Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_14_04_2022

THURSDAY 14th APRIL, 2022

No. 106693

Great opportunities also exist outside O&G sector - VP Jagdeo tells Canadian investors

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New look!

The Mandela Avenue to Eccles four-lane highway will be commissioned today (DPI photograph)

Norton ‘feels New quorum rule 10 Teen reportedly good’ becoming for PAC approved

by National Assembly Opposition Leader killed by boyfriend Uncapped Marketplace set for return SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Great opportunities also exist outside O&G sector

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

THE fostering of closer ties between Guyana and Canada will see many investors from Canada being made aware of many other opportunities for business outside of the oil and gas sector here.

This is according to VicePresident, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who was at the time speaking at a welcome reception for Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Mary Ng on Tuesday evening.

Dr Jagdeo related that prior to the discovery of oil and gas in Guyana, very little international interest was paid to the country and today, all the attention is being paid only to this sector.

“Your presence here today and with the investors from Canada being here or being aware of Guyana through your presence we may be able to expose the many wonderful opportunities for business and growth here outside of the oil and gas sector,” he said.

The Vice-President added that the government is determined to avoid the mistakes that many other countries have made by relying heavily on their oil and gas sector, pointing out that Guyana is focusing on diversifying its economy to ensure the prosperity remains long after oil and gas is no more.

However, he noted that

the government will make full use of the opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

“We have not been shy about saying that we want to get as much oil and gas out of the ground and sold and the money converted into a fund and other opportunities as quickly as possible,” Dr Jagdeo said This, he acknowledged might sound crude or callous in the era of climate change but stressed that there is a limited window to get this done, and as a result, the authorities intend to achieve this goal in an environmentally sound, fair and equitable manner.

“We are doing so very conscious that we have a green pathway in Guyana that we have laid out for ourselves, a pathway that is just not based on environment but the economy and seeing the two as closely linked,” said the Vice-President.

Guyana, on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), with the aim of enhancing the commercial relationship between the two nations.

Founded in 1946, CCC acts as prime contractor for foreign government purchases from Canada. The agency has international experts helping Canadian exporters succeed in government procure-

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- VP Jagdeo tells Canadian investors

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the reception on Tuesday evening (Adrian Narine photo) ment markets.

As prime contractor, every contract signed by the CCC has the legal effect of being signed in the name of the Government of Canada, providing foreign government buyers with the assurance that the contract will be delivered per the agreed terms and conditions guaranteed.

“It offers unique assurance. CCC is a gem in Canada because, essentially, the government guarantees the contract. This means that Canada stands behind the

companies, which go through rigorous due diligence processes,” Ng said.

Ng noted that the agreement’s aim is to ensure that trade relationships between Guyana and Canada are mutually beneficial to everyone in the respective societies.

Guyana and Canada last month celebrated 58 years of diplomatic relations and according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, the relations between the two

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Mary Ng share a light moment during a cocktail reception hosted at the residence of the Canadian High Commissioner last evening (Adrian Narine photo)

countries are rooted in shared values and mutual respect.

“Canadian investors, business and commercial institutions have been present in the Guyanese economy for decades and have contributed significantly to the economic evolution of Guyana. Given where Guyana is today and the sharp economic transformation we are embarking on, we see this as a special opportunity for those rela-

tionships to evolve with the same speed with which the Guyanese economy is changing,” Dr. Singh said.

Minister Ng, on Wednesday, said during her engagement with the government, the discussions centred on a number of sectors, including the country’s oil and gas sector where there are similarities between the two countries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Agriculture a major sector for cooperation - says President Ali; accepts Letters of Commission from Cyprus’s Non-Resident High Commissioner

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, with Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Guyana, Evagoras Vryonides. Also in photo are Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd (left) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Elisabeth Harper (Office of the President photo)

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said that Guyana and Cyprus can cooperate to enhance their agriculture sectors as the countries look to improve bilateral relations.

The President made this statement after accepting the Letters of Commission from Evagoras Vryonides, accrediting him as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Guyana.

“I would like to high-

light agriculture, that is a significant sector for both Guyana and Cyprus. Your country is working to produce quality, healthy foods. Our agenda is similar, as we are working with the countries in this region to enhance food security. We can both, therefore, seize the opportunity to improve our cooperation in this area,” the President said.

The President also noted that the global threat of climate change could be addressed through global collaboration. Like Cyprus, he said that Guyana is committed to tackling the adverse effects of climate change.

“Our Low Carbon Development Strategy is geared towards sustained economic prosperity, resilience and social wellbeing by following a low carbon development trajectory.”

The President emphasised that Guyana remains committed to playing its part in preserving the planet for the benefit of the present and future

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generations.

Although the two countries are distant geographically (Cyprus is in the eastern Mediterranean Sea), President Ali said they are very close with respect to “shared values and desire for friendly relations”.

He added that Guyana attaches great importance to the principles of international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

“Our countries have enjoyed cordial relations over the years. We continue to collaborate at the multilateral level on several issues that lie at the heart of our mutual quest to achieve sustained economic and social development,” he noted.

President Ali also conveyed his best wishes for the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades’s continued personal well-being and for the prosperity and happiness of the people of Cyprus. (Office of the President)

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Take advantage of GOAL scholarships GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

- Prime Minister urges Dagg Point residents

PRIME MINISTER, B r i g a d i e r ( re t ’ d ) , Mark Phillips, on Tuesday, appealed to the residents of Dagg Point, in Region Seven, to take advantage of the opportunity to advance their education through scholarships offered by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

He said that the government was keen on Guyanese, from all parts of the country, acquiring the necessary tools to benefit from the opportunities that will become available as Guyana continues on its rapid development trajectory.

Residents of Dagg Point, which is a few miles outside of Bartica, were also told that officials from the Public Service Ministry will visit their com-

Prime Minister Mark Phillips addressing Dagg Point residents on Tuesday (DPI photograph)

munity to give them an understanding of the programme and how they can capitalise on the opportunity for

higher learning.

“So, the GOAL scholarship is available, and I would like a lot of you here, be-

cause many of you are young people, to take this opportunity and improve your education and your professional qualifications because things are changing in Guyana and the better educated you are, the better you would be able to grasp at the opportunities that will be presented to all Guyanese,” he said.

He also assured the community that they will soon benefit from Internet access.

“You have an ICT hub that was constructed, and we will ensure that you have the equipment and connectivity so that you can be connected to the rest of Guyana and the rest of the world”.

Prime Minister Phillips stressed that

the government believes in development, and as such, $3.7b had been budgeted for the Regional Democratic Council to execute works in the interest of the people.

He mentioned the 1.5-megawatt solar farm that is near completion and a concrete road to be built to the tune of $109M. I n S e p t e m b e r, over 60 students will be able to utilise the spanking new $29M nursery school, which is expected to be fully furnished within the next two weeks. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

World Food Prices

THE war in Ukraine has resulted in a significant increase in the global prices of food. Not even the bigger economies have been spared. In fact, there has been a significant increase in food prices recently in the United States which, according to President Joe Biden is partly the result of the war in Ukraine.

The costs of fuel and grains have risen sharply on the world market.

Wheat and corn account for almost a third of all calories in the world. Russia and Ukraine together export about 30 per cent of all wheat and about 18 per cent of all corn in the world.

It is, therefore, no wonder that there is so much

concern about the war in Ukraine and the impact any further escalation could have on the nutritional status of people all across the globe.

The Middle East and North Africa are particularly vulnerable. Roughly 400 million people globally depend on grain supplies from Ukraine alone.

