Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_08_04_2022

friday 8th april, 2022

Morning Glory cereal factory to resume full operations 03 No.106687

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–– staffers to increase from six to 25, says Minister Mustapha

‘Fast together, pray together, stay together’

A grand interfaith meeting will mark the National Day of Fasting and Prayers today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) 02 PAGE

Massive countrywide Famed actor, Authorities team fire-prevention campaign comedian, Henry up to tackle drug to commence soon Rodney dies 07 use in schools 05 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

‘Fast together, pray together, stay together’

— interfaith meeting to mark National Day of Fasting, Prayers A GRAND interfaith meeting will mark the National Day of Fasting and Prayers today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The meeting, which will begin at 15:30 hours, will see presentations, prayers, songs and reflections from the three major religious groups and will also feature an address from President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Members of all religious groups are invited, and specific areas for each religious group to pray will be allocated.

On Monday, Dr. Ali called on religious bodies to unite under the banner of “One Guyana” for a National Day of Fasting

and Prayers, as three significant religious observances are overlapping this month –Christians are observing Lent, Hindus are observing Chaitra Navratri and Muslims are observing Ramadan.

This rare occurrence offers a meaningful opportunity for Guyanese from all religious persuasions to come together to pray for Guyana.

President Ali had also

said that he sees the day as an opportunity for religious bodies and persons from all belief systems to join to promote the spirit of togetherness.

“I would like all of us to fast together, pray together, and stay together as One Guyana,” the Head of State had said.

The President has echoed that the “One Guyana” vision springs from the nation’s rich multicul-

tural heritage and the need to ensure that the country’s diversity remains a source of strength and not an instrument of division and disaffection.

The Head of State’s “One Guyana” initiative also aims to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence with due respect for their rights and with equality before the law.

guyana CHRONICLE friday, april 8, 2022

Morning Glory cereal factory to resume full operations

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–– staffers to increase from six to 25, says Minister Mustapha

STAFF members of Morning Glory Inc., popularly known as the Anna Regina Cereal Plant, on Thursday went home satisfied knowing that they will receive full employment. Currently, six persons are employed at the factory on a parttime basis. Its total staff complement is expected to reach 25.

The good news was delivered by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who visited the factory Thursday afternoon with a delegation from his ministry. The announcement by Minister Mustapha follows a recent visit to the Essequibo Coast

by Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who promised employees of the factory that operations will be restored in full. The factory had scaled down operations due to COVID-19. The government recently removed all the COVID-19 restrictions.

The Vice-President, who was at the time meeting with rice farmers on Essequibo Coast residents, said that more employment will be created for the people of Essequibo through the factory and the Guyana Marketing Corporation will be providing assistance with marketing of its products.

At that meeting, Mr Jagdeo announced the provision of 800 part-time jobs and

250 small business grants for Region Two residents as well as a number of large-scale projects for the region. These will generate jobs and improve the livelihoods of the people of the region.

Meanwhile, staff members at the factory were very happy to hear the good news.

“We are happy for this, we are pleased and we must thank Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, his intervention was quick and we are happy,” said Lalita Samsundar, one of the six part-time staffers at the factory.

Office Manager Indrawattie Natram also expressed gratitude to the Vice-President and Minister Mustapha for their prompt intervention and for assuring the current staffers of full employment.

Minister Mustapha also said a new production manager will be hired and that person will be from Essequibo. Staffers of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) provides technical support to the factory team.

Minister Mustapha during his tour of the factory was accompanied by Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Ooodit and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Minister Mustapha with staffers of the factory and officials from the region and Ministry of Agriculture during his visit on Thursday

Massive countrywide fire prevention campaign to commence soon –– Home Affairs Ministry to procure, distribute 3,000 fire extinguisher balls, smoke detectors

By Jared Liddell AS government continues to invest heavily in the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has underscored the importance of fire-prevention systems in minimising the number of fires.

On Thursday, he disclosed plans for the GFS to embark on a major countrywide fire-prevention systems inspection exercise this year.

It is expected to target mainly commercial buildings and businesses.

He noted that this exercise, coupled with public education outreaches targeting homes, will serve to equip persons with the necessary knowledge to develop, implement and enforce fire-prevention measures in rural and urban communities, especially in commercial areas.

Disclosing the 2022 plan in further details, Minister Benn stated that as part of the Fire Service’s fire- prevention plan, heavy investments will be made to facilitate the

distribution of several pieces of fire- prevention apparatus to residents and businesses.

He said that during the year, the GFS through the Ministry of Home Affairs will procure and distribute 3,000 fire extinguisher balls and smoke detectors, which will act as a “first response” to help prevent the spread of the fire.

Fire extinguisher balls are dry powder fire extinguishers. When touched by a naked flame, they will self-activate and effectively disperse extinguishing chemicals.

“I want us to buy 3,000 fireballs and share them out to people in homes and businesses throughout this year.

So, fireballs and smoke detectors, we must give them out free…,” he added.

Benn noted that these new systems will complement the work of the 10-point system that was introduced in 2021, which resulted in the force recording a 22 per cent reduction in the number of fires recorded for the year.

The 10-point plan entails the modernisation and

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn renovation of existing fire stations; collaboration with government agencies; implementation of a fire service building code; establishment of a legal department; creation of an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) department; training courses for staff, both locally and internationally; establishment of a public relations unit; operational pole training for all staff; and expansion of emergency medical service.

“We have had a 22 per cent reduction in total fires for the past year, in 2021. Not

to say that we have not had big challenges in respect of fire, many of the fires which we have had were maliciously set and the most prominent victim has been the GPF, which would have [sic] lost three or four buildings, particularly the Brickdam Police Station and also, I think we lost two schools so the question of the threat of fire in terms of prevention and the question of the response and the alacrity of the response is so important,” Minister Benn stated.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief (ag) Gregory Wickham in expressing similar sentiments, noted the importance of preventative systems to minimise the cases of fires.

He stated that currently there is a document at Cabinet that seeks to have building codes that capture the necessary fire-prevention systems become law. This will allow for greater control by the fire service as it relates to enforcement.

“There is a paper before the cabinet seeking for us to have building codes and

so become law. When that becomes legal then the aspect of firefighting within those structures, that would be the legal part,” he said.

The Fire Chief noted that the fire service has already embarked on massive projects to boost its preparedness and readiness to deal with fire emergencies. He highlighted that the force has already serviced and replaced some 151 hydrants across Region Four (Demerara – Mahaica).

