening women in particular.

Starting in the third quarter of the year, workers began returning to the labour market

and a gradual increase in employment was observed.

However, 2020 ended with lower levels of labour participation and employment and higher levels of unemployment than what had existed before the pandemic, a release said.

“Given the depth of the impact of the crisis in the Region’s labour markets in 2020, countries must implement policies that stimulate job creation, particularly among the most vulnerable groups such as young people and women,” Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, and Vinícius Pinheiro, the ILO’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, stated in the publication’s foreword. The two officials also stressed the importance of regulating new forms of hiring through digital platforms.

According to the report, the contraction in employment in 2020 was much more pronounced in sectors such as the hotel business (19.2 per cent), construction (11.7 per cent), trade (10.8 per cent) and transportation (9.2 per cent), which together account for around 40 per cent of regional employment. At the same time, industry (8.6 per cent) and other services (7.5 per cent) also experienced contractions, while in the agricultural sector there were comparatively fewer job loss-

es (2.4 per cent).

Both United Nations organisations emphasise that it is essential to think about strategies that would enable laying the foundations for a return to the job market with better labour conditions for all workers. This entails shoring up employment recovery in the most highly affected categories and sectors, improving institutional aspects regarding health and job safety, formalising workers, promoting women’s labour inclusion, and adequately

regulating new work modalities.

In the current edition of the Employment Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC and the ILO also examine key aspects of decent work for workers mediated by digital platforms. During the pandemic, these workers constituted a very important source of employment due to the need to reduce personal contact and maintain the dispatch of essential goods. However, evidence suggests that there is a high degree of precariousness in this work modality characterised by instability, long workdays, the absence of socio-labour protection, and the lack of options for dialogue and representation.

The report emphasises the need to design adequate regulatory frameworks to achieve the goal of establishing and protecting social and labour rights for these new and expanding work modalities.

Region 2 REO wants better ticketing system for Good Hope/Supenaam ferry

By Indrawattie Natram

REGION Two’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Daveanand Ramdatt, on Monday, called on the Ministry of Tourism, through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), to implement a better ticketing system for the Good Hope/ Supenaam ferry service.

Ramdatt, during a meeting with GTA officials held in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom, insisted that this will help to shorten commuters ‘waiting time’ to board the ferry with their vehicles.

The tourism officials are on a two-day visit to the region and are planning to meet with the Regional Tourism Committee, several small business owners and members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce.

During his discourse with the officials, the REO said many persons who utilise the service have reached out to him concerning the length of time they would usually have to wait to board the ferry.

GTA’s Deputy Director, Kamrul Baksh, makes a point to the regional officials during the meeting. Also pictured are Personal Assistant to the Tourism Minister, Levi Carrington (left) and GTA’s Research Assistant, Amrita Naraine

He suggested that a better ticketing system should be implemented to bring relief to those who are affected. Usually, motorist would arrive at the stelling as much as three hours before the ferry arrives, to buy their boarding ticket.

The early arrival is an attempt to ensure they are able to board the ferry. If they are unable to do so, they would have to wait on the next trip.

The GRA officials, in

response, recommended the implementation of an online system to purchase tickets but noted that finding an easy method of payment will be challenging.

Ramdatt later noted that the region is fast becoming a tourism hub and, for this reason, transportation should be readily available.

He also used the opportunity to discuss tourism opportunities for the region.

The REO expressed optimism and stated that the regional administration has been supportive of the sector by enhancing historical sites, including the Anna Regina high bridge and the East Indian Settlement Monument at Cotton Field.

Ramdatt added that access to the beaches and the maintenance of the roads have already been streamlined. This will ensure the

creation of a more conducive environment for tourists, he said, adding that the development of more tourist sites and the increase in visitors to the region have resulted in the opening for more hotels.

He pledged the RDC’s support towards enhancing tourist sites and making them more accessible to visitors.

Meanwhile, GTA’s Deputy Director, Kamrul Baksh, told the regional officials

who accompanied him that the ministry will facilitate training in the areas of hygiene and sanitation, access to small loans, and will help to develop the region’s website to provide a wide range of information on the tourism sector.

He said the linking of lakes in the Pomeroon to the Essequibo Coast and the provision of packages to tourists will also be looked at.

The emerging tourist businesses will be licensed and, according to the officials, a feasibility study will be undertaken to create more investment opportunities for tourism-related businesses in Region Two. Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit; Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Susanah Saywack; Regional Education Officer, Nichola Matthews; Chief Accountant, Johan Seedyal; Personal Assistant to the Tourism Minister, Levi Carrington and GTA’s Research Assistant, Amrita Naraine were also present at the meeting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

GDF ranks participate in yoga session IN celebration of the upcoming International Day of Yoga, the High Commission of India on Monday held a yoga session with

yoga is an ancient Indian practice, it has transcended boundaries to become internationally practised due to the many benefits it affords

COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.

This year will be the seventh year that International Day of Yoga is being

imously proclaiming 21st June, the longest day in the northern-hemisphere, as International Day of Yoga.

This year International

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa (left) and GDF ranks during the yoga session (Adrian Narine photo)

ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in the auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna.

The session was a precursor to the commission’s official event to be held on Saturday at 10:00hrs at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC).

Approximately 20 ranks took part in the 40-minute exercise, and were joined by the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa. The activity was facilitated by Yoga Instructor Agnela Patil.

Many of the ranks who participated in the exercise were doing yoga for the first time, and were eager to see how much they would enjoy it.

“I don’t regularly do yoga, but I decided to volunteer to be a part of the exercise because I’ve never done it before, so I feel good to be a part of this, and looking forward to see what it will be like,” commented 23-year-old Melissa Mitchell.

Making brief remarks before the session began, Colonel Kenvoyd Roberts, thanked the High Commission for considering the force to be part of its celebration of the prestigious activity.

In his remarks, Dr. Srinivasa, reminded all that while

those who practise the art.

“It is an art and science for healthy living. Yoga is a system of holistic living, having the roots in Indian tradition and culture. Yoga has transcended the barrier of race, religion and culture and has become a global movement. Yoga is essentially a mental and physical discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. Yoga believes in the age-old adage of healthy body healthy minds. Yoga brings harmony between,” he related.

Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated in ancient India. It is one of the six darsanas or schools of orthodox Indian philosophy.

Dr. Srinivasa noted that given the mental-health benefits of yoga, it is a practice that is all the more needed due to the effects that COVID-19 restrictions have been having on persons over the past year.

“In these testing times of COVID-19 pandemic, many people seek benefit from yoga, and Ayurveda. In many countries, practising Yoga has been demonstrated to help people to find solace from the isolation forced upon them due to the

celebrated. In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by 177 member nations, unan-

Yoga Day is being celebrated under the theme “Be with yoga be at home”.

