Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24-05-2022

TUESDAY 24th MAY, 2022

All hands on deck

No. 106732

- authorities mobilise resources to address impact of flooding in Regions Five, Nine

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Assistance for unemployed Investor eyes Uitvlugt Estate sugar workers Soesdyke-Linden - VP talks up training opportunities in several areas highway for $85M machinery complex 300 Cummings Lodge houses worth $2.3B for December completion SEE PAGE

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Big security boost for Berbice - with commissioning of three remodelled police stations at Albion, Whim and New Amsterdam

The Albion Police Station

The Whim Police Station

The Central Police Station

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

All hands on deck

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

- authorities mobilise resources to address impact of flooding in Regions Five, Nine

THE National Taskforce on Flooding has dispatched and mobilised teams to address flooding in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) due to the torrential rainfall.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Monday, told this publication that the National Taskforce on Flooding met on Sunday evening to begin assessment as rising floodwaters affect some parts of the country.

“Last night, we had a meeting, the committee that was set up by the President and headed by the Prime Minister, where we were assessing the situation around the country, especially in Region Nine and parts of Region Eight [Potaro Siparuni],” Mustapha said.

As it relates to Region Five, he said the ministry is closely monitoring the sluices in the region.

He noted that heavy machinery had been dispatched to the flood-affected communities to ensure the clearing of canals.

“As it relates to Region Five, we have our systems in place there, the rain fell exceedingly heavy. Within 24 hours, we had four inches of rainfall; it’s falling again today, and we have machines clearing canals; we have the sluices working. We have also asked the RDC [Regional Democratic Council] to organise some pumps,” Mustapha said.

Residents navigate floodwaters in Region Nine (Photo by Norma Griffith, Information Officer RDC #9)

With up to 150mm rainfall expected in Regions One to Six, the Minister noted that the task force is on high alert.

“We are monitoring the situation in the country because now is the May/June rainfall, and the forecast is showing that we will continue to have rainfall; we may have a day’s break but rain will continue,” he added.

EVACUATIONS UNDERWAY Meanwhile, in Region

Nine, evacuations are underway in the Township of Lethem, and nearby villages as floodwaters continue to rise due to the heavy rainfall and over-topping of the Rio Branco rivers in Brazil and the Takutu river.

Region Nine Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock, disclosed that 12 families consisting of 31 persons were placed in shelters.

Further, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has activated its Regional Disaster

Risk Management Centre (RDRMC) to serve as a secondary shelter to accommodate displaced persons.

According to the CDC, it is also working with Regional and Municipal authorities to deliver water purification tablets, water containers, cleaning hampers, and other essential supplies. The CDC will also deploy two small-engine boats to aid the RDC. Volunteers from the CDC Volunteer Corps and an expe-

rienced shelter manager are assisting the Town Council in coordinating the relief effort.

The RDC also warned motorists and commuters to use the back road at the top end of the airstrip because the road from the airstrip to the roundabout and the Lethem Radio station is submerged.

Residents are asked to be on high alert as some bridges in South Rupununi are also inaccessible. Residents are advised to take all the necessary precautions and report any impact resulting from floods.

The Hydrometeorological Service forecasts significant and consistent rainfall

countrywide for the next 24 hours and, as such, the Commission, along with relevant agencies, is monitoring all Administrative Regions.

“Rainfall will measure at least two inches (60mm) in Southern Guyana and one inch (30mm) in the North. Residents of low lying, flooded and flood-prone areas are urged to be vigilant and to take precautions where necessary,” the Hydromet noted.

The National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) can be contacted 24 hours a day on 600-7500 or 226-1114.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Assistance for unemployed Uitvlugt Estate sugar workers explained to the gathering that there was no economic reason for the APNU+AFC to close down the sugar estates, leaving some 7,000 workers on the breadline.

He referred to the many families that suffered due to this inconsiderate move by the ‘Coalition’.

“That is why we made a commitment that we have to keep sugar going until every sugar worker either has a job in a highprice industry, converting sugar; adding on some value added, allowing them to continue working there, or alternately finding a job in another high-paying sector for every sugar worker,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

The VP acknowledged that transitioning to other professions is not easy.

However, he gave the assurance that the PPP/C government is committed to assisting them thoroughly throughout the process.

The Vice-President said the government is doing its best to keep the industry going, because it understands the resulting socio-economic impact of the closure.

Noting the low wages currently available in the sugar industry, Dr. Jagdeo told the workers if they would like to remain at the estate, the government would support the payment of wages and salaries for those who wish to work six days per week.

He said the government is prepared to work with them, individually,

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-VP ‘talks up’ training opportunities in several areas

WORKERS from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)’s Uitvlugt Estate who have been unable to work due to the factory experiencing mechanical problems will be provided with assistance from the government.

On Monday, VicePresident Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo gave this assurance when he met with the affected workers to discuss how the administration could provide support.

Pointing to the current labour shortages, VicePresident Jagdeo called on those in attendance to take advantage of training opportunities almost immediately available through the government.

He said training can be provided to as many as 500 persons in various areas.

“These are good paying jobs, but it is the type of industries that people are building into. So, in construction, we have unlimited demand for carpenters and masons, and welders and electricians to retrain; unlimited demand.

A good paying job anywhere at this time; people would recruit you, even for retraining,” the VicePresident said.

He continued: “If you can find me, coming out of this meeting, here and in the community, any number of people, we can start the training programme almost immediately, and assist you so

that when you come out, you have a skill that is marketable; that will earn you much, much more money.”

Dr. Jagdeo also urged the workers to take advantage of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, noting that while the government had initially promised to offer 20,000 of these scholarships, that number has now been revised upward.

When the government took office in August 2020, the Uitvlugt Estate, was starved of investment by the APNU+AFC regime, resulting in defunct machinery and low production rates.

The Vice-President

to find the best alternative to ensure they remain employed. Small grants are also available to those who want to start small businesses.

While highlighting that the industry is currently going through a hard time, the Vice-President told the workers that enormous opportunities will soon be available to them.

The Vice-President was accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha; Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Stabroek Online Marketplace activated - with first purchase by Prime Minister Mottley

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (second left) invites Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley to make the first purchase on SOM, as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley (third left) looks on

ONE of Guyana’s newest electronic shopping platforms, Stabroek Online Marketplace (SOM), was activated on Thursday with the purchase of an item by Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.

Prime Minister Mot-

tley, who was in Guyana for the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo from May 19-21, visited SOM’s booth at the ‘expo’ and, upon the invitation of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, purchased an oil painting titled “Cultured Frog”, done by Guyanese artist,

Diana Luke-King.

According to a press release, the company is an e-commerce platform created mainly to facilitate Guyanese businesses that are buying and selling across local, regional and international borders.

The platform also in-

Big security boost for Berbice - with commissioning of remodelled police stations at Albion, Whim and New Amsterdam

MINISTER of Home Affairs Robeson Benn commissioned and handed over the remodelled Albion Police Station, remodelled Whim Police Station, and the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam to the Guyana Police Force on Monday.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Albion Police Station, which was remodelled and rehabilitated along with the Whim Police Station, was done through the IDB Citizen Security Strengthening Programme.

The Albion Police Station was remodelled at a sum of over G$74.8M and was designed to be public-friendly and will

house a domestic violence room, a juvenilefriendly holding area, child-friendly area, witness-protection room, a case-management room, a case-management system, integrated crime information system and offices.

Meanwhile, the remodelled $67.6 M Whim Police Station with its internal and external layout and 40x50 dimension, mirrors the new Albion Police Station and houses several departments and facilities mentioned above, along with the Traffic Department, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and offices.

The Government of Guyana funded the new

state-of-the-art Central Police Station to the tune of approximately $150M. The Permanent Secretary, Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas; the Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag) Calvin Brutus; Deputy, Head of IT Superintendent Jermaine Johnson; Commander of Regional Division, Head of Community Relations Superintendent Crystal Robinson; Commander of Regional Division #6 Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud and other senior and junior officers were all present at the official handing over of the Police Stations.

cludes another division, Stabroek Travel, which is an e-booking platform for local tour experiences and accommodation.

