Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_19_06_2021

SATURDAY 19th June, 2021

' No.106396

How yoga can help you combat COVID-19, suicide

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Flood assessment commences next week SEE PAGE 08

–– focus to be placed on impact of key sectors in regions most affected

‘Tradewinds’ amplifies 03 regional security synergy PAGE

Help for flood-affected Kwakwani farmers 15 PAGE

Woman who returned to Guyana to 10 bury mother dies in crash PAGE

Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) participating in the Tradewinds 2021 Exercise on Friday (Elvin Croker photo)

Dead: June Forde

Floodwaters receding in Middle Mazaruni

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

June 28 set for ruling in police promotion challenge COME June 28, 2021, Chief Justice (CJ) (ag) Roxane George is expected to deliver her ruling in the challenge brought by five senior police officers against the Police Service Commission (PSC) over the 2020 year-end police promotions.

Initially, the CJ had set June 18, 2021, for ruling and/ or clarification. However, during the Zoom hearing the CJ sought clarification from attorney Pratesh Satram, who is representing Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus on issues regarding an application

for leave to introduce new evidence, which he claims is the final 2020 promotion list by the PSC. Satram is contending that suspended Chairman of the PSC retired Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe recently made a statement during an interview confirming that there was a decision taken to promote Brutus and a list was finalised to the contrary.

However, during the hearing he did not state the source of the interview.

When questioned by the CJ whether the promotion list was confirmed, the attorney said: “The evidence we seek to introduce will confirm it is the final list. There was a final list, whether this is that final list is a separate question. The PSC of course can confirm that, but they have refused to do so.”

The CJ reminded Satram that the PSC in its submission had said that the list was leaked, and his contentions now would be “premature.” In reply, Satram conceded that he

could not confirm whether this was the confirmed 2020 yearend police promotions list.

The CJ is expected to make a ruling in the case on June 28, 2021, at 13:30hrs.

In December 2020, Brutus, Superintendents Ravindra Stanley and Shivpersaud Manni Bacchus; Assistant Superintendent Shavon Jupiter; and Inspector Prem Narine moved to the court against the PSC. Police officers Dennis Stephen, Hugh Winter, Monica Washington, Edmond Cooper, Kurleigh Simon Stanton, and Phillip Azore were admitted as interested parties in the case by the CJ. The CJ had granted a temporary order stopping the PSC from making its annual promotion of senior police officers for 2020.

On January 12, 2020, during a hearing in the case, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., had disclosed that based on preliminary discussions with Slowe, the parties were on a “path to resolution.”

However, this proved futile since both sides failed to reach an amicable solution, which resulted in the High Court going ahead with the hearing of the matter.

Brutus in his legal documents claims that he was bypassed for a promotion due to an ongoing investigation.

Brutus believes the action by the commission was irrational,

unreasonable, arbitrary, and unlawful.

The senior cop is asking the court to grant a declaration that the policy of the PSC not to promote or consider for promotion, officers with pending disciplinary matters before it, is unlawful.

He is also asking for a declaration that he is entitled to be promoted to the rank of assistant Ccmmissioner of police. Further, he is seeking an Order of Certiorari quashing, nullifying and/or cancelling the decision of the PSC to deny him the appointment to the office of assistant commissioner of police.

He is also praying for an Order of Certiorari quashing, nullifying and/or cancelling the decision of the PSC to promote Cooper, Philip and Kurleigh Simon, who are all senior superintendents of police, to the office of assistant commissioner of police.

Lastly, he is asking the court to grant an Order of Mandamus compelling the commission to reconsider its decision not to promote him in accordance with law and his legitimate expectation.

RECOMMENDED Five officers, Brutus, Wendell Blanhum, Ravindranauth Budhram, Errol Watts and Fazil Karimbaksh have been recommended for promotion by the commissioner of police.

However, the PSC had decided to promote Blanhum, Budhram, Watts, Cooper, Azore and Simon to the rank of assistant commissioner of police.

“It has been the practice of the commission not to promote police officers with pending disciplinary complaints, regardless of the nature or seriousness of such complaints. Trivial and unsubstantiated complaints have been accorded the same weight as grave or serious allegations of indiscipline in denying promotion to those against whom disciplinary complaints have been lodged with the commission,” Brutus’ court documents stated.

Brutus was appointed to the rank of senior superintendent in 2015. In October 2019, it was alleged by the deputy commissioner – administration, that Brutus had committed a breach of discipline.

The commission appointed Assistant Commissioner Royston Andires-Junor, to investigate that allegation.

A breach-of-discipline notice was not served on Brutus until October 2020. The investigation has not progressed beyond the issuance of the breach-of-discipline notice.

In keeping with its practice, the commission purportedly refused and/or failed to consider and/or denied Brutus promotion to the office of assistant commissioner of police, relying on the said allegation of indiscipline. “ The allegation is frivolous. The applicant knows of no other reason why he was denied the promotion he was recommended for,” the document stated.

According to the court documents, Cooper, Azore and Simon, who are being promoted outside of the recommendation of the commissioner of police, are under investigation for alleged disciplinary and/or criminal offences. The said officers were promoted to the rank of senior superintendent in the years 2016, 2017 and 2017 respectively, and were therefore junior to Brutus.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

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‘Tradewinds Exercise’

amplifies regional security synergy

By Richard Bhainie

THE United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)-sponsored annual ‘Tradewinds Exercise’, which is being hosted by Guyana this year, plays an integral role in enhancing regional security synergy and cooperation among the participating nations, while fostering strong partnerships.

The exercise, which dates back to the 1980s, is a multi-dimensional Caribbean security-focused exercise conducted in ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, involving security forces and disaster response agencies. The 36th iteration, scheduled to take place from June 13 to June 25 in Guyana, involves about 1,500 participating personnel.

‘Tradewinds’ aims to en-

hance the collective ability of defence forces and constabularies, to counter transnational criminal organisations, and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, while developing strong relationships and reinforcing human rights awareness.

It includes nations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and regional agencies such as the Regional Security

Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) put their marksmanship to the test with drills designed to gauge speed, accuracy and movement at the Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri shooting range as part of ‘Tradewinds 2021’

A US Army ‘Black Hawk’ helicopter, which is part of ‘Tradewinds 2021’ hovering over the East Coast Demerara

Members of the Dominican Republic Army undergoing a drill with a United States Army ‘Black Hawk’ helicopter (Elvin Croker photos)

System (RSS), the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

Among nations participating in the ‘Tradewinds 2021’ exercise are: The Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, France, Guyana, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The Guyana Chronicle was privileged to accompany the US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch to witness a part of the ‘Tradewinds 2021’ exercise on Friday at the Guyana Defence Force’s Air Station London and Base Camp Stephenson at Timehri, on the East Bank Demerara.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Ambassador Lynch outlined that a multinational exercise like Tradewinds displays the cohesiveness and synergy between the partner nations.

Registering how “impressed” she was, she highlighted that the multifaceted exercise allows skills to be shared and enhanced, and allows partner nations to work in a collective manner.

“It’s just a wide variety; many domains that are being addressed. So many skills have been shared, enhanced, and it all allows us to collectively work together better in this neighbourhood we share,” she said.

Ambassador Lynch highlighted that the cooperation between the partner nations exhibited during the exercise “deepens the relationships and partnerships” between them.

DEEPENING AND STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS “I think deepening and strengthening those partnerships is really the best part of it, but beyond that, they share techniques, they share different ways of addressing similar issues, so I think it’s very much of a learning experience for everyone,” she said.

“I heard from the U.S. military … that they were very interested to see the different techniques that the Guyanese had on the water in terms of boat formations … so it’s definitely sharing that information that is making this a wonderful exercise overall,” she added.

The US Ambassador observed two days of the Tradewinds 2021 Exercise, one day at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School (CRM-JATS) at Makouria in the Essequibo River where she witnessed the water training and the other day at Base Camp Stephenson, where she experienced drills on the shooting range, and even fired a rifle.

Sergeant First Class (SFC)

Anthony Calvi of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) of the Florida Army National Guard conducted marksman drills with the local law enforcement agencies on Friday.

“We are just going over basics, we want to emphasise on the basics to get that repetition going and take everything they learnt from here back to their units and continue on practicing what we have instructed them and hopefully to continue that and develop their overall force,” he said.

PRETTY ACCURATE “They are shooting pretty accurate, and we’re seeing that slight improvement as we’re addressing and demonstrating different drills that we’re doing; maybe drills that they haven’t done before and giving them the reason behind the drills,” he added.

He lauded the organisation of the leadership of the local law enforcement agencies, highlighting that they are “very discipline and very organised” as ranks have no hard time following the command of their superiors.

Staff Sergeant (SSG) Matthew Giogio of the Florida Army National Guard Company B 1-185th Helicopter Assault Battalion described his experience in Guyana as “fantastic”, noting “the ability to command and train with a host nation like this is just absolutely incredible.”

“We’re here to provide training for the host nation and other nations in working with US coalition forces; that way if the need arises and there be-

comes a big issue they already know how we operate, we know how they operate and it works well as a partnership,” he told reporters on Friday.

The Staff Sergeant who undertook several tours on duty overseas explained that for him the experience of being a part of the Tradewinds 2021 Exercise has been “broadening” as he was able to learn how to better engage with people in a country he is not familiar with.

UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Instructor Pilot, Charles Barba, of the Florida National Guard, explained that while training is conducted in a manner that whilst it is being done with the Black Hawk helicopters, acknowledging that every nation does not have Black Hawk helicopters the training is designed to take into account other aircrafts and airframes.

Sergeant Germain Semple of the GDF told reporters that the local ranks were exposed to a multifaceted training which he thinks is very beneficial to the local law enforcement; he explained that as an instructor receiving the training he will be able to impart the knowledge he would have acquired to his ranks.

Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Godfrey Bess during the opening ceremony of the exercise at the GDF’s Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, on Sunday last had posited that the exercise will aid in the promotion of sustained peace and stability across the Caribbean Region, and within the borders of partner states.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

Floodwater rising in Region 10 –– collapsed tailings pond adds to residents’ woes; over 100 persons affected

WHILE there have been some reports of floodwaters receding across Guyana, the situation in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice) has not improved.