The statistics are alarming. Export of grains from Ukraine is terminated. Exports from Russia are also similarly affected. It is anyone’s guess how much longer the war will last.

Meanwhile, the food crisis in many parts of the world remains dire. In Yemen, malnutrition rates among women and children remain among the highest in the world,

with 1.2 million pregnant or breastfeeding women and 2.3 million children under five requiring treatment for acute malnutrition. The same is true for several other countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Thankfully, the Caricom region has been spared the full impact of the food crisis due to several strategies to ensure food and nutrition security, even though there is a fair measure of misalignment between supply and demand in the region due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in supply chain disruptions. Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who has lead responsibility for agriculture in CARICOM has been very vocal in urg-

ing for greater emphasis on agricultural production in the region and for reducing the volume of imported food into the region which amounted to billions of dollars annually. In Guyana, every effort is being made to prevent the dreaded ‘Dutch Disease’ from affecting us.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation anticipated further increases in the prices of wheat and grains as the Ukraine war escalates. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 159.3 points in March, up 12.6 per cent from February when it had already reached its highest level since 1990. The Index tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of commonly-traded food com-

modities. The most recent level of the index was 33.6 per cent higher compared to March 2021.

Of interest to note is that the FAO Cereal Price Index was 17.1 per cent higher in March than in the previous month due to steep increases in the price of wheat as a result of the war in Ukraine.

World wheat prices increased by nearly 20 per cent during this month, alone. The same is true also for the prices of maize and corn. The price of rice, however, has remained basically the same and in fact still 10 per cent below market prices from a year ago.

The trend of rising prices is evident also in dairy, milk and meat production.

Guyana is taking some

innovative measures to deal with the issue of food security. In the coming weeks, the country will commence the trial stage of 15 varieties of wheat to determine which variety is best suited to our climate. According to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana is in contact with the Mexican Government for technical assistance.

The Government of Guyana must be commended for putting agriculture as the backbone of the Guyana economy.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has indeed risen to the task of making Guyana once again the bread basket of the Caribbean.

It is government’s responsibility to select the best contractor for new Demerara River Bridge

Dear Editor: For years, Guyanese have been dreaming of a fixed bridge across the Demerara River. Now, the PPP/C Government has boldly undertaken to make this dream a reality. Unlike bridges across a trench or a canal or a small river (small span bridges), the New Demerara River Bridge (NBRD) is a large span bridge (LSB) requiring, from conceptualisation to construction and operation, professionals from across various disciplines such as economics, social science, environment, law, geology, many sub-disciplines of civil engineering (e.g., geotechnical, structures, hydraulics, traffic and so on), architecture, electrical and mechanical engineering, construction and project management.

Often, specialists in bridge engineering in the technical disciplines and contractors with significant experience

in LSB construction are required.

Newspaper articles reported that the NDRB is conceptualised as a fan-style cable-stayed bridge allowing uninterrupted ship traffic along the river. It is unknown if any substantial environmental and geotechnical investigations have been carried out. Nevertheless, the soils at the location of the bridge are likely to be a relatively thick layer of a very soft to soft clay (Demerara Clay) sitting on a stiff clay of unknown thickness (Coropina clay).

Bedrock, the ideal foundation support, for at least, the towers for the cable stayed section is at considerable depth from the surface. The NDRB is a complex structure requiring technical professionals with significant relevant experience working as a team. Bits and pieces of the work, both preconstruction and during construction, cannot be farmed out to locals

(KN, April 10, 2022) and others without comprehensive professional management and understanding of contemporary design and construction of such a complex structure.

The PPP/C Government decided to invite contractors to bid for a four-lane bridge under two contract models (a) Design, Finance and Build (DFB) and (b) Design, Finance, Build and Operate (DFBO). Procurement for public infrastructure works in Guyana is based on the low bid method (LBM) in contrast to qualificationsbased bid method (QBM).

The winner in the LBM is usually the contractor with the lowest bid. Negotiations with the winner follow the opening of the bids. These negotiations are necessary to ensure that the contractor has equipment, personnel, materials, finance, and a work plan to complete the work according to the specifications for the quoted price.

There are situations when the winning contractor cannot perform consistent with the bid. Often this happens when the procurement documents are not thorough and thus provide loopholes. It is important for structures such as the NDRB that procurement documents be prepared by professionals, who are familiar with state-of-the-art design and construction of such structures. In QBM, the government would have to choose a contractor according to the contractor’s qualifications, experience, and reputation. Compared to LBM, QBM is more prone to favouritism and corruption.

QBM is preferred when the contractor has specialised experience for the project and a good performance record.

The PPP/C Government commenced negotiations with the lowest bidder, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd., to construct

NDRB at a cost of some $51.2 billion (iNews, Jan 11, 2022). Negotiations with this bidder ceased because Minister Juan Edghill cited as one reason “the increase in cost for the construction of the bridge” and negotiations with the next lowest bidder commenced (iNews, Feb. 9,2022). Suggestions of corruption (e.g., KN, Feb. 10, 2022) erupted from the failed negotiations with the lowest bidder. There is nothing sinister about the termination of negotiations with the lowest bidder and starting new negotiations with the next lowest bidder. This is the way these LBM procurement procedures work.

Negotiations for DFBO or DFB require special skills not only in technical matters connected with evolving LSB design and construction but also in financial mechanisms and guarantees, maintenance and operations plans. It would be

foolish if the government were to disclose its strategies before negotiations are completed and a contract is awarded. It is the government responsibility to select the best contractor with the credentials and price tag to DFB or DFBO the NDRB. It is also the government responsibility to ensure that the public receives value for such infrastructure works.

This can be achieved by well-prepared procurement documents and quality, incorruptible project/programme management, messaging, and transparency.

It is imperative that the government provides opportunities in the contract for Guyanese, especially engineers, to obtain practical experience in the design, construction, maintenance and operations of this symbolic structure.

Dr. Muniram Budhu Professor Emeritus

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Hero CPL T20 promises a Carnival of Cricket in fine plumage

By Earl Bousquet

A Carnival of Cricket!

That’s how world-class Caribbean cricketers describe the return of Hero CPL T-20 to Guyana later this year, in an attractive TV advertisement.

It’s not just another cricket advertisement, but, instead, an invitation to cricket fans across the cricketing world – from the Caribbean to the UK, Australia to Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, to South Africa and New Zealand – and everywhere else.

Cricket has changed much since the start of the Third Millennium in 2000, not only in terms of rules and regulations, but also how the game is played – from the introduction of new protective body gear to limiting the number of ‘bouncers’ per over and introduction of new formulae to judge unfinished matches ‘washed out’ by rain.

West Indies supporters swear the European cricket associations conspired, decades ago, to limit the number of ‘bouncers’ to one per over, strictly to reduce the pressure from the power of West Indies fast bowlers.

Hence, the introduction of grilled helmets and extra pads for body parts, all inspired by the destructive power of West Indian pacers over the ages like Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith, who wreaked perennial havoc on all other teams.

By contrast, West Indies batsmen like Guyana’s bespectacled Clive Lloyd and Antigua and Barbuda’s bright-eyed ‘Master Blaster’, Vivian Richards, never opted to wear steel-caged helmets.

West Indies teams entered the cricketing world in a big way in the second half of the 20th Century, when the then British colonies started turning the English game on its head by beating the colonial masters at their own game, at home and abroad.

On August 31, 1968, Barbados’ Garfield Sobers set a still-unbeaten record

of hitting six consecutive sixes in an over, while playing in the English County Championship for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in Swansea, with Malcolm Nash, a left-arm seamer, as the unfortunate bowler.