He stated that even as this continues, ranks are currently mapping out areas in several other regions to extend this

exercise further across the country.

“Already we would have serviced and replaced in some cases 151 hydrants across the city.

Also, we are presently doing mapping up in other areas in other regions like Regions, Three, Two, Ten, Five, and Six. We have somebody manufacturing another 150 hydrants which we intend to stretch out across the country which we intend to help us in firefighting once we get those connections going,” Wickham stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

Senate confirms Jackson as first Black woman on U.S. Supreme Court

( R e u t e r s ) - K E TA N J I Brown Jackson was confirmed by the Senate, on Thursday, as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court in a milestone for the United States and a victory for President Joe Biden, who made good on a campaign promise as he seeks to infuse the federal judiciary with a broader range of backgrounds.

The vote to confirm the 51-year-old federal appellate judge to a lifetime job on the nation’s top judicial body was 53-47, with three Republicans - Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney - joining Biden’s fellow Democrats. A simple majority was needed, as Jackson overcame Republican opposition in a Supreme Court confirmation process that remains fiercely partisan.

Jackson will take the

on the liberal bloc of a court

with an increasingly assertive 6-3 conservative majority.

Breyer is due to serve until the court’s current term ends - usually in late June - and Jackson would be formally sworn in after that.

Jackson served early in her career as a Supreme Court clerk for Breyer.

Biden hosted Jackson at the White House to watch the vote on television, posting on Twitter a selfie he took of them smiling after Senate acted.

“Judge Jackson’s confirmation was a historic moment for our nation. We’ve taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America. She will be an incredible Justice, and I was honored to share this moment with her,” Biden wrote on Twitter.

The two will make remarks on Friday at an event

celebrating her confirmation.

Of the 115 people who have served on the Supreme Court since its 1789 founding, all but three have been white. It has had two Black justices, both men: Clarence Thomas, appointed in 1991 and still serving, and Thurgood Marshall, who retired in 1991 and died in 1993.

Current Justice Sonia Sotomayor is the only Hispanic ever to serve.

Jackson will become the sixth woman justice ever.

For the first time, four women will serve on the court together.

Presidential nominations to the Supreme Court have become a flashpoint in American politics. The court wields great influence in shaping American policy on hot-button issues including abortion, guns, voting laws, LGBT rights, religious lib-

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U.S. President Joe Biden and Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson watch as the full U.S. Senate votes to confirm Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, from the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

83-year-old Breyer’s place

erty, the death penalty and race-based practices.

Before Jackson joins it, the Supreme Court is due to rule in major cases including one that could overturn the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide and another that could expand gun rights.

Democrat Raphael Warnock, one of the Senate’s three Black members, said in the debate before the vote: “I’m the father of a young Black girl. I know how much it means for Judge Jackson to have navigated the double jeopardy of racism and sexism to now stand in the glory of this moment. ... Seeing Judge Jackson ascend to the Supreme Court reflects the promise of progress on which our democracy rests.

What a great day it is in America.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

Authorities team up to tackle drug use in schools

By Jared Liddell

IN a bid to eliminate the use of drugs in the local school system, Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) James Singh has said that his team will be partnering with the Ministry of Education to roll out a national anti-narcotics sensitisation programme.

According to Singh, the comprehensive programme will tackle both students and teachers, with particular emphasis on training teachers to identify drug users.

With teachers equipped with the requisite knowledge, authorities would have a better chance of identifying children who might be under the influence of drugs, and getting them the necessary help. This would also help authori-

Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit James Singh (Delano Williams photo)

ties to identify the dealers.

“We’re working with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to develop a programme that allows us to go into the various schools across the region and

sensitise persons about the effects of narcotics,” the CANU official said, adding: “So, it’s not just working with the students, but also working with the teachers… They must be able to see the

behavioral patterns of persons, as this gives us a better idea of if persons are on drugs or something else, so we could work with them also.”

He related that CANU is aware of the threat that the sale of

illicit substances poses to society, and as such has been devising innovative ways of catching the drug traffickers, in keeping with its national drug strategy masterplan.

“As you would have seen recently, we are doing a lot of work in various communities, and the aim here is to target persons who engage in selling narcotics, regardless of where; whether it’s near a school or in that community itself…

We recognise that there are new drugs present now in various communities, and we are working very closely within those communities,” Singh said.

In a recent interview with this publication, Singh said that CANU’s operations around the country are meant to create safe spaces within communities, so that

there is no drug use or selling of narcotics in those areas.

He said that joint efforts with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have produced great results, and have also helped the Unit achieve its goal.

It is for this reason that CANU intends to have continued joint collaboration efforts with the Police Force and other stakeholders to target the traffickers of various illicit substances, and provide the necessary support to drug users and victims of drug abuse.

In September 2021, the GPF and CANU destroyed over 2,000 kg of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs. The narcotics that were destroyed were from operations conducted by the police and CANU over a two-year period.

Essequibo fisherman missing after boat accident in Suriname

AUTHORITIES have intensified search efforts to find a local fisherman, Terrance Gomes, who went missing after a boat collision in Suriname waters.

According to reports, Gomes of Supenaam, Region Two, along with five other fishermen, was reportedly fishing in Suriname waters on Wednesday evening, when the boat they were in collided with another.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Gomes’ wife, Gaitree Singh, said her husband left for ‘sea’ last Satur-

this trade for over 20 years.

Unlike the other times when he would usually be back on land by this time, Singh said she received “shocking news” that her husband went missing after the incident on Wednesday.

According to her, five of the crew members were rescued, but her husband is yet to be found.

Fisherman, Terrance Gomes

day. He has been practicing

She related that the coast guards in Guyana and Suriname were informed about the incident and are currently conducting search efforts.

Up to press time, he was not located, but Gomes’ relatives said that they are praying and hoping for the best.

The fishermen’s boat and seine have since been

recovered and the other crew members are expected to arrive in Guyana soon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

Spiritual Renewal

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has issued a call for all religious bodies, indeed all Guyanese, to unite under the banner of ‘One Guyana’ for a National Day of Fasting and Prayers. The event will take place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Friday, April 8, 2022.

The day will culminate with a grand inter-faith meeting at the National Park which will take the form of prayers, songs and reflections.

Similar such activities are expected to be held in other parts of the country.

This is indeed a commendable initiative by President Ali, especially coming at a time when there is a convergence of the fasting observanc-

es by all of the three major religious groups in the country, namely Muslims, Hindus and Christians.