Regional Chairman Deron Adams, during a telephone interview on Friday, told the Guyana Chronicle that the water level has risen in several communities across the region, including the already severely inundated Kwakwani.

He said, too, that a collapsed tailings pond at the East Montgomery Mine has left close to 100 residents of Three Friends Mine and Maria Henrietta battling with high water levels.

The pond reportedly collapsed around 21:30hrs on Thursday. According to Adams, the situation is severe, with at least one

family being at risk of losing their home.

He said that members of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and other government officials have since been informed of these developments.

In the meantime, the Regional Disaster Committee has dispatched a team to the areas affected by the breach.

“I would have put together a team, and they are on the ground, trying to remedy the problem.

Also, we have the electricity company, and the CEO of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is on the ground as well,” Adams told this publication.

Regarding the request of residents for drinking water, he said some was delivered by the regional authorities, but much more assistance will be

needed, since the roads in the affected communities are completely under water.

“They would have asked for water, and they will likely need food supplies, because the pond has collapsed, and they are kind of locked in there at the moment,” the regional chairman said, adding: “At the regional level, we are trying to see how we can coordinate. We sent in some water to the area already; at this time, we will likely need more assistance.”

Adams disclosed that the tailings pond is controlled by Bosai Mineral Group Guyana, and he believes that because of

Residents using a canoe to move around their flooded community following the collapse of the tailings pond the heavy rainfall and high tides, a breach would have occurred, causing the

The collapsed tailings pond at the East Montgomery Mine

pond to overflow.

An official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the breach.

Tailings ponds are engineered dyke facilities used to store waste materials. Miners would dump their waste materials into these ponds to allow for the separation of solid particles from water.

Adams has also reported that water levels have risen in the communities of Malali, Aroaima, Kwakwani, Hururu, Muritaro, Central Coomacka and Landersville. He said

that based on the reports out of Muritaro, residents there may need to be relocated.

Speaking to the number of persons that have since been displaced from their homes, he said a total of 42 residents are currently being housed at the Kwakwani Primary and Secondary Schools, which have been transformed into shelters.

The shelters set up in the ‘Forestry’ compound and at the Hururu Primary and Secondary Schools are housing a total of 87 residents.

Saturday June 19, 2021 – 01:00hrs - 02:30hrs

A house in Central Coomacka, Region 10 (RDC photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

Washington finally appears to answer to fraud charges

AFTER being out of the jurisdiction on multiple occasions when she was charged with several fraud charges by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Police Finance Officer, Woman Senior Superintendent (ag) Marcelene Washington appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday to answer to the charges.

Washington appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, at Georgetown Magistrates’

Court One, where three charges of conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 34 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act were read to her, all of which were initially filed on April 21, 2021.

She was not required to enter a plea since the charges were indictable and bail was granted in the sum of $250,000 for the three charges. Washington was represented by attorney-at-law, Patrice Henry, and is expected to make her next court appearance

on July 16.

On the first charge, it is alleged that Lorraine Saul, Marcelene Washington, and Roxanne Griffith-Adams, sometime in November 2020, with intent to defraud, conspired with each other and other persons while being officers, employed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), to falsify a feeding account, in the sum of $1,152,000.

The first charge stems from meals purportedly provided by the Tactical Service Unit Mess to of-

ficers and inspectors who performed fixed point duty at Tactical Service Unit between the period October 16, 2020 and October 31, 2020.

The second charge read that Saul, Washington and Jackman-Wilburg, with intent to defraud, conspired with each other and other persons while being officers, employed by the GPF, to falsify a feeding account, in the sum of $1,440,000.

This charge is in relation to meals purported-

‘Drive-thru’ vaccination at Pouderoyen Tarmac today THE Region Three COVID-19 Task Force will be hosting its first ‘drive-thru’ vaccination on Saturday at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac, West Bank Demerara.

Region Three Regional Chairman, Sheik Ayube, who is also Chairman of the regional COVID-19 Task Force, said it is very important for persons to take the vaccines that are being provided by government as it is within the best interest of the public to remain healthy.

Coordinator of the regional COVID-19 Task Force, Halim Khan, said the activity, which will begin at 09:00 hours and end at 16:00 hours, will afford persons the

opportunity to receive either their first or second dose of AstraZeneca or the first dose of Sputnik V vaccine.

Khan said the event will allow persons to be vaccinated without leaving the comfort of their vehicles.

The idea is to work with the people on the ground who have more local knowledge and information and can contribute effectively to the campaign.

The Coordinator said scores of persons are expected to turn up to be administered their first or second dose of their COVID-19 ‘jab’, all in an effort to reach herd immunity.

He said a system will be arranged whereby persons

will be allowed to drive onto the Pouderoyen Tarmac and make their way to the first station, where arrangements will be in place for the vehicle to be approached by authorities who will register the occupants of the car who require vaccination.

“The paperwork which is required before the vaccine is administered will then be filled out at the same station, after which the vehicle will make its way to the second station, where the paperwork will be verified and the vaccine will be administered,” he added.

The vehicle, he added will then proceed to the third station, where the persons who took the ‘jab’

Coordinator of the regional COVID-19 Task Force, Halim Khan will undergo the necessary 15-minute observation. After the observation period, they can then ‘drive off.’

ly provided by the Felix Austin Police College Mess to ranks who performed fixed point duty at Suicide Helpline between the period Friday, October 16, 2020 and Saturday, October 31, 2020.

The third charge alleges that Saul, Washington and Jackman-Wilburg with intent to defraud, conspired with each other and other persons while being officers, employed by the GPF, to falsify a feeding account, in the sum of $2,246,400 for meals purportedly provided by the Felix Austin Police College Mess to ranks who performed fixed point duty at Mounted Branch

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Police Finance Officer, Woman Senior Superintendent (ag) Marcelene Washington between the period October 16, 2020 and October 31, 2020.

The charges stemmed from a massive investigation being conducted

by SOCU in relation to over $300 million in fraud allegedly committed at the Police Finance Office by several high-ranking officers of the Guyana Police Force.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Harmon’s smokescreen PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has described as ‘shameful, reckless and selfish,’ statements made by Opposition Leader Mr. Joseph Harmon that administration of the Sputnik V Vaccines be suspended on the spurious grounds that the Russian vaccines are ‘fake.’

Coming at a time when the current PPP/C administration is doubling up on efforts to roll out its vaccination programme to Guyanese all across the country, such utterances can only be seen as irresponsible, counterproductive and certainly not in the best national interest.

There is a saying that one is entitled to one’s own opinions but not to one’s own facts. Mr. Harmon, without producing one iota of evidence, has deemed the Sputnik V Vaccines ‘fake,’ despite the fact that the vaccine has gone through rigorous tests and is currently being administered in more than 74 countries. Moreover, and perhaps more disturbing, is his call for Guyanese not to take the Sputnik shots.

As pointed out by the Head of State, the government has not taken its responsibility

lightly in ensuring that due diligence is being done to ensure that the vaccines are safe and meet the efficacy rates consistent international and industry standards. In fact, the efficacy rate of the Sputnik V Vaccine is over 97 per cent, which compares favourably with any other on the market.

In fact, as indicated by the President, the government has approached every single vaccine developer, manufacturer and country before it was able to procure the vaccines at highly competitive procurement costs. In addition, adequate checks and balances were done to ensure that movement of the drugs is properly monitored and tracked.

It is one thing to try and score political points, but doing so at the expense of the health and well-being of the Guyanese people is not only bad politics, but to a large extent dangerous and risky. Not surprisingly, the stance taken by Mr. Harmon was condemned by a wide cross-section of the Guyanese community, including those from the medical fraternity and the private sector.

The Opposition Leader has some explaining to do, not only to his own support-

ers, but to the nation as a whole, having regard to the fact that he is the recipient of the same Sputnik V Vaccine from which he now seeks to distance himself. Could this be the case of “do as I say, not as I do?’ Whatever the explanation, it does smack of a high degree of hypocrisy and dishonesty, which does not speak well of him as the leader of a parliamentary opposition party.

The good thing is that Guyanese are much more discerning than Mr. Harmon gives them credit for, and will most likely see through his political ranting for what it is: a smokescreen to score cheap political points. The unfortunate thing is that there are the misguided few who could fall prey to such nonsense and not only put their own lives at risk, but also those of their extended network of family and friends.

It is not too late for Mr. Harmon to retract his statements and urge his party supporters to get vaccinated without further delay. Too much is at stake and any form of procrastination could be costly, if not fatal.

The government is doing its part to make the vaccines available to all, despite budget-

ary and other logistical constraints. But, as President Ali puts it, there is no cost to protecting the lives of Guyanese. Indeed, when it comes protecting lives, no cost can be too high.

Attempts by the opposition leader to create the impression that vaccines are procured above available market prices is nothing short of political gimmickry aimed at diverting public attention from the enormous progress made by the current administration to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of throwing, as it were, cold water on the efforts of the government to immunise the full cohort of the Guyanese population, Mr. Harmon is well advised to utilise whatever resources are at his disposal to encourage his supporters to become fully vaccinated.

Guyana, it must be noted, is one of the few countries in the world that have been successful in acquiring enough vaccines to meet the needs of its entire adult population.

This is no mean achievement for which the Guyana Government must be commended.

PNC must not be allowed to put its knees on the necks of Guyanese again Dear Editor, LOCAL Government Elections are due and the Guyana Elections Commission must get rid of all the fraudsters and put systems in place for the holding of the Elections before the year is over.

The Commission has enough evidence of attempted fraud, dishonesty, insubordination, and willful refusal to comply with clear statutory provisions that those who are before the courts must be sent home immediately. GECOM must, at all-times, be fully prepared to hold Elections. Constitutionally Local Government Elections are due for this year and the PPP/C Government allocated enough money in the budget for the holding of the elections. Hence, it is imperative that GECOM put all systems in place to hold free and fair LGEs. The Constitution and the Elections Law Amendment Act clearly mandate

the Commission to hire all staff and all members staff are subject to the directions and control of the Commission. All the sand dancing during the five wasteful months when the lone ranger went rogue and kept this nation with the PNC knees on our people necks must never be allowed to happen again. The courts at all levels, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice all ruled against the anarchists.

