Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_24_04_2021

SATURDAY 24 th April, 2021

’ No. 106340

QC tops at both CSEC and CAPE –– five students from Saraswati Vidya Nikitan among CSEC top 10 03 PAGE

QC’s Zane Ramotar is Guyana’s top student at CAPE 2019-2020, with 14 Grade Ones and one Grade Two

Naomi Cambridge of St. Rose’s High is Guyana’s second top performer at CAPE 2019-2020 with 12 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos

QC’s Christian Pile is Guyana’s third top performer at CAPE 2019-2020 with 11 Grade ones and one Grade Two

Swasti Saytoo of Anna Regina Secondary obtained 18 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos

Geveshwar Rajkishore of SVN scored 18 Grade Ones and one Grade Two

The Chaitram twins, Shivnarine (left) and Shivshanka, both of SVN, attained 17 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos

Tabitha Alves of Abram’s Zuil Secondary obtained 16 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos

QC’s Bhedesh Persaud is Guyana’s top performer at CSEC 2020 with 22 Grade Ones and one Grade Two

Duvina Seurattan of Anna Regina Secondary obtained second place with 19 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos

Atishta Seenarine of SVN Chaitra Singh of SVN secured secured 17 Grade Ones and 16 Grade Ones and three one Grade Two Grade Twos

Free university education still –– as President Ali vows to likely by 2025tackle wasteful Gov’t spending 04 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

$200M approved for increases to sugar workers

THE Guyana Agricultural Workers Union’s (GAWU) concerns about increases to workers for 2019 have been settled with a six-month increase, totalling $200M, approved for 2019.

According to a release, this sum is expected to be

paid soon.

The announcement was made after Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday, engaged the General Council of the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU); the Chairman of Board of Directors of GuySuCo, Pravin-

chandra Dave, and GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sasenarine Singh.

The meeting addressed the way forward for the sector and ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are served.

With increases having

A section of the gathering at the meeting on Friday

been paid to workers for 2020, negotiations for 2021 will be addressed at a later date, the release said.

At the meeting, it was disclosed that GuySuCo’s management has been working with its new Board of Directors on a turnaround plan for the industry.

Further, Vice-President Jagdeo assured them of the government’s support for the sugar industry, given its role in the local economy and other social considerations.

“We are working daily to change the trajectory of the sugar sector,” he said.

According to him, work is also continuing on returning assets to GuySuCo that were disposed of in a less than transparent manner by the former administration and not done in the best interest of the company and workers.

All parties committed to continued engagement, the release concluded.

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Choo is officially Guyana’s ‘Aunty Rhoda’ celebrates ambassador to China 100th birthday with a feast

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

Ambassador Anyin Choo presenting her Letter of Credence to Hong Lei, Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing on Friday ANYIN Choo, Guyana’s the Foreign Service and most Ambassador Extraordinary recently served as Consulate and Plenipotentiary to the General at the Guyana ConPeople’s Republic of China, sulate in Toronto, Canada. on Friday, presented her She also served as the Letter of Credence to Hong Deputy Chief of Mission at Lei, Director-General of the Guyana Embassy in Beithe Department of Protocol jing, China. and Consular Affairs of the Ambassador Choo Ministry of Foreign Affairs brings a wealth of knowlof the People’s Republic of edge and experience to China, in Beijing. her new portfolio and is According to a release, committed to strengthening Ambassador Choo has a bilateral relations between background of 17 years in Guyana and China.

“I JUST want a spoonful of rum, and I gon be alright,” chuckled Rhoda Jean Bourne Warren, who celebrated her 100th birthday on April 22, 2021, in the presence of her great-nieces and nephews, who ensured that her day was memorable.

Despite this significant milestone, the centenarian told well-wishers that she was 90-years-old out of fear that death would stalk her if her true age was revealed.

“Aunty Rhoda”, as she is popularly called, was born at Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice. She was brought to East Berbice by her brother-in-law, Noel Liddell, a bicycle mechanic, who, at that time was pursuing a relationship with her older sister, Florence.

Initially, they lived at Lightown Village, East Bank Berbice, before moving to Lot 48 Stanleytown, and later Lot 45 Stanleytown, one of the many cross streets in the New Amsterdam township. She currently resides there with an adopted daugh-

Guyana’s newest centenarian, Rhoda Warren called “Aunty Rhoda” ter, Janela and her children.

She has a biological daughter, Maureen, who lives overseas with her family.

Even though she is advanced in age, the slim-built centenarian has a knack for taste. She would so advise her companions whenever the meals are lacking an essential ingredient.

For her birth anniversary, she requested black cake, mauby, chowmein and macaroni and cheese. The items were prepared by her great-niece, Claudette Lid-

dell-Allen. As soon as the cake and the mauby were brought, she requested a taste, and with closed eyes she savored the goodies.

It pleased her palate. She smiled, while nodding her head. The black cake and mauby lacked nothing. “It good. It taste so good,” she muttered under her breath.

Though experiencing memory lapses during the interview with this publication, she was able to recount that as a young woman, she sold cassava pone and other baked goods at Providence

Market, East Bank Berbice, and later worked as a hairstylist at Mavis New Year’s Beauty Parlor.

Her recollection of the earlier part of her life was vague. She recalled that she had 10 siblings and that her family raised cows and sold milk, while her father operated a boat along the Berbice River.

All in all, ‘Aunty Rhoda’ is grateful for life. She is thankful that God has given her so many years, and yes, she can live for 100 more.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

QC tops at both CSEC and CAPE ― five students from Saraswati Vidya Nikitan among top 10 at CSEC

By Tamica Garnett AFTER seven long months of waiting, Queen’s College’s Bhedesh Persaud was, on Friday, officially named Guyana’s top student at the 2020 round of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations after he attained 22 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. With 14 Grade Ones and one Grade Two under his belt, schoolmate Zane Ramotar also top-scored, but at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

Coming a close second behind Persaud at CSEC, with 19 Grade Ones, and two Grade Twos is Anna Regina Secondary’s Duvina Seurattan, followed by Swasti Saytoo, who came in third with 18 Grade Ones, and three Grade Twos, also of Anna Regina Secondary, over on the Essequibo Coast.

In fourth place with 18 Grade Ones, and one Grade Two, is Geveshwar Rajkishore, who is one of five students from the Saraswati Vidya Nikitan (SVN) School at Cornelia Ida, on the West Coast Demerara.

Also from that school are the Chaitram twins, Shivnarine and Shivshankar, who both attained 17 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos to share the sixth spot, while their schoolmate, Atishta Seenarine, with 17 Grade Ones, and one Grade Two came in at number eight, followed by Chaitra Singh with 16 Grade

Ones, and three Grade Twos at ninth.

The fifth spot was copped

by Reyan Khemraj of the JC Chandisingh Secondary, all the way at Port Mourant, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with 17 Grade Ones, and three Grade Twos.

From Abram’s Zuil Secondary, over in the Cinderella County, with 16 Grade Ones, and four Grade Twos, came Tabitha Alves, who rounded out Guyana’s top 10 at CSEC. Coming a close second behind QC’s Ramotar at CAPE is St Rose’s High’s Naomi Cambridge, who secured 12 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos, followed

by Christian Pile, also of QC, with 11 Grade Ones and one Grade Two in third place.

The results were finally announced by Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who officially confirmed the top three students for CAPE and top 10 for CSEC. DID WELL REGIONALLY Minister Manickchand, during her announcement, noted that though unconfirmed, she has been reliably informed that Guyana is thought to have also copped many of the regional awards for the examinations, which is administered by the Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

“I see already in the news that we have topped several top positions in the region, including several individual subject areas, like business and technical vocational sub-

announcement, the top CAPE and CSEC students both said they owe their success not only to the support of their respective families, but also their school’s Principal, Jackie Ralph, and the plethora of supportive Education Minister, Priya Manickchand

Zane Ramotar - Queen’s College

jects at the CSEC, and the natural sciences at the CAPE level, as well as overall outstanding students at the CAPE level as well as the CSEC level,” she noted.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle following the

Bhedesh Persaud - Queen’s College

teachers who helped them along every step of the way.

The top students at CAPE and CSEC were informed of the news just a few hours before the announcement was made by the minister.

Ramotar was contacted by the

minister.

BLINDSIDED “I was blindsided, because I knew they were supposed to announce it. But to have this happen out-of-the-blue, I was completely unaware. And after the phone call, I was ridiculously happy,” Ramotar said.

Persaud, on the other hand, got the news from his mother, who had been contacted by a teacher from his school.

He said that though caught unaware by the timing of the announcement, he had already known he had done well.

“Of course I was expecting to be named top CSEC student, because I really put in the work,” he said.

Both Persaud and Ramotar shared that they were not largely affected by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they had already completed most of their studying by the time the virus had effected school closures in March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic had adversely affected all students of the Caribbean nations which wrote the examinations.

The announcement of Guyana’s top performers at the regional examinations marked the end of a long wait for several students, who have had their preliminary results since September 2020.

Though the top students are customarily announced using the preliminary results, due to an unprecedented number of subject reviews and backlash against the regional body, the Ministry of Education (MoE) took the decision in 2020 to

await the official results from CXC. “Unfortunately, that period took a really long time, and a lot of people were nervous,” Minister Manickchand said, adding: “The results of those reviews were delayed over time, because of various delays and lockdowns.”

Though it is also customary to announce the full list of the top one per cent of performers at the examinations, the minister explained that the MoE was relegated to announcing a truncated list, given that several students are still awaiting a review of their grades from CXC. “Ordinarily, we would announce all the students who got 12 Grade Ones and more,” Minister Manickchand said, adding: “but there are still some outstanding reviews from CXC not yet received.