Guyana is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society. The Constitution of Guyana speaks to a secular state which means there is no state-sponsored religion of religious teachings.

Religious teachings are primarily a function of the home and the church.

The formal education system promotes a scientific and technological outlook grounded on high levels of morality and spirituality.

This, however, does not take away from the fact that Guyanese generally are deeply religious.

There is complete freedom to worship and ev-

ery individual is protected by the Constitution to believe in any religion of his or her choice.

Our common embrace of religion and religious diversity is a good basis for a much higher national imperative, namely the creation of a ‘One Guyana’ vision as articulated by President Ali. According to the Guyanese President, the ‘One Guyana’ vision springs from our rich cultural heritage and the need to ensure that our diversity remains a source of strength and not an instrument of division and disaffection.

The initiative is intended to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence with due respect to his or her fundamental constitutional

rights and equality before the law.

The National Day of Prayer and Fasting provides a unique opportunity for all Guyanese regardless of religious, cultural or political orientations to come together under a single roof and in common space to re-assert our oneness and our togetherness.

And in the words of President Ali, “I would like all of us to fast together, pray together, and stay together as ‘One Guyana.” These are indeed noble sentiments on the part on President Ali who has consistently been urging Guyanese to leave past divisions behind them and join hands and hearts to create a new Guyana based on the spirit of oneness and

mutual respect.

This call by President Ali could not have come at a better time when the country is making enormous strides in terms of economic growth and development. With Guyana now ranked among the fastest growing economies in the world due in no small way to our newly-found oil and gas riches, there is need to renew and reinforce our sense of humility and spirituality.

There can be no doubt that Guyana is on the road to higher levels of economic prosperity which will undoubtedly impact positively on our material and social well-being. But, as we are so often reminded by our holy books, there is not much to be gained

by ‘owning the world but losing our soul’.

Our sense of a strong, united and prosperous society in which there are shared values and commonality of purpose represent the ‘soul’ of Guyana. President Ali’s call for a ‘National Day of Prayer and Fasting’ is a step closer to the realisation of the ‘One Guyana’ Vision and the quest for spiritual renewal.

Prayer and Fasting, it must be said, transcends religions and religious teaching and practices. It is about a disciplined and focused attempt to subordinate individual interests to a higher and greater good, namely the good of Guyana and for that matter, humanity as a whole.

Some landlords are acting unfairly to small business owners

Dear Editor,

IT is with great disgust that I write this piece to highlight the acts of some landlords in Guyana to inflate and frustrate small business owners. I have a number customer’s in the Georgetown area that have complained repeatedly of the ridiculous rent and additional charges landlords are imposing on the small and medium scale business community.

Recently the GCCI in Guyana (Mr. Timothy Tucker) has voiced its concern over the sustainability of small and medium scale businesses having the short end of the stick to be able to grow and benefit from the initiatives of the Guyana Government, stating clearly

there should be protective measures in place to safeguard against these type of unfair practices towards business owners throughout Guyana, in each and every region and this type of escalation and inflation should be no exception.

The President and Vice President has repeatedly stated that Guyana must position itself for world class type of business practices, legislation, ease of establishing and doing business and of course service to our consumers.

We have to act to develop frameworks and implement these practices and regulations now. Large businesses have benefitted from tax reductions, reduced interest rates for loans to businesses as they continue to forge ahead with these and other

ideas to rebuild Guyana to a sustainable economy that provides for its people – with or without oil.

Some people seem to be hell bent on going in the other direction of this national vision and common business ethics.

Our business is trading in various electronics, jewellery, phones and other goods on a small scale which we resale to retail businesses right here in Berbice and Georgetown. Prices have increased due to high freight charges but that is a global contributor and not the main issue here.

Firstly, you would agree that these struggling small business people did not impose the pandemic on the world nor did they ask for escalating prices for goods

that they now have to buy at higher prices which eliminates the little profit they would be making to put together to pay rentals, invoices and then lastly their livelihood and that of their families.

What we have experienced in recent months is something very appalling.

Let me state that our customers who we visited have complained of what is being seen as a bad business practice. The owner, who is a popular auto sales dealer, has recently added VAT as an additional charge to the tenants instead of deducting from the previously agreed rent to pay to the government as he should legally do. Further I am told there is also an electricity charge in addition to the VAT charges. This was

included in the rental fees before, now it is being added along with the electricity fee.

I do not have all of the facts but on my next visit to the location I will investigate further.

They are now either being forced out of their businesses that they have occupied for years or have no choice but to pay up whatever little they have.

Now, if the tenants do not agree to this they are being bullied and threatened to be kicked out within a days or their booths will be locked off with their goods inside especially if they have not been able to fulfill the demands of current rental fees.

This would amount to an over 21 per cent increase in some cases based on the square foot per dollar. One

business owner and close associate that I work with to handle my logistics promptly packed up and left. I commended him for doing so but at the same time wonder about those who are left behind.

The rental agreement has little or no leverage to the tenants or lessees.

If you attempt to dispute the increase or the terms you are promptly told you should vacate or pay up.

Tenants cannot get on to the owner of the building via phone call or when they visit the offices in Georgetown I am told to negotiate - just the staff who are said to be very, very unprofessional and quite rude.

Yours sincerely, Jewan Singh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

Famed actor, comedian, Henry Rodney dies GUYANESE actor and comedian, Henry Rodney, has died at age 63 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease at the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, New York City.

Best known for his role as “Franklyn” in the popular sitcom “Agree to Disagree,” Rodney always wore a bright, infectious smile on his face.

The comedian had fallen ill in 2015 and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, this did not stop him from performing.

In a 2019 interview

Henry Rodney

with the Guyana Chronicle, Rodney said that his stage presence will still be seen despite his diagnosis.

The announcement of Rodney’s health condition had come as a “shocker” to the public. This spurred a countrywide fundraising drive.

A number of benefit concerts and private and organisational support poured in to help the man that had, for years, put a smile on everyone’s face.

Rodney leaves to mourn his wife Joan and daughters Tamara, Tuana and Tchaiko.

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Guyanese among top 20 in global professional accountants’ exam CHIRAG Chadwani has placed among the top 20 persons in the world at the “Audit and Assurance” examination from the December 2021 sitting of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exams.

Chandwani, who placed 11th, had landed a Grade I in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certification’s (CSEC) Principles of Accounts examination when he was only 12 years old.

The former student of Mae’s Schools, was the top performer for the Caribbean in that particular examination paper, the ACCA confirmed on its Facebook page.