Last year due to the pandemic and restrictions

Yoga Instructor, Agnela Patil during the session on Monday

on social gatherings, the Indian High Commission in Guyana celebrated the day with a virtual

yoga session which was streamed on social media and was watched over 10,000 times.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

First Lady is ‘Godmother’ of Liza Unity FPSO THE Liza Unity, Guyana’s second Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel has been officially dedicated by First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Arya Ali, the ship’s “Godmother,” as it prepares to set sail from Singapore for Guyanese waters.

The ceremony was held at the Cara Lodge Hotel on Saturday, June 12. Traditionally, the vessel “godmother” bestows luck and protection over the vessel and crew during its journey.

Mrs. Ali highlighted the

importance of this project to Guyana, saying, “This project will materialise in the form of local content growth; meaning more jobs for Guyanese and more opportunities for local businesses and increased revenues, which, when prudently managed, will certainly help us to achieve many of the aspirational goals which have been outlined by the Government of Guyana.”

ExxonMobil Guyana’s President Alistair Routledge said, “The construction of the Liza Unity FPSO meets

our objective of maximising value for our partners, the government and people of Guyana. With the addition of Liza Phase 2, those revenues will multiply, and utilisation of local content will continue to grow, bringing important benefits to the country.”

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, spoke to the impacts of the project on the continued growth of the industry.

The hull for the Liza Unity FPSO was built by Chinese shipyard ‘Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding’. It

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, and President of CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, Liu Xiaoxiang, hands over a token of appreciation to “God Mother”, First Lady, Arya Ali

A group picture of representatives of ExxonMobil Guyana, CNOOC Guyana, SBM Offshore and the government and members of the diplomatic corps

is based on SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward programme, and it is the first FPSO in Guyana to incorporate the company’s “design one, build many” approach. The topside modules were constructed and added

to the hull by Keppel at their shipyard in Singapore.

The naming ceremony marks a significant step for the Liza Unity in Singapore before it sets sail for Guyana.

The Liza Unity has

a production target of 220,000 barrels of oil per day and an overall storage volume of up two million barrels. Production from the Liza Unity is expected to start up by 2022.

THE University of Guyana (UG) which began an internal flood-relief drive among staff last Sunday has communicated to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) that it will donate $1 Million toward relief efforts to aid flood-stricken communities

son and Shonnel Enoe-Smith, within the Department of Sociology, Social Work Unit, will combine their efforts to contribute food hampers, water and care packages inclusive of cleaning supplies, masks and sanitising agents to those in need (special focus on chil-

dren and elderly) who can be easily reached

by UG. Additionally, the Social Wo r k U n i t , through PACE UG Cares Hotline Service stands ready to provide psycho-social support and referrals to social services for specialised assistance with socio-economic/mental health needs of those affected. Furt h e r, s t u d e n t volunteers are eager to provide voluntary service where needed in collaboration with key partners such as the CDC. The university has produced several health fliers and videos reminding persons of how to stay safe under flood hazardous conditions. These materials can be found free of charge at the URL below and are also circulated through email, WhatsApp and social media.

UG Cares helpline numbers powered by GTT are 6157829, 615-9727, 616-2576, 615-9730, 615-9482, 6159704, 615-9990 and 638-4394.

UG Cares was set up last year as a rapid response community-relief intervention system for faculty and students severely affected by

the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then deployed to alumni, civil society organisations and other government agencies that requested psycho-social and technical support as well as scientific inputs into emergency decision-making.

The University of Guyana’s faculty, staff, and students are deeply saddened by the widespread devastation and trauma being experienced by Guyanese whose homes, agricultural fields and livestock were inundated by the recent floods. As the national university, UG pledges to do whatever it can to assist in the recovery efforts that will be needed in the coming days.

UG staffers donate $1M towards flood-relief efforts in Guyana.

According to a release, the money was raised from staff, who authorised deductions from their June salaries in response to a call from Vice-Chancellor, Professor, Paloma Mohamed Martin.

A separate activity specif-

ically for UG students, staff, pensioners and alumni most affected is being managed internally.

Other persons including Social Work graduates and undergraduate students under the leadership of Social Work lecturers, Debbie Hopkin-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

UG launches Journal of GEOScience and Planning

THE Department of Geography, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES), University of Guyana, last Tuesday, launched the much-anticipated Journal of GEOScience and Planning (JGSP), in keeping with the Department’s Plan of Action for the 2021-2022 Academic Year.

The JGSP is the official online and open access Journal of the Department of Geography. According to a UG release, it is intended to create a niche to publish original seminal, theoretical, and empirical essays and review articles across a broad spectrum of geography and urban and regional planning subjects, including informal settlements and housing; disparities in regional development; gender and women in planning; watershed and river basin management; community development; coastal zone management; urban and regional planning information systems; and urban safety and security.

During the virtual launching ceremony which was chaired by Dr Patrick Williams, Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography, remarks were made by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin; Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Drs Emanuel Cummings (Academic Engagement) and Mellissa Ifill (Institutional Advancement); Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dr Temitope Oyedotun; Advisory Board Member of the Journal, Professor Mark Pelling; Registrar, Dr Nigel Gravesande; and Head of Geography Department, Linda Johnson-Bhola, who outlined the development of the journal.

Other attendees at the launch included Advisory Board members, Dr Carol

Archer (University of Technology, Jamaica); Dr Keith Yearwood (University of Maryland) and Dr Faith Kasim (University of Guyana); Technical Editors, Alim Hosein and Mark McGown, University of Guyana and other staff of the Department of Geography.

Professor Mohamed Martin, in her remarks, stated that research and writing are the “lifeblood of academia”, adding that the journal is a really good extension and part of the suite of initiatives that UG is hoping to be able to implement.

She noted that it is “very significant that the journal is called the Journal of GEOScience and Planning” and alluded to the importance of geosciences and planning for what is likely to happen to the earth in the context of the environment, climate change, and sustainability issues. She anticipates that the journal would have an “applied and practical purpose”.

BOLD STEP In his opening remarks, Dr. Temitope Oyedotun commended the department for the bold step to look for areas of expansion in this academic landscape. He expressed hope that this little step will bring extraordinary growth for the academic base of the department, the faculty, the university, the nation, the region, and the international community.

He urged the department to take the next steps of ensuring that contributions that are made in the journal are excellent and relevant to the society.

Professor Mark Pelling noted that Geography brings together both a theoretical and an applied interest grounded in real world problems but illuminated by the theory of the day, and that it is a science that is

Some of the attendees at the launch of the Journal of GEOScience and Planning

interdisciplinary at its core. He also observed that there is a lot that the world can learn from Guyana through some of the challenges the country faces, not just with climate change, but rapid land use and social change, the natural resource economy and the changing base of that economy.