The company’s services were marketed on a large scale during the recent three-day forum and ‘expo’ at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Chief Executive Officer of SOM, Althea Toney, was quoted in the release as saying: “SOM was delighted to participate in this inaugural event as we sought to showcase Guyana’s agro-processors and producers of food items on the international market.

“Guyana once was referred to as the breadbasket of the Caribbean’ and slowly we are returning to those glorious days. With the right kind of investments happening and with the right people having dialogues we can begin to see the policies being implemented to ensure food security.”

Toney further added: “At SOM, we want to make sure that our local producers of food have

access to the regional market, thereby assisting in achieving the goals set out by CARICOM to reduce the region’s food import bill by 2025.

“Additionally, the Private Sector’s involvement in assisting CARICOM is essential if we want the 2025 goal to be achieved, and I believe this forum provides an excellent platform for essential decisions to be made by our regional stakeholders and governments.”

The inaugural Agri–

Investment Forum and Expo forms part of a wider plan by the Community (CARICOM) to reduce the region’s multibillion-dollar foodimport bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Patrons who visited the booth were also encouraged to sign up as well as sell their products or services on the SOM portal. The company said sellers who register now will receive a free 30-day subscription.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Children’s Safety Online

CHILDREN today, already classified as digital natives in a world heavily dependent on technology, are mostly being raised by YouTube.

The pandemic increased the YouTube dependency when it forced the shutdown of schools, limited physical contact, including sporting and other leisure activities, and forced some parents and guardians, especially those on workat-home arrangements, to creatively fill their children’s demands for social engagement.

Those who care for children needed a break, and YouTube was available. But there are dangers. A 2017 article published on the “Medium” blogging platform reads: “On-demand video is catnip to both parents and

to children, and thus to content creators and advertisers.

Small children are mesmerised by these videos, whether it’s familiar characters and songs, or simply bright colours and soothing sounds.

“The length of many of these videos — one common video tactic is to assemble many nursery rhymes or cartoon episodes into hour+ compilations —and the way that length is marketed as part of the video’s appeal, points to the amount of time some kids are spending with them.”

The article, written by writer and artist with an interest in tech, James Bridle, documented some of the sinister ways lengthy YouTube videos, seemingly for kids, were being spliced and violent content inserted.

Realistically, caregivers log their children onto YouTube and check in periodically-not often -- by viewing the content, but by watching for how engaged the child is and listening for whimsical music.

The internet and social media platforms alike are largely borderless. Notwithstanding this, many of the safety policies, and updated user agreements which internet and social media users in global south countries, such as Guyana, have benefited from have largely been a result of activism, policymaking, and demands of legislature oversight bodies to companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google, which owns YouTube.

The UK Guardian reported earlier this month that:

“YouTube is showing videos that promote skin-bleaching, weight loss, drug culture and firearms to children as young as two, a new investigation of the company’s “Kids” app has found…,” the Guardian reported. It added: “Research from the Tech Transparency Project, a US-based nonprofit organization, shows that the system is indeed far from perfect. Using three different accounts, each set to one of app’s age groups, the analysts discovered numerous videos that should not have made it past Google’s filters.”

Earlier this year, the US Congress considered the Kids Online Safety Act, a bill supported by both political parties in that legislature.

The Act, which has to pass the House of Representa-

tives and the Senate before being put before President Biden, would, according to the Washington Post, “demand that companies create tools to allow parents to track how much time their kids spend on a service, or to opt out of features such as autoplay, that might extend time online. Companies would also have to offer parents and minors the ability to modify tech companies’ recommendation algorithms, allowing them to limit or ban certain types of content.

“The bill also establishes an obligation for companies to prevent the promotion of self-harm, eating disorders, bullying and the sexual abuse of children. And it would allow the federal government to create a programme for researchers to

access data from companies, so that they can do more research about tech’s potential harm of children and teens,” the Post noted.

Monitoring a child’s social-media content can be a daunting task, especially considering the number of other tasks caregivers must manage while caring for children. With YouTube implementing new changes and the other measures likely to follow once the Act passes, parents must be conscious of the circumstances surrounding a still-regulating internet space and remain vigilant, keeping a closer eye on the content children consume. Considering these are formative years, such content could shape their world views in ways that benefit or burden our society.

Agri-conference and expo showcased Guyana to the world

Dear Editor,

I AM extremely delighted to attend and observe, as a reporter as well as a participant, the agri-conference and expo organised by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture headed by Zulfikar Mustapha from May 19 to 21.

I salute the government for holding the event and I thank those who sent me an invitation, albeit to attend at my own expense, not to mention to promote and write about it without compensation— all for Guyana and our farmers who toil under difficulties to feed our nation, as well as to export and generate foreign currency. The presence of the international delegates and foreign leaders as well as the public attendance is testimony to its success. Commendations are in order for President Ali, Vice-President Jagdeo, and Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and the latter’s ministry for recognising

the need for such a platform to educate, innovate and encourage the farmers of Guyana and the Caribbean region to participate in the conference and to motivate local and international investors and entrepreneurs for attending this conference and expo. Guyana is endowed with large tracts of fertile soil, a lot of sunshine and water and hardworking farmers — all qualities needed to produce to feed a nation and export — to be the breadbasket of the region and to supply favourite products to the diaspora. This platform to showcase Guyana’s agriculture to the world is a very good start.

The conference and expo was attended by heads of government of CARICOM and/or their substitutes and hundreds of delegates from several countries. Many individuals from the diaspora attended. It also attracted agri-entrepreneurs and investors within Guyana and around the region as well

as the diaspora. This is the first such agri conference, not only in Guyana, but also in the Anglophone Caribbean. The heads of government praised the organising as well as the exhibits (expo) and the level of discussion; all of them indicated they would like to replicate such a conference in their territory.

It was indeed quite impressively organized and is worthy of praise. I attended dozens of conferences, including agro-conferences and exhibitions in India and China; our government did a splendid job; kudos go to the President, Ministry, Minister, planners and all those involved in conceiving and executing the project.

In even around interacting with people over those three days, there were only praises; even critics and political opponents agreed that it was an excellent conference and expo. As someone who organised many seminars and conferences and as someone who studied Bio-Chemistry (that has relevance to agri

industry), economics (agriculture in development, marketing and trade), and political science, I have a few critiques and suggestions which I will pen separately.

Thousands visited this event and undoubtedly gained knowledge from the exhibition and various presentations and workshops and the display of modern equipment as well as technology for use in agri production. Many shopped for varied items that were on display and/ or for sale. Many samples were given away.

Healthy juices and snacks, as well as other food items and drinks were sold and/or given away. Booths had brochures about their products and/ or their company.

It was a matter of great satisfaction to me that the conference and expo and the items on display showcased and educated the farmers and consumers about improvements in agri production, as well as healthy eating. The presentations and workshops

on diverse areas of agriculture are most helpful to the farming sector. Among the best, if not the best presentation, was that of the Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo. He captured the audience. He was short and to the point, enumerating the issues and proposed solutions to help small farmers. He committed to taking measures to helping small farmers to produce and market their products. I commend the VP for focusing on the small farmers who are really the backbone of the economy and who perform backbreaking work. They are not always appreciated.

Jagdeo’s presentation will strengthen the confidence of the small farmers to produce.

I firmly believe that unless we create a value chain involving and giving support to the cultivator or producer all the way, harvester and to consumer through reliable markets, the profitability of farming will not improve.

Farmers will suffer losses or barely make ends meet.

In the last several years,

there has been an agrarian crisis with local farmers losing a lot of money. The previous government neglected agriculture. It was revived under the new PPP administration from August 2020, but the flood of April/May 2021 took the wind out of the sails of the government.

Agricultural improvement is on track again because of the focus of the government to revive food production and shortage of food globally.