“119,688 entered for the December sitting, which saw 145,692 exams completed. A total of 4,288 students com-

Chirag Chandwani

pleted their final exams to become ACCA affiliates. In the face of the continued pandemic, ACCA also offered remotely invigilated exams to 9,809 students across numerous jurisdictions,” the professional body said on its website.

The only hope for the AFC is truth, confession and reconciliation

Dear Editor,

I READ a statement issued by the Alliance For Change on April 6, 2022 that addressed the National Day of Fasting and Prayers. The statement opened with the following, “The Alliance for Change (AFC) endorses and supports the call for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting”, and should’ve stopped there in my view, but instead, they sought to take the moral high ground.

For me and I’m sure many others, the AFC is incapable of finding the way to the moral high ground because of what the Christian Scriptures refer to as the “plank in their own eye”.

After polling day in the 2020 General and Regional Elections, the AFC aided, abetted, and actively participated in the most vulgar and blatant attempt to steal an election in the modern era in the western world.

The statements being made today cannot absolve them of the sins and stains left by their conduct in the 2020 elections. By their actions, they sinned against God, who is a God of truth.

By their actions, they sinned

against all Guyanese by suppressing and subverting, for a while, the expressed will of the people.

The stain on their individual and collective character and conscience is made with ink more indelible than that which was used by the electorate on March 2, 2020.

The only hope for the AFC is truth, confession, and reconciliation. While this might be hard for that party and its officials as it seems alien to their nature, now is the best time for them to try to learn.

Guyana is formally a secular country; however, our people are deeply religious. Just look around and you’ll be reminded that our populated areas are dotted with cathedrals and churches, mosques, temples, and other places of worship.

This year, this month, heaven has afforded us an opportunity to celebrate the three great religious festivals of our people together, Ramadan, Navratri, and Lent.

During these festivals, we fast to give ourselves more intensely to prayer. We seek to make ourselves right with God to also do right by men.

I, therefore, urge the AFC leadership to cease

their empty, deceptive, and dishonest criticism and to give themselves to fasting and prayer. To confess their sins of suppression, injus-

tice, and fraud and to ask for forgiveness, while having the humility to reconcile with the people of this country who were denied justice

for the five months during which democracy was held captive Respectfully yours, Brian Azore

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

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Prime Minister acknowledges UNOPS’ interest in project implementation GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, acknowledged the work and plans of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) during an engagement with senior officials of the organisation on Thursday.

The UN body provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services to help build for the future.

In keeping with the sustainable development

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, engaging representatives of UNOPS (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

goals, UNOPS responds to the needs of partners to help increase the effectiveness of peace, security, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for UNOPS’ interest in assisting the Government of Guyana with the implementation of projects, and said that it was timely since a number of countrywide transformative projects, stemming from Budget

2022, will soon commence.

Those remarks were directed to Multi-Country Director of Costa Rica, Panama and the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, Alejandro Rossi; Deputy Representative of Costa Rica and the Caribbean, William Squier Gonzalez and United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ye?im Oruç, who represented UNOPS.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

ExxonMobil helps two special education teachers pursue master’s degrees

EXXONMOBIL Guyana has made a financial contribution to the United Women for Special Children (UWSC) to fund master’s degrees for two special education teachers.

The money was raised t h r o u g h a n e m p l o yee-based safety feedback programme with the company matching the submissions with funds to be donated to a local cause. The UWSC is this year’s recipient.

“Our mandate basically suggests we try to ensure every child has a safe learning environment, something that would help them become productive members of our society. The fund will be used directly towards the master’s programmes for two young teachers.

“We’re hoping, at the

end of this project with them, they would be able to train other teachers and improve the care at the schools they are involved with,” USWC President, Jennifer Prashad, said.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Safety Manager, Brad Edlington, said that safety was a core value of the company.

“That care is also something we want to extend to our community around us and it’s our privilege to partner with the United Women for Special Children to extend care to those who need it most in our community,” he said.

Founded in 1987, the UWSC works to ensure access to a safe and productive learning environment for children.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Safety Manager, Brad Edlington, hands over a cheque to UWSC President, Jennifer Prashad, in the presence of other members of the organisation

Labourer accused of ‘knifing’ teen to death remanded CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Thursday, remanded a 45-yearold labourer to prison for allegedly murdering 16-year-old Isaiah Smith during an altercation.

Lenny Fraser of Hogg Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

He was not required to plead to the capital offence, which alleged that, on April 4, 2022, at Hogg Street and Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown, he murdered Smith.

The case was adjourned until April 28, 2022.

According to police reports, on the day in question, at about 14:55 hours, Smith was fatally stabbed after he refused to remove from a bench situated in front of Fraser’s home.

Police reported that the incident was witnessed by two boys, aged 15 and 16.

The two teens told investigators that they, along

Lenny Fraser

with Smith, were sitting on a bench east of Fraser’s dwelling.

Fraser ordered them to move, but Smith refused and he was slapped by the older man.

An altercation ensued, during which Fraser allegedly pulled out a knife from the waist of his pants and stabbed Smith to the left upper abdomen.

The teen managed to run a short distance to his Independence Boulevard neighbourhood before collapsing.

He was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by a taxi driver and a Rural Constable attached to Ruimveldt Police Station.

A doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.

Man gets 14 years for cutlass attack on pregnant woman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

HIGH Court Judge, JoAnn Barlow, on Thursday, sentenced a labourer to 14 years in prison for brutally attacking a woman who was seven months pregnant with a cutlass.

Richard Mohammed, 31, of Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was sentenced at the Essequ-

as while prosecutor Tiffini Lyken presented the State’s case.

During the sentencing hearing, the state prosecutor presented the facts of the case to the court.

According to Lyken, the chopping incident occurred in the wee hours of March 25, 2021. The mother of five had

Richard Mohammed

ibo High Court.

Early last month, Mohammed was expected to go on trial before a 12-member jury after pleading not guilty to attempted murder. However, at the commencement of his trial he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of felonious wounding.

Mohammed admitted that, on March 25, 2021, in the county of Essequibo, he wounded the 23-year-old woman.

He was represented by attorney-at-law George Thom-

her right hand severed, and lost sight in her right eye due to injuries she received.

The woman was also chopped to the head and other parts of the body.

According to reports, her house was also set ablaze by Mohammed.

Lyken also read the victim’s impact report to the court which detailed how she has been left with a disability and is unable to properly care for herself and children.

“This is really hard on me. My children have to

see their mother disable…

I will never be the same,” the victim said in her written statement.