The courts emphasised that the Commission reserves the power to discipline and dismiss officers as it sees fit.

Hence, the motion before the Commission to dismiss all those who are before the Courts for fraud and misconduct must be implemented. I am indeed disappointed to know that there was no GECOM meeting.

The PNC Commissioners have commenced their delaying tactics. They have reported that they cannot attend the meeting and so the meeting is indefinite-

ly “postponed”.

This nonsense must stop! GECOM must prepare a work schedule and put Local Government Elections on the front burner. Vincent Alexander and his two PNC faithful’s must not be allowed to cripple our democracy and deprive the Guyanese people of their basic democratic rights! It is imperative that GECOM cleanses itself, remove those dastardly elements and employ suitable persons that will hold free and fair elections.

The Chairperson of GECOM must assert herself, she is a woman of substance and she enjoys the support of the people of this country. Hence, her legacy must be a revelation that she presides over a free and fair General and Regional Elections and she must ensure that we have LGEs this year.

GECOM must have a period of continuous registration then a short period of claims and objections so as to prepare

a voters list for the LGEs. This deviously willful absence from the GECOM meeting, resulting in postponement of the meeting, must not be condoned.

GECOM must prepare a schedule with a comprehensive plan to deal with any emergencies to ensure that the critical tasks before them are completed.

Our people expect and deserve strong leadership. Vice- President, Bharrat Jagdeo demonstrated that the steel of our people is further strengthened when our diversity is united. The strong leadership that we benefitted from last year, during turbulent times, must continue.

Our local democracy must continue to be our nations’ strength at the grass root level. President Irfaan Ali and his government must ensure that we have LGEs, this year. Our democracy must never flounder!

Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

No fake COVID-19 vaccine has ever entered Guyana

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

IN the height of hypocrisy, the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, is demanding that the Guyana Government suspends administering Sputnik V vaccines to the people living in Guyana.

Mr. Harmon admitted to taking the same Sputnik V vaccine. He stood there admitting taking both does, that he is safe and demonstrating he is healthy. Furthermore, he admitted that several other MPs from APNU+AFC and family members took the Sputnik V vaccine. I also know that they not only took the vaccine, several of them specifically requested that particular vaccine. Yet he hypocritically stood in front of the media and the nation questioning the safety and authenticity of the Sputnik V vaccine. His blue book not only confirms he took the vaccine, it states categorically what batch number is associated with his vaccine and the date of manufacture, etc. He has all the information he needs. If anyone wants to see what a hypocrite looks like, all that person needs to do is watch Harmon, standing

there all healthy and safe from COVID-19, telling the Guyanese people they should refrain from taking the vaccine. If there is ever an example of public mischief, this was it.

The President has stated categorically that the Government of Guyana rejects Harmon’s demand to suspend the use of the Sputnik V vaccine. The Ministry of Health, as stated by the Minister of Health several times today, also rejects the call to suspend the vaccination programme. The Ministry of Health will continue to roll out the vaccination programme with all three vaccines in use at the moment - Astra Zeneca, SinoPharm and Sputnik V. His demand is not just hypocritical. It is utterly irresponsible and flagrantly, dangerously reckless.

For anyone who does not take the vaccine because they were discouraged by Joseph Harmon, the Leader of the Opposition, must know he has blood on his hands. At a time when a close colleague has recently died, Harmon is shameless in asking his fellow sisters and brothers not to take the vaccine. But having failed in his whisper campaign to

stop people from taking the vaccine, he now believes that by deeming the vaccine fake, he will deter Guyanese from taking the vaccine. Just like the whisper campaign was crumbling, so too will this overt effort to derail the vaccination drive.

The vaccine is safe.

More than 227,000 Guyanese (48 per cent of the adult population) have taken their first dose. More than 150,000 of these persons have taken the Sputnik V vaccine. Almost 100,000 persons in Guyana (about 20 per cent of the adult population) are fully vaccinated. About 61,000 of these persons are fully vaccinated with Sputnik V. Of the persons with just one dose, a handful would have tested positive for COVID-19, but almost all of them had been infected before they took their first dose. Not a single person with two doses of vaccine has tested positive for COVID-19 so far in Guyana. With this track record, it is only a mischievous, wicked individual who would try a stunt like the one Harmon tried to pull off on Thursday, June 17. It is simply wicked.

All Guyana’s vaccines have been registered and ap-

proved for use in Guyana by the Guyana Food and Drug Department. The Guyana Food and Drug Department has often depended on Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRAs), such as the USFDA, the European Medicine Authority. There are thirty-five SRAs in the world. In the absence of approval by an SRA, the Guyana Food and Drug Department has also relied on the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In the absence of approval from one or more SRAs or from the WHO, there are two other mechanisms used to grant approval. One is through approval from CARPHA-CRS. CARPHA utilises the above mechanism or use a number of other reference regulatory authorities. Among those authorities are the Brazilian Medicine Regulator (AVISA) and the Argentine Regulator.

The final mechanism is an independent assessment by the Guyana Food and Drug Department itself.

It should be noted that the absence of approval by one or more of these authorities does not mean a medicine or vaccine has not met the required stan-

Harmon and cohorts have convinced people not to trust them Dear Editor, IT comes as no surprise that the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, would disseminate fake news regarding the vaccines in an attempt to deceive the Guyanese populace and score cheap political points at the expense of the lives of those whom he has influence over.

This sort of deceit has been the modus operandi of the Coalition ever since they came into being. Recently, Harmon published a graphic on his Facebook page in which he is quoted as saying

that “a batch of 200,000 fake Sputnik V vaccines was discovered in Mexico”. He also mentioned the same in one of his recent press conferences where he sought to disparage the COVID-19 vaccination exercise.

However, a simple Google search to fact-check the information clearly debunked Harmon. In fact, on March 18, 2021, Reuters reported that only 5,775 doses of the Sputnik V vaccines Harmon referenced were discovered to be fake, as against the 200,000 he gave.

The Reuters article also pointed out that the dis-

covery of 5,775 doses was found in Mexico, en route to Honduras, and had no connection to the authentic vaccines sent to Mexico from Russia. In addition, the reality is that the Russian government agency, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which has a direct interest in vaccine integrity, reported the discovery of the fake vaccines in Mexico.

But, despite such evidence on the matter being easily accessible online, Harmon continued to spread the lies across social media for quite some time. Though he made other posts doubling

down on some of the other misinformation, he merely omitted this specific lie instead of pointing out its inaccuracy.

The fact that Harmon silently wiped his social media of the false claim without updating Guyanese on the truth shows how irresponsible he is as a leader and it reaffirms my initial position that his intention was to deceive the Guyanese populace. Harmon has shown time after time that he and his cohorts cannot be trusted.

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

dards. The developer or manufacturer has to request approval. This is a long and expensive process and some developers will limit how many authorities they will approach.

All the vaccines in use in Guyana have been approved through one or more of the above mechanisms.

Every batch of vaccines that are presently used is accompanied by supporting documents, identifying the country of origin, the batch (serial) number, the manufacturer and information about the product. All vials have a bar code that permits tracking directly to its factory.

No fake COVID-19 vaccine has ever entered Guyana. Our regulatory authorities, such as the Food and Drug Department and the Guyana Revenue Authority, have ensured that all COVID-19 vaccines come from legitimate sources. Prior to shipment, the Ministry of Health receives documentation and ensures that the proper import licences are issued.

Mr. Harmon’s assertion that the Sputnik V vaccines are fake vaccines is reckless, absolutely reckless. It is an insult to the hard-working professionals at the Ministry of Health who are responsible for the safe and smooth operation of the vaccine program, the Food and Drug Department, and those from the Guyana revenue Authority (the customs branch).

Since he has alleged there are fake vaccines, he must provide the proof. He must provide evidence or he must shut up. Not only has

no fake Sputnik V vaccine been found in Guyana, none have been used anywhere.

His assertion about Mexico is another fake story he is trying to gain traction with.

There are fake medicines in the world. There might be efforts in Mexico and other countries to get fake vaccines sold. But Mexico did not fall for the trick. Mexico has signed a contract with Russia to bottle and package Sputnik V vaccines. Mexico has bought 34M doses of Sputnik V vaccines.

Argentina is also manufacturing Sputnik V vaccines. Scientists have shown that Sputnik V vaccines are safe and effective. South Korea, Brazil, India, China are also manufacturing the Sputnik V vaccine.

Italy will start manufacturing Sputnik V vaccines in July.

In a joint study done between the RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund) and scientists in Argentina, it was found the Sputnik V is not only effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19 VIRUS), but also against the P1 (Brazilian) variant. The so called Brazilian variant has proven to be a deadlier virus.

But Sputnik V is effective against this variant.

The Argentina-based study, carried out by the Dr. Vanella Institute of Virology of the National University of Córdoba (UNC), found a strong immune response against the variant in those vaccinated with Sputnik V. Now UNICEF has signed a contract to procure 220M doses of Sputnik V for global distribution. Mr. Harmon should be ashamed of himself.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

‘Sector Assessment’ of flood’s impact to commence next Wednesday

By Tamica Garnett

WORK is expected to start next Wednesday on a Detailed Damage Sector Assessment (DDSA), which will evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the current flooding, and analyse the estimated recovery cost.

The assessment will be conducted by a mission from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), in collaboration with Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Members of the CDEMA team are expected in Guyana on Tuesday, CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said during a virtual press conference on Friday.

The DDSA will be focusing on the analysis of the health, water and sanitation, infrastructure and housing, agriculture, social, shelter and mining sectors, with emphasis on how these sectors are being affected in Regions

Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), which are currently the most affected of the country’s ten administrative regions.

“Such an assignment is very comprehensive and require experts, and would take a number of days to be conducted,” Craig explained.

All of the necessary stakeholders who will need to contribute to the team’s data gathering have been given notice that the assessment is scheduled to be conducted.