The conference is timely that we need to produce more.

I was most impressed with the conference and expo. A platform such as this will play a major role in transforming the current agricultural situation. Follow ups are needed for implementation of ideas. The President, VP, and Minister of Agriculture must ensure that scientific and financial ideas are carried to conclusion to boost production and export.

Yours sincerely, Dr Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

OP-ED: CARICOM’S Commonwealth Conundrum

By Orin Gordon

IN confirming T&T’s support for Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith for Secretary-General (SG) of the Commonwealth, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said on Sunday that T&T didn’t see the incumbent, Baroness Patricia Scotland, as a candidate who truly represented the Caribbean; and, he reminded us, it’s the Caribbean’s turn.

In just under a month, heads of government of the 54-member body will hold a summit in Rwanda. They’ll vote for an SG. CARICOM Chairman, Belizean PM John Briceño, announced last week that both Scotland and Johnson Smith were CARICOM candidates.

In 2015, when Scotland competed for the job with Sir Ronald Sanders – now Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the Organisation of American States – I supported Sanders, and the argument that Scotland was a British candidate sailing her ship under a Dominican flag of convenience. But the argument has become

less persuasive over time.

Nationhood and belonging are fluid, deep and complex, and are exacerbated by our vast diasporas. Patricia Scotland’s cut-glass, aristocratic tones are no more disqualifying than the less posh ones of Audley from Streatham… born in the UK, visited Jamaica only twice, but feels a stronger connection to Jamaica than Britain.

No country has embraced the fluidity of nationhood more than Jamaica. Jamaicans revelled in the Olympic success of their sons Linford Christie and Donovan Bailey, who competed under the flags of their adopted countries. Merlene Ottey was no less revered when she chose to run for Slovenia near the end of her career.

It was disappointing to hear Rowley still giving voice, seven years on, to revoking Scotland’s Caribbean card. Johnson Smith herself has not made that argument, but the irony of it being deployed in support of her candidacy is that the late Edward Seaga, one of the great figures of her Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), was born in the US city of Boston.

On whether it’s the

Caribbean’s turn, Sanders wrote in the Jamaica Gleaner in October 2021, that “it’s a contrivance utilised by governments of countries in regions of the world that have not held the post.” The first two SGs – Arnold Smith of Canada and Sir Shridath Ramphal of Guyana – were both from the Americas, and their tenures were a combined 25 years.

Turfing an SG out of office after one term is a drastic course of action. A second term has become a formality by convention, and the reason is practical. SGs need time to complete institutional reforms, and to see through big programmes that they started. Remodelling the house every four years isn’t good for its inhabitants.

Scotland had her term extended by two years – to more than six years – because of the pandemic. She has a significant body of work on which her re-application should be judged. The heads have had plenty of time to review her work before making a decision.

They would be failing their citizens if they don’t do a proper appraisal.

Some of that work is pretty good. Disquali-

Disappointed over these comments

Dear Editor, IT’S disappointing to see the comments a USbased commentator and the PNC are making in relation to the DPP’s lawful and professional handling of the case

involving Nirvan Singh and the police. Such comments should never be made in the year 2022. It’s clear that the persons making these statements are locked in a cell of racism. They

need to free themselves of this racism. It’s not good for them. It’s not good for the country.

Racism is unlawful, unhealthy and sinful.

Yours sincerely, Taylor Griffith

fying her for being insufficiently Caribbean misses an opportunity to examine the development and technical support direction of the Commonwealth. Weigh her plans against those of Johnson Smith, and make an informed choice on who’s best suited to lead, in a way that benefits our countries.

Johnson Smith is smart and accomplished, and I’ve no reason to doubt that she’d make a fine SG. But by any objective measure, Scotland has been a savvy institutional reformer, and the org chart is more geared towards delivering for the ordinary man and woman than I’ve seen it in 25 years of covering the body. She’s been good at making the rubber meet the road, in an organisation that can come across as lofty.

Under Scotland, the Commonwealth has been forthright in running programmes aimed at countering abuse against women and girls, and in getting governments to be less discriminatory in

their LGBTQ statutes.

Election support has been strengthened. She could already be a consequential SG. Another term could make her a transformative one.

Scotland’s critics use her elevation to some of the highest offices in Britain as a stick to beat her, instead of celebrating the accomplishments of the black woman from Dominica. The logical conclusion from the dismissal of her Dominicaness is that she should have, at the age of two, refused to leave Dominica with her parents.

Her critics baselessly correlate ascent in British public life with abandonment of the Caribbean.

There are principled reasons for not supporting Scotland’s re-election. One is charges of cronyism by the big donor nations. The charges haven’t been proved, but the withdrawal of their support has been resolute and resounding. It’s a bad look for Scotland, even if the criticisms of British PM Boris Johnson seem rooted in long-standing UK party political ani-

mosity between Johnson’s Conservatives, and Scotland, a Labour peer.

Last week, PM Johnson formally announced his support for Johnson Smith, hardening suspicions from pro-Scotland quarters that she was injected into the race by her PM, Andrew Holness, as a stalking horse candidate. Even before this, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne hadn’t held back in suggesting that Jamaica was doing Boris Johnson’s bidding.

The true dividing line in the Commonwealth is not regional. It’s rich and poor – countries that provide the bulk of the funding, and those most in need of what it underwrites. The Jamaica/ British confluence is different.

Nevertheless, Johnson Smith’s supporters – and the candidate herself – need to make a more persuasive case for her election. Being antiScotland is not it.

Orin Gordon is a columnist and media consultant, at oringordon.com

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

$7M Police Outpost commissioned at Cummings Lodge

By Jared Liddell

AS works progress on the New Cummings Lodge Housing Development on the East Coast Demerara, the government has shown its commitment to this significant

turally and strategically placed at the location where development is going on within the neighbourhood, and, by extension, the country. And so, as development is taking place in the country, we are placing our policemen and women

“This gift from the Ministry of Housing and Water is significant in relation to this because it gives us a footprint in the area; a policing footprint. And that footprint has to be realised properly by those who will occupy the police

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn; Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Toussaint Jnr. Thomas; and Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken witnessing the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by residents of the Cummings Lodge Community to declare open the facility on Monday (Delano Williams photos)

investment with the recent commissioning of the new $7M Police Outpost located within the community.

The multimillion-dollar

to mitigate against crime and violence,” Hicken said.

He explained that the police station would rely on human resource assistance

The newly constructed $7M Cummings Lodge Police Outpost

facility which the Ministry of Housing and Water constructed was handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday by subject Minister Collin Croal.

Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken noted that the investment is timely, as it places police presence at the centre of a community that is currently transforming.

According to the ‘Top Cop’, this type of investment is pivotal to providing an environment of safety and protection, as the country continues to undergo a massive expansion.

“This building was struc-

from the Sophia Police Station, and the facility will also be equipped with and assigned a Police vehicle.

Hicken stated that the outpost and its ranks would be working in unison with both the residents and the policing groups within the community to promote a safer and more secure society.

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn echoed similar sentiments, stating that the strategic positioning of the outpost allows for the breaking down of barriers to access, and timely responses to dealing with matters of safety and security within the community.

station. Good policing will lay the foundation for good development,” Minister Benn stated.

Besides charging the ranks of the station to be committed to the Force’s motto of serving and protecting the people of Guyana, he also advised them to ensure that the community’s residents feel safe in the knowledge that their issues will be addressed whenever they have cause to make a report.

“The human resources themselves in the Guyana Police Force must be willing; be wanting, and be able and open to the issues of doing a better professional job,” the Home Affairs Minister stressed, adding: “This is the most important thing beyond having a facility; a new police station. That the human aspect; the personalities who will occupy buildings like this; that they realise the need for training, and, more particularly, to do the training that they would have received in respect of policing more efficacious; more effective; more wanting to help people.”

Housing Minister Collin Croal noted that the investment is timely and necessary as the community undergoes this massive transformation.