Since the victim’s home was set ablaze by Mohammed, the prosecutor said that the woman has no fixed place of abode and is forced to stay with whichever relative is

willing to accommodate her and her children.

The victim is also unable to work.

“He [Mohammed] left us with nothing,” she said.

During his plea of mitigation, Thomas asked the Court to impose the “minimum sentence” on his client, who

he said is young and a prime candidate for rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, the state prosecutor asked the court to consider the nature and gravity of the case. She also pleaded with the court to place weight on the life-altering injuries the victim received.

In delivering her sen-

tence, the judge said she considered the aggravating factors of the case and the injuries the victim received.

The judge sentenced Mohammed to 14 years and ordered that the prison deduct the time spent on remand.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

ESSEQUIBIANS R INTERVENTIONS ANNOUNCE

Essequibians are looking forward to improved livelihood following Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s announcement that 800 part-time jobs, 250 small business grants and other transformational projects are in train for Region Two. The Vice President, accompanied by several ministers, was at the time conducting a two-day outreach to the region.

Susana Betancourt – “I like that he [the Vice President] said there would be 800 jobs for the people in Region Two, as well as 250 grants.

That’s nice. For me, at least. I’m a vendor in the Charity Market. That would be so good because as you can see, I’m doing a small business.

I’m selling hotdogs, I’m selling drinks, couple snacks and thing, you know and I would like to expand.”

Gangaram Sankar – “Long now, the people of Essequibo wanted the Vice President to come, interact with people. He came and solved a lot of problems and that was good for the region.”

Denise Wolfe – “We have persons here who have things affecting them, especially, job-wise and it [the 800 part-time jobs] is nice, it’s a great venture. “... I’m happy that, you know, they could come here to the people, so that they could know their concern and I heard about the grant, and I’m very much interested because I would be able to expand in my business.”

Nanda Gudga – “I think it was great knowing that they’re trying their best to get things back in order and we are really grateful for the help and what they’re doing. Like the grant, that’s gonna help our businesses rise more and get what we need.”

Narinelall Ramdai – “The grant is a very nice thing. We can benefit from the grant and buy some machine, for me.

Those too [the jobs] are important because these would create jobs for the young people too and they get a small stipend and they would benefit from it a lot.”

Narendra Persaud – “I think it was a good visit in Essequibo… [the small business grant], it will help me develop my business, to expand the business, buy more cloth, more sewing machines.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

REACT TO GOV’T’S ED BY THE VICE PRESIDENT

During the outreach the Vice President held meetings with several groups including rice farmers

Mr. Boodram – “The outreach was very successful. Based on what the Vice President explained to the people, they were very satisfied and the offer that Vice President gave to the recipients, it was very good. “... the one with the grant also bring more people to fit in to gain. With the rice farmers, the visit, with the Minister of Agriculture and the Vice President, farmers in the whole feel satisfied.”

Olynda Lawrie – “I went to the outreach and I gain a lot. He’s encouraging residents in Region Two that we must not depend on rice alone but we could plant like soya beans, corn, etc. And, also, he’s trying to help the fishermen and the rice farmers. “... everybody in Region Two knows that the rice industry is a private sector but the Government of Guyana, I’m so proud of them, they still trying to help the rice farmers. “... my daughter got a scholarship from the government, from India and she recently had great news for me. She called me and say ‘mommy, I passed my exams’. I am so proud of the President, Vice President and all the ministers that help the young people in this region.”

Melrose Henry – “It was a visit that was long awaited in this region. We know when the Vice President comes, you always expect things to happen because he’s a man of action and that is what you expect – so that kind of excitement and anticipation is always there. You are always putting away whatever you have to do in order to make yourself available for that visit and that is what residents did who had to raise urgent concerns and I know that it will bear fruit.”

Shafeena Ali – “He [the Vice President] came here and he spoke a lot about giving out these grants and giving the jobs. I think giving the jobs is very beneficial to people right now “... many people came here asking me for [application] forms, they’re very interested in the jobs and some of them reach me, asking about the cash grant, if I hear anything. I said what I heard from him so far, that is what I know. It’s real beneficial to livelihood right now, on the Essequibo Coast.”

Aloma Deonarine – “I was invited to that visit and it was quite a rewarding one for me because I gained knowledge and I also had the opportunity to express rooms for improvement when it comes to [GOAL] scholarship and one of those areas is expanding the universities, which is what I saw they did for this batch and I’m happy about it and I’m also pleased that the Vice President decided that he’s going to look into subsidising the Internet for those persons. “... a lot of young people in this region don’t have access to a job or even that foundation to be in a professional environment and I think that this [GOAL Scholarship] is an opportunity where they can get exposure.”

Bibi Dyal – “I was very happy that the Vice President and his team visited Region Two. We were looking forward for that for a very long time. “... we had a business meeting and I raise some issues with him and I’m sure he will look into it because right now, all my documents are in his hand and I know I will get help from him.”

Kooldeep Raghobar - “Well, this visit was okay, at least he come fuh share he view and the people all around share their view, what they need and they like to say, they say everything about it. People don’t have to go nowhere to get the scholarship. That comes right here. The grants - very good to the farmers and all I have to say is that’s okay for us.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

Super Giants stumble past low-scoring Delhi

(ESPNCRICINFO) - The Lucknow Super Giants spinners stifled Delhi Capitals, and their death bowlers maintained the chokehold to restrict them to the third-lowest 20-over total for the loss of three wickets or fewer in the IPL: 149. With dew around, it became an easy target to chase, but even LSG stumbled in the end and finished the chase only in the last over despite a 52-ball 80 from Quinton de Kock.

It was a remarkable comeback from LSG after Prithvi Shaw ran away to 61 off 34 balls. However, the other Capitals batters David Warner and Rishabh Pant among them - couldn't manage even a run-a-ball between them. It wasn't for the want of trying: they all tried to hit out, but Ravi Bishnoi, K Gowtham and Krunal Pandya tied them down before Jason Holder and Avesh Khan finished off with just 19 runs in the last three overs, the second-lowest aggregate for an IPL side who had topsix batters at the wicket.

Between them the LSG spinners bowled 10 overs for 57 runs and took all three wickets to fall. Gowtham also bowled the first maiden Pant has faced in the IPL.

SHAW WELCOMES BACK WARNER This was a homecoming of sorts for Warner to the team for which he made his IPL debut. Shaw was there to make him feel at home, giving him a right-hand impression of the batter he used to be before he began to set himself up for the long innings. The LSG fast bowlers tried to bowl hard lengths at Shaw, but kept getting cut or pulled. He alone scored 47 in the powerplay, letting Warner ease his way back in.