The last reviews were received on 29 January, and some of those [outstanding] results, if changed, could change what things would look like beyond these top 10 students.”

She, however, sought to assure students that when the remaining reviews are completed, there will be a subsequent announcement of all the top students.

“I wish to say to those students who are 11th and 15th in the country that as soon as we have that information, we will announce it publicly and celebrate you, because you deserve to be celebrated,” the minister promised.

IOM Guyana donates furniture and equipment to Health Ministry THE International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Guyana, on Friday, handed over furniture and other items to the Ministry of Health for use at mobile COVID-19 vaccination sites.

The items which included 10 industrial fans, 450 white folding chairs, 60 white folding tables, six air conditioner units, gasoline generators, and seven industrial-graded tents, were handed over by IOM’s Chief of Mission, Robert Natiello, during a simple ceremony held at the ministry’s Kingston bond.

Chief of Mission of IOM, Robert Natiello (second right), handing over a copy of the donation agreement to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony (second left)

He expressed pleasure on behalf of the IOM to be contributing to the country’s fight against COVID-19 and explained that the items will be used for the ministry’s mobile vaccination units.

The COVID-19 vaccination programme in Guyana began its rollout on February 11, and has since been progressing well, with at least 73,600 doses being administered so far.

Earlier this month, both the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, and Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, were

continuously urging persons to not only get vaccinated, but to observe all COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, including the correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, maintaining the six-foot physical distance from others, and good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of the virus.

“Once we follow the rules, the end is near,” Ramsammy had stressed, at a handing over and vaccination drive earlier this month. “But if we don’t, then the end of COVID-19 might never come,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

Free university education still likely by 2025 –– as President Ali vows to tackle wasteful gov’t spending

By Rehana Ahamad

THE elimination of wasteful government spending will pave the way for more monies to be spent on human empowerment and economic expansion, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday.

“We have to ensure wasteful spending is removed from public expenditure. This will allow us to have more money directed to the creation of wealth, more to the empowerment of our human resource, more money for expansion of the economy,” Dr. Ali said in his keynote address to the 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) which was held virtually.

The Head of State reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing free university education, at least by the end of the Peo-

ple’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s five-year tenure (2020–2025).

“The objective of this is to ensure that not only do we have the most vibrant economy, but also the most vibrant pool of human resources; the most talented, skilled and qualified human resources to take our country forward,” Dr. Ali posited.

He said that the government’s commitment to education and human development is reflected in the recent launch of the 20,000 Scholarship Programme, which seeks to build capacity and position Guyanese to effectively add to Guyana’s advancement.

Dr. Ali also spoke extensively about his government’s objective to carve Guyana into an economic powerhouse of the region; a feat which, he says, requires a united approach.

“This is the focus of

Saturday 24 April, 2021 13:30hrs - 15:00hrs

our government; positioning Guyana as a mainstay for regional growth and development. Our ambitions and targets are beyond our national needs, because we understand that we operate in a much larger market, and we have great potential in reaching that market,” Dr. Ali posited as he underscored the critical role that the private sector has to play in advancing the national development agenda.

As a means of enabling the private sector to do more, the President reiterated his commitment to ensuring the requisite systems and framework are in place to facilitate investments, and add exponentially to Guyana’s expanding economy. Dr. Ali also spoke specifically about the importance of instituting and establishing the requisite infrastructural projects that support and inspire business development.

“It is about how do we reduce the cost of doing business,” the President recognised. He said that once the country is able to reduce the cost of doing business here, emphasis must be placed on improving the efficiency and reliability of these businesses.

In addition to building capacity and improving the efficiency of doing business

in Guyana, President Ali also pointed to the importance of maintaining security and effectively implementing local content.

“These are all things that we have to fix, and we will be fixing it, but importantly, we will be fixing it with the partnership of the private sector,” the Head of State noted. He also gave the government’s commitment to ensuring that the policy is finalised soon.

DIVERSIFICATION Still on the subject of building capacity and improving the business climate, Dr. Ali reiterated the need for diversification within the major sectors, so as to guard against the mistake commonly made by many oil-producing nations, which is the over-reliance on its oil wealth.

“While our focus and objective over the medium-term period is to bolster economic growth, we will remain vigilant of avoiding any supply-side constraints, and, indeed, the ‘Dutch Disease’. To do this, we have to ensure that our economy and the strength of our economy rest on varied plans,” Dr. Ali posited.

To this end, the Head of State pointed to the need for support to be given to other

extractive sectors such as mining and forestry, as well as the strategic creation of new agro-industrial parks, which will position Guyana as a premier food provider.

Additionally, President Ali said that efforts are being made for Guyana to take an even stronger position within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“We’re also working aggressively on breaking down the bias within CARICOM itself, so the market can be expanded,” Dr. Ali noted.

RECOVERY AND RENEWED HOPE Meanwhile, outgoing Chairman of the PSC, Nicholas Boyer reflected on the events of the past year, noting that the successes of his tenure were limited due to the unfortunate state of the country at the time.

“Not so long ago, we were faced with a threat to the political and economic stability of the country, which would have wiped out everything we all worked so hard to achieve, including our thriving business climate,” Boyer reminded his audience.

He said that fortunately, the process of recovering and repairing has commenced.

“The Private Sector Commission, this past year, began

President Dr. Irfaan Ali work to restore investors’ confidence in the economy by engaging with several stakeholders. These include a US Congressional delegation, the Jamaican Chamber of Commerce, the foreign missions in Guyana, and several government agencies, along with the new consignment of ministers,” Boyer said.

The PSC official also lauded the financial measures instituted by the Dr Irfaan-Ali Government, and expressed the PSC’s appreciation for inclusion and consultation during the compilation of the national budget.

“Because of the actions within the business community, and immediate measures introduced by the government in Budget 2020, a number of organisations have been able to survive the pandemic in a way that has been quite surprising,” Boyer said.

He also underscored the importance of the PSC inserting itself into the critical conversations that surround national policies and issues that affect all areas of the economy, including taxation, modern investment laws and local-content stipulations.

Boyer also pointed to the imperative nature of pursuing and ensuring electoral and constitutional reforms.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

Inter-ministerial meeting'zones in' on new East Bank Road link

MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, met on Friday at the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Headquarters, to discuss several areas of interest pertinent to a linkage be-

tween the Eccles to Mandela Highway and the Sheriff/ Mandela Road Expansion Project.

Also present at the meeting were Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn

Greaves, and other technical staff of CH&PA and the Ministry of Public Works.

Following the meeting, the ministers and team visited the site at Mandela Avenue where the road is expected to connect.

Once completed, the

Housing Minister and Public Works Minister along with technical staff examining a map of the road expansion project

An aerial shot of the prospective interconnecting road link from Eccles, East Bank Demerara, to Mandela, Georgetown

$2.3 billion Eccles to Mandela Road, as well as the Sheriff/Mandela road project, will significantly reduce traffic congestion for commuters traversing the

routes and modernise the lives of thousands of Guyanese living in the respective housing areas.

The ministers also used the opportunity to visit a

point along the Aubrey Barker Road, where the possibility of an interconnecting road to link the new Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme is being explored.

Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages in need of more assistance DESPITE the constant bookings for feedings at the Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages in Kitty and Oleander Gardens, respectively, House Mother, Thandy Newton and secretary of the orphanages, Merissa Permaul, have said that both facilities are in need of a lot more.

Both women, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, stressed on the importance of increased contributions during Ramadan.

Newton said that during the period at reference, they mainly depend on donors for supplies and monetary contributions to last them the rest of the year.

“We don’t want to look ungrateful; we want them to know that we’re thankful, and we appreciate all that they do for us. But we still welcome more; we’re still in need, and we’d still gladly welcome all that we can get, because this is Ramadan. This is the month where we depend on whatever donations, monetary and otherwise, to take us through the year,” Permaul later said.

She added that since the fire in early February in the dressing room of the upper flat of the orphanage at Oleander Gardens, which left over 20 girls in dire need of personal items, they have had a lot of support in terms of clothing and shoe donations.

“It’s not like we’re not getting stuff, you know; we’re getting help, but we’re not getting enough of certain things. Certain needs are being fulfilled, and certain needs are not, Permaul said, adding: “Right now, they need bedsheets, chest of drawers and wardrobes for both sides. And they need hygiene items and cleansing detergents; sanitisers and everyday stuff. But we don’t put a number on the things we need, because we’re accepting… If a person can even bring one; that’s good. If anybody calls here to ask us, ‘Well, what you need?’ it depends on you.

You can choose what it is you can afford to do for us. We don’t just say, you can give

us four wardrobes. No, we might need four wardrobes, but if you can assist us in buying one, somebody else is going to help us with getting another one.”

Further, Newton noted that while persons were in the habit of contributing cooked food to the orphanages, as well as some groceries, there were some things which were constantly contributed, and some necessities which may have been unconsciously overlooked.

While she did note that it was common practice for persons to contribute bags of rice, flour, sugar, cooking gas, vegetables and bread, things such as maintenance bills and staff salaries depended on monetary contributions, which are not as frequent as food contributions.

“Remember, we still have staff and so to pay, so we’d really just like people to help us in whatever way they can. The thing is, you can’t always pressure one person. Not because they are always doing this, that you would put pressure on them to keep helping out,” she empathized.

She took the opportunity to highlight the overwhelming support that the orphanage has been receiving, and reassured donors that their efforts were not in vain. She sincerely expressed her gratitude to the persons who she says make the upkeep of the orphanage easier for the staff members there.