“Letters are going out, as we speak, to all key sectors to alert them of the support that is required, and also have them provide pre-impact information. Information on the current impact is also required,” Craig said, adding: “The teams will spend several days in each region.

All efforts will be made to meet with the stakeholders on the ground, to get the nec-

essary data and information to give that estimation that is required.”

The assessment will see five teams being deployed to the five regions at reference to conduct assessments of all of the identified sectors.

Each team will include specialists specific to each sector that needs to be assessed.

SECTOR BY SECTOR “They will conduct the assessment, sector by sector.

Technical experts will go into the regions, and with that assessment, we will get a general understanding of the economic loss and damage, and to also help with early recovery,” Craig noted.

The assessment teams will include experts from a number of United Nations (UN) agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),

CDEMA Programme Manager, Joanne Persad (second left); Programme Manager Rasheed Pinder (right); RSS Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Officer, Keisha Linton (second right) and PAHO Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Adviser, Adrianus Vlugman (left) and the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO, as well as representatives from several Caribbean agencies.

An advance team with members from CDEMA, the Regional Security System, and PAHO arrived in Guyana on Thursday, and held a planning meeting with officials from the CDC to discuss the logistics of how the assessment will be carried out.

The advance team was led by Programme Manager, Joanne Persad, and also included Programme Manager Rasheed Pinder, RSS Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Officer, Keisha Linton, and PAHO’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Adviser, Adrianus Vlugman.

Craig led the CDC’s team, which included Preparedness and Response Manager, Major Salim October; Senior Preparedness Officer, Captain Lakshman Persaud; Mitigation and Recovery Manager (acting), Alana Walters; and Logistics Manager, Captain Michael Andrews.

During the meeting, the CDC gave the CDEMA officials a thorough overview of the data that has been gathered thus far on the flooding situation here in

CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig Guyana, as well as the gaps that important role that the asstill exist and challenges being sessment report will play, faced in data gathering. once completed, in helping Persad expressed CDE- Guyana with requests for MA’s commitment to as- external aid. sisting Guyana in whatever “What the report does, way possible, as the country is it supports the access to continues to deal with the financing; it supports projects national disaster. and programmes, long-term “We want to make sure recovery and initiatives. It’s our presence here adds value the evidence and justification not only to our work, but to for accessing aid,” she stated. the next step. That’s critical The report will also for us at the end of the day,” look at recommendations of Persad reassured the CDC what systems can be put in officials. place, if any, to mitigate any She also emphasised the future such occurrences.

CDC officials and members of the CDEMA advance team discussing the logistics of the upcoming sector assessment

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

Floodwater receding in Middle Mazaruni –– farming, economic activities remain at a standstill

AFTER almost three weeks, the floodwater in several Middle Mazaruni communities in Region Seven has begun to recede.

However, residents are now concerned about their livelihoods, since farming and other economic activities are at a standstill.

Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday evening that while the water has been receding, the question posed by residents now is how they will restart and return to their normal lives.

Williams related that residents in the area are mostly involved in agriculture, specifically farming and fishing, and during the period when water levels were very high, persons’ livelihoods would

have been severely affected.

“Most communities and ‘landings’ have seen marked reduction in the high water levels; many are still desperately anxious to resume some sort of normality, but are hampered by ‘start-up cash’ or ‘supplies’ to restart operations. And a few are scared of the possible return of the floodwater,” Williams said.

He stated that with water levels dropping, many residents are now assessing their losses.

“Farming communities, though thankful for the relief, are now understanding the enormity of their losses, and many farms are still inaccessible,” he said.

Williams noted that residents are in need of stems and seeds to resume their cas-

sava farming, and long-boots to allow them to access the farmlands and begin replanting. They also need fishing lines, hooks, nails, chain saws, cutlasses and files, and tarpaulins.

Williams reported that at Hyamerca Landing, the water level has dropped some 1012 feet, while at Tamakay, it has dropped 6-8 feet.

The level of the floodwater has also dropped at Apaika, Kangaruma, Isseneru and Kurupung.

Meanwhile, Williams stated that HIAS Guyana has donated 300 food hampers and hygienic products to residents of the flood-affected Mazaruni communities.

He said the non-governmental organisation had reached out to the region’s

Relief supplies being unpacked for distribution to Region 7 residents (RDC photos)

Health Ministry records 44 COVID-19 deaths within 18 days ONE more COVID-19 death announced by the Ministry of Health on Friday has pushed the toll for June to 44, and the overall toll since the discovery of the viral disease in Guyana, to 442.

According to the ministry, the latest fatality is a 67-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who succumbed on Thursday while receiving medical care at a Ministry of Health facility.

The ministry has also recorded 104 new cases of COVID-19, with 1,312 tests carried out for 18, 2021.

Of those, Region One confirmed two cases; Region Two, eight; Region Three, five; Region Four, 34; Region Six, nine; Region Nine, 35, and Region 10, 11.

The newly-infected persons were 45 males and 59 females.

Currently, 21 persons occupy the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 108 are institutionally isolated, and 1,371 are isolated at home. There are no persons currently in institutionally quarantine.

Of Guyana’s 18,837 confirmed cases since the discovery of COVID-19, 1,500 are currently active, while 255 of the 16,895 overall recoveries were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Minister of Health has also urged persons 18 years and older to take the COVID-19 vaccine, to immunise themselves against the deadly virus.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov. gy.

A flooded-out area in Region 7 Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

“HIAS engaged me, and I quite quickly realised the

seriousness of their intent,” Williams said.

“Two days later, HIAS had planned and purchased

the entire list of items, and funded the entire exercise into the middle Mazaruni,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, june 19, 2021

Woman who returned to Guyana to bury mother dies in crash

JUNE Forde, 56, who returned to Guyana from overseas to bury her mother on Thursday, lost her life on Friday when the car she was in, which was driven by her son, lost control and crashed into a truck on the Hararuni Public Road, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Her son Michael Forde, 37, of One Mile Wismar, Linden was injured in the accident. Forde was driving his motorcar bearing registration number PTT 7073 when he crashed into motor

lorry GZZ 2701 which was driven by Cavel Carew, 25, of South Amelia’s Ward, Linden. The crash occurred at 19:30 hours.

Police said that the motor lorry was proceeding north along the western side of the said road while motorcar PTT 7073 was proceeding in the opposite direction.

While in the process of passing each other, the motorcar ended up in the western drive lane and collided with the front left side of the motor lorry.

As a result of the collision, both vehicles were damaged. June was taken out of the vehicle in an unconscious condition while her son, Michael, was taken out in a conscious condition.

Police said a vehicle that was passing at the time was stopped and both were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where they were seen and examined by doctors on duty.

June was pronounced dead on arrival.

Michael was subse-

Pregnant teen suffers miscarriage following rape –– perpetrators video themselves committing the act

Dead: June Forde quently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by doctors on duty and admitted a patient suffering from an injury to the right eye.

The driver of the motor lorry was subjected to a breathalyzer test but no trace of alcohol was found in his system.

He remains in custody as investigations continue

POLICE are hunting an alleged rapist while another is in custody after the brutal rape of a pregnant 17-year-old girl in Region Seven that caused the teen to miscarry.

The perpetrators reportedly video their gruesome act.

Law enforcement has confirmed that the alleged rape occurred between April 1 and April 30, 2021.

The victim revealed that the men forced her into a car and took her to a house that belongs to one of them.

There, the police say, they took turns having sex with her, while they each videotaped the ordeal. In the aftermath, she suffered a miscarriage.

She told a relative of hers about the ordeal on June 15, and on June 17 the matter was reported to the police.

Minibus passenger arrested with marijuana in shopping bag THE Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Thursday arrested Aatwanna Natoya McCammon, 20, of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown after finding 1.174kg of marijuana in her possession.

CANU said that the ‘bust’ was made when its ranks intercepted a minibus

en route to Georgetown on the Anns Grove Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

The woman, who was a passenger in the front seat of the minibus, had in her possession a shopping bag which contained the illegal substance.

The suspect was told of the offence she’d commit-

Aatwanna Natoya McCammon ted, arrested, cautioned and escorted to CANU’s Headquarters. When weighed, the marijuana amounted to 1.174kg. Investigations are ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

How yoga can help you combat COVID-19, suicide –– as Indian High Commission celebrates International Yoga Day

By Rehana Ahamad YOGA is essentially an ancient practice which involves deep breathing and concentration, accompanied by a myriad of physical poses that have been proven to boost mental health and maintain physical wellbeing.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, expressed confidence that the practice of yoga could also be a key component of helping to combat the novel coronavirus which has already taken the lives of more than 400 Guyanese and millions of others globally.

“One important thing is, COVID affects the lungs, so your breathing capacity reduces; but they have found that there are certain breathing exercises in yoga which helps to expand your lung capacity,” Dr. Srinivasa indicated.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, the diplomat reasoned that even if a yoga practitioner (yogi) were to contract the deadly virus, their respiratory system would be far more resilient to fight against the virus.

Further, Dr. Srinivasa believes that yoga can also help to combat feelings of anxiety and frustration that could come from having to adjust to a global pandemic.

“With clinical evidence, millions of people have benefitted from the good aspects of yoga; it helps with the stress, depression and other issues that come from being isolated for a long time, because these can get to you,” Dr. Srinivasa recognised.

The High Commissioner, who is also a medical doctor, related that the practice of yoga has been extremely effective in helping to maintain good mental and spiritual health. “...and of course, it helps with physical fitness, because you are doing exercises,” Dr. Srinivasa noted.

Additionally, as Guyana continues to battle high rates of suicides, Dr. Srinivasa believes that the practice of yoga

the same; ups and downs of life, it is all the same; we as people are also all the same,” Dr. Srinivasa related.

INTERNATIONAL Y OGA DAY 2021 In observance of the 7th International Yoga Day slated for Monday, June 21, Dr. Srinivasa and his team at the Indian High Commission will be hosting an activity which will be televised and streamed live on its Facebook page from 10:00 hours.

The one-hour event will

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J Srinivasa can go a far way in helping the rated it as a health practice, country tackle this phenome- and as we know, meditation non which has also begun to is across all religions, and across all races; it calms affect children.