YOUNGER ACADEMICS A VOICE He further expressed hope that the journal will give the younger academics a voice, but also bring that voice to an international audience, who should be ready to hear.

DVC Dr Emanuel Cummings stated that the journal is seen as a catalyst to enhance both research and publication in the field of geography, science, and other related areas by faculty members. He stressed the importance of improving the knowledge base as academics since this will enable students and lecturers to be involved in what is published in the journal,

would create opportunity for the enhancement of knowledge in this particular area, and in turn, improve the quality of education that is delivered to

students.

DVC Dr Mellissa Ifill stated that “undoubtedly the journal will be beneficial to researchers, not only at UG

but Guyana and the wider Caribbean region”. She intimated that it is through publications that persons are made aware of cutting-edge kinds of research being done.

The journal is viewed as “playing a very important role in apprising all of us in the country, the region, the world of some of the important work that is being done at the University of Guyana”.

It is designed to be a reliable scholarly channel for intellectual exchanges among a wide range of stakeholders (including research students) locally, regionally, and globally and a dependable mode for the dissemination of quality theoretical, empirical, and analytical exposition on contemporary geographical and planning issues. The first issue will be published in October 2021 and two issues per year will be published subsequently.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

220,997 take first dose; 87,919 fully vaccinated against COVID-19

AS government intensifies its vaccination drive, 220,997 Guyanese or 45.4% of Guyana’s adult population have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in making this disclosure during his daily COVID-19 update on Monday, stated that of that number, about 87,919 or18.1% of the adult population have received both doses of the vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.

Region One is leading the vaccination drive as 53.8% of its adult population have received the first

dose, Region Two stands at 42%, 44.8% in Region Three, 47.2% in Region Four, 48.6% in Region Five, 53% in Region Six, 44.1% in Region Seven, 28.5% in Region Eight, 42.5% in Region Nine and 13.6% in Region Ten. The health minister noted that while the government is proud, innovative ideas are being crafted to ensure that this number continues to increase.

“A lot of people would have commented on the efficiency, the way they were able to come and get their vaccines quite quickly. I think a lot of people enjoyed that so we are going to examine it and we are going to continue to do a number of these exercises.

We are going to be consulting communities to see where we can ideally place them. So, in Region Four we are already looking at

Minister Anthony noted that the recent floods across the country have slowed down the vaccination initiative but he emphasised that government intends to see an increase in vaccination across the country as it continues to address the flooding issue.

“I think we are making steady progress. Of course we would love for the numbers to increase but in some of the regions we weren’t

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Caption: A young Guyanese woman receiving the COVID-19 vaccine during a recent Ministry of Health outreach (Ministry of Health Photo)

He noted that the recently instituted drive through vaccination sites that were set up at MovieTowne, Turkeyen and at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence have seen tremendous success over the weekend.

During the two-day drive-through initiative approximately 1,429 persons received their shot at the MovieTowne location while an additional 1,350 received theirs at the National Stadium.

a couple of other sites that we think would benefit some of the other communities in Region Four,” said Dr. Anthony.

He stated that in addition to Region Four, the ministry intends to have this initiative extended to other regions beginning with Regions Two, Three and Six. He noted that the ministry is currently in the assessment stage to identify possible areas for the execution of such an initiative.

able to do much vaccination because of challenges with flooding and so forth but nevertheless we are still keeping the vaccination programme going,” Minister Anthony stated.

Meanwhile, the country is set to receive an additional 38,000 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine soon.

According to the minister, this will significantly boost government’s ability to continue vaccination across the country.

Man charged for cutlass attack on fellow vendor

DERRICK Daniels on Monday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to chopping a fellow vendor on his head with a cutlass.

He was placed on $50,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and was ordered to make his next appearance on June 28, 2021.

The charge states that Daniels, on April 13, 2021, at Brickdam Stabroek, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Tramane McKenzie.

According to the prosecution, both men are vendors who ply their trade on Brickdam in the vicinity of the route 32 minibus park. On the day in question, around 20:45hrs, McKenzie approached Daniels and requested cellphone credit.

This lead to an argument which later escalated.

It is alleged McKenzie threw a glass bottle in Daniels’ direction, it missed, and in retaliation Daniels reportedly armed himself with a cutlass and chopped McKenzie to the head.

McKenzie was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, while Daniels was arrested.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

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Flood-affected farmers receive additional veterinary services, supplementary feed

Some of the stranded animals in the Abary Savannah

AS livestock farmers across the country continue to face challenges brought on by flooding in several regions, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has intensified its efforts to assist with providing supplementary feed and medical services to livestock farmers.

Over the weekend, livestock officers attached to the GLDA visited several farmers from Abary and Mahaicony in Region Five to conduct phase two of their flood assessment exercise. As part of their flood-relief efforts, GLDA’s extension officers and veterinarians also distributed veterinary supplies to farmers who are currently affected by flooding.

Additionally, a number of cattle and small ruminant animals were treated during a house-to-house veterinary service exercise.

Livestock farmers from severely affected areas were forced to relocate their animals to higher grounds after floodwaters left their designated grazing areas inundated.

Farmers have been finding it difficult to feed their animals due to pastures being flooded. Many farmers have also reported that some of their

animals had died as a result of the flooding.

These reports prompted the intervention of Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who instructed the livestock authority to supply affected farmers with supplementary feed and molasses, in addition to house-to-house veterinary visits to administer treatment on a weekly basis.

Minister Mustapha said, in addition to supplying the supplementary feed, GLDA’s extension officers had also been advising farmers on how to correctly give feed to their animals.

“Access to these areas has been compromised given the rising floodwaters over the last few weeks. Savannahs are also submerged so farmers are finding it challenging to access the necessary feed and supplies for animals. I’ve since instructed the GLDA to commence house-to-house distribution of feed and other supplies so that those in need can benefit. Officers were also tasked with advising farmers on the correct way to use supplementary feed. This is to prevent health complications such as bloating and other metabolic issues. On Sunday last, farmers from the Abary area received 7280 lbs

of mixed ration to feed their animals. Our vets have also been instructed to visit these farmers on a weekly basis to carry out checks and provide veterinary services as needed,” Minister Mustapha said.

GLDA began producing mixed ration feed at the Skeldon Estate several weeks ago to distribute to farmers as part of their flood-relief efforts.

The subject minister further stated that GLDA was instructed to offer transport services to farmers as most of their designated grazing areas in the savannahs have become inundated. So far, over 20,000 animals have been relocated to higher grounds in the frontlands.

Minister Mustapha disclosed that hundreds of animals remain stranded in the Abary and Kookrite Savannahs. Although these animals are considered wild, he said that efforts are still being made to relocate them.