“We want our constant donors to know that we appreciate all the support we get.

You know, because they don’t have to do it, but they do, and so we really appreciate what they’re doing for us,” she enthused.

The Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages are currently home to 51 children; 30 girls and 21 boys, ranging from ages two to 17. Persons desirous of donating hygienic and personal supplies can contact the main office at (+592) 226-9620. Monetary contributions can be deposited into Demerara Bank account number 401-3223, in the name of the Shaheed Orphanage.

The Shaheed Girls Orphanage at Oleander Gardens, on the East Coast Demerara

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

Taking the lead

RUNNING a smooth ship to manage the affairs of this country as Government accelerates the development agenda with massive projects in the pipeline, and on-the-go, requires a keen sense of the pulse of the people; of how the public is responding to an unfolding new Guyana.

The State would want to take into consideration the social impact of the society’s steep, rapid, sudden rise; the curving up of the development chart from a slow, steady horizontal climb over the nation’s history, to this high-velocity vertical ascent of monumental upward lift now happening.

How could the average soul adjust to Guyana’s per capita GDP moving from a mere US$300 in 1992, to around US$18,000 by 2025, from a US$4 billion economy in 2021, to, according to the International Monetary Fund, a US$14 billion Caribbean and South American powerhouse by 2025?

For one, there is a fine line to walk in balancing the needs of capital investors who, in these early days of Guyana’s meteoric rise, may expect excessively favourable treatment for their hard-cash investments, with the expectations and presupposition of ordinary folk who see their country through lenses that were honed for so long to filter their world through the rigours of a poor society.

It is not an easy thing to quickly tran-

sition up the hierarchy of progress, to rise from a state of laid-back existence as one of the poorer GDP lands in the world for decades, to all of a sudden become, literally, the fastest-rising economy in the world. Such a transformation of pace requires a national mental shift of proportional intensity.

One of the fundamental necessities of these times is the fine management of public information across the land, which, in today’s world, is a sophisticated skills set that the State would want to cultivate and hone, both with professional training of its own staff, and with looking beyond the local pool to tap into the expertise of international experts.

National institutions, including the mass media, have learned over the years how to react to what goes on in the society, and much of that reaction becomes a kind of knee-jerk Pavlovian instinct, with a habit of distrusting Government’s intentions, to seeing some big international private sector enterprises as anti-people, and to painting a negative picture of what the public may perceive as an unknown factor, and hence, a threat. Given this learned behaviour of the public, in order to re-position the Guyanese worldview to proactively cooperate with the new dynamic and the new paradigm of a fast-rising society, it is the State’s job to bring to the national

table a fresh perspective of the country. This is necessary to welcome international players on the local ground, without the public seeing them as threats to sovereignty, or here to take away from local wealth.

In other words, it is part of the governance process to refresh and reset and reboot how Guyanese see their world: The way citizens approach the task of developing their country, of welcoming the building building-out process, of also recognising that not every time everybody would get everything right, and that Government is not a god, but mere humans managing the affairs of State, and that the way to deal with challenges and issues that would inevitably arise on this amazing journey of building a world-class country is to be positive, to care with wisdom and good sense, and to seek always to cooperate and reach out in good faith, trust, and confidence that everybody wants only the best for the Guyanese nation, that Government is committed only to the welfare and prosperity and progress of Guyanese.

One example that comes to mind is the national response to ExxonMobil’s gas-flaring scenario, which is evolving into a controversial story, and could cause adversarial fallout around the oil-and-gas sector.

Government recognises that in these times,

balancing the oil-and-gas sector with Guyana’s asset as a net clean climate generator is an important prerequisite to the development process. Nobody is more keenly aware of this fine balance than Government, and the country has established a national plan for the natural environment to be preserved, with a strong sustainability factor built in.

However, there seems to be a faultline in communicating this commitment of the Government for sustainability and preservation of the natural environment to the public consciousness. Instead, the public’s focus is on the oil-and-gas sector without seeming regard for the climate agenda of the State, with a real risk that heavy, constant public criticism of the sector’s development could become so pervasive, that it would damage the viewpoint of potential investors, and even cause angst within the oil-and-gas community.

Government’s respect and love for democracy and open debate and professional public analysis and commentary is laudable and is to be encouraged, and it is also Government’s job to make sure that the society is well-informed, that critics have all the facts, and that emotive, irrational, instinctive outbursts do not cause a negative impact across the still delicate investor climate in the country.

There is an absolute need to also license counsellors Dear Editor, THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is moving towards creating a Social Work Act, which will allow for the licensing of those employed in the field locally.

Perhaps this initiative could be the catalyst for a number of outstanding others to professionalise and boost services offered to consumers.

For starters, there is an absolute need to also license counsellors, especially since for too long all sorts have been running around as counsellors, creating significant harm. I had previously written about two different instances of individuals pushed to suicide by such quacks. And I do know of a Guyanese mental health expert living in Florida who would be willing to lend her expertise in setting up such protocols, since the International Registry of Counsellor

Education Programmes has tasked her with responsibility for the Caribbean.

Also, finally the 1930s Mental Health Act is being updated. May I suggest that before it moves to finality, all stakeholders be provided with opportunities to review and make suggestions, especially since so much has happened on the mental health landscape since the 1930s.

Also, the new Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) legislation currently being by drafted, should include a mental health component to prevent workplaces discriminating against disabled persons; address issues such as suicide ideation; stress and anxiety and mandate designation of workplaces as abuse and violence-free locations that provide necessary assistance to employees in these regards. As well, child labour needs to be included along with trafficking for coerced, exploitative labour with victims who are often physically and sexually abused.

As regards OSH, labour inspectors should be trained and mandated to initiate sanctions once transgressions are found. It becomes a time-dragging, tedious exercise in frustration that other personnel have to be sought to enforce sanctions. And while the line minister has vowed to implement substantial fines, punitive consequences need to be significant enough to act as deterrence, while enabling timely and standardised enforcement that could possibly include mandated training each time there are transgressions and an evaluation system that deducts points for such transgressions.

Meanwhile, the current practice of having legal and medical practitioners respectively,deal with malpractice complaints, will always be viewed as prejudicial to the consumer (victim), especially since these mechanisms generally leave much to be desired. Consequently, the woefully ineffective Legal and the Medical

Practitioners Acts respectively also need to be updated to, among things, mandate timely and open investigations of all forms of malpractice on the one hand, and enable citizens to still be able to sue if not satisfied with decisions.

Finally, very much needed are clear laws and guidelines for consumers who are left to the mercy of the public bureaucracy and private management, endless red tape and run around, far too often, ending in frustration, abuse and dehumanisation.

Such laws and guidelines must place emphasis on safety, quality ratings, consumer-centric services that include empathy, mechanisms to address complaints in a timely and non-confrontational manner and consumers’ legal redress.

Yours sincerely, Annan Boodram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

14 ExxonMobil Guyana offshore workers test positive for COVID-19 FOURTEEN rotational workers of ExxonMobil Guyana have tested positive for COVID-19, Public and Government Affairs Adviser, Janelle Persaud, has confirmed.

“We can confirm that 14 rotational workers supporting our operations offshore Guyana have tested positive for COVID-19. All are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms at this time,” the company said.

These individuals, ExxonMobil noted in a press release, have been appropriately isolated to limit the spread of the virus. Eleven remain in isolation on the Noble Tom Madden, and three have been transferred to appropriate isolation facilities onshore under the care and custody of their employer.

If necessary, the oil giant noted that plans are in place to safely transport the remaining positive workers onshore since safe and healthy workplaces remain a top priority for

ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors.

“We have well-established processes in place to manage impacts related to infectious disease outbreaks, which have allowed us to identify these cases early,” Exxon noted.

In [April] 2020, ExxonMobil Guyana established COVID-19 prevention screening facilities in country and abroad to safely manage rotators coming into and departing the country.

Since this arrangement began, ExxonMobill added: “We successfully transferred more than 10,000 persons without a positive case offshore. There are medical personnel onboard our offshore facilities and they are taking necessary precautions to monitor the health of the workers and provide appropriate treatment and care.

Operations at our six drillships and the Liza Destiny FPSO remain unaffected at this time.”

Resignation unrelated to controversial fuel arrangements with Aaron Royalty Inc. Dear Editor, IN response to the significant number of inaccurate reports in the public domain, I am taking this opportunity to clarify the events that led to my resignation, and to demonstrate that they were in no way connected to the matter of fuel imported by Aaron Royalty Inc. and alleged kickbacks related to that transaction.

On the night of Wednesday, April 14 at 20:24 hours, I emailed the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) to advise that representatives of Aaron Royalty Inc. reached out to me expressing their dissatisfaction with specific officers of GUYOIL, and of their intention to go to the media to expose corruption. In that email (a copy of which could be obtained), I also advised that I suggested to the Aaron representatives that they should reach out to GUYOIL BOD first to seek redress. I forwarded to the BOD, the email that I had received from Aaron representatives (a copy of this email could also be obtained).

On the morning of the following day, Thursday, April 15, I was called to the Charlotte Street office of the Chairman of the GUYOIL BOD, Mr. Paul Cheong, where he handed me a letter sending me on administrative leave. The letter further stated that the BOD will conduct a performance review of my tenure as General Manager. He informed me that the Company Secretary, Shawn Persaud, will be acting as General Manager in the interim (a copy of this email could also be obtained).

In the afternoon of the following day, Friday April 16, I was invited to a meeting with the BOD to discuss my job performance.