Specifically, the diplomat down your body,” the Indisaid that yoga helps to lower an envoy posited.

the levels of anxiety, frustration, depression, and all oth- FOR ALL BODY TYPES! Dr. Srinivasa also cauer mental health challenges tioned persons against bethat often lead to suicide. ing dismayed or feeling threatened by those who CALMING have managed to progress INFLUENCE “To combat the stresses to the advance stages of of life, you need that calming yoga, which would see them influence, and yoga pro- doing a series of complicatvides that; in fact, in many ed poses.

“It is for everyone...you counselling sessions in yoga, they actually use yoga as a can even do yoga sitting,” the counselling method,” Dr. Indian envoy assured.

He said that yoga can be Srinivasa highlighted.

He noted too, that the tailored to suit persons of any practice of yoga can signifi- age or body type.

“It is your body; the teachcantly reduce a person’s medical bills, since it can also help er tells you that when the body in the lowering of hyperten- says no, you do what you what sion, diabetes, and several oth- your body allows,” Dr. Srinier non-communicable diseases vasa maintained.

He said that there are posthat can lead to a plethora of health complications includ- es that prepare beginners for advancement, and that ing death.

“It has been proven,” Dr. many of the gym and aerobic sessions being administered Srinivasa added.

He acknowledged that worldwide, are actually linked even though yoga is associ- to yoga.

The diplomat believes ated widely with religion and the teachings of Hinduism, that the teachings of yoga its benefits have undoubtedly can also help Guyana achieve transcended all faiths, beliefs its desired level of unity and oneness across all diversities. and ethnicities.

“Yoga can also teach “The practice of yoga has taken off in a huge way. equality and equanimity; it Many schools have incorpo- tells you to treat everything

be attended by yogis from across the country, as well as the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd.

Also in attendance would be Former President, Donald Ramotar, who is also a keen practitioner of yoga. The observance will feature speeches and presentations that seek to highlight all of the unending benefits of yoga.

“What we are trying to do is reach out to the general public,” Dr. Srinivasa noted.

He said that the coronavirus pandemic had resulted in yoga sessions being done via Zoom; however, physical classes have since restarted.

“Our yoga teacher left last year, but we have been able to use disciples here in Guyana; and we have a healthy number; to host the classes.”

Dr. Srinivasa said that yoga has been picking up across the Caribbean, and that even the already athletic members of the Guyana Defence Force have been requesting more sessions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

International trade key to improving circumstances of farmers, rural communities –– Council of the Americas and IICA

THE future of agrifood systems in the Western Hemisphere with an emphasis on the role of farmers and postCOVID-19 recovery was the topic of a high-level debate organised by the Council of the Americas and the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA).

mer Minister of Agriculture and current Ambassador of Costa Rica to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and President of the Committee on Agriculture, presented the topic and opened the floor to a productive debate between the top government officials of three countries and representatives of the private sector and agri-

Strategy and Affairs at Bayer AG; and Anne Murphy, Director of Business Relations at Cargill.

The roundtable was organised to discuss what modifications in international trade would be beneficial for farmers and rural communities; what public policies would strengthen global and regional agrifood systems;

The Council of the Americas and the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) invited experts from the public and private sectors to a debate ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 The event included the participation of influential experts from the public and private sectors and was organised within the framework of the debate and consensus process in anticipation of the United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021 scheduled for September.

Dubbed the “Roundtable on Agriculture and Food Systems: How international trade can benefit rural communities and producers”, the event was a continuation of anther debate organised by the Council of the Americas and IICA to discuss how to improve the welfare, productivity, profitability, and sustainability of farmers.

Gloria Abraham, for-

culture.

In addition to Ambassador Abraham, Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago; Orlando Leite Ribeiro, Secretary of Trade and International Relations of Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply; and Jason Hafemeister, acting Deputy Secretary of Trade and Agriculture with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), also presented at the event and exchanged data, information, and perspectives with Eduardo Schwerter Añazco, President of the Pan-American Dairy Federation (FEPALE); Natasha Santos, Vice-President of Global Stakeholders

and how the public and private sectors could work together to ensure producers are better able to leverage international trade, among other topics.

The debate was introduced by Eric Farnsworth, Vice-President of Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA), and Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA. Steve Liston, Senior Director of Council of the Americas, acted as moderator.

IICA has been working in collaboration with its 34 Member States to define unifying messages ahead of the 2021 Food Systems Summit that would spotlight agriculture and producers and show the world the transformations

in production methods that have been taking place in the hemisphere in benefit of sustainability.

The global event will focus on issues like the necessary transformations to eradicate hunger, a healthy diet, and environmental conservation.

IICA is a member of the Food Systems Champions Network—a group of individuals and organisations committed to its objectives—in representation of the agricultural and rural sectors of North and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Upon closing the event,

Manuel Otero expressed that, “the current situation requires us to strengthen public policies and to make decisions based on science to stimulate agricultural trade and avoid artificial obstacles in the exchanges that are essential for the economic recovery of the countries.”

Latin America and the Caribbean is the largest net exporter of food in the world, representing almost 14 per cent of all international trade. For this reason, the agrifood sector will play a decisive role in the post-pandemic economic and social re-

covery of the countries in the region.

Since 1960, the world population has more than doubled and agriculture has responded with a sharp increase in food production. Today, projections indicate that the planet will reach 10 billion inhabitants by 2050 necessitating an increase in productivity in harmony with nature.

Given this scenario, the continent will play a leading role as a large producer of agriculture and environmental services, thanks to the quality and diversity of its ecosystems. (IICA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

Over 150 Essequibians vaccinated at ‘drive-thru’ event –– Dr. Ramsammy says ‘encouraging’ turnout confirms interest in COVID vaccine

By Indrawattie Natram REGION Two health officials on Friday conducted another successful drivethrough vaccination exercise with over 150 persons taking the COVID-19 injection.

During the event, which was held at the Anna Regina car park, persons were given the first dose of the Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm vaccines. The second dose of the Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines were also available.

According to Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Ranjeev Singh, over 13,000 persons out of 30,500 eligible residents in the region

have so far been vaccinated, which accounts for 42.4% of its adult population.

Dr. Singh said it is his desire for the region to attain 80% herd immunity. If this is achieved, persons in the region would be able to return to their regular day-today life.

Another drive-through vaccination event is scheduled for Monday, and will target the Charity and Pomeroon population. He, therefore, urged persons to come out and get vaccinated, so as to avoid getting severely ill from the virus.

Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who was on hand to witness the event, said he is

satisfied with the turnout, and had seen the interest many Essequibians have shown in getting vaccinated.

He said that according to available data, over 1000 Region Two residents have already taken the vaccine in other neighbouring regions.

Dr. Ramsammy said that despite the negativity being peddled in the media, persons are showing interest, and this is confirmed by the massive turnout the vaccination drives are attracting.

He said he is encouraged by the number of persons showing up, despite all the negativity in the media. He told reporters that the vaccination campaign started with an active “whisper” against it.

Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, and Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy speaking to a staff member as she updates her COVID-19 vaccination register

Midwife Sandy Diane administers a dose to a resident during the drive-through exercise Since the start of this campaign, over 227,000 persons have had their first dose, which is almost half of the country’s adult population.

“By the end of this weekend, we will reach another milestone. One hundred thousand people in Guyana will be fully vaccinated, and that means, in terms of COVID

vaccination, more than 20% of Guyana’s total adult population would be vaccinated, and that will put us to the highest number in CARICOM,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

He dismissed claims made by Leader of the Opposition Joseph Harmon that the vaccines in Guyana are fake.

“When the Leader of the

Opposition deems our vaccine fake, he also admitted that he took both doses, and he is fine and healthy.

And yet he is trying to tell people that the vaccines are not safe. Clearly, when Mr. Harmon stood in front of the media, he stood as a healthy adult.

The vaccine did not harm him, and the vaccine is protecting him… I am glad that people are ignoring him,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

He said there are no reports of any of those who are fully vaccinated being tested positive for the virus.

Scores of persons turned up at the car park to get vaccinated.

Dyal Singh, who took the first dose, said he was pleased with the efforts being made by the Regional Health Services to ensure that the population is immunised.

Health officials taking information from persons prior to the vaccine being administered

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

Help for flood-affected Kwakwani farmers –– veterinary, other services to be made available in the coming week

APPROXIMATELY 300 communities across the country have so far been affected by flooding.

Villages like Kwakwani in Region 10 and Black Bush Polder in Region Six have been considered severely affected after many residents were forced to leave their homes due to rising water levels.

Like many other sectors, Kwakwani’s agriculture sector was also affected, leaving many farms inundated.

On Friday last, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who was part of a ministerial delegation, met with affected residents during an ongoing flood-assessment exercise.

During the meeting, several farmers engaged Minister Mustapha seeking assistance to return to the land when floodwaters recede.

Juanita Thorn, a resident of Kwakwani said that officers from the ministry should move ahead with conducting flood assessments. This, she said, would let people know that the government was concerned with their livelihood.

“Before the flood goes down, we could have the relevant leaders in the community make a list of all the persons who were affected. Whether you are doing cattle rearing or farming. So by the time the water starts going down you know what you’re working on.

At least you spoke to the people so that they know you’re paying attention to them and showing interest in their livelihood,” Thorn said.

ASSISTANCE Wade Russell, a farmer, said that assistance should be given to farmers to secure their remaining cultivation.

“No one knows when this water is going to go down. What is going to happen if all the plants are lost? We are asking for persons to be allocated higher lands to secure their crops right now because it is needed. Extension officers should be deployed to verify what people have.

With that information your ministry would be able to render the kind of assistance needed,” Russell said.

Minister Mustapha told the farmers that an assessment is ongoing and that a team from the ministry would return to the village in the new week to give additional assistance to the affected farmers.

“Agriculture is important and we believe it is our future. Although we are an emerging oil and gas powerhouse, those resources will one day become exhausted. This is why we have to ensure we preserve and develop our agriculture sector. Those persons who suffered losses in terms of crops, as well as those who need help to move their livestock to higher ground or veterinary services, those services will be extended immediately. I’ve already instructed that a team from NAREI and the GLDA visit the area on Monday and carry out an assessment and offer veterinary services.