Against the spinners Shaw remained aggressive and effective, going over

if you have only managed a low total.

Ayush Badoni exults after hitting a four to level the scores, Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, IPL 2022, Navi Mumbai, yesterday

cover with ease and punishing any error in length. In the eighth over, he stepped out to Gowtham to hit him for a straight six before going over cover for four.

SHAW GONE, CHOKE ON Gowtham responded by moving round the wicket and pushing one across Shaw.

Shaw saw a third boundary in a row and went for the cut, but the angle and some extra bounce defeated him to take the top edge.

Capitals then made a curious move to promote Rovman Powell to No. 3.

Before today, Powell had struck at 150 against pace and 116 against spin. He was now being exposed to spin on a surface with grip.

Bishnoi and Gowtham now sucked the life out of the innings. Warner went cutting a wide ball, which kept getting away from him, and managed just a top edge - the third time he has got out to Bishnoi in six balls. A desperate Powell saw a full ball and went for the slog, but it turned out to be the wrong'un, which took out off-stump. Gowtham then proceeded to cramp Pant and bowl a maiden.

When Sarfaraz Khan reverse-swept the last ball of the 11th over, it was the first boundary by a batter not named Shaw.

PANT'S STRUGGLES More than Warner or Powell, Pant's struggle was stark. He managed just eight off the first 19 balls he faced, surviving a run-out chance in the process. It was with the last ball of the 15th over that he finally broke free, lofting a Bishnoi wrong'un over extra-cover. When Andrew Tye offered him a full-toss and two slot balls in the 16th, Pant finally went past a run-aball with a four and two sixes.

Sarfaraz got stuck into Avesh in the 17th over, making it

130 for 3 and raising hopes for Capitals.

Holder's mix of cutters and yorkers, though, completely shut Pant and Sarfaraz out. He bowled the 18th and the 20th, but conceded no boundary. Avesh made a stellar comeback in the 19th, conceding just the one four.

This 36-ball 39 was Pant's third-slowest innings of 30 balls or more. To make matters worse, the bowlers were wiping the ball with a towel every ball, an ominous sign

DE KOCK ACES THE CHASE With Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav in the side and with Lalit Yadav becoming effective with part-time spin, Capitals still had an attack to fight in defence of the small total, but the wet ball tipped the scales in LSG's favour.

Mustafizur Rahman and Lalit kept things tight for the first four overs, but the floodgates opened when Anrich Nortje bowled for the first time in an IPL match in India. The fifth over was full of half-volleys, which de Kock dispatched for three fours, before pulling a short ball for a six.

The target was so low that it took a string of tight overs to take the asking rate past 8.5 an over, but just one beamer from Nortje that went for a

six in the 14th over for it to come crashing down to 7.5.

Another beamer in the 16th sent Nortje off, and de Kock hit Kuldeep for two fours.

When he finally fell, de Kock had left his side seven an over to get in the last four overs.

KRUNAL, BADONI CALM THE NERVES Fourteen balls without a boundary, bowled by Mustafizur and Shardul Thakur, created nerves for LSG, making it 17 required off 10 balls.

Krunal and Deepak Hooda tried their best to find the boundary, but the defensive bowling remained top-class.

Eventually though, Krunal picked a slower one and lofted it back over Mustafizur's head, and then picked three straight braces to leave just five to get in the last over. They still needed Ayush Badoni to come out and hit a boundary when it came down to five off four.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

Woods shines at Augusta

(BBC) - Tiger Woods shot a one-under par 71 on his Masters comeback as the five-time champion made a stunning return to competitive golf at a jubilant Augusta.

Woods, 46, suffered life-threatening injuries in a car crash 14 months ago, then feared his leg might be amputated.

The American 15time major champion only confirmed on Tuesday he planned to play the Masters and looked sharp in his opening round yesterday.

Australia's Cameron Smith was the early clubhouse leader after a four-under 68.

England's Danny Willett, who earned a shock win at the Masters in 2016, and world number one Scottie Scheffler are one shot behind Smith after 69s.

Almost half the 90-man field were still out on the course at 22:00 BST, with Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy again bidding for a

career Grand Slam.

"There is a long way to go, it is a marathon but it is nice to get off to a positive start," Woods said after playing his first competitive round in 508 days.

Woods impresses in a round which few thought they would see again.

When Woods crashed while speeding in Los Angeles in February 2021, the shocking images of his overturned car at the side of the road left his millions of admirers around the world fearing his golf career was over.

That he has been able to return to health is remarkable, let alone be able to resume a glittering career in which his total of 15 men's majors is second only to Jack Nicklaus.

In February, Woods made it clear that he thought the hilly terrain at Augusta National would come too soon in his recovery.

Yet as Masters Week approached, speculation in-

creased he was planning to play if he came through his practice rounds unscathed.

"I am proud of my whole team, we worked so hard," said Woods.

"People have no idea how hard we worked each and every day. We never took a day off."

Vast numbers watched him practise at the iconic Georgia course on Monday, creating a celebratory atmosphere as the preeminent star of the sport continued his bid to make an astonishing comeback.

The moment Woods walked out on to the first tee yesterday was even more special.

Huge cheers greeted his name being read out as thousands gathered to watch his opening shot. Despite his drive turning out to be wayward, it did not dampen the mood as Woods was cheered down the first fairway.

Practice partners Justin Thomas and Fred Couples had talked up the level of

Woods' game, with the former world number one saying it was the physicality of getting around 72 holes which would be his biggest challenge.

Technically, he looked very good. Starting with five pars, he put his tee-shot on the par-three sixth to within a few feet and knocked in the birdie among more rapturous scenes.

A poor chip and putt from the side of the eighth green led to a bogey, before he moved back under par with a birdie on the par-five 13th after reaching the green in two.

More sloppiness around the 14th green led to another bogey, but a brilliant two on the par-three 16th ensured he would finish under par in his 10:05 hrs Miss Nibbles 10:40 hrs Stay The Course

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first competitive round since the 2020 Masters, which was held in November.

"I said to the guys, 'Get me to this point and the adrenaline will kick in," he told Sky Sports after his round.

"I know how to play golf and how to play this golf course."