During the meeting, specifics of my actual performance were not discussed, however, I

was asked to relate the matters that are of concern to me and I took the opportunity to raise with the BOD, matters that I felt required the full Board’s attention.

At the same meeting, I indicated to the BOD my intention to submit my resignation in light of the recent work environment. On the evening of Monday, April 19, I tendered my resignation by email.

The next morning, Tuesday, April 20 at 10:17 hours, the Company Secretary, who was also at the time, General Manager (acting), forwarded by email two scanned documents, one of which was a letter signed by the Chairman, Paul Cheong, accepting my resignation and rescinding the letter directing me to proceed on administrative leave.

It was only after this sequence of events that stories began circulating on social media later on Tuesday, April 20. Someone, apparently deliberately, conflated the issues of my discussions with the Chairman and the BOD and the emerging matter of the dispute between Aaron Royalty Inc. and GUYOIL, resulting from Aaron’s arrangements with specific officials of GUYOIL. In the interest of full disclosure, I must mention that representatives of Aaron had reached out to me before April 14 and at that time I had advised them to try and resolve the matter with the officers who had engaged them to supply fuel to GUYOIL. I reiterate that, at no time did I negotiate any fuel purchases with Aaron Royalty and that my issues with the BOD and Chairman, Paul Cheong, never included the issue of this fuel purchase.

Yours sincerely, Trevor Bassoo Former GUYOIL General Manager

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Measures in place to combat COVID-19 at Supreme Court

FROM the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to now, the Supreme Court of Judicature Guyana (SCJG) has implemented and maintained necessary precautionary measures to combat the deadly COVID-19 virus and protect its staff.

This was noted in a press release from the SCJG, responding to what it describes as a “misleading article” authored by attorney-at-law, Richard Millington, Director of Communications of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID).

In that article titled “CGID Expresses Concern Over the Guyana Supreme Court Forcing Its Staff To Work Although The Court Complex is a COVID-19 Hotspot”, CGID noted that it received calls from staff of the Supreme Court office complex, who complained of colleagues being tested positive for the virus, however, management is “forcing” staff to continue working.

“The staff complained that although the Court is a current COVID-19 hotspot, no measures have been taken

to close down operations, sanitise the complex or get everyone who likely was exposed tested,” the article noted.

However, in response, the Supreme Court elaborated that it collaborated with the Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 Task Force on the implementation of all established guidelines and protocols to ensure the safe operation of the judicial system.

The Supreme Court highlighted a list of measures it implemented in it’s fight against the virus, including but not limited to, regular sanitisation and fumigation of its premises, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and provision of free transportation to and from work for staff to minimise risk associated with the use of public transportation.

In addition, community health workers are stationed at the Court entrances; there has been a move towards the utilisation of technology to conduct virtual trials in an attempt to reduce the

number of persons who visit the courts on a daily basis; paying for COVID-19 testing for staff at Eureka Labs; arranging for vaccines to be made available to staff and members of the judiciary and COVID-19 sensitisation through webinars.

The release noted that despite the implementation of these measures, over the past week and a half, reports were received of members of staff testing positive for the virus.

Those staffers have been required to quarantine and their offices were sanitised, the court conducted contact tracing and testing was arranged for persons with the greatest risk of exposure.

“Every case was treated with the utmost seriousness and all protocols were followed. Management is actively considering all options as we seek to take the best course of action for all concerned, in light of the fact that the judiciary is designated as an essential service to the populace,” the release noted.

The Supreme Court also has active COVID-19 man-

The view of the Supreme Court of Judicature, the Victoria Law Courts from Ave of the Republic, Georgetown agement committees, and an emergency meeting was held on April 22, 2021 with heads of department and superviso-

ry staff to address the current situation.

“We reiterate that it is indeed unfortunate that

despite what is a robust COVID-19 response, inaccurate views could be expressed,” the release noted.

Guyana Dental Council meets with AG

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall S.C. meeting with members of the Guyana Dental Council at the Ministry of Legal Affairs on Friday ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Friday, met with members of the Dental Council of Guyana to discuss a revision of the Dental Registration Act 1966.

At the meeting, which was requested by the Guyana Dental Council, members of the council highlighted a number of deficiencies within the Dental Registration Act 1966, which is alleged to be archaic and ineffective to properly govern the dental sector.

One of the major concerns of the representatives which was discussed is

the inability to competently register and discipline those who fall within the purview of the law.

Nandlall made the commitment that the office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel will collaborate with the Council in a concerted effort to examine similar laws in the region and to craft recommendations to modernise and strengthen the current Act. The Attorney-General emphasised that at the appropriate time, all relevant stakeholders will be consulted, stressing that consultation remains a hallmark of this administration.

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‘Condign action’ promised if malpractices are detected at GuyOil

SHOULD investigations into the country’s latest ‘fuel scandal’ detect any malpractice or corrupt undertakings on the part of the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GuyOil), those found culpable would be dealt with condignly.

This assertion was made on Friday by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, as he updated reporters on investigations being conducted into the allegations, which surfaced in the local media on Tuesday.

entered into. “The board made that clear to me,” Dr. Singh added.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the board also outlined to the minister, the procurement procedures that are adhered to by the company.

Following the meeting, GuyOil issued an independent statement which listed the pre-requisite procedures that are in place and in practice, relating to the purchase of fuel from any company.

Those pre-requisites include competitive procurement, due diligence of the supplying company, purchase

and a certificate of origin/ signed declaration that the product was not sourced from an embargoed country.

Also, among the pre-requisites are details of the vessel to be used, the Q88 document; a detailed report by an independent inspector on the loading of the vessel; bill of lading for the loaded vessel and updates from the vessel on its estimated time of arrival.

NO CONTRACT “GuyOil wishes to categorically state that whilst ARI was one of a number of

Despite the company insisting its innocence, the Finance Minister said that he will be guided by the findings of the audit, on the way forward According to reports, the proprietor of a company named Aaron Realty Inc. (ARI) is claiming that he is now left with a large quantity of fuel on hand, after senior officials of GuyOil recanted on a commitment to purchase the substance.

The fuel dealer claims that he even has evidence of the commitments.

On the other hand, GuyOil is insisting its innocence.

Shortly after the allegations were made, Minister Singh summoned the company’s Board of Directors, Chaired

by Paul Cheong, to an urgent meeting at his Main Street office. “The Board [of Directors] repeatedly emphasised that there is no contract with the company in question,” Dr. Singh related.

He noted that while there might have been some communication between particular GuyOil officials, no official agreements were

order/contract, nominated quantity sent to the supplier with expected date of delivery, certificate of quality/ conformity with technical specification, proforma invoice which is necessary for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to authorise the offloading of any fuel from the supplier’s vessel,

companies which GuyOil had discussions on the possible supply of fuel, GuyOil has not, at any time, entered into a contract with ARI,” the company related.

Despite GuyOil’s defence, the Finance Minister moved ahead to request that an urgent audit be conducted

by the Office of the Auditor General. “We have absolutely no tolerance in this government for any corrupt practices,” Dr. Singh emphasised.

He said that while he does not want to preempt the outcome of the investigation, whomever is deemed culpable of wrongdoings will face the requisite consequences.

“In the event that any inappropriate practices are identified, condign action would be taken,” the Finance Minister maintained.

After reports of the scandal began to make its rounds, General Manager of GuyOil, Trevor Bassoo, tendered his resignation to the company’s Board of Directors, forcing them to appoint an interim sub-committee to manage its day-to-day operations, and lead the search for a new General Manager.

Prior to official reports of him resigning, there were social media reports hinting that Bassoo was being sent on

Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance administrative leave in light of alleged corruption at GuyOil. He has since denied the allegations in a Facebook post.

“I wish to state that is incorrect. I also wish to advise that I have chosen to and have submitted my resignation to the Chairman and Board of Directors,” Bassoo said in his post. He

also indicated his intension to solicit legal advice, “after which I will provide more information.”

Bassoo was appointed to the post of General Manager of GuyOil in October 2020, replacing Renatha Exeter, who had also resigned from the company.

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New Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme taking shape HOUSING and Water Minister, Collin Croal, visited the new Cummings Lodge (Cummings Park) housing scheme on Friday to get a first-hand look at the works going on there.

The minister was pleased with the level of progress following his earlier visit in April, where works had just begun.

To date, the construction of 140 low-income homes is moving apace with the completion of a number of foundations and erection of columns.

Meanwhile, mobilisation is in progress to start the construction of 50 homes.

These homes are

low-income, two-bedroom elevated units, measuring approximately 20x30 square feet. As part of its goal to create wholesome communities, the housing scheme will be equipped with a playground for recreation activities and a health centre.

A police outpost will also be established along the route to enhance security.

In addition to the construction of the homes, he also noted that land clearing and preparation works are ongoing for the development of a number of house lots in the area.

In assessing the progress, the minister also observed

the level of employment opportunities created by the project for dozens of skilled and semi-skilled construction workers, some of whom are from nearby areas.

He also saw two mobile units used to sell meals and beverages to workers. The mobile units are being operated by two mothers, who also live nearby and provides additional economic support for their families.

The minister said benefits such as these the ministry and by extension, Government of Guyana, envision when crafting its housing drive.

The homes are expected to be completed by July 2021.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, with engineers from the projects department perusing the site map for the houses being constructed

The construction of homes in Cummings Lodge Housing scheme taking shape

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

Passengers’ safety must be priority –– Hicken, Traffic Chief tell minibus, taxi operators

DEPUTY Commissioner (ag) Operations, Clifton Hicken, and Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram have met with United Minibus Union President, Eon Andrews and minibus and taxi operators and other stakeholders in an effort to ensure greater safety on the roadways.