“We as a ministry and as a government,” he said, “continue to build new communities. At the same time, it is equally important that we have the necessary services, facilities, and amenities within those neighbourhoods.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

‘Cross Eye’ gets 13 years for rape, assault of teenager

JUSTICE Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, on Monday, sentenced Corwyn Arthur called “Cross Eye” to 13 years behind bars for the rape and brutal assault of a 16-year-old girl in 2013.

In March, Arthur was found guilty by a jury at the Demerara High Court for sexually penetrating the teenager without her consent on December 17, 2013. He was also found guilty of assaulting the teen to cause her bodily harm.

While delivering her sentencing remarks on Monday, the judge told the court that among other things, she considered that Arthur showed no remorse for his actions and that he could have exposed the victim to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), since he did not use a condom during the rape.

She also highlighted that Arthur was previously convicted and was serving a 15-year sentence for manslaughter.

Justice Sewnarine-Beharry also took into consideration the psychological trauma the incident had caused the victim.

In a victim impact statement, the teen said that she was left to live with the stigma associated with sex crimes since she was often tormented by other persons in the community.

In addition to the 13 years, six months for the rape, he received 18 months for the assault. However, the sentences will run concurrently.

Corwyn ‘Cross Eye’ Arthur

The judge also made a further order that the sentence commences after Arthur completes his 15-year sentence for manslaughter Attorneys Muntaz Ali, Nafeeza Baig, and Latifah Elliot are on record as state prosecutors, while Arthur was represented by attorney Madan Kissoon.

The court had heard that, on December 17, 2013, the victim was returning home from her friend’s birthday party when Arthur attacked her while she was on a desolate street. Arthur was armed with a knife.

The teen reportedly became nervous and hastened her steps. It was then that she stumbled and fell to the ground.

Arthur reportedly restrained her and threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his demands. The victim then began to scream for her life but no one heard.

The court heard that Ar-

thur then hit the victim to her head with the base of the knife, causing her to bleed.

He then reportedly dragged her into the nearby bushes, placed the knife to her neck, and demanded sex.

It was also said that the victim complied out of fear.

When Arthur was finished, the teen escaped and ran home. She also managed to escape with Arthur’s cellular phone which fell out of his pocket during the act.

The matter was reported to police and Arthur was later arrested.

In May 2021, Arthur was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by Justice Sandil Kissoon for killing his lover’s husband.

He appeared in court for murder but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

That charge stated that, on May 10, 2018, he unlawfully killed Claude DeJonge at Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Investor eyes Soesdyke-Linden highway for $85M machinery complex — plans to create over 20 jobs AN anticipated increase in economic activities along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway has prompted a local company, J.S.B Investments Incorporated, to explore the possibility of establishing a state-of-the-art, heavy-duty machinery and equipment sales and services centre within the area.

As outlined by the compa-

istrative block, fuel and lubricants storage, and dispensation building, among other things.

The estimated cost of this massive project is $85 million, which, according to the company, will cover construction of the required building, infrastructure, and the procurement of machinery and equipment.

“There will also be heavy-duty machinery and

continue to invest heavily in construction projects across all sectors, alongside major projects coming from private-sector investment initiatives.”

Available estimates from the Bank of Guyana show that the construction sector grew by 29.8 per cent in 2021 when compared with 2020. “[This is] underpinned by both the major public infra-

An example of some of the equipment that will be sold by J.S.B Investments Inc

ny in a project summary seen by the Guyana Chronicle, the facility will be one of the first of its kind along the highway.

Stretching across two acres of land, the complex will house a heavy-duty services centre, machinery and equipment showroom, wash bay, admin-

equipment, trucks, and construction and road-building equipment inventory to an estimated value of G$3,000,000,000,” J.S.B Investments said.

Once operational, the massive complex will create direct employment for more than 20 persons, while there will be spin-off benefits for other stakeholders.

The contributions of this project to the local economy would add to those which accrue from the company’s existing wharf facility located at Block R Soesdyke and other operations.

Its potential operation along the highway will be well positioned to support work on the Linden to Lethem Road, the planned establishment of a secondary city in the Soesdyke area, and other transformative projects on the cards.

Overall, J.S.B Investment Incorporated’s project would support the construction boom and general transformation of the country’s infrastructural landscape.

It was reported that Guyana’s vibrant construction industry is expected to grow by 10.5 per cent in 2022.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, during his presentation of Budget 2022 in January, had said: “Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to filling the substantial infrastructural gaps that exist across our nation. In 2022, we will

structure buildout that is currently underway, as well as increased private-sector activity in industrial, commercial, and residential construction,” Dr. Singh related.

Last year, it was widely reported that from the housing sector to the agricultural sector, there was the mobilisation of resources from both private and public-sector stakeholders, who laid the foundation to capitalise on the impending local growth.

Private projects, as reported, ranged from the construction of hotels and apartment complexes, to shopping complexes and office buildings, among other things.

In the public sector, aside from constructing several low-income houses and houses for young professionals, there were upgrades to highways, main roads, and miscellaneous roads countrywide. This was also supplemented by the commencement of construction of new roads.

Last year, there was some $58.2 billion worth of planned expenditure on public infrastructure. On the capital side, the budget for infrastructure was $32.9 billion, or 32 per cent of the total allocation for 2021.

This year, the government has allocated the largest portion of its milestone $552.9 billion Budget 2022 to the Ministry of Public Works.

A total of $96.1 billion has been allocated to the ministry, which is responsible for the country’s infrastructure.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

300 Cummings Lodge houses worth $2.3 Billion for December completion - Over 117 houses completed, handed over

By Jared Liddell THREE Hundred houses in Cummings Lodge Housing Development, costing $2.3 Billion, are on track for a December 2022 completion.

According to Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who made the disclosure on Monday, the current progress made in the community has cost Government over one billion dollars on the construction of houses in the new Housing Scheme.

He added that over 117 house lots were already handed over in the new Cummings Lodge Housing Development as part of the Government’s aggressive plan to promote home- ownership.

Each two-bedroom, 20 feet by 30 feet (600 square feet) elevated house was constructed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and sold at $7.5M. Minister Croal highlighted that plans are in place to have 1100 lots catered for in the massive two-part community, which is expected to stretch and connect to Eccles, East Bank of Demerara.

“The master plan will therefore see us, by the end of this year, completing over 300 houses to the investment of the tune of about $2.3 billion here in Cummings

Lodge. When you consider that and look at the audit aspect of our design, we already have allocated over 700, and then you take into consideration what is going to be happening at the Eccles end, where you will have a medical zone and in between, you also have the commercial activities zone that will see occupancy, in Cummings Lodge, with over 1100 Lots catered for,” Croal explained.

The Minister noted that engineers have already mapped out a road that will link the community to Eccles and provide another main access point to the community.

Minister Coal noted that the ministry has already moved ahead with placing street lights in the massive community and intends, shortly, to start prep-works for other infrastructure works in the community, including roads, electricity, and water.

He further noted that the ministry is already investing heavily to ensure the community is equipped with the necessary services.

It is already equipped with a brand new $7M police outpost and will have an established community ground by the end of June 2022.

The Housing Minister opined that the new housing scheme would be a catalyst

A section of the houses in the New Cummings Lodge Housing Development (Delano Williams photo)

for developing and improving the neighbouring areas.

He also said that Government intends to use the new housing development to unravel the stigma attached to the Sophia areas.

“And so, the development of Cummings Lodge, therefore, means significant improvement to our neighbouring villages and the upliftment of those communities. It also means the removal of the stigma attached, when one takes into consideration previously, whenever you speak about going to the back of Sophia,” Minister Croal stated.

One of the newly built houses in the New Cummings Lodge Housing Development (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

$7M Zara Computer Lab commissioned at Central Police Station MINISTER of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, officially commissioned the Central Police Station and opened the $7M Zara Computer Laboratory at the Central Police Station, Berbice, on Monday.