“On my way to visit the spill weir in the Abary Conservancy last Saturday, I was able to get a first-hand look at flooded savannah in the Abary backland. Hundreds of animals are stranded in the flooded area. GLDA is trying to devise mechanisms to relocate these animals. The Dep-

GLDA pontoon transporting cattle from the Abary backlands

uty CEO would’ve informed me that the farmers were engaged on several occasions but indicated that the animals were wild and that they were not able to control them thus preventing us from transporting them to higher ground.

Some of these animals have since died. Nevertheless, we are still trying to see how best we can have them moved. I’ve tasked the GLDA with working with the farmers to see what can be done,” Minister Mustapha said.

To date, farmers from Mahaica Creek, Abary, Big Baiaboo, Little Baiaboo, No. 10 Mahaica, Ithaca, Blairmont, Mahaicony Creek, and Black Bush Polder are among those who have received feed from GLDA.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Glasgow impressive at two-day University try-out in Atlanta OMARI Glasgow, according to reports, was impressive at the two-day National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One ‘University ID’ try-out in Atlanta. Glasgow will have to wait one week, following the evaluation of the coaches, and will be contacted via email on which school will make an offer.

Albert Cappell, who arranged and was instrumental in facilitating the try-out for Glasgow, stressed on the Fruta Conquerors player’s exceptional showing, and being among the stand-out players at the event that catered for over 200 players from across the US.The try-out, which was conducted by coaches considered the ‘Crème De La Crème’ of NCAA D1 University football, saw the 17-year-old Beterverwagting (BV) resident impressing coaches from Clemson University, Wake Forest,

Notre Dame, North Carolina State University, University of South Florida, Gonzaga, Liberty University, Virginia Tech, and Georgetown University.

Cappell revealed that Glasgow, the lone Guyanese player at the Try-out, was made the captain of his group that went on to win all their scrimmages at the end of the exercise on Sunday.

He said all the coaches and on-lookers, most of whom were parents/guardians of other players, were very doting of the young

player from Guyana.

Glasgow has represented Guyana at the U-17 (2019 CONCACAF Championships) and U-20 (2020 CONCACAF Championships) levels, and scored against The Bahamas when Guyana won 4 – 0 during the Golden Jaguars’ FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Cappell said special thanks should be given to Cathleen Jason and Sandreen Harris for assisting Omari in a major way to help make his stint in Atlanta possible.

Omari Glasgow sharing a light moment with Wake Forrest University Coach, Bobby Muuss in Atlanta.

Angus Eve takes over Hampshire groundsman promises lively pitch for WTC final as interim... (From back page) sation Committee Chairman Robert Haddad expressed his gratitude to the outgoing coaching staff.

"We thank the previous coaching staff for their commitment and efforts. We now look forward to the Gold Cup competition and wish Angus all the best. We will do our very best to support him and the team."

Under Fenwick, Trinidad and Tobago, playing in Group F in World Cup qualifying, defeated Guyana 3-0, drew 1-1 with Puerto Rico and then

0-0 with the Bahamas before rebounding to defeat St Kitts & Nevis 2-0. However, it was not enough for Trinidad and Tobago to advance to the next round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Prior to taking the head coaching job, Eve was coaching at Club Sando in the TT Pro League and at Naparima College in the SSFL. Eve represented his country 117 times between 1994 and 2005 scoring 34 goals.

(Sportsmax) 15:10 hrs Bawaader 15:40 hrs Elusive Heights

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THE most-awaited final of the World Test Championship (WTC) between India and New Zealand could witness a live pitch with loads of pace, bounce, and carry. Simon Lee, the head groundsman of Hampshire’s venue, is confident of preparing a sporting strip for the WTC match, starting on Friday, June 18 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

The Black Caps’ team has already gotten a fair amount of idea about the playing conditions in England after their two-match Test series against Joe Root and Co. Ahead of the WTC final, Lee also stated that keeping in mind the weather conditions in England, preparing a lively track can be an arduous task.

“For me personally I just want to get something out that has some pace, bounce, and carry in the pitch. It can be a hard thing to do in England as the weather doesn’t help us most of the time, but the forecast in the build-up is good with a lot of sun, so we are hopeful that we’ll get some pace and a hard pitch without over-rolling it and killing it.

“Pace just makes redball cricket exciting. I’m a cricket fan and I want to produce a pitch where the cricket lovers have to watch every ball in case they miss something, be that some class batting or an amazing spell of bowling,” Lee told ESPNcricinfo.

“So, yeah, if we can get some pace and bounce in the pitch, but not too one-sided

WTC winners to get...

Mace, previously given to teams topping the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings will now be given to the WTC winners. In case the final ends in a draw or a tie, the finalists will split the prize money for the first and second places and share possession of the Mace during the time they remain champions.

About the Mace: The Mace, designed by English luxury brand Thomas Lyte, is based around the global

towards seam movement, we’ll be happy,” he added.

Going into the game, the Kiwis should be high on confidence after beating the hosts 1-0 in the series. After the first Test at the Lord’s ended in a draw, New Zealand won the second Test by eight wickets at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. Matt Henry became the Player of the Match in the second Test.

India, on the other hand, reached English soil on June first week, served their quarantine period, and have started practising. They have already announced the squad, led by Virat Kohli.

After the WTC final, India are also set to play five Tests against England from August first week.

(CricTracker)

(From back page)

nature of Test cricket and the competing nations.

The focal point of the Mace is the cricket ball since it is at the core of the game whether being bowled, hit or fielded. Encircling the ball is the globe, referencing the global reach of Test cricket and one can see the silver gilt cricket ball through the oceans of the map.

The countries of the world are supported on the longitude lines you see on a globe – this allows for

an interesting interplay of light on the different surfaces, especially as the mace is moved and catches that light. The world is surrounded by a central belt carrying the insignia of all 12 competing Test nations, with space to add others in the future.

A silver gilt laurel band spirals up the shaft of the mace – the shaft itself styled as a stump – a reference to the all-important wicket. (ICC Media)

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Neymar stars as hosts Brazil win Copa America opener HOSTS Brazil began the defence of their Copa America title with a comfortable win over a Covid-affected Venezuela in the tournament's opening match.

Talisman Neymar scored one and assisted another, adding a second for Tite's side with a second-half penalty before setting up Gabriel Barbosa late on.

Paris St-Germain defender Marquinhos bundled in a 23rd-minute opener after Venezuela failed to clear a corner.

Nine-time winners Brazil won a first Copa America title in 12 years in 2019.

Twelve of Venezuela's players and coaching staff tested positive for Covid-19 a day before their opening match in Group A, which also includes Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Colombia won their opener against Ecuador 1-0, with Edwin Cardona scoring the only goal of the game minutes before half-time from a cleverly-worked freekick.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside but the video assistant referee (VAR) overturned the decision.