We cannot do a detailed assessment now because the water is too high. If persons need planting material to go and plant on higher grounds, I will make those materials available.

An initial assessment has commenced but for us to do a comprehensive assessment, we have to wait until the water recedes,” Minister Mustapha said.

MACHINERY NEEDED Jimmy Reece, another

resident from Kwakwani said the village needed machinery to enter into large scale agriculture.

“For years we’ve been doing agriculture on a subsistence basis. We’ve never done it on a commercial basis. There are a few folks who do agriculture on a large scale because most of the population is involved in logging. When the flood is gone, I’d like the government to help the community with machinery to do bigtime farming. A COVID Relief Fund was given to the village and I submitted a proposal for them to use part of the money to purchase equipment to assist with developing agriculture,” Reece said.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill said that the COVID Relief Fund was given to the village council and that the funds would only be used to undertake projects that are suggested and approved by the entire village, and not an individual. He urged the resident to engage the council.

“Once they buy into the proposal, it becomes the village’s proposal,” Minister Edghill said.

Minister Mustapha told residents that Kwakwani was one of the communities considered severely affected by the ongoing flooding and that a lot of work would have to be done to restore the community when floodwaters recede. The minister also told residents that, once the floodwaters recede, government will make the necessary resources available so that farmers can return to the land.

He also committed to addressing issues with staffing in the village after residents raised concerns about the village’s agriculture sub-department being short-staffed.

A team of officials from

Minister Mustapha engaging a resident the Ministry of Agriculture is scheduled to return to Kwakwani on Monday to conduct further flood assessments. Veterinary services and feed will also be provided free of cost to livestock farmers who were affected. Minister

Mustapha also told farmers that the GLDA will also be providing transportation services to assist with moving animals to higher grounds.

Officials from Barama also donated 140 hampers comprising of protein-rich

items and sanitary supplies to affected members of the three logging associations in Kwakwani.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, also formed part of the ministerial team that visited the area.

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Haripershad is IPED's new CEO THE Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) has announced the appointment of Jagdesh Haripershad as its new

Chief Executive Officer.

According to a release, Haripershad’s appointment took effect on June 1, 2021.

He is no stranger to IPED,

having served as the company’s Finance Manager from 2010 to 2018.

He now returns to the company after the departure

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

of its previous CEO, Ramesh Persaud, who gave 15-years of exceptional service to the enterprise and small businesses in Guyana.

IPED New CEO, Jagdesh Haripershad Speaking on his appointment, Haripershad said, “I am delighted to be re-joining IPED at this time as we forge ahead with the development of micro and small businesses in Guyana. Guyana is on the road to economic prosperity, and with this in mind my objective is to add to the exceptional work IPED has been doing over the years, helping micro and small businesses realise their potential.”

Haripershad, who holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, brings to the company in-depth knowledge of micro and small business financing and loans portfolio management. He is also a chartered accountant, skilled in working with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Inter-

national Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Chairman of the Board of IPED, Komal Samaroo, commenting on the appointment of the new CEO, said: “I am confident and can assure our clients that Jagdesh Haripershad, with his years of experience at IPED, will guarantee stability at this extremely difficult time for micro, small, and medium sized businesses. But I am equally confident that he has the experience and tools that are required for continued innovation and development as we take advantage of the new opportunities for startups and growing businesses in this economy.”

IPED welcomed Haripershad and wishes him a long and fruitful stay with the company, the release concluded.

CDC receives over $100M in cash, donations for flood relief

DIRECTOR General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, says the agency has received over $100 million in cash and items from the private sector to boost national flood relief efforts.

Lt. Col. Craig made this disclosure on Thursday at the CDC’s Thomas Lands headquarters, where the Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) company donated a cheque valued $3 million to the relief programme.

“So far, we would’ve received over $100 million worth in cash and donations from the private sector. So, we are happy that the private sector is coming onboard and they have confidence in the CDC and the work we are doing,” he said.

Meanwhile, GTT’s Marketing Communication Manager, Nicola Balram, said the donation is in keeping with the company’s mandate to help strengthen their “customer promises” in the communities.

“It’s something that not only affects small-scale, but affects a lot of people in Guyana. So, we felt that the donations were necessary to help the CDC better reach and impact the people they are helping,” she said.

The CDC continues to encourage the public to contribute items on its published needs list to help households, communities and regions affected by the flooding.

Persons desirous of contributing to the CDC’s efforts can contact the agency on telephone numbers 226-1027 or 600-7500 (WhatsApp). (DPI)

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E-Networks encourages COVID-19 vaccinations with discount E-NETWORKS Inc., Guyana’s only local telecommunications provider, has announced that it is offering an incentive to encourage more Guyanese to take the COVID-19 vaccine and reward those who have already been immunised.

Starting from Friday, June 18, new customers who show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card will get $2,000 off 4G Home Internet sign-ups, a release said.

“This discount is valid at all E-Networks locations until June 30, 2021. The company’s 4G Home Internet service offers 20 Mbps of speed for just $7,900 monthly, and is available in Georgetown, West Coast and West Bank Demerara, and

parts of Berbice. E-Networks hopes that other companies will add vaccine-related promotions to encourage more persons to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated, so that Guyana can start getting past COVID-19,” the release said.

The Ministry of Health has reported that 46 per cent of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine while 19 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated.

For more information, please contact E-Networks on telephone: 231-3890, e-mail: sales@enetworks.gy, WhatsApp: +592-6245153, or any of its social media pages @enetworksgy.

GCCI gives $1M towards flood relief efforts THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Friday presented a cheque of $1M to aid the national flood relief efforts being undertaken by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

According to a release, GCCI President, Timothy Tucker presented the cheque to Lt. Col. Kester Craig, Director-General of the CDC during a simple handing over ceremony at the CDC Headquarters.

The donation represents the continuation of a series of engagements that the GCCI has been having with the CDC. The GCCI, through its membership, continues to facilitate donations that will aid the CDC’s efforts in communities affected by flooding across the country.

“The GCCI is pleased to be able to contribute further to the laudable efforts of the CDC, and strongly encourages the business community to continue its support of ongoing flood relief exercises,” the release concluded.

GCCI President, Timothy Tucker presenting the cheque to CDC Director-General, Lt. Col. Kester Craig

Man charged with stabbing rival granted bail

JERMAINE O’Brian, who is accused of stabbing his estranged wife’s boyfriend, on Friday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was placed on $25,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly.

O’Brian denied that he, on February 5, 2021, at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Leon Lowe.

According to the prosecution, O’Brian is the estranged husband of Lowe’s girlfriend. On the day the incident occurred, Lowe was at his girlfriend’s home when

O’Brian allegedly armed himself with a knife and stormed into the house. In rage, he rushed towards Lowe and confronted him. Lowe, filled with fear, attempted to escape from him when he allegedly stabbed Lowe in his left side shoulder.

The matter was reported and O’Brian was arrested and charged for the offence committed.

Magistrate Leron Daly ordered that O’Brian be placed on $25,000 bail.

The matter was adjourned until August 3, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

ANSA McAL, Ramps Logistics donate to CDC flood relief programme

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Thursday received donations from ANSA McAL Trading Limited and Ramps Logistics to boost national flood relief efforts.

The items were handed over to CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig at a simple ceremony held at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG).

The donation included a quantity of foodstuff, sanitation supplies and other

essential items.

ANSA McAl’s Anjeta Hinds said the donation comprises mainly of sanitisation products, since those items are vital at this point in time.

“We saw the importance of the sanitisation and cleanup, so this donation is primarily TrinChloro bleach, which is primarily to focus on the sanitisation that’s going to be required during this time, and even after the flood waters hopefully recede,” Hinds said.

Ramps Logistics’s Business Development Director, Mariska Jordan said the company is assessing how it can further contribute to the national effort.

The CDC had earlier received $3 million from the Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) company to boost its relief programme.

Last week, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali reported that the CDC had elevated the wide-scale flooding to a Level Two Disaster, and that Guyana will be

CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig receiving the donation from ANSA McAL representative, Anjeta Hinds

CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig receiving donations from Ramps Logistics taking additional steps to tional Assembly on Monday strengthen national efforts. support its population. In approved some $10 billion Prime Minister, Brigakeeping with this, the Na- in supplementary funding to dier (ret’d) Mark Phillips said the extra money is essential to providing the necessary support to hundreds of communities. The Prime Minister, within whose purview the CDC falls, said the agency has ramped-up its efforts to conduct major damage and flood assessments.

It is against this backdrop that the funds will be used, in the first instance, to help to restart the livelihoods of over 30,000 affected households throughout Guyana.

The CDC is encouraging the private sector to continue to support its efforts. Persons desirous of contributing can contact the CDC on telephone numbers: 226-1027 or CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester 600-7500 via WhatsApp. (DPI) Craig inspects a food item

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

Strengthening partnerships for Guyana’s transformation –– central in discussion between Finance Minister, USAID representative

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and Clinton White, Regional Representative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean on Friday discussed the strengthening of partnerships with Guyana.

During the discussions, Minister Singh expressed his appreciation to the USAID for its staunch support of Guyana, especially in its most difficult times, and also thanked the United States for adopting a proactive and pivotal stance when democracy in Guyana came under threat in 2020.

“The position of the United States in helping to protect Guyana’s democracy will forever be remembered,” the Finance Minister said, as he alluded to the various projects which have been supported by the USA to assist Guyana in its development agenda over the years.

White, who is the USAID’s Regional Representative, said in response that the agency’s relationship with Guyana is of utmost importance, as he outlined the areas of support it will be focusing on such as Disaster Resilience, Climate Change, Security, Education, and Financing Sustainable Development.

The areas at reference,

White said, will form part of USAID’s new regional strategy. Minister Singh highlighted that these areas are in alignment with the Government of Guyana’s own priorities, and stressed that the assistance to be provided must be complementary to its endeavours.