The meeting was held recently at the Police Officers Training Centre at Eve Leary, here in Georgetown.

In his remarks, Commissioner Hicken urged the operators to continue to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, and ensure all passengers wear a mask or face the courts.

The Deputy Commissioner reminded those at the meeting that speeding is a main contributor to the carnage on the roads, and that heightened police presence will be seen in and around the minibus and hire car parks to address this problem.

Operators and conductors were also reminded that

“hot-plating” and the soliciting of passengers are unlawful, and that these actions are contributing to congestion and malpractices at the minibus and hire car parks.

The Deputy Commissioner also called on operators and conductors to be more respectful and polite to police ranks, as confrontation with the police will not be tolerated nor condoned.

He said, too, that a recourse is available for operators to make use of the Guyana Police Force’s opendoor policy, or make contact with senior officers whose contact numbers are in the public domain.

The Guyana Police Force is working to strengthen partnership with all stakeholders to ensure adherence to responsible behavior, and the responsible use of the country’s roadways.

Also speaking at the meeting was President of the United Minibus Association, Eon Andrews, who highlighted that the pandemic is real,

and that minibus operators ought to be more considerate of their passengers, as their safety during the health crisis must come first.

He said that while some are adhering to the guidelines, there are still a few operators out there who work without wearing face masks.

He said that it is this “dog-eat-dog hustle mentality” that keeps some operators from following the necessary protocols.

“The minibus persons at certain parks aren’t disciplined enough to enforce the rules, because what you find is that they are just thinking about making money, Andrews said, adding: “I mean, there are a few decent drivers and decent operators.”

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ashram urged the minibus and taxi operators to abide with the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Regulations, and to change their attitude towards the public, so as to build better police/community relations.

Banks DIH wins Coca-Cola Excellence Cup BANKS DIH Limited has won the prestigious Coca-Cola Excellence Cup Award for small markets within the Coca-Cola Latin Centre Business Unit (LCBU).

According to a release, this is the second time that the company has won the important award, having first secured the title in 2016 ahead of other leading bottlers in the Caribbean and Latin America that competed in several categories including sales, health, safety and the environment.

The announcement was made over the weekend during the LCBU annual awards Ceremony in Miami, Florida.

“It is with a sense of pride and accomplishment that we accept on behalf of our team at Banks DIH, recognition from the Coca-Cola Company in the Excellence Award, that our effort and contribution were not in vain and were recognised,” Andrew Carto, Human Resources Director said in remarks to the audience.

He added that the company reiterates its total alignment with the objectives of the Coca-Cola Company to grow the iconic brand and to uphold the attributes of quality, consistency, health, safety of employees and promoting sustainable development, both globally and with the communities in which it operates.

Carto also recognised the contribution of Quality Management and Sales/Marketing teams led by Seeranie Ramnauth, Quality Assurance Executive; Jennifer Khan, Coca Cola Brand Executive and Afesha Burke,

Environment and Safety Executive, for their unstinting support.

Banks DIH Limited has been a bottling partner with Coca-Cola for over 30 years when the iconic beverage was officially launched in Guyana.

“We at Banks will readily attest to the fact that our relationship with Coca-Cola has been for us a rewarding experience on several fronts.

We have, as a result of those mutual efforts, been able to not only to grow the brand within Guyana, but also to improve the quality and efficiencies in general across our company, thereby increasing value for all of our stakeholders,” Carto stated.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, (ag), Clifton Hicken, seated left at head table, pays keen attention to some of the issues being raised by a concerned driver

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Rehabilitated well to benefit over 100 households in Moblissa MORE than 100 households in Moblissa, on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, now have access to potable water after more than three years without this basic commodity.

On Friday, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, commissioned a rehabilitated well that will serve the community.

Earlier this year, Minister Rodrigues visited the community during a presidential outreach to Region 10 where the issue of the non-functional well was brought to her attention.

On the heels of the minister’s visit, the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc., Shaik Baksh, and a technical team visited the location to assess the situation.

During the commissioning ceremony of the $1.5M rehabilitated well, Minister Ro-

drigues noted her pleasure at being able to deliver on a promise made to residents.

“This is my third visit to this community; what we are doing as a government across this country and under the leadership of the President is, we are leaving no stone unturned.”

The minister added that while this project may be seen as small, citizens must recognise that the government is committed to meeting the needs of every single community across the country.

“Your government is working for you no matter how small it is... we will continue to engage and consult with you in your best interest.”

With this new system, residents in proximity to the well will be able to access water 24 hours daily.

Meanwhile, further intervention in the community will be the drill-

ing of a new well this year and the installation of a distribution network to provide water access for the health centre, primary school, and residents nearby.

Residents also appealed to the minister for assistance with some rehabilitation works to a main access bridge in the community. They were assured that the matter has been raised with regional officials and will be remedied.

The water system in Moblissa was first started in 2009 under the LEAP programme but some additional works were needed. In 2017 another attempt was made to revive the system but those efforts failed.

Works undertaken on the system includes the sourcing and installation of a pump and motor, photovoltaic system, storage tanks and rehabilitation of the trestle.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, is assisted by a child in commissioning the rehabilitated well that will serve the Moblissa community

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

‘FemPower’ launched to help disadvantaged women

A GROUP of young women recently formed FemPower, an organisation which will focus on improving the lives of girls who have dropped out of school and single-parent mothers in Region Two. President of FemPower, Dhevanttie Maesh called “Sony”, said those being targeted will become engaged in social, psychological, and economical activities. They will have an opportunity to gain various skills through training programmes, which, upon completion, will make them more marketable.

Maesh said the mission of the newly formed organisation is to support women so they can achieve their full potential as well as encourage and enable them to be part of businesses.

The organisation’s membership plans to involve other women in learning and community life.

It is expected that a wide range of services will be delivered to women from several communities in the region to inspire them to become economically viable and active.

“At FemPower we will strive to create a future where all women will be viewed and treated equally as men, in all aspects of life,” Maesh told the Guyana Chronicle.

Among the training programmes to be offered are first aid, caregiving, cater-

Members of FemPower, two of their male supporters and Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt (first left) ing and craft.

Maesh who is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, said services such as talk therapies, counselling sessions, and ted talks will be made available to the women.

The other members of the organisation are Vice-President, Jamawattie Laltoo; Secretary, Cindy Sukdio; Assistant Secretary, Hemwattie Singh; Treasurer Ladonna Lewis, and Assistant Treasurer, Muvita Takeram. The organisation’s members have expertise in various fields including teaching, business and psychology. They are also receiving support in various forms from several men.

They recently met with Regional Executive Officer,

Devanand Ramdatt, and Minister of Housing and Water, Honourable Collin Croal, in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). Several plans were discussed and ideas were shared.

Ramdatt recently donated walkers to the organisation for distribution.

Ramdatt told the Guyana Chronicle that he is very satisfied with the organisation’s proposal and he pledged the RDC’s support towards helping the women achieve their mission.

Anyone desirous of joining or who is in need of additional information can contact the organisation on 592-662-2036, 592-666-3067, or 592-6656969 or send an email to fempowergy@gmail.com.

Regional Executive Officer, Devanad Ramdatt (first left), shortly after handing over several walkers to Vice-President of FemPower, Jamawattie Laltoo. Also pictured is Ksan Persaud, one of the organisation’s supporters

Man accused of knifepoint robbery granted bail

FemPower members meeting with Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt, and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC)

MELLSHIAN Bharrat, who allegedly robbed a man at knifepoint, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was placed on $50,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly.

Bharrat, a resident of B Field Dam Squatting Area, Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the robbery under arms charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that he, on April 7, 2021, at Kitty Seawall, Georgetown, while being armed with a knife, robbed Rohit Narine of one iPhone cellular phone valued at $152,000, $6000 cash and personal documents.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, at about 19:30 hours, Narine and his girlfriend were walking along the Kitty Seawall when Bharrat approached them. Bharrat allegedly

removed a knife from his pants waist and placed it near Narine’s belly before demanding that he hand over the haversack he had at the time.

Narine complied and Bharrat made good his escape.

The matter was reported and based on the information received, Bharrat was arrested and later charged.

The matter was adjourned until May 21, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

PAHO calls for closing of vaccination gap generated by COVID-19 pandemic disruption ON the eve of Vaccination Week in the Americas, PAHO is urging countries to close the immunisation gap that resulted in hundreds of thousands of children missing vaccinations last year. The decline in immunisation was partly due to interruptions in health services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The call for stepped up immunisation coincides with the April 24-30 Vaccination Week in the Americas and World Immunisation Week regional and global events when countries launch immunisation campaigns. The 2021 theme, “Vaccines bring us closer”, is the need to focus on closing the immunisation breach.

“The Americas has been tremendously successful in

immunisation against many serious diseases,” said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne.

“We were the first region in the world to eliminate smallpox, polio, and rubella, but we are now seeing declines in immunisation, and we must reverse that trend, not only for the health of our children, but also for the well-being of our entire society.”

In 2020, in the WHO Region of the Americas, 18.2 per cent fewer children (474,395 in total) received all three shots of the DPT3 vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, compared to 2019. Also in 2020, 13.9 per cent fewer children (379, 208 in total) received their dose of the MMR1 vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, compared to the year before.

COVID-19 restrictions on movement contributed to fewer vaccinations. In addition, many people were reluctant to go to health facilities to request vaccinations for fear of COVID-19 transmission.