Everton forward Richarl-

NEW YORK (Reuters) Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert on Monday sued New York horse racing officials for suspending him from running horses at state racetracks, following a positive drug test for the Baffert-trained Medina Spirit after it won the Kentucky Derby.

Baffert, a seven-time Derby winner and one of the sport's best-known figures, said the New York Racing Association (NYRA) unconstitutionally usurped the authority of the state's gaming commission by taking away his trainer's license indefinitely.

He said a prolonged suspension from racing horses in New York or stabling them at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race

Schick's wonder goal helps Czech Republic beat Scotland

Brazil star Neymar celebrates scoring against Venezuela in the Copa America on Sunday (Credit: Reuters)

ison had a first-half goal disallowed for offside and Neymar missed from close range as Brazil initially struggled to make their dominance count.

Neymar scored his 67th international goal after Yohan Cumana fouled Danilo, but he missed another great chance to move closer to Pele's national record of 77, shooting wide after breaking through the Venezuela defence in the closing stages.

The PSG forward then rounded goalkeeper Joel Graterol before squaring to substitute Barbosa for a tap-in.

The 47th edition of the

Copa America - delayed a year because of the coronavirus outbreak - is taking place in Brazil, after Colombia and Argentina were stripped of the tournament.

The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) removed Colombia as co-hosts in May amid anti-government protests and Argentina were later replaced because of rising Covid-19 cases in the country.

The BBC is broadcasting all 28 games from the 2021 Copa America, which runs until 10 July and features the 10 Conmebol nations. (BBC Sport)

Medina Spirit trainer Bob Baffert sues over New York racing ban

By Jonathan Stempel

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Course could cause him to lose horses worth tens of millions of dollars to other trainers.

"This will effectively put me out of business in the State of New York," Baffert said in an affidavit filed in federal court in Brooklyn.

The NYRA had no immediate comment.

Baffert wants an injunction to lift the suspension, which kept Medina Spirit out of the June 5 Belmont Stakes, plus unspecified damages.

His lawyer, Craig Robertson, declined to comment.

Medina Spirit faces possible disqualification as Derby winner after two tests following the May 1 race showed the presence of the anti-inflammatory drug betamethasone at a prohibited level.

Baffert has said he treated Medina Spirit with the an-

ti-fungal ointment Otomax, and had not known it contained betamethasone. He chose the lab to perform the second test.

Following that test, Churchill Downs suspended Baffert for two years, including the Derby in 2022 and 2023.

Though five of Baffert's horses recently failed drug tests in a little over one year, Baffert said he has had no rules violations in more than 30 years of racing in New York.

Baffert, 68, has trained horses for 46 years, winning the coveted Triple Crown with American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018.

Only one horse - Dancer's Image in 1968 - has been disqualified as Kentucky Derby winner in the race's 147-year history because of a failed drug test.

Czech Republic's Patrik Schick celebrates after scoring from almost 50 yards during the Euro 2020 championship Group D clash against Scotland at Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland.

SCOTLAND's first match at a men's major finals in 23 years ended in anguish after Patrik Schick's incredible halfway-line goal helped the Czech Republic inflict a deflating opening Euro 2020 defeat at Hampden.

Schick's goal, which added to his headed firsthalf opener, punctured a carnival atmosphere with a sharp dose of reality for Steve Clarke's side.

Around 9,000 fans witnessed the Scots strike the bar amid a glut of chances, but a first foray beyond the group stage already looks a tough ask.

Scotland now go to Wembley on Friday with a heightened need for a positive result against a buoyant England, before their group campaign comes to a close against Croatia in Glasgow four days later.

It was a day a generation of fans thought they would never see again.

For those in their early 20s and younger, the sight of Scotland on a stage such as this was embraced for the first time.

While the revelry in the build-up lasted for hours as supporters trickled into Hampden, a nervous tension was palpable throughout the place. There are some things some Euro 2020 branding just cannot hide.

From videos of the team bus arriving, to the news that Kieran Tierney was out injured, nerves were jangling everywhere.

A blistering start from the Scots served to steady the ship amid a cacophony that defied the quarter-full national stadium.

Scotland rampaged out the blocks. John McGinn's early snapshot triggered a roar from the crowd, every booming run and cross from Andy Robertson had the crowd on their feet.

But, slowly, as the Scots were forced back, the nervousness and Czech confidence grew. David Marshall was forced into an early save. A warning shot of what was to come.

Clarke's side roared back with courage and belief befitting a team who had held their nerve in two shootouts to get here.

Robertson again owned the left with a run and cross; Dykes should have done better with a firsttime effort; and Robertson was denied by the fingertips of Tomas Vaclik, triggering thunder in the stands.

But as the game looked destined for a stalemate at half-time, the hammer blow arrived. A corner was just about cleared, only for the Scots to switch off.

Vladimir Coufal overlapped with space and time

on his side, his delivery being met by Schick, who steered his header home while sandwiched between Liam Cooper and Grant Hanley.

Che Adams was introduced at half-time and he made a difference, but not before Marshall twice saved Scotland just seconds after the restart.

Scotland rallied again.

A floated effort from Jack Hendry hit the top of the bar as Hampden gasped.

They did so again as a misplaced Tomas Kalas clearance looped over Vaclik, who just recovered to clear.

If only Marshall could have done likewise three minutes later. Hendry's attempted drive was charged down with Scotland exposed badly.

The ball broke to Schick on the halfway line, and the Bayer Leverkusen man did not even look up as his astonishing arching shot arrowed over Marshall. Hampden was so silent the noise of the ball hitting the net could be heard.

The hosts came again and again in the search of a lifeline. An Armstrong effort looped just over, while Dykes twice went close.

Twenty three years of pain are over. A new feeling of angst is just settling in. (BBC Sport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Kiwis celebrate as Cook says England 'can't handle pressure' NEW Zealand's stand-in captain Tom Latham is celebrating being part of a first series win in England for 22 years, hailing a "fantastic achievement" for his side.

The Black Caps are on their way to the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton next week in great heart, having replaced their next opponents on top of the International Cricket Council rankings after their emphatic eight-wicket win at Edgbaston.

And while winning the format's inaugural showpiece is New Zealand's real priority, joining the classes of 1986 and 1999 in defeating England on their own soil is a memorable prize in itself.

Latham, stepping into the shoes of regular skipper Kane Williamson, who is nursing an elbow injury,

said: "It's a fantastic achievement from the group and I think it's important that we celebrate with each other.

"It's well documented that '99 was the last time we'd won here.

"We have been here a couple of times in recent years and haven't quite got the rewards.