The new state-of-the-art Central Police Station, which was constructed for approximately $150M was funded by the Government of Guyana.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Central Police Station, which was completed in 2019, serves as the Regional Headquar-

ters and has been serving the security needs of the residents and surrounding communities, while providing a comfortable working environment for ranks with modernised amenities.

The Computer Lab, valued at over $7M, will provide free courses, ranging from basic level to the most complex for the Police Force, its auxiliaries, and the public.

The Home Affairs Minister noted that it would also facilitate the writing of the online theoretical driver’s examination and, soon to come

on stream, CXC lessons in Mathematics and English Language.

The Zara Group has fully equipped the computer lab with 32 computers and can facilitate training for 30 students.

Successful participants will also receive a Microsoft certification which will soon be internationally recognised.

According to Minister Benn, the partnership with Zara and the Guyana Police force is essential because of its benefits for the community.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, interacts with students during his visit to the Zara Computer Lab

Convicted rapist to know fate on June 3

CONVICTED RAPIST: Thurston Semple

COME June 3, 2022, High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, is expected to pass sentence on Thurston Semple, who was found guilty of raping and brutally assaulting a 30-year-old Venezuelan sex worker.

In March, a 12-member jury at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court found Semple guilty of sexually penetrating the woman against her will between February 24 and 25, 2021.

Prosecutors Nafeeza Baig, Muntaz Ali, and Latifah Elliot presented the state’s case, while attorney Everton Lammy-Singh is on record for Semple.

Semple is expected to be sentenced after his psychiatric evaluation is presented to the court during the June 3 hearing.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Semple picked up the sex worker from a city hotel and took her to his home after agreeing to pay her $10,000. They later had sexual intercourse at the home.

He became annoyed when the woman told him that he had 15 minutes remaining with her. Semple then walked into the kitchen and returned with a knife. At that time the woman was dressing.

Semple held the woman at knifepoint and forced her to perform oral sex on him.

When she stopped sometime later, he slapped her.

When he turned away to get the water she had asked for, the woman scrambled whatever clothes she could find and jumped through a glass window.

However, Semple ran behind her and grabbed her by her hair. The victim recounted that she was naked and that Semple held on to her and stabbed her.

She managed to hold on to the knife. The enraged Semple began beating her with a plastic tube filled with cement. The victim subsequently gathered strength and jumped the fence and persons came to her rescue.

Sometime after, the police came and arrested Semple.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

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Fire Service, GTI sign agreement A MEMORANDUM of Agreement (MoA) between the Guyana Fire Service and Government Technical Institute (GTI) was signed on Monday by Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham and Principal Renita Duncan-Crandon to enhance opportunities for firefighters.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the MOA will allow members of the GFS to enroll in GTI programmes and Courses with a timespan that extends to five years.

The specific programmes and courses include; General Office Administration, Administration Principles and Practices, Electrical Engineering Parts 1 & 2, Electrical Installation, Telecommunication, Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Small Appliances & Repairs, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Machinery, Motor Vehicle Repairs, Automotive Electrical and Electronics, Metal Work Engineering, Welding, Motor Vehicle Engine Systems, Diploma in Computer Science and Data Operations.

“The Guyana Fire Service is grateful to the Government Technical Institute for agreeing to this collaboration, which will allow our ranks to improve their education and abilities, benefitting the entire country,” the GFS noted on Monday.

Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham and GTI Principal Renita Duncan-Crandon after signing the MoA

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Gunmen rob Parfaite Harmonie family POLICE are on the hunt for three armed bandits who attacked and robbed a La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) family and escaped with cash and other valuables, on Sunday night.

According to the police, at about 20:45 hrs, Suresh Balram, 46; his wife Bibi, 40 and their daughters, ages 15 and 17, were at their home when they were confronted in their living room by three men, who were armed with guns.

“The men held them at gunpoint and dealt Bibi Balram a lash to her face with a handgun causing her injuries. One of the men then dealt Suresh Balram a lash to his head with a gun, causing him to become fearful for his life,” the police said in a press release.

The perpetrators then ordered the victims to lay face down on the floor and tied their hands behind their backs.

Thereafter, the armed men ransacked the house and grocery shop before making good their escape in a northern direction.

The victims managed to untie themselves and reported the matter. Bibi and her husband were taken to the West Demerara Hospital where they were treated and sent away.

The armed men escaped with four cell phones, $1.2 million in jewellery, $60,000 in local currency, US$125 and other valuables.

The investigation is ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 24, 2022

NCERD prepares rollout of renewed curriculum

A THREE-DAY prog r a m m e p re p a r i n g for the rollout of the renewed curriculum under the Ministry of Education commenced on Monday.

The programme is being held in the National Centre for Educational Resource Development’s (NCERD’s) auditorium and is being facilitated

by NCERD, Mindbloom Consulting and St. Francis Xavier University.

According to the Education Ministry, over the next three days, educators from all eleven education districts will be provided with an introduction to the renewed curriculum and the curriculum framework on which it is built.

The Ministry noted that they would also explore instructional strategies to support the Principles of Learning, Assessment, and Inclusivity that support the renewed curriculum.

“The purpose of the programme is also to develop a repository of resources for Master Trainers to use during sessions with principals and teachers to prepare them for the implementation of the renewed curriculum,” the Education Ministry noted in a statement on Monday.

Among those present included senior teachers, lecturers from the Cyril Potter College of Education, retired teachers, and education specialists.

A section of the gathering at the three-day programme for the rollout of the renewed curriculum being hosted at NCERD

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Salah and Son Heung-min share... (From back page) He managed one hat-trick this season, in a 4-0 win at Aston Villa in April.

"It's incredible to have this award," Son said. "I can't believe it. I got really emotional. I dreamed of it as a child. Literally it's my in hands. I can't believe it."

EDERSON AND ALISSON SHARE GOLDEN GLOVE Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson and Liverpool number one Alisson share the Golden Glove award after finishing the season on 20 clean sheets each.

Ederson has missed just one game for the Premier League champions this term - a 2-0 win over Burnley in October - while Alisson was only absent for the Reds' 5-0 win at Watford in October and the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in January.

The duo finish ahead of Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who ends the campaign on 17 clean sheets.

Ederson was the outright

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winner of the award in each of the past two campaigns, while Alisson won the award in 2018-19.

PLAYMAKER OF THE SEASON The Premier League's Playmaker of the Season award, which was introduced in 2017-18 for the player with the most assists, also goes to Salah.

The Egyptian ends the season on 13 assists, one better than his Liverpool colleague Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Salah has now reached double figures for goals and assists in four of his five league campaigns at Anfield. The only time he failed to do so was in 202021, when he only set up five league goals.

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IPL 2022 playoffs: Super Over to determine result in case of disruption ...Final has a reserve day; table standings will be considered if no play is possible during any of the playoff matches

By Nagraj Gollapudi A Super Over will decide the result if any of the IPL playoff matches - including the final - is disrupted by the weather and no play is possible in regulation time.

And in case the ground conditions continue to remain unplayable, then the league standings will be used to identify the winners, an IPL briefing note has confirmed.

Gujarat Titans will face Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 1 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens today and Lucknow Super Giants will play Royal Challengers Bangalore at the same venue tomorrow in the Eliminator.

With inclement weather forecast for the city at least for the first few days of the week, there is a worry about games playing out as scheduled, which necessitated the guidelines, accessed by ESPNcricinfo.

An allowance of an extra two hours over the stipulated 200 minutes of match time has been added to the playing conditions. In case the starts are delayed, the first three playoff matches - including Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on May 27 - can begin as late as 9.40pm, and the final, also in Ahmedabad on May 29, can begin as late as at 10.10pm without any

overs being lost. While the two strategic timeouts per innings will be retained, the only tweak - effected in case of a delayed start - would be the mid-match break being halved.

"The number of overs in the playoff match may, if necessary, be reduced so that each side has the opportunity to bat for five overs," the guidelines said. There will be no timeouts for a fiveovers-a-side game which will have a cut-off start time of four minutes before midnight (11.56pm) with a ten-minute innings break and a scheduled finish time of 12.50am.