I used to think Sobers’ was the only big cricket record, until Guyanese sportswriter (and then-Director of Sports) Neil Kumar drew to my attention (circa 1995) that before Sobers’, the first unbeaten major record was for bowling, when Jim Laker took 19 wickets for a paltry 90 runs at Old Trafford in 1956.

The next big unbeaten record was also by a West Indies batsman: Trinidadian Brian Lara’s 501 not out at Edgbaston in 1994.

Indeed, I learned a lot I didn’t know about West Indies cricketers’ records from Neil’s twice-weekly reports to the Mirror newspaper ’s Wednesday and Sunday issues, as Guyana, the Caribbean and the cricketing world’s attention was (back-then) on the likes of Roger Harper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Back then, cricket had already made the transition from an annual game featuring Test matches between national teams in the British Commonwealth, to a sporting business with players not only being paid handsomely, but also able to win other luxuries like 4-Wheel-

drive and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), motorcycles – and/or thousands of US dollars -- for being highestscoring or most-outstanding players for any test series.

It soon became like normal for Chanderpaul to return home with a prizewinning vehicle from every outing, to the extent I can never remember how many he actually won (which I’m sure Neil will know off the tip of his tongue – and when…)

Then came Hero CPL (Caribbean Premier League) T20, which, Mr Google tells me today, ‘first started in 2013, as a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere.’

The 20-over, one-day, one-inning format started in India has, for the past eight years, been played (and fought-out) between teams comprising the-very-top players from the cricketing world playing matches in the multinational format, across The Caribbean.

It’s an interesting global sporting format that’s allowed players to play more often than in annual test matches, but is also more exciting, if only because of the shorter format pushing players to bat, bowl and field their best each time -- or lose the one-day test.

Cricket fans annually flock, fly or sail to Caribbean territories to see T20 matches, supporters backing multinational teams instead of individuals, even though every team includes goldstandard players from the Caribbean and beyond.

The mix-and-match teams can sometimes be taxing on the nerves of nationalists, as in the case of the team playing under the Saint Lucia flag in last year’s T20 having no Saint Lucian player (which the little nationalist in me absolutely refused to accept, far less understand, but which is accepted as normal -- and without a fuss -- by all other fellow citizens…)

The Hero CPL T20 brand is now even more popular than classic test cricket – and dated to co-

incide with the Caribbean’s Carnival season.

According to Mr Google: ‘Following discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Cricket West Indies (CWI), this year’s tournament will now start on 26 August and finish on 15 September.’

Many matches will be played in Guyana, hence, the current spate of veryinviting advertisements encouraging Caribbean and world cricket fans to come, by any means necessary, to El Dorado for the Carnival of Cricket.

As the Hero CPL T20 format goes, it’s unclear w h i c h t e a m G u y a n a ’s Tajenarine Chanderpaul (Shivnarine’s son) will end up playing for this year.

But, from my home bleachers’ sideline observations of the games I end-up watching between writing, Young Chander’s home fans – like those of all other Guyanese playing in this year’s series – will not care which team he’s on, just as long as he and they will preen their feathers in true Caribbean carnival plumage, before an alwaysappreciative crowd.

Regretfully, I never took time off from pounding my keyboard over six years in Guyana to go watch a test match, but for those who’ll flock to Guyana in August and September, I safely say: Guyana National Stadium, here (we) come!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Norton ‘feels good’ becoming Opposition Leader

Aubrey Norton (centre) takes the Oath of Office before Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs (left) (Delano Williams photo)

Volda Lawrence (centre) taking the Oath of Office before Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs (left) (Delano Williams photo) AFTER being sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) on Wednesday, Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, was officially elected as the Leader of the Opposition (LoO) by the APNU+AFC MPs. Former PNCR Chairman, Volda Lawrence, also marked her return to the National Assembly and was sworn in to take up the second vacant opposition seat in Parliament. Both Norton and Lawrence took their sworn oath of office before the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs.

Speaking with the media moments after being elected Opposition Leader, Norton said he feels good to be chosen to represent the people.

According to Norton, he will focus on listening to the concerns of the people and push for

transparency and accountability in governance.

Norton’s rise to the position of LoO had been anticipated for some time now, ever since he was elected leader of the PNCR in December.

However, that required the resignation of an Opposition MP for Norton to take up the seat.

Norton had prevailed over then Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon in the contest for leader of the PNCR. In January, Harmon resigned as LoO before resigning as a MP in March.

Harmon had also resigned as General-Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Former President, David Granger, also resigned his position as Leader of APNU, a position Norton also took up.

Harmon’s resignation from Parliament was preceded by the resignation of former Education Min-

ister, Dr Nicolette Henry.

Dr Henry submitted her resignation in February.

However, her resignation took effect in April.

With two empty seats, Lawrence, who had declined to contest a nomination for the PNCR leadership, was asked to take up the second seat and she accepted the request.

Commenting on her return as a MP, Lawrence said she was happy to be back.

“It feels good to once again get the opportunity to represent people, especially the people who don’t have a voice, and also to be involved in the development of our country,” Lawrence told reporters.

Norton said the opposition will need to appoint a new Shadow Minister of Education, a position previously held

by Henry, while any other decisions would come following discussions within the party.

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New quorum rule for PAC approved by National Assembly

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Minster of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira The Standing Orders on the spending of public governing the Public funds. Some of the reAccounts Committee sponsibilities of the com(PAC) has been ad - mittee include the exjusted, requiring that amination of audited aca quorum for a meet- counts, as presented in the ing can only be called if Auditor General’s reports, two members of govern- showing the appropriament, two members of tion of sums approved by the opposition and the the National Assembly to chairman are present. meet public expenditure A motion in the name and other such accounts of Minster of Parliamen- laid before the assembly. tary Affairs and GovernM i n i s t e r Te i x e i r a ance Gail Teixeira, sought noted that the change in to replace the quorum rule the rules governing the which stipulated the need quorum is essential to for the presence of the maintaining efficient and chairman and two mem- accurate scrutinisation of bers, irrespective of their the use of public funds. party affiliation.

The minister spoke diA quorum by defi- rectly to instances where nition is the minimum a quorum was established number of members of a and decisions were made deliberative assembly that by the committee without is necessary to conduct members of the governthe business of that group. ment being present to The PAC is a biparti- scrutinise the process. san parliamentary com“The quorum being mittee, which reviews amended is not harmful.

Auditor General’s reports It will in fact ensure that

both sides always have two on each side, that you don’t have to have everybody but you have to have two on each side to make sure the work goes forward... This will enhance the way we operate in the parliament.

It is not harmful to anyone,” Minister Teixeira said.

M e a n w h i l e , PA C Chairman, Jermaine Figueira, in defending the rules said that the change made to the quorum of the parliamentary committee, will stymie its work.

“What the present c o n s t r u c t d o e s M r.

Speaker is that it compels all sides to be present because the work must be done. This is not what the PPP wants and it is quite evident,” he said.

One of government’s PAC members, Sanjeev Datadin stated that there is a necessity for the requirement of government presence to form a quorum. He explained that opposition members could perform “illegalities” as it relates to the scrutinising of public spending especially since the PAC is currently looking at spending during the years the opposition was in government.

“You cannot have either all government members working or all opposition members, that doesn’t work for transparency. Transparency means that both sides

must be there, transparency requires it… We look at some of the things that PAC has been dealing with. They don’t want to hear about the drugs bond in Sussex Street. They don’t want to hear that year’s rent was paid in advance,” he said.

He added: “The people of Guyana deserve better scrutiny.