"I certainly remember staying up late, watching teams come over to England and playing Test cricket at Lord's and these iconic grounds.

"So for us to come here and put a performance on the board that was true to us was really important. I thought we did that really well over the four days and got our rewards at the end.

"We did really well over the two Test matches and now that we've ticked them off, it's important that our focus shifts to India in a couple

Stand-in skipper Tom Latham is congratulated by the injured Kane Williamson // Getty

of days."

Meanwhile, England captain Joe Root, who'd watched his side throw away a seven-year unbeaten streak at

home with an abject batting display, insisted it was not the time to hit the panic button.

"We have all underper-

Djokovic targets 'golden' Grand Slam after French Open win NOVAK Djokovic says "everything is possible" as he targets a 'golden' Grand Slam in 2021 after winning the French Open on Sunday for the second time.

The 34-year-old Serb has won both majors this year after lifting the Australian Open title in February.

He defends his Wimbledon title this month before the Olympics and US Open.

"I have put myself in a good position to go for the Golden Slam," said Djokovic, who won his 19th major by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in Paris.

"Everything is possible.

I've achieved some things that a lot of people thought it would be not possible for me to achieve."

The world number one fought back from two sets down as he outlasted Greek fifth seed Tsitsipas to win at Roland Garros on Sunday.

Djokovic, also champion at Roland Garros in 2016, became the first man to win all four Grand Slams twice since the fully professional Open era began in 1968.

Shortly afterwards, his coach Marian Vajda said the player's goal was to win Olympic gold at the delayed Tokyo Games before completing a calendar Grand Slam at the US Open in September.

But Djokovic was quick to point out he was in the

same position in 2016 and then lost in the third round at the All England Club.

"I will enjoy this win and then think about Wimbledon in a few days' time," he said.

"I don't have an issue to say that I'm going for the title in Wimbledon. Of course I am.

"Hopefully, I can use this confidence that I have right now [to take] into Wimbledon, as well. Then let's take it from there."

'He was in my ear all the time' - Djokovic gives racquet to young 'coach' After sealing victory, Djokovic went over to the stands and gave his racquet to a young fan who the Serb said had been providing tactical advice as well as support.

The youngster was beside himself with joy after being given the gift, looking incredulous as he bounced up and down in delight.

"I don't know the boy, but he was in my ear the entire match basically, especially when I was two sets to love down," a smiling Djokovic said.

"He was encouraging me.

He was actually giving me tactics, as well. He was like, 'hold your serve, get an easy first ball, then dictate, go to his backhand'.

"He was coaching me literally.

"I found that very cute, very nice. So I felt like to give

Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the French Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas. On Sunday.

(Twitter/RolandGarros)

the racquet to the best person was him after the match.

"That was kind of my gratitude for him sticking with me and supporting me."

The 'golden' Slam is an immense task - analysis Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent Novak Djokovic could not have picked a tougher year to try and complete the Golden Slam.

Sam Querrey interrupted his plans in 2016, in the third round of Wimbledon.

But this year - for the first time in seven years - there are only two weeks between the French Open and Wimbledon, and the pandemic makes the task even more onerous.

There were two weeks'

enforced quarantine before the Australian Open; the Wimbledon fortnight will be spent exclusively on site or at the hotel; and who knows quite what the Tokyo Olympics will bring.

Djokovic has all the qualities required, but the challenge is an immense one.

The men's draw at Wimbledon could prove unpredictable, as most have not played on grass for two years.

Djokovic's grass-court touch will not have deserted him, but there is no way he, Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas will be able to shake off all that Roland Garros fatigue in such a short space of time. (BBC Sport)

formed this week. It would be the wrong time to start panicking and rip up all the hard work we have done for such a long period of time,"

he said.

"It's been a frustrating and disappointing performance and I don't think we've given a fair account of ourselves.

"We've been outplayed in all three departments and particularly the batting. We have to be honest, front up to that and learn some hard lessons.”

Root's predecessor Sir Alastair Cook made some stinging comments during his commentary stint on BBC Radio's Test Match Special.

He told listeners: "From what I've seen of this batting line-up, when the pressure comes on, the intensity of Test cricket, the scrutiny of it, they can't handle it.

"When the pressure comes they are not handling the mental pressure that you need to do. It is a massive area of concern for me."(Cricket.com.au)

Tsitsipas says his grandmother died five minutes before French Open final STEFANOS Tsitsipas established himself as a formidable opponent at the French Open, slicing through the competition and coming very close to beating Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest of all time, in the final.

But there was more on Tsitsipas' mind during the final match than beating Djokovic. In an Instagram post on Monday, Tsitsipas revealed that his beloved grandmother had died just minutes before he stepped onto the court.

"Life isn't about winning or losing. It's about enjoying every single moment in life whether that's alone or with others. Living a meaningful life without misery and abjection.

Lifting trophies and celebrating wins is something, but not everything. 5 minutes before entering the court my very beloved grandmother lost her battle with life. A wise woman whose faith in life, and willingness to give and provide can't be compared to any other human being that I have ever met.

It's important to have more people like her in this world. Because people like her make you come alive.

They make you dream. I would like to say that regardless of the day, circumstance

Stefanos Tsitsipas after Sunday’s final.

or situation, this is entirely dedicated to her, and only her. Thank you for for raising my father. Without him this wouldn't have been possible."

Despite the circumstances, Tsitsipas, who is from Greece, didn't betray that anything was wrong. He played a strong match, taking the first two sets before being overwhelmed by Djokovic in the final three.

Several minutes after the match was over, Tsitsipas sat down in his sideline chair and buried his head in a towel. It appeared that the emotions of losing a match (especially one he'd been so close to winning) had gotten to him. Now we know that it may have been about so much more.

(Yahoo Sports)

26

Tim Paine backs India to clinch WTC title INDIA and New Zealand would be busy making strategies and finalizing their best combination, with the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final being just around the corner.

The summit clash will get underway on Friday at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Both these sides have been phenomenal in red-ball cricket lately, and the cricket world is expecting a fascinating contest.

With the encounter holding such tremendous significance, many players and experts have picked their favourites for the clash.

Australian Test captain Tim Paine is the latest one to join the bandwagon. In an interaction, the wicketkeeper-batsman was asked to pick the winners of the WTC final, and he didn’t have any hesitation in naming India. Paine even said that Virat Kohli’s men would walk away with an easy win if they play anyway near their best.

“My prediction is India will win pretty comfortably if they play anyway near their best,” said Paine in a video shared by Cricket.com.au.

Notably, Australia have lost two home Test series against India under Paine’s leadership. Hence, the wicket-keeper is well versed with the potential of the Indian team, and he subsequently sees them clinching the trophy in Southampton.