In case the final is reduced to a five-overs-a-side match, it would need to begin latest by 12.26am.

"For the Eliminator and each Qualifier playoff matches (where there is no reserve day), in the event that it is not possible to schedule a five-over match to complete by the end of the extra time on the original day, the teams will, if conditions permit, play a Super Over to determine the winner of the relevant Eliminator or Qualifier match," the guidelines added.

The Super Over would need to start at 12.50am latest for these matches to finish.

In the scenario where the Super Over is also not possible, "the team that finished

The two Qualifiers and the Eliminator do not have reserve days (BCCI)

highest in the league table after the 70 matches of the regular season shall be declared the winner of the relevant playoff match or final".

The IPL final will start at 8 pm, which is half an hour later than the usual starting time of 7.30pm. May 30 will be reserve day if the final is disrupted and cannot be finished for any reason on that day. For the two Qualifiers and the Eliminator, which do not have reserve days, if one innings is complete but no play is possible in the second, the DLS method will be applied to determine the match result.

The IPL has also pointed out that in case the final starts on May 29 (at least one ball is bowled), but is "not finished on the original day", then the match would

be wrapped on the reserve day. "The match will resume at the point where it stopped on the previous day. For the avoidance of doubt, any match recalculations done without the match actually restarting on the previous night will be ignored."

In case no play is possible after the toss in the final, teams will have a fresh toss on the reserve day. The IPL said the reserve day will comprise the same amount of playing time - five hours and 20 minutes including the two extra hours available in case of any disruption or rain.

Using the Super Over method to determine the winner in a rain-affected match is a first. Normally in T20Is, if a five-overs-a-side option is not possible, then the match is abandoned.

For the final, the Super Over will need to start by 1.20am. "For the final, in the event that it is not possible to schedule a five over match to be completed by the end of the extra time on the reserve day, the teams will, if conditions permit, play a Super Over to determine the winner of the final. This means that the pitch and ground must be ready for play so that the Super Over can start at the latest by 1.20am (final)."

Thomas stages major fight back to win PGA Championship in playoff TULSA, Okla. (Reuters) :Justin Thomas beat Will Zalatoris in a three-hole playoff to win the PGA Championship on Sunday, after Chile's Mito Pereira blew a one-shot lead on the final hole.

The playoff ended a day of pulsating drama at Southern Hills Country Club that saw Thomas stage one of the greatest fight backs in majors history and Pereira suffer one of the most calamitous collapse.

Seven back at the start of the final round, Thomas seized his chance in the three hole aggregate playoff hoisting the Wanamaker trophy with a par on the

Justin Thomas' come-from-behind win at Southern Hills was one for the ages

18th to beat Zalatoris by one.

It was the second major victory for Thomas who also won the 2017 PGA

Championship.

Seemingly out of contention at the start of the final round, Thomas found himself in an even bigger hole with a bogey at the third to fall eight behind the leader.

But the world number nine would drop only one shot the rest of the way while ringing up five birdies for a three under-67.

Zalatoris with a birdie at 18 joined Thomas at five-under 275 and with their work done retreated to watch Pereira, the leader by one, play the final hole Playing in just his second major the 27-year-old Chilean, who had displayed

nerves of steel the entire week, finally cracked under the pressure watching his 18th tee shot skid into the creek guarding the green.

A rattled Pereira would be forced to take a double-bogey leaving Thomas and Zalatoris to fight for the trophy.

Playing the 13, 17 and 18th both men would birdie the first playoff hole with Thomas taking control with another birdie on the second.

With Zalatoris needing a birdie at 18 to extend the playoff, Thomas took a conservative approach sealing the victory win with a par.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 24, 2022

Bangladesh fight back through twin tons in second Test AT stumps, Bangladesh not only walked away relieved, they also were the happier side. From 24 for 5, having opted to bat in the second Test, they ended the opening day on 277 for 5 with twin centuries.

Mushfiqur Rahim struck his second consecutive ton in the series, following his 105 in the high scoring draw in the opening Test with a 252ball 115 while Liton Das this time around converted his start to a three-figure score to end with 135.

Ahead of the contest, head coach Chris Silverwood had heaped praises on Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando.

The pair once again were at their destructive best in the first session to nip out Bangladesh's five batters inside the opening seven overs.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell on the second delivery - bowled by Rajitha - before Tamim Iqbal fell in the second. Mominul Haque, who has managed just 61 in his previous five Tests, also fell cheaply with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib al Hasan also not offering any resistance.

With their backs against the wall, Bangladesh needed a significant stand to help them resurrect their chances.

Rahim and Liton batted out 469 deliveries to extend their association to an unbeaten 253. Bangladesh went to lunch at 66 for 5 and stabilised in the second session

Mushfiqur and Litton walk back undefeated after their double-century stand (AFP/Getty Images)

when the pair played out a wicketless session.

At Tea, they were 153 for 5 with both batters past their fifties and set for a long haul. Sri Lanka were also left wondering about the what-ifs when Liton got a top edge while attempting a pull but the substitute fielder Kamindu Mendis couldn't hold on to the opportunity and dropped the catch after the drinks break.

The 150-run stand came up in the 59th over and the desperation was clearly on from Sri Lanka's end. They dropped a review against Rahim in the 62nd over as the bowlers struggled to create more opportunities. In the next over, Liton reached his century as sloppy backing up saw the batter pick up five runs to reach the landmark.

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the 66th as he struck Fernando for a six and a four.

Though it took a while Rahim reached his century in the 76th off 218 deliveries.

By then, the shoulders had already dropped in the Sri Lankan camp and it seemed the players were expecting a long battle ahead.

Sri Lanka took the new ball as soon as it became available with Rahim taking a toll on Rajitha with consecutive boundaries. Liton was hampered by some eye issue as the day neared its end but managed to hold on to ensure he's out there partnering Rahim on the second day to build Bangladesh's advantage.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 277/5 (Liton Das 135, Mushfiqur Rahim 115; Kasun Rajitha 3-43) vs Sri Lanka.

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Nadal destroys Thompson to reach French Open second round PARIS: (Reuters)-Rafael Nadal showed no signs of pain as the 13-time French Open champion marched into the second round at Roland Garros with clinical 6-2 6-2 6-2 demolition of Australian Jordan Thompson on Monday. The Spaniard, who had never arrived in Paris as unprepared as this year after a rib injury and a chronic foot problem hampered the build-up to his beloved Grand Slam tournament, was never bothered on a chilly court Philippe Chatrier.

"It's incredible for me to play here again on Chatrier.

I'm happy with this win. First round is always special," said Nadal, who now has 106 wins at Roland Garros - more than any other male player at a single Grand Slam.

"It is a good start, of course, straight sets. That's it. I mean, I played good for a while. Then things that I could do better and I need to do better. But it is a positive start, and that gives me a chance to have one more day on practice tomorrow and

Roland Garros, Paris, France - spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning his first round match against Australia's Jordan Thompson (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes)

then another chance the day after tomorrow."

The 35-year-old, who has a record 21 men's Grand Slam titles to his name, played down the chances of adding to his tally but his display was reminiscent of those of previous years.

Nadal broke for 2-1 with a backhand volley winner and his massive forehand helped him quickly move 4-1 up against an overwhelmed opponent.

The fifth seed looked to finish off some points quickly and made several unusual unforced errors, but they

were of little consequence as he breezed through the opening set.

Nadal broke serve in the first game of the second set and again in the fifth and seventh as he started to play more neatly, bagging it with a service winner.

Thompson, who pulled a break back, looked worn out by then but held it together until 2-2, when Nadal broke with a forehand volley and won the rest of the games for his 299th victory at a major, having never lost in the first round here in 18 entries.

Qatar World Cup audience projected at 5 bln, says FIFA boss DAVOS — The 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar is expected to be watched by 5 billion people around the world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday The TV audiences for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was a record-breaking 3.5 billion people.