“The Americas has been at the forefront of reducing deadly and life-altering disease through vaccination,” said Dr. Cuauhtemoc Ruiz Matus, Chief of PAHO’s Immunisation Unit.

“In recent years, we have seen a dangerous decline.

This year’s Vaccination Week in the Americas is a chance not only to celebrate the availability of immunization, but also to get vaccination back on track.”

Reduced immunisation in 2020 follows a longer-term trend. According to a re-

Autopsy: Berbice truck driver died of multiple injuries AN autopsy conducted on the body of Andrew Jagmohan, who was killed last Wednesday in an accident at Wiki Creek Landing Backdam, Berbice, has indicated that he died as a result of multiple injuries.

Reports indicate that the 34-year-old man of Crabwood Creek, Skeldon, Berbice, was the driver of motor truck #GFF 7662, which was transporting logs.

Police reported that Jagmohan was driving uphill when he encountered me-

chanical problems at around 18:15 hours.

As a result, the lorry began to roll backwards causing one of the logs to hit a tree; the log then became forced into the cabin of the truck and pinned Jagmohan to the steering wheel.

Ivan Martin, a porter in the truck, rushed Jagmohan to the Kwakwani Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The body was subsequently taken to the Kwakwani Hospital Mortuary.

Dead: Andrew Jagmohan

cent PAHO report, “In 2019, endemic transmission of measles was reestablished in Venezuela and Brazil; between 2013 and 2019, the number of countries and territories reporting that 95 per cent of children under one year of age had received all three DTP vaccine doses declined from 19 to 13.

During the same time period, the number of countries that were able to sustain at least 95 per cent coverage with all three DTP doses for three or more years declined from 13 to six.”

Urging countries to increase immunisation, Dr. Etienne called for government policies to strengthen public confidence in vaccination. She urged promotion of immunisation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and support for introduction of COVID-19 vaccines.

She also called for maintaining public health measures, such as physical

distancing, mask wearing and proper hand hygiene, throughout the COVID-19 vaccination process and until the pandemic is defeated.

Amid the decline in immunisation last year, there was good news. During the 2020 vaccination week, 16 countries immunised populations against influenza, prioritising healthcare workers, older adults and people with chronic illness. More than 100 million people were vaccinated, reducing the potential that health systems already taxed by COVID-19 could be overwhelmed by flu patients.

In 2020, 10 countries vaccinated more than 250,000 children and adults against measles. Nine countries vaccinated against polio, and eight countries immunised against HPV (human papilloma virus) during that week.

For over 40 years, PAHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation

PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne (EPI) has helped make the Americas a global leader in elimination and control of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, measles, and neonatal tetanus. Since the creation of the EPI in 1977, countries have moved from using six vaccines in their national vaccination schemes to an average of more than 16 vaccines, which represents greater protection for the population.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

Karunaratne holds fort as Bangladesh make inroads (ESPNCRICINFO) - Sri Lanka weren’t quite derailed by the two wickets that fell on the third evening, but it’s true that Bangladesh spinners created plenty of chances on a pitch that’s roughed up considerably, more than the home side did in their long haul in the middle. Sri Lanka were 229 for 3 at stumps, still well adrift of the follow-on mark after Bangladesh declared at 541 for 7.

Sri Lanka were going well during the 114-run opening stand between captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne, but Bangladesh bowlers struck thrice after that.

Thirimanne fell at the stroke of tea, having made a comfortable half-century. Oshada Fernando and Angelo Mathews then both got out after getting good starts in the last session.

Mathews struck four quick boundaries before missing a length ball off Taijul Islam that was delivered from over the wicket, angling towards the off stump. Mathews fell for a 32-ball 25. Oshada was earlier caught down the leg side off

Taskin Ahmed after he made 20 off 42 balls.

In the last 40-odd minutes, there were several close shaves too. First, Karunaratne’s mistimed pull shot hit a ducking Saif Hassan at short-leg. There was no damage done but later in the over, Dhananjaya de

Dimuth Karunaratne ended the third day unbeaten on 85 (AFP/Getty Images)

Silva edged Ebadat Hossain through the slips, moments after a fielder was removed from that same spot.

In the following over, a drive from Karunaratne dropped just short of the bowler Islam before the captain survived two more close calls

Zimbabwe beat ... gwe had two more big reasons to celebrate when he was tasked with bowling the final over and defending 20. A runout off the first ball followed by two dot balls meant that

Zimbabwe had all but won the match halfway through the over.

With almost no chance of victory, Haris Rauf hit the fourth ball to Brendan Tay-

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off the same bowler a little while later. Karunaratne was given out when Islam got one to hit his back pad, but replays showed the ball would have missed his leg stump.

One ball later, Karunaratne jumped out of his crease and appeared to have defended the

Mumbai Indians Trent Boult (MI)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who was the Man of the Tournament in IPL 2020?

(2) Who scored most runs in the IPL 2020?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

ball. The third umpire ruled out the review as he felt the ball had hit bat first but replays later showed that the ball had hit Karunaratne’s toe first.

The day ended with de Silva smashing Islam for a superb straight drive, leaving the match interestingly poised.

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lor in the covers before Iqbal was dismissed for a first-ball duck to end the innings with a ball to spare.

Asif Ali’s issues Pakistan’s middle-order problems showed no sign of resolving, especially as they kept rotating between the Alis.

They left Haider out of this match and brought Asif back, but he only managed a single before failing to read a Ngarava slower ball and sending it straight to Donald Tiripano at mid-off.

His nothing shot came at the worst possible time, and extended the period in which he has not scored more than 30 in a T20I to 18 months, when he got past the mark against New Zealand in Dubai in November 2018, 14 innings ago.

Earlier, Thirimanne fell in the last ball of the second session. Mehidy Hasan drew him forward, hit his front pad halfway down and gave Bangladesh the breakthrough. Thirimanne had survived another lbw shout against Islam a few overs earlier, but Mominul Haque didn’t take the review; replays showed it would have hit leg stump.

Thirimanne and Karunaratne were mostly at ease against Bangladesh fast bowlers, but as soon as Haque brought on spinners from both ends, they adopted a cautious approach. Thirimanne’s first 58 runs came off 125 balls, which included eight fours.

Bangladesh declared their first innings at 541 for 7, having batted for 90 min-

utes in the first session. They picked up the pace slightly, adding 67 runs in 18 overs.

Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim both scored fifties.

It was also the third time that Bangladesh had five players getting 50-plus scores. Vishwa Fernando took 4 for 96 while Suranga Lakmal, de Silva and Lahiru Kumara picked up a wicket each.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

Zimbabwe beat Pakistan

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Zimbabwe beat Pakistan for the first time in a T20I match in their 16th attempt, ending a nine-match losing streak in the process in Harare yesterday, while also winning their first T20I at home since beating India in 2016. The 19-run win in a low-scoring game helped Zimbabwe level the series 1-1 with one game to go.

On a slow surface, Zimbabwe set Pakistan a target of 119 which seemed gettable for the most part. It ended up being the lowest score Pakistan have failed to chase down, as they were bowled out for 99.

They got off to a slow start, and then suffered a massive middle- and lower-order collapse, losing seven wickets for 21 runs in 26 balls to crash from 78 for 3 to their lowest T20I total since 2016.

Luke Jongwe, who made his comeback to the Zimba-

bwean team in this series after a five-year absence because of eye and head injuries, finished with the best returns by a Zimbabwean in T20Is - 4 for 18 - and took wickets at the top and bottom of the Pakistan line-up. He was supported well by leg-spinner Ryan Burl, who took 2 for 21, the other tweakers in the attacks - Wesley Madhevere and Wellington Masakadza, who went at less than 5.50 run an over - and left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava, who bowled three overs for ten runs.

Zimbabwe’s ground-fielding was also much improved after they dropped several chances in the first match, but they still have some work to do with the bat. Only one of their batters, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, scored over 20, their highest partnership was 28 for the second wicket between Kamunhukamwe and Tadiwanashe Marumani. And

still, it was enough to beat Pakistan.

Babar Azam’s 41 looked like it would take Pakistan over the line despite a growing required run-rate. Pakistan needed to score at less than six runs an over to win when they started, but needed 47 runs off the last five overs, at a rate of over nine an over. When Azam was dismissed, they fell apart, making tomorrow’s third match a decider.

Arshad Iqbal has an impact Debutant Arshad Iqbal made more of an impression than he may have planned to with the third ball of his second over when he snapped Tinashe Kamunhukamwe’s helmet in two. Not in half. Into two pieces. Kamunhukamwe backed away trying to pull a bouncer on leg stump and was struck. The outer shell was removed to expose an inner shell that remained

on Kamunhukamwe’s head.

His grille remained intact, he passed a concussion test, continued batting and finished as Zimbabwe’s top scorer, so it wasn’t just Iqbal who made an impact.

The bowler did get in the wickets column, though, as he bagged his first international stick when Tadiwanashe Marumani inside-edged as he tried to heave and Mohammad Rizwan took a good, diving catch to his left.

Qadir denied, twice, then rewarded Usman Qadir could have had a wicket in his first over when Kamunhukamwe reverse swept and the backward point fielder went at the chance one-handed but didn’t get there. He also could have had a wicket in his second over when Marumani charged a googly and missed completely, twirled around and stretched

as far as he could to get his bat back in his crease, which he did.

Mohammad Rizwan responded quickly behind the stumps and broke them as Marumani’s bat bounced in the air. Prior to October 1 2017, Marumani would have been out, but with the rule change, which says that if the bat bounces after being grounded, the batter is deemed safe. Qadir had to wait until his final over for some reward. Burl attempted a reverse sweep but scooped the ball in the air to give Rizwan a simple catch.