The people of Guyana deserve that both sides be involved. The people of Guyana cannot afford a situation where the PAC committed an illegality in the absence of the government members. A vote that was done that was contrary to law, that cannot be allowed to continue.”

PAC Chairman, Jermaine Figueira

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Teen reportedly killed by boyfriend THE boyfriend of Shenese Walks, 19, is in police custody after reportedly confessing to causing her death.

Walks, a teacher, was discovered with a knife in the left side of her neck in her boyfriend’s Lot 311, Craig Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home. Her 21-year-old boyfriend was handed over to the police by his

relatives.

Walks of Linden, Region 10, was staying with her boyfriend when the incident occurred.

According to Police Headquarters, the alleged murder reportedly occurred between 15:30 hours on Tuesday and 11:45 hours on Wednesday at the aforementioned address.

Reports are that the now dead woman and her boyfriend had a misunderstanding on Tuesday around 15:30 hours.

Walks allegedly armed herself with a knife and her boyfriend tried to take the knife from her but ended up stabbing her in the left side of the neck.

The boyfriend, who became afraid, secured the house and went away. On Wednesday, police said he contacted his brother and told him what transpired.

His brother, along with an aunt escorted the suspect to the Grove Police Station where he was handed over to the police.

Police ranks and the

suspect visited the scene, where Walks was observed dressed in a white stripe top with long blue pants, lying on her back, beside a bed with a knife stuck in the left side of her neck.

The woman’s body was subsequently escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting post mortem.

Police said the 21-year-old suspect remains in custody as investigations continue into the incident.

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Miner dies in fight over woman

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

ROY Harry, 29, a miner of Wauna, Mabaruma in the North West District (NWD) was fatally stabbed, allegedly by a co-worker, sometime between 03:00 hours and 04:00 hours at Reserve Baramita, NWD on Wednesday morning.

This information was confirmed by Divisional Commander Superintendent, Himnauth Sawh.

Commander Sawh said a report of the incident was made to the police at 05:50 hours. The suspect and the victim are co-workers at a mining camp at Moruca, NWD. Information received indicated that Harry and the 21- year-old suspect

The scene where the scuffle occurred that claimed the life of miner, Roy Harry were reportedly imbibing alcohol and subsequently had a misunderstanding over a female acquaintance.

Police said they left together for their mining camp and thereafter

the argument continued which resulted in the suspect allegedly assaulting the victim and stabbing him with a knife.

According to Police Headquarters, on Wednesday morning, the sus-

Cops to receive training in business, computer science, engineering

AN agreement that paves the way for members of the Guyana Police Force to receiving training in various areas of business, electrical and mechanical engineering and computer science was signed by the Guyana Police Force and the Government Technical Institute (GTI) on Monday.

Signing on behalf of the Guyana Police Force was Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) (ag), Calvin Brutus and Dr. Renita Crandon-Duncan for the Government Technical Institute (GTI). Dr. Crandon-Duncan is the principal of GTI. On Monday, the Guyana Police Force signed a similar agreement with the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) allowing for ranks to be trained in the various areas of studies offered by the institution.

Brutus was accompanied by the Force Training Officer, Superintendent Keithon King; Head of the Strategic Planning Unit, Woman Assistant Superintendent, Nicola Kendall and Police Le-

GTI Principal, Dr. Renita Crandon-Duncan signs the agreement with Deputy Commissioner (Administration) (ag.), Calvin Brutus gal Adviser, Mandell Moore to GTI’s compound, Woolford Av-

enue where the agreement was signed in the principal’s office.

pect related the situation to another mining camp worker, Michael Green, 48, a mechanic of #53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

After speaking to Green, the suspect then left the area, claiming that he was going to the police station to report the matter.

On hearing of the tragedy, Green rushed over to the camp and made checks where he observed

Harry lying motionless on the ground with what appears to be a stab wound to the chest. He immediately reported the matter to the police, via telephone.

Ranks of the Baramita Police Station were immediately deployed to the location to conduct investigations.

“All likely escape routes were also monitored by the investigators

in an effort to capture the suspect. At around 08:00 hours, the suspect was seen walking along a trail at Reserve, Baramita that was not leading to the police station,” police said.

Commander Sawh said the suspect is currently in custody at the Baramita Police Station and is co-operating with the police as investigations into the incident continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Melanie Marshall appointed Voter Registration Manager

Melanie Marshall

MELANIE Marshall, who has been acting in the post of Voter Registration Manager for the past six years, has been confirmed to the post.

The confirmation was made when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) held its statutory meeting on Tuesday,

a release from the Commission said.

According to GECOM, Marshall’s confirmation was premised on the fact that she was the only applicant that met all of the required criteria for the position.

GECOM noted that she has been acting in the said capacity for approximately six years and has been employed with GECOM for 16 years.

She holds a Commonwealth Master of Public Administration and a

Bachelor of Science in Public Management from the University of Guyana.

“The Commission extends best wishes to Ms. Melanie Marshall on her appointment and for a successful tenure,” GECOM noted.

Pensioner chopped after visit to outhouse

A SEPTUAGENARIAN pensioner was chopped in the face, moments after visiting the outhouse aback his home at Free Yard, Port Mourant.

Kamolodin Abraham, 72, called “Richard”, awoke from his sleep, just after 02:00 hours, on Tuesday, with the desire to use the toilet facilities.

But after using same, he alleged that a young neighbour, who was armed with a cutlass, pounced on him and inflicted several chops to his head, face, neck and

ear.

Kamolodin Abraham known as “Richard”

As a result of the attack, the elderly man fell to the ground, but not before raising an alarm to alert his other neighbours.

He was rescued and taken to the Port Mourant hospital where he was initially treated.

Abraham was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he remains a patient.

The alleged perpetrator is in custody as police continue their investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Uncapped Marketplace set for return

ON April 30 and May 1, 2022, over 65 businesses will be on display at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, when UncappeD Marketplace makes a return after a two-year hiatus.

The event which seeks to promote local agro-processed products is expected to have other kinds of businesses in attendance.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Executive Director of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Nizam Hassan, disclosed that, while the small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) involved in agro-processing are the primary targets, other kinds of businesses can also take part in the activity.

“Mostly it will be the small and micro entrepreneurs but, outside of agro-processors, we also have in our membership, others that do craft, any sort of craft,” Hassan said.

He added that the GMSA’s primary focus is to unlock the flavors of the various manufacturers of agro-

based products. He said the public can expect a wide range of products made from local ingredients.

“They can expect lots of products ranging from liquid to powder to dried products and more. Products made with local ingredients, wine, products that can be used in the kitchen,” he said.

Additionally, he said, the event is going to be blended with family activities.

“We are going to blend the event with a lot of cooked food as well as some fun for children - entertainment, trampolines, games, rides and so on.

The event itself is going to be something that is safe for families to visit to learn about products that are made in Guyana,” Hassan shared.

There will also be several companies exhibiting products that can be used by manufacturers such as bottles, labels and caps.

“I have an idea but I don’t know where to get bottles. I don’t know where to get the financing. There will be agencies like Republic Bank

[and] IPED there. GTT is also a major sponsor, and it is going to be promoting MMG [Mobile Money Guyana],” Hassan said, while explaining that there may be a person with a business idea who is unaware of how to go about it or he/she may not have the resources or the finance to start up the business.

He also said that persons will be encouraged to sign up for MMG, as they can purchase products at this event at a reduced price, once both the seller and buyer have MMG accounts.

Hassan said that once a business is part of the membership of GMSA, and is involved in agro-processing, participation will be free.

Entrance to the event is also free.

The GMSA is encouraging families to come out as there is going to be a lot of interaction.