Qatar, a small but wealthy Gulf Arab state, will host the first World Cup in the Middle East starting late November.

Its ruling Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Monday criticized attacks on Qatar by some people, “including many in positions of influence,” over its hosting of the event.

“Even today, there are still people who cannot ac-

cept the idea, that an Arab Muslim country, would host a tournament, like the World Cup,” he said in a speech at the World Economic Forum.

He said Qatar, like other states, was “not perfect” but has pushed reforms and development. Reforms include raising the minimum wage and new rules authorities say are designed to protect workers, including from heat stress.

Qatar has come under intense criticism from human rights groups over its treatment of migrant workers, who along with other foreigners comprise the bulk of the country’s population.

High profile soccer stars like England manager Gareth Southgate have raised

concerns over the human rights of some fans traveling to Qatar, especially women and LGBT+ fans.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. There are concerns over the status of women, some of whom need permission from a male relative to marry, work in government jobs and travel overseas.

Tournament organisers stress that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome in Qatar, while also warning fans against public displays of affection.

Qatar has said its labor system is still a work in progress, and denied a 2021 Amnesty International report that thousands of migrant workers were still being exploited.

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2022 Royersford Tower Health Bike Race

Joelyn Joseph cops 3rd place in Master’s 55+ (cat 1-4) Class USA-based We Stand United Cycle Club member, Joelyn Joseph, a two-time Olympian (1980 & 1984) continued his good showing on the USA circuit when he ended third in the 2022 Royersford Tower Health Bike Race held on Sunday last in Royersford, PA. Competing against 38 starters with 29 completing the race, Joseph, the 2019 International Cycling Union (UCI) Men’s 60-64 Sprint race silver medalist at the Manchester Velodrome in the United Kingdom, took the final podium spot on Sunday last in the 20-mile contest in the Masters 55+ (cat 1-4) event.

Taking on peers younger than himself, the Linden born cyclist held his own and employed a number of strategies from his wide-ranging reservoir to take the bronze medal. He was timed at 41.57.1 in the race which was won by Jeff Miesemer in 41.32.0; the second place was occupied

by John Bertolini (41.34.0).

WSU Joelyn Joseph (right) shares the podium with the first and second-place finishers

Joseph, also a 2017 UCI Masters Track Cycling World Championships silver and bronze medalist at the Los Angeles, USA, commented: “The racecourse was tougher than it looked, there were four left turns and two right turns with a slight uphill every lap to maneuver. I managed to ap-

ply my experience and came out with a medal which was satisfying. The weather conditions were very hot, this was the first hot temperature, 89° for the season.”

Joseph has indicated that it is now on to the Somerville Criterium Memorial Day race which is set for this weekend.

Waterhouse FC have final chance at securing 2023 CONCACAF Champions League berth ANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS, Dominican Republic, (CMC) – Jamaican side Waterhouse have one last chance to get a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League after missing the opportunity to secure that berth in Sunday night’s Flow CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship third-place match.

Atletico Vega Real of the Dominican Republic secured their place in the 2023 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCL) – which will be their first-ever appearance in that tournament – when they defeated the Jamaican side 3-1 in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Cibao FC. Waterhouse will play in a 2022 SCL play-off on Wednesday against 2022 Concacaf Caribbean Shield champion Bayamon FC of Puerto Rico, with the winner securing the final SCL berth from the Caribbean.

Early goals have been a trend in this year’s CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship, and Sunday’s opening match was no different with the host side grabbing a 1-0 lead in just the seventh minute of play.

Jarol Herrera received a ball down the right wing and floated in a cross that met the

Shequeil Bradford of Waterhouse FC and Mauro Gomez of Vega Real compete for the ball during their third-place match on Sunday. (Photo: CONCACAF)

stabbing forehead of Mauro Gomez, who thumped home the header past Waterhouse goalkeeper Kemar Foster for a 1-0 Atletico Vega Real lead.

Waterhouse looked to get back on level footing before halftime, but they were left frustrated by the Atletico Vega Real defence.

However, early in the second half, the equalizer would come when Rohan Beadle swung in a free kick from the right wing and Cardel Benbow was there to meet it with a header, making it 1-1 in the 49th minute.

The momentum stayed with Waterhouse and the

Jamaicans looked as if they would get a second goal before the full-time whistle, but Atletico Vega Real goalkeeper Juan Dominguez stood strong, resulting in a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

Atletico Vega Real were more decisive and a save from Dominguez on Waterhouse’s final attempt sealed the Dominican club’s 3-1 shootout victory.Jarol Herrera, Domingo Peralta and Arismendy Jimenez scored for Atletico Vega Real in the shootouts while Waterhouse’s only goal came from Cardel Benbow.

Jamaican clubs among award winners in Caribbean Club Championship SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS, Dominican Republic, (CMC) – Despite not finishing in the top three of the 2022 Flow CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship, two Jamaican clubs walked away with top honours in the tournament.

Fourth-place finisher Waterhouse FC earned the Fair Play Award “in recognition of the exemplary behaviour that promoted the spirit of fair play and compassion in the championship”, CONCACAF said on Monday.

The top goal scorer of

the tournament, meanwhile, came from Cavalier SC. Dwayne Atkinson enjoyed a very impressive tournament for the Jamaican side as he scored a goal in each half of Cavalier’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Cibao of the Dominican Republic to finish with a tournament-leading two goals.

Cavalier failed to advance past the group stage as a result of that match, as they had needed a win over Cibao to go onto the next round.

Meantime, the Best Player Award went to Elyvens Dejean of Haiti’s Violette who edged Cibao 4-3 in a

Winners of the Fair Play Award, Waterhouse FC of Jamaica. (Photo: CONCACAF)

penalty shootout following a scoreless draw in Sunday’s

final.

The midfielder finished

the tournament with two goals in attack for the even-

tual champions. He had coolly converted his penalty in Violette’s shootout win.

A 17-year-old striker from the Haitian side, Stevenson Jeudi, won the Young Player Award.

He scored two goals in Violette’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Waterhouse.

Host team Cibao’s gloveman Miguel Lloyd was named Best Goalkeeper.

He was superb for the host side, conceding no goals in the three matches in which he appeared during the tournament, including the semi-final and final.

30

Red Force coach says West Indies Championship title still within reach PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force head coach David Furlonge is under no illusion that it will be a walk in the park for his currently third-placed team to bounce back and win the West Indies Championship, but he says it is still within the hosts’ grasp.

He expressed that optimism after Red Force fell to a 187-run loss against Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their third-round encounter on Saturday, and ahead of the penultimate round of the competition on Wednesday.

“We know it will not be easy but we have a group of fighters and we know we have to fight to win it,” Furlonge said, according to the Trinidad Express newspaper.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s Yannic Cariah struck his fifth first class hundred but it was not enough to stop the Leeward Islands Hurricanes from crushing the host team by 187 runs in round three of the West Indies Championship.

Red Force, who ended the second round in second position behind Barbados Pride who remain at the top of the six-team table with 47.2 points, are now on 43 points, slipping one spot to third after their loss to Hurricanes who are now in second place with 46.4 points. Harpy Eagles (41.4 points), Jamaica Scorpions (29.6 points) and Windward Islands Volcanoes (15.6 points) complete the standings.

The top four teams have

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s Yannic Cariah struck his fifth first class hundred but it was not enough to stop the Leeward Islands Hurricanes from crushing the host team by 187 runs in round three of the West Indies Championship

two wins and one loss from their three games in the tournament so far.

Furlonge said the outcome of Red Force’s fourth-round fixture against defending champions Pride at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, beginning Wednesday, will be crucial.

“I believe we will still be in the race for the title and it may come down to the game between Barbados and ourselves, so the campaign is still very much alive,” he said.

The head coach added that while the team was dis-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday May 24, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle-59 sixes (2) Manish Pandey-4 ducks Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two teams are contesting Qualifier 1 in IPL 2022?