India have certainly been on a roll in Test cricket and would be raring to get their

Australia Test captain Tim Paine

hands on the prestigious title. However, defeating the Blackcaps won’t be a bread and butter task for them. The conditions in England are pretty similar to that of New Zealand.

Hence, adapting to the conditions won’t be a massive challenge for the Kiwis.

Moreover, they’ll head into the finals on the back of a 1-0 Test series win over hosts England.

Not to forget, India had lost just one series in the inaugural World Test Championship cycle, and that was against New Zealand. Kane Williamson’s thrashed Team India 2-0 at home in 2020.

Hence, Virat Kohli and the team management must put their best foot forward to beat the Blackcaps.

To get the hold of the conditions, the Indian team sweated it out in an intra-squad practice match, and it would be interesting to see what combination they’ll name in the final.

(CricTracker)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday June 15, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Courtney Walsh-7/37 (Wellington, 1995) (2) Chris Cairns-7/27 (Hamilton, 1999) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best match figures by a WI bowler in a Test against NZ to date?

(2) What are the best match figures by a NZ bowler in a Test versus the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Jackson and McPherson are champions of St Romain Memorial Games DAVID Jackson and Jimrone Mc Pherson were crowned champions of the St Romain Memorial Games held on Sunday at David Samaroo Place, at Port Kaituma waterfront.

A limited amount of participants took part in the Games, which is held annually in memory of former Colonel in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Claude St Romain.

St Romain, who died at the age of 72, was also an educator, a mentor, and rated as one of the best domino players in the area.

To this extent, his son and other family members introduced the Memorial

Games, which has been a feature event over the last 14 years.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions in place, the event, which is normally held over two days, was restricted to a few hours, with $350,000 up for grabs in two “table games,” card twist and dominoes.

Jackson emerged champion ahead of R. McDonald and Quincy Frazer in cards. The three podium finishers pocketed $100, 000, $50,000 and $25,000 respectively.

In the dominoes competition, McPherson also claimed $100,000 for his first-place finish. Second David Jackson won the cards battle. In the photo, he receives his top cash prize and trophy from organiser of the event, Conrad St Romain.

Jimrone Mc Pherson (left) receives his cash prize and trophy from organizer, Conrad St Romain.

place went to Kevin Wilson ($50,000) while Roger Boston ($25,000) finished third.

Conrad St Romain said he was very pleased with the success of this year’s games and the highlight to his father’s memories. He said that along with restricted numbers, other systems were in place to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.

In years past, the Memorial Games had included field competitions, including football. Conrad said that while he was happy with this year’s event, he hopes that the field games can be re-introduced in the near future.

He also called on local sportsmen and sportswomen to consider taking the COVID-19 vaccines.

Curacao,Haiti, St Kitts all taste first leg defeats MIAMI, Florida, (CMC) – Fancied Curacao scored late but failed to complete their comeback against Panama, as all three Caribbean Football Union (CFU) sides lost their opening games of the second round of CONCACAF 2022 World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday.

Playing at the Estadio Rod Carew in Panama City, Curacao went down 2-1 after trailing for most of the second half, following a goalless first half.

Haiti was also on the losing side, slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Canada at home at the Stade Sylvio Cator in Port Au Prince while St Kitts and Nevis suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of El Salvador at home at Warner Park in Basseterre.

The second legs will be played today.

Curacao, who played

Rangelo Janga scored late for Curacao.

unbeaten in the first round and were supremely impressive, found themselves on the defensive for most of the first half as Panama produced an energetic performance urged on by home fans.

In fact, goalkeeper Eloy Room who plays for Columbus Crew in the

USA’s Major League Soccer, was forced into a save from the feet of Adalberto Carrasquilla in the fourth minute, to ensure Curacao remained in the contest.

After the break, however, Alberto Quintero put the hosts ahead in the 55th minute with a curling volley before Cecilio

Waterman finished off a lightning quick counter-attack in the 77th minute to double the lead.

There was late drama when Rangelo Janga was on hand to poke home from close range, three minutes from the end after Armando Cooper forced goalkeeper Luis Mejia into a save, but there was no time for the equaliser.

Meanwhile, Haiti also tasted disappointment when Cyle Larin collected Jonathan Osorio cross to score in the 14th minute, and leave Canada with the points away from home.

Frantzdy Pierrot twice came close to finding the scoresheet for Haiti but Canada managed to keep a clean sheet.

For their part, St Kitts endured a chastening experience as David Rugamas netted a firsthalf double to propel El Salvador to an easy win.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, June 15, 2021

Spain-based Guyanese pro-basketball player Joy Adams 'eager' to rep the '592'

...Lindener looking forward to working with GABF to give back to basketball in Guyana

By Rawle Toney JOY Adams, who plays professionally in Spain in the Liga Femenina Endesa with Araski AES, is hoping to, one day, don the Guyana colours for the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Internationally; something she says has been a dream of hers since stepping on to the basketball court.

Adams, 28, hails from Amelia’s Ward, Linden – Cinderella City to be exact – and wasn’t really a basketball fan though it’s among the most popular sports played by kids she grew-up with.

She was more into football but after moving to the USA, she explained that her High School coach insisted on her learning and playing the game (basketball).

Since then, basketball, Adams said, has been her ‘thing’ as she grabbed national attention while playing for Evans High School in Orlando, Florida.

She was Central Florida Athlete-of-the-Year in 2012, First Team All-Metro and Second Team All-County during her senior season and

was named Florida Athletic Coaches Association 7A District 11 Player-of-the-Year.

“After high school, I had many offers to go almost any school, but I chose Iona College in New York and those coaches developed me,” Adams said in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport.

IONA COLLEGE CAREER Adams went on to have a stellar National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate career as a point guard with Iona College in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).

Adams is the MAAC's

all-time leading rebounder and Iona's second all-time leading scorer.

She was a threetime All-MAAC First Team selection and All-MAAC Second Team and MAAC Rookie-of-the-Year as a freshman.

She was named All-MAAC Tournament Team two times and MAAC Playerof-the-week on seven occasions. Adams had 81 career double-doubles, ranking top 10 in NCAA history.

Since her college Career, Adams said she always wanted to ‘suit-up’ for Guyana's national team, since, she said, there's no better joy than representing your country.

“Ever since I was in college, I thought it would’ve been great to come back home and play for my country, but I didn’t get an opportunity to make it happen, but now I'm hoping it can,” Adams said.

She told Chronicle Sport that even though she’s in the United States, her “heart and soul is in Guyana. I was born here, I was raised here; just being able to put on that jersey and to show that we do have talent and we can compete with the rest of the

McArthur, Ritch sign with Portmore United ....players to be based in Jamaica until 2023 NICHOLAS McArthur and Rishaun Ritch will now ‘suit-up’ for Jamaica’s top football club, Portmore United.