Hassan shared that GMSA intends to extend the event regionally and, once the business is a part of the GMSA, it will not have to pay for every event as this is a membership benefit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

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Guyanese re-elected president of IndoCaribbean Federation RALPH Tamesh has been re-elected as President of the Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF) of America when the organisation held its biannual executive election at Villa Russo Catering Hall in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York, last Sunday.

The election is for a two-year term. Several of the incumbent officers were re-elected, giving continuity and experience to the body.

The federation was founded in 1984 by Bhanu Dwarika, Vishnu Bandhu, Baytoram Ramharack, Rudra Nath, Ramesh Kalicharran, Gora Singh, Isherdat Ramdehal, Ravi Dev, Mahadai Das and Vishnu Bisram, among others.

The ICF has been organising the annual Indian Arrival Day celebrations since that time.

The outdoor celebrations were suspended over the last two years because of COVID restrictions but one will be held this year in early June.

Sunday’s election was supervised by Dr. Dhanpaul Narine with Bisram as an observer.

Before the election, Tamesh gave a summary of activities, from sports to charities to entertainment and the financial state of the organisation.

Tamesh, formerly of Wakenaam Essequibo Island, was re-elected as President for an unprecedented sixth term. He has been with the federation for over 33 years serving in various capacities. Former Treasurer, Dr Vijai Lillah is now the new Vice-President.

Dr Lillah has been with the ICF for over 10 years. The new treasurer is New York City Police Detective, Khyume Khan. Vanessa Matura was re-elected as secretary. The assistant secretary is now Latchman Dass, who recently joined

the organisation.

F r a n k S i n g h , f o rmer President of Marine Funding, a member of the federation since 1987; Lisa Edoo, Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Memvar Realty, who previously served as VicePresident for 10 years and Stanley Raj, CEO of Main Street Insurance, who has been with the federation for over 30 years, remain on the board of the organisation.

The committee members elected are Anoop Dhanpat, Son Son Sonipersaud, Lilly Lilliah, Radika Olarte, Jasodra Thakoordeen, Shanta Sookram, Shabier Yamin, Yvonne Singh, Sabrina Dyal, Imran Ahmad and Sunita Sookram.

In his re-election speech, Tamesh thanked the members for demonstrating strong confidence in his leadership.

“I wish to thank everyone for the tremendous support given me. I also wish to salute you for your commitment, dedication, and the tireless service to the federation,” he said.

The elected officers pledged to work harder to organise programmes for the community.

Among other activities, the ICF plans and organises the Annual Indian Arrival Day celebration going back to 1984, the annual cricket match between Guyana and the Rest of the Caribbean featuring current former national players from the various Caribbean countries, Thanksgiving party for the seniors in Richmond Hill, bus trips, a community publication, fundraising to rehabilitate health centres and schools in G u y a n a , re c e p t i o n s to honour prominent community stalwarts, holiday breakfast and luncheon.

The elected members of the Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF) of America

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Retrial begins for woman accused of killing reputed husband

THE retrial of Alexis Turpin, who is accused of killing her reputed husband, commenced on Mon-

day before a 12-member jury and Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court.

Turpin has denied killing Sherwin Johnson on July 2, 2017, in Georgetown.

Several witnesses are ex-

Alexis Turpin pected to testify during the trial which will continue on April 20, 2022.

Last year, the accused was first tried for the capital

offence before another High Court Judge. However, the 12-member jury could not arrive at a verdict and a retrial was ordered.

According to reports, Turpin has a child with Johnson, and the three had lived together in Lodge.

On July 2, 2017, Johnson reportedly went home early from work and caught Turpin “red-handed” in bed with her lover.

A confrontation ensued and it is alleged that Turpin and her lover reportedly attacked Johnson and dealt him several lashes about his body. She then allegedly armed herself with a crowbar and stabbed Johnson several times. Johnson was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he later died.

‘Charlie’ on bail for stealing cow SAMUEL Fraser, 40, known as “Charlie”, a resident of Liverpool Squatting Area, Corentyne, Berbice, has been charged with larceny of cattle.

The animal, a dark brown heifer, branded #40, and valued $150,000 was owned by Pharsueram Suruj. On March 26, the defendant was allegedly nabbed with the animal in his possession at Liverpool backlands.

The virtual complainant, a cattle owner, reported that periodically his animals would be stolen. As a result, he collaborated with the police to set up a sting operation.

During the exercise, the animal was allegedly found in possession of the defendant.

The defendant was arrested and a subsequent charge was laid under Section 176 of the Criminal Law (offence) Act

Chapter 8:01.

Fraser appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the Whim Court, Corentyne, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge. He was granted pretrial liberty in the sum of $100,000 and was ordered to return to court on April 28.

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Jamaica, T&T,...

From page 28

matches and drawing one.The Reggae Girlz gave home fans at the Sabina Park Stadium in Kingston a reason to smile as they captured Group C with a 5-1 win over the Dominican Republic.

They went into the clash with a slight fourgoal advantage on goal difference and had star players Trudi Carter and Khadija Shaw, who were each coming off of hattricks in their 9-0 triumph over the Cayman Islands last weekend, in

the squad. The two again proved their worth.

Shaw led the way with a brace – in the 79th and 93rd minute – while Carter (40th minute), Jody Brown (16th minute), and Tiffany Cameron (60th minute) added goals.

The only one to touch the scorecard for the Dominican Republic was Kathrynn Gonzalez, who found the back of the net in the 24th minute.

Trinidad and Tobago needed either a win or a draw against Guyana at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet to lock down first place in Group F. And a late score from Lauryn Hutchinson earned the Soca Warriors a dramatic 2-2 draw.

It had looked like a brace from Guyana’s Sydney Cummings in the 45th and 82nd minutes would outweigh Asha James’ goal (48th minute), but Hutchinson’s score in the 90th minute delivered the minimum draw the group leaders needed.

Meantime, Haiti continued to flex their scoring muscles and posted a 6-0 win versus Cuba

to claim the top position Group E, at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Despite leading the group going into Tuesday’s game, with three wins to start qualifying and a +38 goal difference, they still needed to secure a result against Cuba, second on seven points, in order to reach the Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Roselord Borgella finished as CONCACAF Women’s Championship qualifying’s jointtop scorer with 11 goals thanks to a brace in the 53rd and 74th minute, while Nerilia Mondesir (23rd minute), Melchie Dumornay (64th minute), Batcheba Louis (72nd minute) and a Yarisleidy Mena own goal in the 88th minute, paved the way.

The 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship served as the CONCACAF qualifiers to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be hosted jointly

by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20, 2023.

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:15 hrs Out From Under 08:50 hrs Tajalla 09:25 hrs Audience 10:00 hrs Hortzadar 10:35 hrs Masekela 11:10 hrs Able Kane 11:45 hrs Twilight Calls

Cheltenham 08:30 hrs Theatre Glory 09:05 hrs Precious Eleanor 09:40 hrs Panic Attack 10:15 hrs Jubilympics 10:50 hrs Ile De Jersey 12:00 hrs Mullenbeg Exeter 11:40 hrs Runwiththetide 12:10 hrs Carrigready 12:40 hrs Chabichou Dupoiton 13:10 hrs Wicked West 13:40 hrs Blended Stealth 14:10 hrs Knockmovian 14:40 hrs Knockanore South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 10:30 hrs Quanabi

11:05 hrs In With A Chance 11:38 hrs Columbia Road 12:15 hrs Madiba’s Cupon 12:45 hrs Chewbaca 13:20 hrs Her Royal Majesty 13:55 hrs Socrates 14:35 hrs Love Bomb Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 11:15 hrs Bonare 11:50 hrs Manitopark 12:20 hrs Whiskey Lullaby 12:50 hrs Minella Youngy 13:20 hrs Fanoir 13:50 hrs Tuckmill 14:20 hrs Cool Survivor American Racing Tips Keenland Race 1 Devious Stares Race 2 Sariah Sariah Race 3 Alfie Solomons Race 4 Baby Yoda Race 5 Nabokov Race 6 Eminent Victor Race 7 Blue Kentucky Race 8 Fluffy Socks

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Liverpool into Champions League semi-finals

LIVERPOOL remain on course for a historic quadruple after a thrilling draw with Benfica secured a two-leg Champions League semi-final against Villarreal.