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NOTICE

GMR&SC Annual General Meeting The thirty first (31st) Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club will be held at the Club’s Headquarters, Thomas Road and Albert Street Thomas lands on Monday May 23rd 2022 at 7 P.M. for the following purpose A. To present the audited financial report for the year 2021 B. To present the treasurer’s report C. To Elect members of the Executive Committee for the year 2022 D. To Elect Auditors E. To transact any other business of an Annual General Meeting Financial members are asked to be seated by 18:45

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

Guyana women’s hockey team to attend CAC qualifier

THE Guyana women’s hockey team is scheduled to compete in the 2022 Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Games qualifier set for Hamilton, Bermuda.

Four women’s team will be vying for spots in the 2023 CAC Games scheduled for June of that year in San Salvador, El Salvador. Of the four, Puerto Rico are the highest ranked team listed as #49 in the world, followed by Jamaica as #63, Guyana sit in the #66 position while hosts Bermuda are ranked #73.

The Guyanese squad had training suspended for 2020 and most of 2021 but resumed during the latter part of that year under strict COVID-19 social-distancing measures earlier this year and have been working hard to make up for lost time.

The team will face favourites Puerto Rico in their very first match on Thursday April 14, at 15:00hrs Guyana time, followed by hosts Bermuda on Saturday April 16 at 17:00hrs and complete their matches against Jamaica on Sunday April 17 at 14:00hrs. The top two teams based on the accu-

mulation of points will secure berths to the 2023 CAC Games.

Guyana last competed in the CAC games back in 2018 when the team finished in seventh place out of eight. Seven players remain from that team.

Incidentally that was the last time Guyana competed internationally.

Those players are goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, Trisha Woodroffe, Marzana Fiedtkou, Samantha Fernandes, Princessa Wilkie, captain Gabriella Xavier and the recently-recalled defensive stalwart Ulrica Sutherland.

Coach Fernandes is excited about the new additions to this strong core of players. Making their international outdoor debut would be speedy strikers Sarah Klautky, Abosaide Cadogan, and Claysa Bobb, midfielder Madison Fernandes and defenders Kezia Chinian, Makeda Harding, Mickelly Rahaman and Kirsten Gomes. Fernandes was particularly pleased also with the return from injury of striker Aliyah Gordon, who is a key playmaker for the team.

Fernandes feels that despite the youthful average age of the

team, they are capable of creating the upsets needed to secure a place in the CAC Games.

“Our defensive line, including goalkeeper Alysa Xavier is solid” said Fernandes, but went on to say that “we have a talented midfield and the greatest depth in our forward line that we ever had. So I expect that we can apply pressure to the opposition for longer spells and hopefully create more goal-scoring opportunities than we have done in the past.”

The ladies have been training at the Georgetown Cricket Club and occasionally at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence which provides a surface most similar to that of an artificial grass surface.

According to coach Philip Fernandes the biggest hurdle in preparing for these tournaments is not the technique, tactical awareness, physical condition or mental health of the athletes but the playing surface.

He is confident that Guyana have sufficient talent, commitment and intelligence to compete with the region’s best, but bemoans the fact that Guyana remains the only hockey-play-

NSC plugs $2M into Guyana’s CARIFTA Games contingent

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) came to the assistance of Guyana’s CARIFTA Games team heading off to the 49th edition of the event in Kingston, Jamaica, from April 16 to 18.

Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) president, Aubrey Hutson, received the cheque valued at $2M from Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, yesterday at NSC’s Middle Street, Georgetown headquarters.

Guyana will be represented by 13 athletes at the Caribbean’s most prestigious track and field event which caters for U17 and U20 athletes.

Anisha Gibbons, the first female athlete to win gold for Guyana in the javelin event in the history of the CARIFTA Games, will lead the team, coached by Raymond Daw and Sham Johnny.

Gibbons,,who won Guyana’s historic gold in javelin, in 2019, and 800m bronze medallist Adriel Austin will lead Keliza Smith (100m, 200m), Karese Lloyd (100m, 200m), Hannah Reid (400m), in the Girls’ U20

AAG president Aubrey Hutson (L) receives the NSC’s $2M cheque from Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

division.

Narissa McPherson (800m) and Attoya Harvey (800m, 1500m, 3000m) are the U17 girls. Javon Roberts (800m) is the lone competitor in the Boys’ U17 category.

Meanwhile,, Shamar Horatio (100m, 200m), Ezekiel Newton (100m, 200m), Wesley Tyndall (long jump), Gabriel Lim (javelin and discus) and Trevon Hamer (triple jump) will represent Guyana in the Boys’ U20 category.

At the 2019 CARIFTA

Games, AAG sent a record 21 athletes and finished with four gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

Close to 650 athletes are expected on the Land of Wood and Water, competing in U17 and U20 categories as well as 150 officials from 27 countries.

This is the eighth time that Jamaica will host the CARIFTA Games since its inception in 1972. Of the 48 editions held so far, Jamaica have topped the medal table on 43 occasions.

Back row from left, Philip Fernandes (coach), Madison Fernandes, Abosaide Cadogan, Marzana Fiedtkou, Makeda Harding, Ulrica Sutherland, Kirsten Gomes, Trisha Woodroffe, Sarah Klautky. Front row from left, Aliyah Gordon, Claysa Bobb, Princessa Wilkie, Alysa Xavier, Samantha Fernandes, Kezia Chinian, Gabriella Xavier (captain)

ing nation in the region without an artificial pitch on which to play the game.

All internationally sanctioned matches take place on artificial pitches since the 1980s and Fernandes indicated that this setback not only robs Guyana the opportunity to host other countries and gain vital experience, but also makes the task of competing internationally twice as difficult, as the game is substantially different on grass fields compared to artificial pitches.

Fernandes indicated, however, that he has had some encouraging conversations with the Minister of Sport about a solution for this problem and is hopeful that this challenge will soon be overcome.

The team is sponsored by GTT which has been the main sponsor of the team for the past few years and has developed a longstanding relationship with the sport. In order to participate in this competition, the Guyana Hockey Board is also grateful to the National Sports Com-

mission, the Guyana Olympic Association and the John Fernandes Group of companies.

The full Guyana squad reads: Abosaide Cadogan, Aliyah Gordon, Alysa Xavier, Clayza Bobb, Gabriella Xavier, Kezia Chinian, Kirsten Gomes, Madison Fernandes, Makeda Harding, Marzana Fiedtkou, Mickelly Rahaman, Princessa Wilkie, Samantha Fernandes, Sarah Klautky, Trisha Woodroffe, Ulrica Sutherland, coach Philip Fernandes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

More competitive cricket, camps needed – Walsh (CMC) – West Indies Women head coach Courtney Walsh has identified the need for more competitive cricket and developmental camps to get his side better prepared for international competition.