Jongwe’s joy Having seen the success the Pakistan attack had with variations of pace, Jongwe started his spell with a slower ball. Rizwan, who had been scoring at a decent rate, scooped a catch gently to extra cover where Tarisai Musakanda took a simple catch.

Given that Rizwan was the top-scorer in the first match and has been in a rich vein of form and that Jongwe was making his return, his joy at his success spilled over. A la Tabraiz Shamsi, he removed his boot and made an imaginary call before being congratulated by his team-mates.

Jongwe had reason to use shoe-phone again when he was brought back to bowl the 16th over, with Pakistan needing 47 runs off 30 balls. There were six runs scored off his first four balls and with boundaries scarce, Azam decided he had to try and find one. His attempt came off a slower ball, which he attempted to force over the covers, but it got the splice of the bat and sent a chance to Wesley Madhevere at deep cover-point.

If that wasn’t enough, JonTURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

Gayle,, Rahul drag Kings XI to win Gayle

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Only Punjab Kings could make a comprehensive nine-wicket victory look like an existential crisis. But on another stodgy, spin-friendly deck at Chepauk, they were made to battle for every run of a subpar target of 132, as champions Mumbai Indians turned to the spin contingent of their hugely versatile attack to take an apparent stroll deep into the death overs.

turned Mumbai’s intentions inside-out. Moises Henriques had bowled a solitary over in this tournament to date, and that may have been out of desperation after a flying start to Sunrisers’ run-chase in last week’s nine-wicket defeat.

But therein lay the beginnings of a cunning plan, as Henriques - with three cheap overs - and Deepak Hooda, equally unaccustomed to being called upon so early in an

Sharma has never been afraid to take his time to build an innings. A brace of steered boundaries from Fabian Allen’s first two balls lifted his strikerate into credit, and at 25 from 22 balls in the eighth over, he was now ready to go deep.

In Allen’s next over, Sharma pumped him over the leg side for Mumbai’s first six, and Hooda was similarly dispatched when he returned for a ten-run third over in the 12th.

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul put on 79 together off 62 balls (BCCI/IPL)

The chase was eventually sealed with 14 balls to spare, thanks to a disciplined stand of 79 from 62 balls between KL Rahul and Chris Gayle, who swallowed their pride and soaked up the dot balls, in the knowledge that the asking rate was never likely to get out of hand in the circumstances.

Nevertheless, as leg-spinner Rahul Chahar once again led the line in a daunting spell of 4-0-19-1, he was ably assisted by the of-breaks of Jayant Yadav (4-0-20-0), whose dispatching by Gayle for a vast six over long-on in the 15th over inadvertently reawakened Mumbai’s interest.

The drier replacement ball began to bite the dry surface with renewed venom, and both batsmen had some exceptionally dicey moments at the denouement - not least Rahul, who brought up a run-a-ball fifty with a leading edge into no-man’s land at square leg.

Inevitably, it was left to the Universe Boss to put the contest beyond doubt, as he swivelled into a pull for six off Trent Boult’s first ball of his comeback over. Rahul joined the pile-on with a swipe over long-on, before a fast edge through third man sealed Punjab’s first victory since their opening match of the tournament.

Fifth bowler, first for Kings It was topsy-turvy from the outset from Kings, and it

innings, were charged with cramping Mumbai’s style in the powerplay.

The pair, and latterly Mohammad Shami, were aided and abetted by a strangely un-alert Rohit Sharma, whose intent appeared to have been anaesthetised on a surface with which Mumbai have become suspiciously familiar in the course of their first four matches.

Sharma might have been run-out off the second ball of the game after jogging for his first run, and his surfeit of caution was summed up when he even patted a shin-high fulltoss from Henriques to long-on for another single - though he made amends one over later for Mumbai’s first boundary of the night.

Quinton de Kock never got going either, as Hooda’s darting off-breaks lured him into a wafty drive to mid-on, and even the habitually unfettered Ishan Kishan was unable to escape first gear, as Mumbai limped to 21-1 in the first six overs, their joint-second-lowest powerplay total in IPL history.

In the process, Punjab had burgled five overs from their least-vaunted bowlers, and as if to celebrate, Ravi Bishnoi - newly called up as a leg-spinning replacement for M Ashwin - did for a becalmed Kishan with a big-spinning googly in his opening over.

Rohit provides ballast but no fireworks

With Suryakumar Yadav picking up on the change of tempo too, Sharma rushed to his fifty from 40 balls with a front-foot steer through backward point off Bishnoi.

But Kings’ early stranglehold was never entirely loosened, even as Suryakumar began to crank up the style with a scoop over backward square off Bishnoi and a whippy pickup through long-on off Shami.

On 33, though, he topedged a switch-hit off Bishnoi to Gayle at short fine leg.

With Kieron Pollard still on 0 and focussed merely on seeing off the final balls of his zippy tight-lined spell, Bishnoi trimmed his bails with the googly as Rahul too failed to pick the variation.

One over later, Kings had the big one. Sharma rocked into a pull to deep midwicket as Shami returned to the attack, and had to go for 63 from 52 balls. It was Mumbai’s highest individual score of the campaign to date, and a clear indication that run-making on this surface is far from straightforward.

Fast start, slow finish Mumbai launched their defence with a waspish first over from Boult that conceded just a single, but Krunal Pandya’s deployment in the powerplay was less of a roaring success.

A brace of fours for Rahul gave way to a glorious pulled six over extra cover from Mayank Agarwal, to provide a kick-start

that would prove match-defining.

But Chahar, with analyses of 4 for 27 and 3 for 19 already in this tournament, is in some fine form right now.

He nearly struck with his third ball as Rahul pushed airily but just out of the bowler’s reach, a let-off that persuaded the captain to play the long game with his spitting, bouncy legbreaks.

On 25, however, Agarwal allowed himself to be hypnotised by Chahar’s line and loop, as he flapped into a halfformed drive over long-on, and was already rehearsing the sweep he should have played as Suryakumar swallowed the chance.

Without missing a beat,

Sharma called the off-spin of Jayant into the attack. He confirmed the rising tension with a brace of single-run overs, as Gayle stretched onto the front foot to acquaint his bat with the middle of the ball. And as he and Rahul traded in singles in Chahar’s third over, Punjab were visibly torn as to stick or twist with the required rate stretching towards 7.5.

Gayle briefly lost patience as Chahal twirled into his final over, so nearly losing his off stump to an ill-conceived cut.

However, a shovelled pull past fine leg was a reminder that even the best bowlers would lapse occasionally. The same trick got Gayle’s innings properly up and running in Jayant’s next over, as he risked lbw to

nick another boundary behind square.

At that moment, Jayant finally strayed into Gayle’s arc for more familiar thump through wide long-on, but those were the last runs he would concede as the replacement ball spat viciously past his edge for the remainder of the over. Krunal found similar assistance on his return to the attack, but ultimately Mumbai were left to rue a batting performance that had been fractionally too deferential to the conditions.

But at least they are off to pastures new in Delhi next week. Two wins from five in Chennai is not a disaster, but it’s left the champions playing catch-up.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

GCB/Dave’s West Indian Imports Educational Trust Fund launched THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), in partnership with Dave’s West Indies Imports and Exports, yesterday launched the Dave Narine Educational Trust Fund for young cricketers across the country. Mr Dave Narine is the proprietor of the entity.

The ceremony was hosted at the GCB Boardroom on Regent Street, where some 15 young cricketers across Guyana will benefit hugely from Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports.

The numbers doubled to 30; an impulsive decision which he deemed to be necessary. This initiative will, now, grant 10 Under-17 cricketers, from each county, the opportunity to benefit from $20 000 worth of school supplies, aimed to assist in their academic pursuits.

Narine, in his address, spoke of his observation

over the years, specifically the difference in the quality of life of those cricketers after their cricket careers would have ended.

He stressed that many with just talent usually

fall by the wayside after their cricketing careers were over, as the lack of education did not yield many other opportunities.

The Dave Narine Educational Trust Fund is

meant to bridge the gap, prompting academic development. It is his dream to see Guyana well represented in the West Indies team, as in the past, thus fuelling his motivation to aid young

cricketers, giving them the best fighting chance, Narine stated.

Aligning with Narine’s vision to enhance the academics of players, Mr Hilbert Foster, vice-presi-

GCB president Bissoondyal Singh (right) and Dave Narine (left) are surrounded by other GCB executives following the launch of the Trust Fund yesterday

dent of GCB, stressed the importance of education for personal development and especially for players, who are expected to understand and abide by playing conditions of the game.

Foster, extended his gratitude to Narine for sponsoring this instrumental undertaking by the GCB and for renewal of sponsorship for the U-15 competition.

Especially humbled by Narine’s contribution was Bissoondyal Singh, new president of the GCB, who noted the name ‘Dave Narine’ was synonymous with cricket, owing to his continual contribution towards Youth cricket.

The GCB head stated that this initiative is a key indicator of the development plans to heighten cricket, and transform its players, using a holistic approach.

What is going on in South Africa’s Cricket?

By Firdose Moonda SOUTH Africa Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa is on the verge of de-recognising Cricket South Africa (CSA), and if that happens, CSA will not be the body that officially runs cricket in the country.

That is exactly as big a deal as it sounds, and it’s been a long time coming.

Here, we try to make sense of what’s happened and why.

Is it the end of cricket in South Africa?