Having established a 3-1 lead in Lisbon, Liverpool ex-

tended their advantage with Ibrahima Konate’s powerful 21st-minute header from a Kostas Tsimikas corner.

Benfica equalised through Goncalo Ramos’ excellent turn and finish, before Roberto Firmino’s two second-half goals - a tap-in followed by

a volley - in front of the Kop looked to have put the Reds in control.

But after Roman Yaremchuk broke through to beat Alisson and make it 3-2 on the night, Darwin Nunez scored a late equaliser.

Nunez was then denied

by Alisson as Benfica finished strongly but Liverpool held out to advance 6-4 on aggregate.

They now host Villarreal - the club they beat in the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2016 - on April 27, before travelling to Spain for

Abrahima Konate is the fourth player to score in both legs of a Champions League quarter-final for Liverpool after Peter Crouch in 2006-7, Mohamed Salah in 2017-18 and Roberto Firmino in 2018-19.

the second leg on May 4 The games are coming thick and fast for Liverpool at the business end of the campaign, with a huge FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City up next on Saturday - the second meeting between

the Premier League’s top two in a week.

They head for Wembley knowing they are one round away from a third Champions League final in five seasons under Jurgen Klopp. (BBC Sport)

Man City keep cool to set up semi-final with Real Madrid

MANCHESTER City produced a mature and disciplined performance to hold off the challenge of Atletico Madrid - and set up a Champions League semi-final showdown with the Spanish side’s city rivals Real.

Knowing a clean sheet would be enough to seal the tie, City kept their cool in the face of a hostile home crowd and intimidation from a physical Atletico side showing far more ambition than in the first leg.

Ilkay Gundogan could have made life much easier for Pep Guardiola’s men by slotting in from close range, instead of against the post in the first half.

But in the face of much-increased pressure and a home side pushing desperately for parity, City put up a resolute rearguard action to confirm their progression to the last four.

Atletico ended the contest with 10 men when defender Felipe was shown a second yellow card for a dangerous follow-through on Phil Foden, having received his first for an arm that drew blood from the England international’s head.

Real Madrid, who edged past Chelsea in a thrilling quarter-final tie on Tuesday, now stand between City and a second successive appearance in the final of Europe’s premier club competition.

Having lost to Thomas Tuchel’s Blues in last season’s final, Guardiola’s side are seeking a maiden Champions League title in a campaign where they are still challenging on three fronts.

They lead the Premier League by one point from second-placed Liverpool - and face Jurgen Klopp’s Reds in an FA Cup semi-final this Saturday. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Andrew McDonald takes over as full-time Australia head coach

CRICKET Australia (CA) has confirmed the appointment of Andrew McDonald as the fulltime, all-format head coach of the Australian men’s cricket team.

T h e f o r m e r Vi c t o r i a n all-rounder had been serving in an interim role following Justin Langer’s resignation in early February. Following a successful tour of Pakistan in which McDonald oversaw victories in Tests and T20Is, McDonald has been offered a four-year contract.

“Andrew has already shown he is an outstanding head coach and the vision he outlined for the role during the appointment process was both impressive and exciting, making him our clear choice,” CA chief Nick Hockley said.

“We are proud of the way the team played and the respect shown throughout the tour of Pakistan under the leadership of Andrew, Pat (Cummins) and Aaron (Finch) and really pleased

like to thank my family for their support.”

McDonald faces a chal-

Andrew McDonald (left, with white-ball captain Aaron Finch) played four Tests for Australia

Andrew is taking on the role permanently.”

Besides his stint as an assistant coach under Langer, McDonald, 40, has vast coaching experience having coached Victoria and Melbourne Renegades to domestic and BBL titles respectively. As coach, he completed the Sheffield Shield, Marsh Cup and BBL treble in 2018-19. He has also been head coach of Rajasthan Royals in

the IPL. In a statement, McDonald said he was ‘honoured’ to be given the opportunity. “My plan is to build on the growth, depth and experience of the squad while working collectively with the group and across the game,” he said.

“There are many challenges in the short-term which I know excite the leadership group, the players and the staff. I’d also

Mumbai Indians remain winless as Argarwal, Dhawan star in Punjab Kings win

MUMBAI Indians’ winless start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) season continued, as an exceptional display from Punjab Kings’ top order was enough to hold off the five-time champions.

Half-centuries from Mayank Argarwal (52) and Shikhar Dhawan (70) established a commanding lead for the Kings, which Mumbai always looked unlikely to reach, once Rohit Sharma went for 28.

Dewald Brevis (49) and Suryakumar Yadav (43) both looked to spearhead an unlikely revival for Mumbai, but fell narrowly short of half-centuries as they suffered a fifth consecutive loss.

Mumbai elected to put Kings in to bat when winning the toss, but Agarwal and Dhawan struck up an excellent partnership as the Mumbai attack struggled to make headway early on.

Kings reached 97 before Argarwal was caught by Yadav, before Jonny Bairstow

and Liam Livingstone were bowled for 12 and two runs respectively.

Danger-man Dhawan was finally caught by Kieron Pollard after joining Argarwal in hitting a half-century, after which a decent showing from Jitesh Sharma (30) and a mammoth haul of 28 runs in the 17th over carried Kings to 198.

Mumbai skipper Rohit was tasked with leading the response with the bat, but their hopes of avoiding another defeat looked slim once he fell for 28, particularly once partner Ishan Kishan went for just three runs shortly after.

Brevis and Tilak Varma subsequently sought to lead a stunning response, with the former smashing four consecutive sixes in a spectacular eighth over before falling to Odean Smith when one run short of his own century.

Tilak was run-out by Argarwal soon after, before Pollard suffered a calamitous run-out for just 10 at the

hands of Smith as Mumbai’s hopes faded.

Yadav looked to lead once last attack for the batting side, but fell for 43 in a thrilling 19th over as Kings held on for a third victory in five IPL outings, Smith posting three wickets in a comfortable final over.

KINGS DUO STAR WITH THE BAT Half-centuries from the Kings’ top-order batters set them on their way to victory, with Argarwal reaching 52 and Dhawan 70 in an outstanding display, setting a target which proved beyond Mumbai after their own top-order fell in quick fashion.

Smith, meanwhile, finished with a brilliant four wickets from 30 balls for the victors after accounting for the last three dismissals of the match, as Mumbai collapsed after Yadav fell in the 19th. (Sportsmax)

lenging first 12 months in the role with away Test tours of Sri Lanka and India as well as

the defence of Australia’s T20 World Cup at home lined up.

(Cricbuzz)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

BCB/Cricket Kindness project benefits dozens of youth cricketers — Clubs, schools to benefit soon DOZENS of young and promising youth cricketers in the Ancient County of Berbice last weekend benefitted from donation of cricket gear from the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-organised Cricket Kindness project.

The youths were drawn from across the county and were selected by their respective clubs based on their discipline, attitude and need for cricket gear.