Although saying he was pleased with the Caribbean women reaching the semi-finals of the tournament after not having much competitive cricket, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Walsh said the next steps were to ensure the group increased playing time and provide more avenues for new talent to be developed.

“We have to play more cricket, more competitive cricket. We have to get a lot of developmental camps going, I think, to have players prepared,” said the legendary Test pacer.

“We have to try and get as much firstclass cricket as we can play back home and give the girls as much exposure as we can in franchise and league cricket overseas, wherever possible. So there’s a lot of work to be done.”

Walsh, who assumed responsibility for the side in late 2020, also stressed the im-

portance of having regional territorial boards involved in honing the talent and skills of the region’s female cricketers. “…So that when they come to us in camp, we don’t have to start all over again,” he explained.

“I definitely think that we have to start planning now to have some developmental camps going as soon as possible so we can start working on new talent.

“I think that will be easier to do after we’ve had regionals.”

West Indies were hardly given a chance ahead of the just concluded ICC World Cup in New Zealand but managed to reach the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual champions Australia Women.

They opened the tournament with stunning upsets of hosts New Zealand Women and defending champions England Women, another victory over Bangladesh Women and a single point from a no-result against South Africa Women securing them a top four finish, following a competitive group stage.

West Indies Women lie sixth in the ICC One-Day International rankings, a position

Shemaine Campbelle congratulates Chinelle Henry for dismissing Ashleigh Gardner (ICC via Getty Images)

Walsh said was pleasing especially following the difficult recent years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I first got the job, the whole idea was to start moving up the table … so it’s something to keep looking at and (understanding) it’s a work in progress.

“When we first assembled, I can remember the challenges that we had and in a

COVID year where we didn’t play as much cricket as I would have liked us to play, I think we got in enough cricket for us to be competitive, and for that I’m also thankful.

“But people must remember it’s been a very challenging year for us. We haven’t had any first class cricket in the region for quite some time so I’m very pleased with the outcome.”

MSC to host meeting for members, public tomorrow THE Mackenzie Sports Club, the Mecca The MSC has been a force in sports for sports in the mining town of Linden, over the years, producing several national will host a meeting tomorrow at 17:00hrs champions and at the same time being a for both its members and the public. The venue which has hosted several internameeting will take place at the club’s pa- tional track and field, cycling, cricket and vilion. football matches among others.

President of MSC, Avery Trim, ,and General Secretary CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday April 8, 2022) Joseph Chapman are expected to brief those present on the COMPLIMENTS OF immediate plans for the Club CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD while reporting on government 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown aid to the venue.

(Tel: 225-6158) The facility has been identified as one of three multi-purAnswers to yesterday’s quiz: pose facilities across Guyana but it has deteriorated over the (1) Ruturaj Gaikwad- 635 runs (CSK) past few years since its closure (2) Jos Butler-124 (RR vs Sunrisers) to the public in 2019.

However, activities will reToday’s Quiz: turn soon with the Town opening up for the Annual Town (1) Who took most wickets in last season’s IPL? Week celebrations between April 23 and May 5.

(2) Who had the best bowling figures in a Linden is celebrating its single game in IPL 2021?

52nd anniversary of becoming Answers in tomorrow’s issue a Town.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

Pan American Senior Squash Championships …

Fernandes strikes gold!

NICOLETTE Fernandes won gold for Guyana yesterday when she triumphed over the Women’s number 1 seed at the the Pan Am Senior Squash Championships being held in Guatemala.

Fernandes, aged 38 retired from the sport professionally in 2017 but continued to play recreationally, also representing Guyana with the senior team a few times in the Caribbean and Pan-America.

Her solid performance in the Championships saw her drop only one game early on.

She came out strong in the final, thumping the number-one seeded Laura Tovar.

The Columbian could not take the pace off Fernandes cross courts or cover the court fast enough for the Guyanese precise placement.

And with a few full-length dives Fernandes kept the ball in play on many occasions despite it looking out of reach, forcing her opponent through many long and gruelling rallies en route to her 11-9, 11-4, 11-5 victory.

Fernandes' long-time coach and mentor Carl Ince was emotional.

In an invited comment after the match, he said, "Nicolette is outstanding! She knew what she had to do and went out there and did it! I knew from her performance leading up to the finals that this was within her grasp, and I was confident

Nicolette being congratulated by her opponent Laura Tovar following the match

she would give her all and bring home the trophy.

“I have always admired her discipline, her determination and her spirit and am so pleased to see her on top in her performance. She is an inspiration to athletes in Guyana and around the world."

Fernandes and the rest of the Guyana Squad, Mary Fung-A-Fat, Ashley Khalil, Gabby Fraser, Alex Arjoon, Jason Ray Khalil, Kristian Jeffrey and Samuel Ince-Carvalhal will now prepare for the team segment of the Championships, commencing today and concluding tomorrow.

The team returns home on Sunday.

Government congratulates Fernandes on historic Pan Am title

THROUGH the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Government of Guyana congratulated Nicolette Fernandes on becoming the first Guyanese, male or female, to win a Pan American Squash Championship title.

Fernandes defeated Colombian Laura Tovar on Wednesday evening in straight sets (11-9, 11-4, 11-5) to take the female title at the tournament currently taking place in Guatemala.

Tovar was the tournament’s #1 seed.

In a message sent to Fernandes, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, said he was proud of her historic achievement, adding, "please accept

my heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Hon Minister Charles Ramson, the National Sports Commission and the people of Guyana. You are an inspiration to all of us.

Well done champ!"

One of the most decorated players in the Americas, Fernandes has never won the women's singles event at the Pan AM Squash championships.

In 2006, the former World #19 ranked Fernandes finished second to Mexico's Samantha Teran when the tournament was hosted in Colombia.

During her illustrious career, the now 38-year-old and retired pro player racked up an amazing list of accolades, except for a Pan Am Squash Championship title.

Steve Ninvalle

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2022

PAGE

Pan American Senior Squash Championships …

27

Fernandes strikes gold!

More competitive cricket, camps needed – Walsh

PAGE

26 AAG president Aubrey Hutson (L) receives the NSC’s $2M cheque from Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

NSC plugs $2M into Guyana’s CARIFTA Games contingent 25 PAGE

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Stafanie Taylor punches one on the off side © ICC via Getty Images FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022