In recent times, USAID has been focusing its attention on supporting many countries during their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and seeking to strengthen development gains in these countries in such areas as climate change, conflict and humanitarian crises.

Only a few days ago, while making a US $30,000 donation (G$6.2M) to Guyana to assist with its immediate flood relief efforts, the regional representative asserted that climate change has become an essential part of the United States’ President Joseph Biden’s foreign policy, and, therefore, USAID will be working with Caribbean countries to strengthen their awareness and preparedness for the impact of climate change.

Minister Singh reiterated the government’s strong commitment to working closely with development partners like USAID in advancing the dramatic transformation that Guyana is currently undergoing.

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Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh during his meeting on Friday with USAID’s regional representative, Clinton White

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de Kock torments West Indies again (ESPNCRICINFO) - Dean Elgar, in his second Test as permanent captain in the format, top-scored with 77 as South Africa negotiated a tough batting day against a much-improved West Indian side.

Facing a must-win situation to share the spoils in the series, the hosts’ fourpronged pace attack made good use of the movement on offer in seamer-friendly conditions to made inroads into South Africa’s line-up early on and kept their visitors relatively quiet, with a run rate that stayed under three an over throughout the day.

Shannon Gabriel, on his return from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the first Test, was the most successful bowler on the day.

Gabriel was used in short bursts, never bowling more than four overs in a spell, and took 2 for 47. Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers took one wicket apiece and Jason Holder, whose 14 overs cost just 25 runs, held an end even though he went wicket-less.

The quicks reduced South Africa to 37 for 3 inside 18 overs before Elgar and Kyle Verreynne shared a fourth-wicket stand of 87.

Verreynne was dismissed in the last over before tea, but Elgar took South Africa to within three overs of the second new ball being due and put on 79 for the fifth-wicket with Quinton de Kock, the centurion from the first Test. de Kock remained unbeaten on 59 off 103, at a strike rate of 57.28, the quickest of the match so far.

Under cloudy skies and after morning rain, the toss was delayed. Play eventually started 15 minutes late and was interrupted after three-and-a-half overs for another ten minutes by a passing shower.

By then, South Africa had already lost their first batter. In the second over, Aiden Markram chased a short, wide delivery from Gabriel and was caught at backward point by Roston Chase. This was Markram’s sixth Test duck and he equalled the most number of scoreless dismissals by any opener since his debut in September 2017.

Elgar shares that record with Markram and was at risk of going past him and departing for a second duck in the series. He was beaten

twice by Roach and squared up by Gabriel before the rain break and went into it scoreless. But he returned to find his first runs with a boundary and battled through most of the rest of the day.

At the other end, Roach found Keegan Petersen’s outside edge but the chance fell short of third slip. Petersen did not look comfortable against the moving ball and though he survived a stifled appeal for a catch down the leg side, he did not last long after the introduction of Seales.

In his second Test, Seales struck with the first ball of his third over when he tempted Petersen into the drive off a ball that moved away from him. Petersen edged to Holder at second slip.

Elgar started to look more convincing when he drove Seales through midoff but he was beaten by Holder’s first ball, a beauty that pitched on middle and off and moved away and went back into his shell.

He battled on, but Rassie van der Dussen couldn’t.

Roach, who had switched ends got the ball to move into van der Dussen several times in his sixth over to set him up, then did the same with the third ball of his seventh. van ver Dussen shouldered arms and was bowled.

Verreynne stayed with Elgar until lunch and through most of the second session. He showed glimpses of the aggression he has become known for in domestic cricket.

But he also had his nervy moments. He was beaten several times after that and survived an lbw review off Mayers, who surprised Verreynne with a ball that nipped back into him from outside off and

hit him on the back pad.

West Indies reviewed but ball-tracking showed it was going over the stumps.

Elgar had been watchful throughout that period but played a few shots in anger. He brought up South Africa’s hundred with a flick off a Roach full toss and his own fifty when he top-edged a Gabriel short ball, which ended up being a no-ball, off the 146th ball he faced.

Two overs later, Verreynne attempted a pull off Gabriel, who had returned for a pre-tea burst, but did not get hold of the ball as it swung down the leg side. He was given out caught behind but reviewed and UltraEdge confirmed Verreynne’s bat had made contact. de Kock picked up where he left off in the first Test and approached his innings positively. He punched a full Chase delivery between extra cover and mid-off, hit Gabriel through the covers and spurred Elgar on to some more aggressive strokes too. The captain pulled Seales through midwicket and drove Holder down the ground to enjoy some reward after an innings of mostly hard graft.

The pair seemed set to take South Africa to the close but in the 78th over, Mayers bowled Elgar with a delivery that came back into him and sneaked through the bat-pad gap. West Indies ended up not taking the second new ball and opted to wait until the morning to make use of it, when conditions may again be ripe for swing. They will look to repeat their first morning’s performance but will also be aware of the number of extras they gave away on the first day - 42 - the third highest scorer in the innings.

SATURDAY, June 19, 2021 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S:

(1) Chris Gayle-498 runs (8 Tests) (2) Hamilton Masakadza-428 runs (5 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) What is the highest individual Test score made by a WI player against ZIM to date?

(2) What is the highest individual Test score made by a ZIM player against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

Verstappen leads second free practice in France

(BBC) - Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set the pace ahead of the Mercedes cars of Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in second practice at the French Grand Prix.

The Dutchman led Bottas by just 0.008 seconds, with Hamilton 0.253secs off the pace and complaining that there was “something not right with the car”.

Verstappen and Hamilton set their fastest times - as expected - on the soft tyre while Bottas was on mediums.

Alpine’s Fernando Alonso was fourth from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

The session raised many questions about the weekend to come as the teams were finding their cars behaved very differently across the different tyre compounds.

Bottas’ fastest time was set on the theoretically slower medium tyre as he failed to improve on the soft.

And while Verstappen found an extra second’s worth of lap time when he switched to the soft tyre, Hamilton improved by only 0.1secs.

The world champion, who trails Verstappen by four points in this year’s title chase, was struggling to

match Bottas all day and his radio message to engineer Peter Bonnington mid-session suggested he felt something fundamental was wrong.

However, Hamilton was losing time on the straights compared to both Bottas and Verstappen, which suggests he was running in a lower power mode and could well account for the performance difference.

When the drivers ran their race-simulation runs on full fuel loads later in the session, Verstappen appeared to have a slight edge on Hamilton but the overall indications were that the two cars were closely matched.

Hamilton also appeared to be struggling when the drivers did their race simulation runs on full fuel loads later in the session, when he was also slower than Verstappen.

Bottas ran a different tyre strategy for his race runs so his times were not directly comparable to the other two.

It was the first time Mercedes had been outpaced in a practice session at the Paul Ricard track since it returned to the calendar in 2018. There was no French race last year as a result of the pandemic.

After the session, Hamilton said: “Quite a struggle this weekend. Probably for everyone!

“I don’t know if it’s the track surface or the track temperature, or these inflated tyres - they have put the pressures up higher than ever before, one of the highest, but we are all sliding around and it’s a struggle out there for everyone.”

Hamilton was referencing an increase in mandatory minimum tyre pressure imposed by supplier Pirelli following two tyre failures at the last race.

Pirelli have raised the

nificantly with their training and preparation for the games.

Allicock will depart shortly for Russia for his preparation, while Edghill will leave this weekend for California and Portugal.

Paralympic cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart will also head-out for high-altitude training.

Abrams, who competed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, was the first athlete from Guyana, male or female, to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

On June 8, 2019, Abrams clocked 51.13 seconds to clock a personal best and to surpass the qualifying standard time of 51.35 seconds needed to book her ticket to Tokyo, Japan.

W h e n c y c l i s t Wa l t e r Grant-Stuart hops on his saddle at the August 24 – September 5 event in Japan, he will be Guyana’s first ever representative at the Paralympics Games.

Meanwhile, Edghill will be the first table tennis player, male

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Turn Two. That prompted Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to ask whether the curbs could be removed to avoid car damage and police track limits with an electronic timing loop.

Wheatley’s message echoed one from his opposite number at Mercedes, Ron Meadows, who asked the same after Bottas ran wide in the first session. Both pointed out that the damage was costing hundreds of thousands of pounds for a small indiscretion.

Race director Michael Masi pointed out that several team bosses had asked for

Max Verstappen of The Netherlands driving the (33) Red Bull Racing RB16B Honda on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard on yesterday in Le Castellet, France (Photo by Mario Renzi - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Government pledges support for Tokyo Olympic Athletes

By Rawle Toney

SOME of the athletes who have so far qualified for the Tokyo Olympics and Tokyo Paralympics Games, yesterday met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr along with Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad.

Aliyah Abrams, Chelsea Edghill, Keevin Allicock and Walter Grant-Stuart, the lone Paralympian, were the athletes present. Swimmer Andrew Fowler is currently in Florida as part of his preparation for the games.

Minister Ramson, in brief remarks, said the occasion was “really to give support to these athletes who are going to the Olympics to represent all of us!

They’re not representing the Government of Guyana, they’re not representing their Associations alone, they’re not representing their families alone, they’re representing all Guyanese.”

“So I didn’t want them to leave without knowing that, first off all, Guyana stands by them and the Government stands by them as well. This is just the beginning,” Ramson said.

While the athletes’ attendance for the games will be handled by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), the minister handed over US$1 000 to each representative, which he said is for casual spending while in Tokyo.

Also, the athletes were told that the ministry will help sig-

level by 2psi over the figure they had intended before the failures in Baku.

In addition, there are more stringent checks on tyre pressures.

Another technical change this weekend is tougher rear-wing flexibility tests, after accusations that Red Bull and other teams have been running rear wings that flex back on straights in ways that contravene the intention of the rules.

The only cloud over Verstappen’s day was that he damaged his front wing running wide over the curbs at

or female, to feature in the sport at an Olympic Games.

For Allicock, he marks a return for Guyana at the Olympic stage for boxing for the first time in 25 years.

John Douglas, Guyana’s flag-bearer for the 1996 Olympic Games, was the last boxer to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the IOC’s flagship event.

He lost in the first round of his light-heavyweight clash with Germany’s Thomas Ulrich, who went on to claim bronze.