The presentation was done in the compound of the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church and was completed via a transparent system, supervised by BCB president Hilbert Foster, BCB secretary Angela Haniff, Public Relations Officer Jonathan Rampersaud and executives members Gregory Crandon, Narine Deonarine.

Foster stated that the project actually started in late 2020 when former England Test player Roland Butcher contacted him to inform him that he was submitting the BCB’s name for assistance to a group named Cricket Kindness for possible assistance in the form of cricket gear.

He disclosed that the head of the organisation Ms Tamara Lowe requested a comprehensive proposal which was submitted by the BCB. Cricket Kindness is an England-based charity organisation that assists clubs, youth players and schools with cricket gear.

The group works along with a wide range of former Test players like Roland Butcher, Chris Lewis, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Sir Richie Richardson and others to garner support and funds to make its

operation successful.

The group receives gear on an annual basis from supporters across the United Kingdom es-

Worldwide for their assistance in getting the much-needed gear moved from England to Guyana free of cost.

Thanks were also extended to Minister Charles Ramson and the Ministry of Culture, Youth

ects. Sixteen youths also carried home cricket boots.

The distribution would continue on Sunday April 24 during the BCB annual awards ceremony, with several schools and clubs with youth sections receiv-

By Chris Gallagher BOSTON, MA USA (Reuters) - Boston officials will increase the number of police around subway stations ahead of Monday’s Boston Marathon after a mass shooting in a New York subway, but stressed there was no known threat to the race and voiced confidence in it going ahead.

A gunman wearing a gas mask set off a smoke bomb and shot 10 people in a New York City subway car during Tuesday’s

General view of the elite runners at the start of the 2021 Boston Marathon (File photo: Oct 11, 2021 Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports)

Cricketers pose with gear they received along with BCB officials

pecially current players, schools and cricket teams.

Foster hailed Ms Lowe for her dedication to the effort of making a possible difference in the Caribbean, with countries like Barbados, St Kitts and Antigua benefitting in the past from millions of dollars’ worth of cricket gear.

Cricketing legends Richards and Greenidge were recently involved in Cricket Kindness programmes in Antigua and Barbados respectively. Special thanks were extended to the management and staff of ECU

and Sport for their support in getting the gear duty-free into the country. BCB also expressed thanks to Mr Carl Griffith and team from Laparkan for their co-operation and support.

Among the gear distributed were bats, batting gloves and pads, wicket-keeping gloves, helmets, forearm guard, chest pads and thigh pads. Six clubs across the county also received white cricket uniforms for junior members.

Eighteen members of Berbice Under-15 teams also received coloured t-shirts under the proj-

ing gear to assist in their cricketing development programmes.

The players and representatives of the clubs all expressed thanks to Ms Tamara Lowe, Cricket Kindness and ECU Worldwide for their assistance and pledged to take care of the cricket gear.

Among the clubs that players were drawn from were Bush Lot United, Achievers, Cotton Tree, Bath, Albion, Guymine, Albion, Port Mourant, RHTYSC, Skeldon, Radha Krishna, No. 73 Young Warriors, Line Path and Scottsburg.

AX Galaxy take on River’s View, Lazio & Potaro Strikers to clash tonight

THE two teams who will be battling for the top prize of one ounce of gold or its equivalent would be known when the dust settles tonight in the semi-finals of the Bartica Easter Regatta Football competition.

Being contested at the Bartica Community Centre ground and organised by the Bartica Football Association (BFA) in conjunction with the Regatta Committee, the final two quarter-final matches were played last Tuesday evening and served up another surprise result.

Boston to boost police presence at subways ahead of marathon

New kids on the block, AX Galaxy continued their fairytale run when they turned back the challenge of Mil Ballers by the lone goal of that contest which came off the boot of Melvin Otero in the 31st minute.

It was AX Galaxy’s second win in as many matches, having defeated Agatash FC 4-0 in the opening match of the competition last Saturday night in an elimination clash.

The new kids on the block will now turn their attention to River’s View FC tonight after the Rivers View lads took care of business

against Rising Stars, 2-1.

Antonio Jones in the 43rd minute and Andrew Simmons in the 55th minute laid the early foundation for River’s View to stave off a late surge from Rising Stars whose lone strike was recorded by Ian Gomes, fives minutes to full time. It was, however, too little, too late.

Tonight’s other semi-final which will get the action underway at 19:00hrs features Potaro Strikers and Lazio. They had defeated Wolves United and Beacons respectively in their opening matches of this knock-out

competition.

The respective winners tonight will play in Saturday night’s final which would be preceded by the third-place match amongst the respective losers. These matches would be punctuated by the final of the female tournament, the semi-finals of which were set for last evening.

On Sunday, the powerboat racing will take centre stage with the likes of Randy Belle and Dave ‘The Jaguar’ Scott in their formula-one boats expected to light up the Golden Beach waters.

morning commute, authorities said. None of the wounded had life-threatening injuries, they added, and a manhunt for the perpetrator was underway.

“There is no known credible threat to the marathon. Like everybody else, we’re monitoring the situation in New York,” Boston Police Superintendent-In-Chief Gregory Long told a news conference on Tuesday, adding that his department had been in touch with their New York counterparts and the FBI. “In the short term you can expect to see an increased police presence around MBTA stations the next couple of days through the weekend. In terms of Monday, depending on what kind of information we have and intelligence, we’ll adjust our assets accordingly around the marathon,” he said.

Security is of top concern for local authorities with heightened measures put in place after the Boston Marathon bombing attacks of 2013.

The Boston Police Department will have uniformed and undercover officers along the marathon route on Monday, and set up cameras and checkpoints along the Boston part of the race to monitor the crowd.

The city is expecting especially large crowds on Monday because the marathon is returning to its traditional April race date for the first time in three years following pandemic-related disruptions, while baseball’s Boston Red Sox will also be playing at home that day.

Boston Athletic Association (BAA) president Tom Grilk expressed his confidence in the ability of the city authorities to safeguard the event.

“We are the grateful beneficiaries, we at the BAA and all involved in the marathon, of the work of all the agencies you see represented here and many others. So concerned? Not concerned in any unusual way,” he told the same news conference.

“Alert, vigilant in every possible way; but knowing that vigilance is in the hands of all the right people we’re very comfortable to proceed.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday April 14, 2022)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Yusuf Pathan (RR) (2) Shane Watson (RR)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who scored most runs in the inaugural IPL? (2) What was the highest individual score made in IPL 2008?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Trinidad & Tobago to host eight CPL matches in 2022

TRINIDAD & Tobago has been confirmed as one of the host locations for this season’s Hero C a r i b b e a n P re m i e r League (CPL), set to start on August 30.

There will be eight matches played in Trinidad during September 12-18, with home team Trinbago Knight Riders taking part in four of those games.

Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Community Development, stated: “The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is excited to partner with the Hero Caribbean Premier League, and welcomes back the Biggest Party in Sport to the home of Carnival, as we host the 2022 edition of the Hero CPL.

This handout image provided by CPL T20 shows fans of Trinbago Knight Riders during the Hero CPL match between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents at Brian Lara Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Tarouba, Trinidad & Tobago (Photo by Ashley Allen - CPL T20/Getty Images)

This opportunity serves as an investment into positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a regional leader in sports tourism especially in this

redefined sphere of sport events in the post pandemic era. Live spectators are an essential element of sport, so fans are welcome to return to the stands in

support of their teams and favourite players.