It’s possible, at least for a while. If the government gazette containing the minister ’s proposed interventions is published, then CSA will no longer be officially recognised as the game’s governing body in the country, and can no longer claim to be in charge of national teams or to hand out national colours.

So South Africa won’t have national cricket teams anymore?

Potentially, yes. If CSA is no longer recognised, then existing structures as we know them would cease to exist. Another governing body could, possibly, be formed but it would need to be recognised by both the South African sports ministry and the ICC in order to represent South Africa in international cricket.

That sounds … massive!

Yes, because this could,

for example, mean sponsors and broadcasters walk away and once they do, it’s going to be difficult to get them back even if cricket does manage to get itself back on its feet. And the ripple effect will ultimately be felt not only by the

is not something cricket has dealt with at its highest, most prominent levels.

Hang on, remind me - why is this happening?

Essentially because some administrators are against having a new CSA

last year and have been replaced by an interim board put in place by the government, and 2. The members’ council, which is made up of the 14 provincial presidents and has the highest decision-making authority in the organisation. Some of

If CSA is de-recognised, South Africa might not have teams playing international cricket, for a while at least (AFP/Getty Images)

players but by the broader community that makes a living off cricket. Think of the stadium security guard or vendor or schools’ and development coaches.

Who’s going to run cricket in the country, if not CSA? Who knows? It’s difficult to know how things will work if the governing body is not recognised. This has not happened to a sport in South Africa to date and

board, which has a majority of independent members.

Specifically, there are five presidents of provincial associations on the members’ council, who do not want to agree to having this majority independent board and have not fully explained why.

You’re losing me. What is the members’ council?

There are two centres of power in CSA: 1. The board of directors, who resigned

these presidents also sat on the resigned board and will sit on a new board (but not all of them).

Following? Just about.

Go on.

N o w, p r i o r t o t h e board’s resignation, seven of the members’ council sat on the board, which had five independent directors. The new proposal for the composition of the board - which dates back to 2012, when CSA had

another governance review following the Gerald Majola bonus scandal - suggests four members’ council presidents and seven independents. In short, the members’ appears to be unhappy that their representation on a new board is cut and is trying to cling to that power, though we don’t know for sure because they haven’t explained much.

Probably important to note at this point is that board members earn Rand 450 000 (US$31 500 approx.) a year for attending meetings and enjoy several privileges including travelling to games.

Okay, so it’s a power struggle in which the government has now gotten involved.

Long story short, yes.

Hasn’t this been going on for a while?

Forever, it would seem.

That long story is that the problems stem from the failed T20 Global League in 2017, which saw the exit of then-CEO Haroon Lorgat. Enter Thabang Moroe, under whom CSA spiralled into several crises including a high-profile disagreement with the South African Cricketers Association, issues with broadcasters, and various governance issues.

A forensic report found that Moroe had spent large amounts of board money on alcohol and service providers who did not deliver those services. Moroe has since been dismissed and

the board that appointed him resigned (though some of them are still part of the members’ council because … see above). But the effects of his time in charge remain. CSA is facing serious financial losses that will run into millions of Rands.

In trying to sort out this mess - with the involvement of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee - South Africa’s Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has intervened.

Last November, he imposed an interim board on CSA, which was tasked with, among other things, putting in place the framework for a majority independent board, which brings us back to today.

You said something about a government gazette needing to be published for this to happen.

Yes, in theory, CSA continues to be the officially recognised governing body for cricket in South Africa until the gazette carrying the minister’s acts is published. That usually happens on Fridays, which means that April 30 (next Friday) is the date when CSA could officially ceases to be recognised.

Things could change between now and then, of course, because it’s possible that the members’ council would agree to that board composition within the week, but we’re right at the very edge.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 24, 2021

BCB/Dr Puran Singh Educational Trust Fund 2021 …

Japan announces emergency COVID-19 measures 10 West Berbice youth cricketers

benefit from donations as part of Education Drive

The awardees pose with executives of the BCB after the presentation ceremony

PRESIDENT of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Hilbert Foster last Wednesday urged young cricketers across Berbice to complete their studies at the secondary levels as an educational career was very important in today’s modern world.

Foster was speaking at the presentation ceremony of the BCB/Dr Puran Singh Educational Trust Fund at the board office, New Amsterdam.

The 10 U-17 youths drawn from clubs in the West Berbice Sub-Association each received $10 000 under the Fund as an investment into their school studies.

Foster recalled that when his administration was elected into office in 2018, he spoke of the need for youths not only to play the game on the field but also to complete their educational career. Noting that less than five percent of players who are currently playing would go on to be professional cricketers, the BCB president urged the players to make sure that they have an education to fall back on.

An educated mind would open doors of opportunities that would otherwise remain closed and he committed to assisting as much as possible.

Over the last three years, 200 youths have benefitted from educational grants, educational scholarships, bicycles to aid transportation to school, school bags and educational materials,

among others.

Another 10 players from the Upper Corentyne area would receive educational grants on Tuesday, April 26 when BCB holds the first presentation ceremony of the Vitality INC Educational Trust Fund.

Foster spoke at length on the need to balance sports and education while urging the parents of the youths to be their best role models.

He pleaded with the parents to play a bigger role in their children’s cricketing careers by encouraging them on a regular basis and following their progress on the cricket field.

Those who received the $10 000 grant were Razam Koobir, Altav Balman, Keyman Mingo, Sheniya Mangra, Christopher Webster, Tamara George, Saif Hargoin, Shivnarine Ragobeer, Arif Bacchus and Justin Doobay. They were drawn from the Blairmont, Cotton Tree, Bath, Achievers, Paradise and Bush Lot United cricket clubs.

BCB secretary Angela Haniff expressed thanks to Dr Singh for his continued investment into Berbice cricket and also urged the players to remain disciplined and focused.

Dr Puran Singh is a major sponsor in Berbice cricket and is an overseas-based Guyanese living in Barbados, where he is a very popular medical doctor.

(BBC) - Japan has announced emergency COVID-19 measures in Tokyo and three other areas in a bid to curb rising infections, just three months before the country is set to host the Olympics.

The government said the state of emergency - set to last for about two weeks - would be “short and powerful”.

Under the measures, bars will be required to close and big sporting events will be held without spectators.

The government has insisted that the Olympics will go ahead in July.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the measures yesterday, saying they would begin tomorrow and remain in place until May 11. In addition to Tokyo, the prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo will be affected.

It marks the third state of emergency in Japan since the pandemic began.

“I sincerely apologise for causing trouble for many people again,” he said. “It is feared that contagion in major cities will spread across the whole country if we take no measures.”

Under the rules, major commercial facilities like department stores will close, as well as restaurants, bars, and karaoke parlours serving alcohol.

Restaurants that do not serve alcohol are being told to close early, and companies are being asked to make

arrangements for people to work remotely. Schools will remain open.

The emergency measures coincide with the country’s ‘Golden Week’ holiday, which runs from late April to the first week of May and is the busiest travel period of the year.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike urged residents to start taking precautions immediately. In an effort to discourage people from going out at night, she said illuminations and neon signs would be turned off.

The coronavirus toll in Japan has been much lower than in many other countries, with about 558 000 cases and fewer than 10 000 deaths, according to figures collated

by Johns Hopkins University.

But there are concerns over the latest rise in infections, with reports of hospital bed shortages in some areas.

Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said at a news conference yesterday that organisers were not considering cancelling the event.

“I hope the coronavirus situation improves with the counter-measures the government, Tokyo, and other regional governments have put into place,” she said.

“We, as Tokyo 2020, continue to wish for the swift return to normalcy and will continue to work closely with the relevant parties to make sure a safe and secure Olympics can happen.”

Warriors’ Pooran beats Tridents’ Santner as Hero CPL Esports continues (SPORTSMAX.TV) The fourth match of the Hero CPL Esports series saw Nicholas Pooran of Guyana Amazon Warriors take on Mitchell Santner of Barbados Tridents at a virtual Kensington Oval.

It was the Warriors who emerged victorious after a brutal display with the bat and superb bowling from their spinners.

The Tridents won the toss and elected to bowl first with Pooran promoting himself up the order to open. It was a move that worked out immediately with 30 runs coming off the first over, 24 of them made

by Pooran.

The early loss of Brandon King did not slow Warriors down with Shimron Hetmyer joining Pooran in smashing the Tridents bowling around the Oval, although a good few of the boundaries came via the edge of the bat.

Pooran brought up his 50 from just 10 balls on his way to 63 (13) to set up a total of 133-4 from their five overs. Although Pooran was the star, he was well supported, first by Hetmyer then by Ross Taylor.

It was a daunting target, and Tridents were under pressure to get off to a good

start. They got just that thanks to Johnson Charles who made 29 (8) but his departure brought with it a collapse with three wickets falling with the score on 43. That became 53-5 with three wickets in an over from Imran Tahir.

Tridents never recovered from that cluster of wickets and as they searched for boundaries to get themselves back into the game the wickets continued to fall, with three more going to the spin of Chandrapaul Hemraj. Tridents went from 43-1 to 73 all out as the Warriors won by a massive 60 runs.

Nicholas Pooran (left) beat Mitchell Santner of the Barbados Tridents at a virtual Kensington Oval

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul put on 79 together off 62 balls (BCCI/IPL)

SEE PAGE 25

drag to win

GCB/Dave’s West Indian Imports Educational Trust Fund launched SEE PAGE 26

GCB president Bissoondyal Singh (right) and Dave Narine (left) are surrounded by other GCB executives following the launch of the Trust Fund yesterday

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SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021