Guyana’s lone Olympic medal (bronze) came from the sport of boxing when Michael Parris reached the semi-finals at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.

Fowler, 23, on the other hand, has been one of Guyana’s top swimmers over the years, with experience at the Commonwealth Games, the World Swimming Championships and other notable international and regional meets.

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physical track limits but said he would have looked at the issue before today’s running.

Perhaps the most impressive day came from the Alpine team, for whom Esteban Ocon added sixth fastest time to Alonso’s fourth.

Leclerc, after a difficult morning for Ferrari, improved in the afternoon to split the Alpines, with Pierre Gasly’s Alpha Tauri in seventh, ahead of the second Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, Kimi Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

The Aston Martins of Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll were down in 15th and 16th.

This weekend’s race takes place against the backdrop of two significant rule changes.

There are more stringent checks on both tyre pressures and rear wing strength after two controversies this year - the tyre failures suffered by Verstappen and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll at the last race in Azerbaijan, and accusations that Red Bull and other teams have been running rear wings that flex back on straights in ways that contravene the intention of the rules.

England Women in strong position despite rain (BBC) - England put themselves in a strong position in the one-off Test against India despite much of the day being wiped out by rain in Bristol.

India, resuming on 187-5, were bundled out for 231, trailing England by 165, with Sophie Ecclestone taking 4-88.

Heather Knight asked India to bat again and England struck quickly, dismissing Smriti Mandhana to leave the tourists 29-1.

However, teenager Shafali Verma once again impressed, making an unbeaten 55 to guide India to 83-1, still 108 runs behind England.

India, who had been cruising at 167-0 on Thursday, collapsed to lose eight wickets for 30 runs.

Left-arm spinner Ecclestone claimed a wicket in her first over of the day and ran through the India lower-order, while Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole produced two stunning, swinging deliveries to wrap up the innings.

Brunt’s dismissal of Mandhana as India followed on put

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the hosts firmly on top, but they will need to push hard after losing 52 overs to rain.

There will be 108 overs bowled on the fourth and final day when play begins at 11:00 BST.

England impress before Verma’s counter-attack England were clearly energised after taking five wickets in the final session on Thursday, with plenty of noise around the bat from the first over.

Ecclestone took three wickets for nine runs in her first five overs, trapping Harmanpreet Kaur and Taniya Bhatia lbw, before wicketkeeper Amy Jones took a superb reaction catch to dismiss Sneh Rana.

Brunt, who spent much of the second day’s play furious and frustrated, then struck straight away with the second new ball, producing a sharp inswinging delivery to bowl Pooja Vastrakar.

England’s Katherine Brunt was locked in a fascinating battle with India teenager Shafali Verma Haydock 13:00 hrs Maytal 13:35 hrs Spurofthemoment 14:05 hrs Al Shibli 14:35 hrs Realist 15:05 hrs Sucellus 15:35 hrs Billy Roberts Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 08:45 hrs That’s Mad 09:20 hrs Sasvana 09:50 hrs War Hero 10:25 HRS Sheishy Brid 11:00 hrs Solene Lilyette 11:35 hrs Duquesa Beach 12:10 hrs Sheer Chance

Knight had no hesitation in sending India back out to bat after Shrubsole had bowled Goswami, but Verma played yet another mature innings to keep the tourists hanging in.

Verma’s game is not just built on power. There is pure timing, shown by the back-to-back cuts she played off Shrubsole that raced to the boundary.

When she brought up her half-century, 40 of those 50 runs had come from boundaries. Bar one ugly swipe at an increasingly unamused Brunt, there was barely a chance offered.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 19, 2021

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FIDE Cadets and Youth Rapid World Cup qualifiers scheduled for today

GUYANA’S top junior players will get a chance to qualify for the FIDE Cadet and Youth Rapid World Cup online championships when they battle this afternoon in the qualifiers of the event.

The 14:00h start will have players competing in several age categories, including the U10, U12, U14, U16 and the U18.

According to information from the Guyana Chess Federation, since the competition is online, the country will be well represented.

“The GCF is expected to send 30 representatives to this tournament.”

Chairman of the GCF’s Chess-in-Schools Committee, Anand Raghunauth said that the qualifying tournament “will match, as closely as possible, the playing conditions of the FIDE tournament which will give players who have never used Tornelo an important opportunity to familiarise themselves with that platform and associated playing conditions”.

According to information from the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the World Cup will be held in August in two stages.

The Qualifying Stage will take place from August 1-20 where each chess federation can register three players per category (30 players in total) for a 10-round Swiss tournament.

FIDE noted on its website that federations are entitled to apply to the organisers for the wild cards during the registration process.

The Final Stage is set from August 26 to September 1.

According to FIDE, this will consist of 10 separate 16-player KO tournaments for Girls under 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and Open

Rain wipes out first day of men’s World Test Championship (BBC) - Rain wiped out the entire first d a y o f t h e m e n ’s World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton.

Heavy rain fell throughout yesterday, preventing a ball being bowled, and play was abandoned at 14:48hrs BST. The we a t he r is forecast to improve over the weekend with play set to begin at 10:30hrs today.

A reserve, sixth day is in place for the showpiece final to allow for play lost to bad weather.

Still, it was a bleak first day of a historic match which aims to crown a Test world champion for the first time in cricket’s history.

The final has been two years in the making with India and New Zealand having qualified for the one-off

match by finishing the nine-team table in first and second respectively.

If the match is drawn the sides will be joint winners.

India named their side on Thursday but could change it before the toss, which will now take place before play today.

India XI: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma.

New Zealand squad: Kane Will i a m s o n ( c ) , To m B l u n d e l l , Tr e n t Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.

under 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18.

“Three top-finishers per category will qualify for the FIDE Online Rapid Super Final 2021. The prize fund of Super Final amounts to €30,000. The players placed 4-8 (5 players) and one highest-rated player (by 01.08.2021 Fide Standard rating) among 9-16th places in the World Cup 2021 per category in each qualifying tournament will advance to the FIDE Online Rapid Grand Prix Series 2021.”

Raghunauth told Chronicle Sport that the online version offers Guyanese players the unique opportunity to test their skills against the best in the world.

“When chess returns to over the board it will be expensive to have these opportunities to showcase your skills.”

The GCF has been able to progress its junior programme despite the pandemic, especially with external sessions with International Master Atanu Lahiri.

The top Indian chess coach, who is a former Commonwealth chess champion, with stints as head coach of Nepal (2005) and Bhutan (2014) and the Indian Youth, Junior and Cadet teams, has improved the games of numerous young local players.

Raghunauth noted that the Qualifiers and World Cup would also be a good yardstick to measure the development of the players.

“About nine months ago the GCF embarked on a mission to train 50 of its best juniors in an elite training programme under the Guidance of IM Atanu Lahiri. While many of the players have improved under this training, academic commitments have impacted some who could not continue.

The federation will have an opportunity to see the results of the training and how the training has impacted the players.”

Mahir Rajkumar is set to compete in the U12 division

Bright wins triple jump as AAG Senior championships get underway The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Senior Championships commenced Friday at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora.

As expected, promising star, Chantoba Bright (13.53m) won the women’s triple jump ahead of seasoned campaigner Natricia Hooper (12.61m) and Princess Brown (12.61m).

In the Men’s triple jump, the unofficial results saw Surinamese Miguel Van Assen taking gold with a best leap of 16.53m, followed by Jamaican-based Guyanese Damon Williams (16.30m) and Police Progressive Sports Club’s Denis Roberts (14.77m).

In the Men’s 110m hurdles, Hosea Glen of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) won in a time of

18.59s followed by Isaiah Lewis (19.46s) and Trevor Scotland (25.25s).

GDF continued their dominance as Jemeica Scott had

a best of 33.15m in Women’s Discuss.

Annesia DeAbreu (30.57m) and Annisha Gibbons (28.66m) rounded out the top three.

Surinamese Miguel Van Assen won the male triple jump

In women’s 5000m, 20-year-old Sheama Tyrell of GDF clocked 19 minutes, 49.03 seconds for a comprehensive victory.

Abiola Ross, also of GDF came second in a time of 21:57.57s followed by Delicia Tinnis (22:05.37s).

Up to press time, the Male and Female 100m finals were still to be conducted.

Action continues today from 10:00h and the highlight of the morning session will the two 400m Finals.

The ultimate goal of the athletes is to qualify for next month’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The event is not open to members of the public due to COVID-19 protocols.

Guyana submits bid to host 2022 ICC U19 World Cup matches Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, has confirmed the Government of Guyana’s submission of a bid to Cricket West Indies (CWI) to host matches in the 2022 ICC Youth World Cup. It will mark the first time the West Indies will host International Cricket Council 16-team tournament.

“The Ministry is confident of being able to be successful in that bid, but obviously it’s still a competitive process, it has to be evaluated. But we believe our bid is strong,” Ramson said at a press conference yesterday.

Countries have been required to demonstrate their

ability to stage the matches by providing adequate match and training facilities, undergo a venue inspection, provide immigration,

customs, medical and security support, as well as other operational and logistical requirements including accommodation for the

FLASH BACK! W.I players in celebration mode after beating India to win the 2016 ICC U19 World Cup

members of the teams, match officials and broadcast crew.

The 16 teams will battle for one of the eight spots in the Super League stage before having the chance to win the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy. The remaining eight teams will fight for the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Plate.

In 2016, along fellow Guyanese Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach, Shimron Hetmyer captained the West Indies to their first and only ICC U19 World Cup title, when they defeated India by five wickets in a thrilling final in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Quinton de Kock drives one through the off-side, vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Gros Islet, 1st day, yesterday (Getty Images)

de Kock torments West Indies again SEE PAGE 33

Government pledges support for Tokyo Olympic Athletes

SEE PAGE 34

Bright wins triple jump as AAG Senior championships get underway SEE PAGE 35

The athletes pose with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson

SEE PAGE 35

Chantoba Bright lived up to expectations and won the triple jump (Ackeem Greene Photos)

Guyana submits bid to host 2022 ICC U19 World Cup matches

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SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021