In T&T we continue to champion safe practices while having fun as all COVID-19 proto-

GFF 2021 annual report charts significant progress in developing football across Guyana

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has published its 2021 annual report, in line with FIFA and CONCACAF regulations, as part of its efforts to promote transparency and financial accountability in sports administration.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report charts the significant progress made by the GFF in developing football across Guyana, including the rollout of an unprecedented funding, equipment and technical support scheme for its members – called M-FAP – which provides regional associations, clubs and affiliates with the resources required to deliver a full portfolio of competitions and development activities each year.

The report, which can be

found and read in full, in the Media/Publications section of the GFF’s website (guyanafootball.org), supports the GFF’s commitment to sharing its strategic priorities and use of funds with the football community and wider public to encourage greater transparency and informed debate across the field of sports administration in Guyana.

“As a founding principle of good governance, every administrative body in sport should publish an annual report, including an independently audited financial statement,” said GFF president Wayne Forde.

“The public has a right to see how we allocate the resources we receive from FIFA, CONCACAF, the Government of Guyana and our corporate partners, as this

can only improve the quality of scrutiny about our work and spur us on to do better each year.”

“Not only is a comprehensive annual report vital for good governance and accountability, it also allows the public to find out about the full impact and breadth of the work of organisations such as the GFF,” Forde added.

“We have a long way to go, but I hope the public will agree that football governance and development in Guyana have been transformed in recent years. Despite its obvious challenges, 2021 was a landmark year for football development.”

Key highlights from 2021 include: * Rollout of the Members Financial Assistance Pro-

gramme (M-FAP) * Launch of Guyana’s first national Under-13 Boys’ competition * Launch of Guyana’s first year-end female tournament * Under-17 Girls’ national team reached back-to-back CONCACAF championship for the first time * Jamaal Shabazz returned as head coach of the Golden Jaguars * Relaunch of the nationwide network of GFF Academy Training Centres * Plan for Guyana’s first professional league with UEFA Assist/CONCACAF * Guyana selected as CARICOM pilot for FIFA Football for Schools programme * Minibus provided to Rupununi Football Association

cols would be adhered to during the games.”Trinidad & Tobago was the host for the Hero CPL in 2020 where the matches were played behind closed doors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With restrictions now being relaxed in Trinidad and Tobago, the unique energy and excitement of cricket fans will come alive at all the matches, bringing a return to the fantastic atmosphere the tournament has missed over the previous two seasons,” CPL said in a statement yesterday.

“Eager fans can expect a favourable schedule, half of the matches will be at 10:00hrs, offering great family entertainment with the Hero CPL planning to work with local schools

and sports clubs to encourage young cricket fans and their families to attend. There will also be the traditional evening games, where the Trinbago Knight Riders will play all their matches. The home team will be looking to continue their excellent form when playing in front of their passionate fans.”

Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said: “Trinidad & Tobago has been a huge part of the success of Hero CPL and we are delighted to be back for 2022. The atmosphere at venues in Trinidad has always been fantastic and we know that the fans will be hugely excited to be back at the Biggest Party in Sport.” (CPL)

Guyanese Ashmead Nedd gets nod as RCB net bowler

PROMISING Guyanese left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd was selected by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to be one of their net bowlers in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

The News Room reported that the 21-year-old deemed the selection as “life-changing” given the quality of international players and support staff present in the league.

The opportunity came about upon recommendation from

Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd

Nedd’s compatriot Sherfane Rutherford, who is currently part of the RCB squad. The former West Indies Under-19 player expressed immense gratitude for Rutherford’s input which has brought him closer to fulfilling a dream.

He highlighted that he has always watched the likes of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Francois du Plessis and Josh Hazlewood on television, and he is now eager to work with “some of the best professionals” in world cricket.

“Going there as a spinner could really help me with my game. I want to ask simple stuff about their routine as a professional and how I can better my game as a youngster moving forward.”

Nedd has played seven matches for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and has taken three wickets along with an economy rate of 5.64.)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2022

Jamaica, T&T, Haiti in finals of Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

MIAMI, Florida (CMC) – Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti have advanced to the final round of the Women’s World Cup qualifiers after victories in the last group games on Tuesday night.

The Caribbean teams secured three of the final six berths as leaders of their groups, joining Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama in the final team of eight, along with Canada and the United States who received byes as the top-ranked teams.

Jamaica ended the first round stage with four straight wins, topping Group C on 12 points while Haiti finished similarly in Group E. Trinidad and Tobago ended the championship at the top of Group F on 10 points after winning three Continued on page 23

Haiti continued to flex their scoring muscles and posted a 6-0 win versus Cuba to claim Group E at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Photo: CONCACAF)

CARIFTA athletes get boost from Guyana Committee of Services

THE Guyana Committee of Services (GCOS) has once again stepped up to be a benefactor for local sportsmen and sportswomen.

On Tuesday, two of its members, Leslie Black and Linden ‘Jumbie’ Jones, presented tokens to the CARIFTA Games athletes prior to their departure for Jamaica.

The tokens of appreciation, according to Black, are to help offset whatever personal needs may arise in the ‘Land of Wood and Water’ during their sojourn.

During the April 16-18 Games, Guyana will be represented by 14 track and field standouts.

The athletes selected are as follows: Under-17 Girls– Narissa McPherson (800m), Attoya Harvey (800m, 1500m, 3000m) Under-17 Boys– Javon Roberts (800m) Under-20 Girls– Keliza Smith (100m, 200m), Karese

Team manager Nadine Trotz receives the tokens from Leslie Black in the presence of Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones (left), AAG president Aubrey Hutson (right) and athletes

Lloyd (100m, 200m), Hannah Reid (400m), Adriel Austin (800m), Anisha Gibbons (javelin) Under-20 Boys– Shamar Horatio (100m, 200m), Ezekiel Newton (100m, 200m), Wesley Tyndall (long jump), Gabriel Lim (javelin and discus), Trevon Hamer (triple jump), Stafon Roach (triple jump)

When the last CARIFTA Games were staged in 2019 in the Cayman Islands, Guyana’s record 21-athlete contingent finished with nine medals (four gold, two silver and three bronze).

On this current trip, Sham Johnny and Raymond Daw will act as coaches, while Nadine Trotz is the team manager.

GFSCA mourns passing of Lakhram ‘Mike’ Singh

THE Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) is saddened with the passing of its founding member and long-serving treasurer, Lakhram ‘Mike’ Singh, who recently succumbed whilst representing Wellman Masters in the just concluded Florida Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

According to the GFSCA, in a release, “It was almost the conclusion of the second game of the tournament, which was held two weeks ago, when tragedy struck”.

GFSCA pointed out that “due to his leg-spinning exploits in softball cricket in Guyana and abroad, he was deservingly nicknamed Shane Warne, after the greatest Australian leg-spinner in the world.

“Mike’s softball career

Lakhram ‘Mike’ Singh

started in the late eighties and was a major player in the success of softball cricket in and out of Guyana. He sponsored many teams and competitions in the softball arena. At the time of his demise, he was a sponsor of youth hard ball cricket in the Ancient County of Berbice and supported many young players and cricket clubs across the length and breadth of

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Guyana.

The GFSCA said, “Mike played a pivotal role in the success of the annual cricket tournament, Guyana Softball Cup, run by the GFSCA. His achievements in the world of sports are unmatchable and he will be remembered for his smiling face. He was also a popular and successful businessman, being the owner of Mike’s Pharmacy.

“The GFSCA family takes this opportunity to extend sincere condolences to his wife and two kids, family, relatives, friends and everyone from the softball fraternity.

Mike’s funeral will be held today. He will be cremated at Good Hope Crematorium at 14:00 hrs.

|THUSRDAY, APRIL 14, 2022