The two 19-year-old players were signed from Fruta Conquerors Football Club and will be based with the club until 2023.

It was highlighted that both players were scouted by the Jamaican club while playing for Guyana at the 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championships, where they were impressive, despite Guyana not advancing from their group.

However, Guyana was the only team, during the group stage, to defeat eventual group winners, El Salvador

Nicholas McArthur (left) and Rishaun Ritch

2 – 0.

Portmore United is the current Jamaica Red Stripe Premier League Champions. In fact, they’ve won the League, which started in

1973, seven times; the most in the 12-team league.

Portmore United also won the 2005 and 2019 Caribbean Club Championship.

world.”

PLAYING IN SPAIN The Liga Femenina Endesa is the highest pro-league in Spain and the top League in Europe. It is the women's equivalent of the men's Liga ACB and is run by the Spanish Basketball Federation.

Adams describes playing in Spain as “amazing,” adding “Everything about it; the lifestyle, the people, the food; but the competition. It's very competitive. It's more systematic (basketball), It's very methodical. It's not really based on your athletic ability.

It's about knowing when to pass, when to drive, when to slow it down; which, mostly, that’s the difference.”

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), one of the world’s popular pro-basketball leagues, isn’t all that it seems and Adams boasts about how lucky she is to head ‘overseas’ after finishing college.

“I always look at it as, the WNBA is not your final destination, because ‘overseas’ allows players like myself to have that opportunity to continue playing and have a career.

Because if overseas wasn’t there, I probably wouldn’t be playing basketball because the WNBA spots are so limited…everyone knows, there’s a lot of politics in everything, so the WNBA it’s a lot of politics.

But I can tell you, that if you keep working and prove that you’re the best, now you have a seat at the table,” the point-guard opined.

She continued: “There’s stages. You have the WNBA, the Euro Cup and the Euro

Joy Adams in action for Araski AES in the Liga Femenina Endesa.

League. When you’re in Euro Cup and Euro League, you’re competing with all the WNBA players. So now, I play against some of the best WBA players and I’ve had some of the best WNBA players on my team; so when it's all said and done, we’re

all here, at the same place.”

Meanwhile, Adams said she’s hoping to meet with GABF president, Michael Singh, to not only represent Guyana, but work with the Federation to support women and girls in the sport of basketball locally.

Opening partnerships still a concern, says disappointed Simmons

Shai Hope was recalled to the opening position but failed in both innings of the first Test.

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – Head coach Phil Simmons has conceded that the lack of substantive opening partnerships is becoming a worry, following West Indies’ chastening innings and 63-run defeat to South Africa here last weekend.

The home side produced two feeble batting performances – bowled out for 97 and 162 – with Roston Chase getting their only half-century of the game.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and the recalled Shai Hope out on 24 in the first innings while Brathwaite and Kieran Powell – a concussion substitute for Nkrumah Bonner – managed only 12 in the second innings.

Over their last 18 Test innings, West Indies have scraped only two half-century stands, with the highest being 66 in the second Test against Bangladesh last February.

Shai Hope was recalled to the opening

position but failed in both innings of the first Test.

“That is one of the things we’ve been trying to work on very desperately because if you watch back a lot of times we win Test matches against the top teams, we have good opening stands,” Simmons pointed out.

“Against England the last time [in 2019], we had good opening stands between John Campbell and Kraigg. That has not been happening and we’re working very hard on that.

“It’s disappointing because when you look at the last seven Test hundreds scored by an opener, I think they’re all scored by Kraigg.”

Campbell was axed for the ongoing series due to a run of low form while Brathwaite recaptured his with a hundred and half-century in the previous Test against Sri Lanka in Antigua.

WTC winners to get USD1.6 million and Test Mace

Virat Kohli (left) and Kane Williamson are two of the best. (Getty Images)

THE winners of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and New Zealand will take home a purse of US$ 1.6 million along with the ICC Test Championship Mace, the International Cricket Council announced (ICC) yesterday.

The losing team will get US$800,000 for finishing second in the nine-team competition, which was played over a near twoyear cycle, adding context to Test cricket

and to crown the first official world champions in the longest format of the game.

The prize money for the team finishing third in the ICC World Test Championship Standings Powered by MRF Tyres is US$450,000. The team fourth on the table will be awarded US$350,000, the one that finishes fifth gets US$200,000 while the remaining four teams will get US$100,000 each.

T h e T e s t TURN TO PAGE 23 ►

However, Shai Hope, recalled as an opener, failed in the first innings against the Proteas with 15 while Powell got 14 in the second as Hope dropped down to number three.

With Hope failing to produce the runs expected at the top of the order, questions are already being asked about his suitability as an opener in Test cricket but Simmons defended the player.

“I think he has the ability to bat anywhere in the top six that he wants to bat,” Simmons contended.

“And it’s a case of this is the position he was asked [to bat] because of where he scored his runs leading into the [Test] but … international cricket works like that sometimes.

“Powell came in and we decided that Powell would open and he (Hope) would bat at three.”

West Indies take on South Africa in the second Test starting here Friday, hoping for a win to level the series and keep their unbeaten series record this year intact.

And despite the wide margin of defeat with the first Test lasting only 2-1/2 days, Simmons said he did not believe there was a massive deficit in quality between West Indies and South Africa.

“I don’t think there’s that big a gulf. I think we have to make sure that when we play these teams that are higher up that we play just as intense or more intense than when we play the teams at our level,” he stressed.

“I think we just have to be more clinical in the way we do things, whether it is teams above at number one or two, or teams at ten.”

West Indies were ranked sixth at the start of the series, one notch ahead of South Africa.

Angus Eve takes over as interim head coach of T&T’s national team FORMER Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Angus Eve is to be the next head coach of his country’s national side following the dismissal of head coach Terry Fenwick on Friday.

The 49-year-old Eve will, according to sources, have Reynold Carrington as his assistant coach, Clayton Ince as his goalkeeper’s coach and Adarayll John as team trainer. Richard Piper will be the team manager. He replaces Terry Fenwick, who was fired on Friday, a week after Trinidad and Tobago’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a goalless draw against the Bahamas.

However, Eve and his staff will have to hit the ground running as he will only have the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying matches to prove his mettle. His contract runs until August 31, 2021.

"I am really honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to continue to represent

Former Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Angus Eve

my country," Eve said. "I'm committed to provide a lift to Trinidad and Tobago, especially in this time where we are battling so many different adversities at the same time."

N o r m a l i - TURN TO PAGE 23 ►

Spain-based pro-basketball Guyanese Joy Adams 'anxious' to rep the '592' 27 PAGE

...Lindener looking forward to working with GABF to give back to basketball in Guyana

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TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021