(2) Which two teams are set to play the Eliminator game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

appointed in their loss against Hurricanes last Saturday, they will be working hard to bounce back.

“The guys are still confident that we can pull off two victories in the last two games and do our part to try and lift the title,” said Furlonge, whose franchise will be without Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales and Akeal Hosein for the remaining matches as they have been selected for the West Indies’ tour of Netherlands, May 31-June 4, as well as the June 8-12 tour to Pakistan.

In the fifth and final round of the West Indies Championship, beginning June 1, Red Force will play Guyana Harpy Eagles at Queen’s Park Oval.

The match against Pride, however, is now the focus and Furlonge said in preparation for that fixture, Red Force will be working on correcting their mistakes from the Hurricanes match, particularly on the batting side.

“I think it is a matter of looking at how we bat in the nets and looking back at how you got out and not looking for an excuse but instead looking at what you should have done differently in playing that ball,” he said.

“We will go into the nets and work on that top-order batting on Monday and Tuesday and try to get them batting long in those sessions and see how it goes in the next game.”

Looking back on the match against Hurricanes, Furlonge blamed a lack of patience with the bat and ball for the hosts’ defeat.

Resuming the final morning of the match on 143 for six, Red Force folded before lunch for 271 in their second innings to taste their first defeat of the regional first class championship.

“We weren’t patient enough in the batting and bowling to do well. The bowlers constantly bowled different lines and the batsmen who got starts didn’t carry on because we weren’t patient enough to leave the ball alone outside the offstump,” Furlonge said.

They [Hurricanes] were more patient than us and I think that is why they won the game.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 24, 2022

Reliability is key as F1 season takes another twist BARCELONA: (Reuters(Max Verstappen was 46 points behind Charles Leclerc after the first three races of the Formula One season and now, three races later, he is six ahead of his Ferrari rival and leading the championship.

The fact that Red Bull's reigning champion has won every race he has finished also emphasises the importance of reliability in a season of major rule changes and rapid development.

Leclerc took 71 of 78 available points in the first three races. He has scored 33 since then.

Verstappen had 25 after round three in Australia and is now on 110, his tally boosted by an Imola sprint race that handed him eight extra points.

Champions Mercedes were down, and about to be counted out as they wrestled with a bouncing car, and yet Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix suggested George Russell and seven times champion Lewis Hamilton were back.

Hamilton went from 19th to fourth, eventually ceding a place as Mercedes told him his car was on the edge of a terminal over-heating prob-

Formula One F1 Spanish Grand Prix Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain - May 22, 2022 Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the race REUTERS/Albert Gea

lem, while Russell completed the podium in third place behind Verstappen and Red Bull's Sergio Perez.

Huge gaps, in points and performance, have come and gone remarkably quickly for a sport where the tiniest of fractions can be critical.

"Can we fight for another world championship? Well, we bet we can," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, only weeks after saying virtually the opposite.

"We just need to have a car that is able to finish first and second. We have reasons to believe that we can get

there," added the Austrian, hailing a big step for the team after recent tribulations.

"If you look at the odds they are against that but motor racing is a different ball game. We've seen today that Ferrari didn't score a lot of points although they should, so we are absolutely pushing flat out in order to bring us back into the game."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who takes nothing for granted other than the sport's ability to surprise, has always said he expected Mercedes to come back strongly and that consistency is key.

"I think these things always balance out over the course of a year," he said of Leclerc's engine-related retirement while leading from pole position on Sunday.

"They've been unfortunate today, we were unfortunate in two races. The championships are extremely tight and it's still early days.

"It's going to continue to be a factor through the season. From what I hear both Mercedes were on the limit water-wise as well at the end of the race. Everybody is very much on the limit.

Nedd elated with progress of new volleyball prospects GUYANA Volleyball Federation (GVF) president Levi Nedd is happy with the progress of his new prospects, most notably the ladies who continued their dry-runs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), as further preparation continues for future national selection of teams.

The weekly sessions have been running for a number of weeks now, as coaches seek to identify the next batch of players, both male and female; who will inevitably form the core group of the Men, Women and youth volleyball teams. The pandemic robbed the GVF of its initial plans to keep players and competition at an extremely elite level, according to previous statements from Nedd.

Fast-forward months after, with a more relaxed atmosphere due to a number of pandemic-counter contingency plans and volleyball like most other local sports have been returning to their usual activities. While

Some of the players conducting their simulations recently

the GVF has always maintained a solid men’s team, it’s the ladies category that Nedd in the past heavily stressed on significantly boosting.

Looking at his current batch, Nedd was optimistic that the talent levels they have been seeing, coupled with the dedication and commitment from the ladies; he believes that within 6 months he can have his batch of players fundamentally sound and ready for action.

He noted that the improvements have been tremendous thus far, adding that the GVF has a few talent spotters across the country who usually scout talent in areas and as a result, they have welcomed a large

number of newbies who are poised to represent their country.

Meanwhile, last weekend’s simulations focused on setting, blocking and attacking primarily with hopes of further identifying flaws or strengths that needed to be improved upon in time.

Most notably however, was Nedd’s overall assessment of the ongoing clinic, something he said is highly crucial to the survival of the sport while adding that it is integral to ensure Demerara, like the other counties, has equally strong Junior teams to supplement their senior core.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 24, 2022

Townsville stadium Barbados Pride remain on to host Symonds' top after third round of West public memorial Indies Championship ANDREW Symonds' life will be celebrated by former teammates with a no-jacket, no-tie memorial service in Townsville on Friday, almost two weeks after the cricket star's death.

Symonds' family confirmed on Monday that a public memorial would take place for the former Test and limited-overs champion close to his home in North Queensland.

Ian Healy, Adam Gilchrist, Darren Lehmann, Jimmy Maher and Matthew Mott will be among those to speak at the memorial, with poet and friend Rupert McCall to also deliver a poem.

The Riverway Stadium event will also be livestreamed at the Queensland Cricketers' Club at the Gabba, Symonds' old home ground with Queensland.

The allrounder's family and friends will gather for a private funeral service on Friday morning before

Andrew Symonds’ life will be celebrated in Townsville on Friday

the memorial, which comes with a dress code of 'definitely no jacket and tie required'.

Details of the memorial come after a week of tributes for Symonds, who died aged 46 when his car left the road and rolled in Hervey Range, about 50km from Townsville on May 14 Several former Queensland players have spent the past week together with the Bulls Masters charity and public speaking group, supporting each other

in the aftermath of his shock death.

Current players have also continued to speak of their admiration for the gifted cricketer, who played 26 Tests and won two one-day World Cups in 2003 and 2007.

I t w a s i n t h e l i m i ted-overs game where the man they called 'Roy' really excelled, dazzling crowds with his athletic fielding and big hitting, clobbering 5088 runs and taking 133 wickets in 198 ODIs. Fans have also paid tribute to one of the sport's most marketable stars of the early 21st century, leaving fishing rods and cricket balls at the front of their homes.

Symonds is survived by wife Laura and young children Chloe and Billy.

The service will begin at 2.30pm (gates open at 2pm) and will be livestreamed, with broadcast details to be confirmed.

(AAP &cricket.com au.)

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Barbados Pride are holding on to a slim lead – less than a point – in the standings of the Regional First Class Championship following a third-round shock defeat to Guyana Harpy Eagles on Saturday.

Harpy Eagles, who amassed 490-7 declared in their first innings followed up by 71-5, stunned table-toppers Pride when they won their match by five wickets.

Set 68 to win from 13 overs deep in the last session on the final day at Queen’s Park Oval, the Guyanese got home with an over to spare thanks to left-handed Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 23 off just 10 balls.

Despite the loss, defending champions Pride who scored 266 and 291 in their two innings remain on top of the six-team table on 47.2 points.

Harpy Eagles (41.4 points) are still in the fourth

position they started in this round.

Right behind the tournament leaders on 46.4 points are Leeward Islands Hurricanes who crushed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by 187 runs on the fourth and final day of their encounter at the Diego Martin Complex.

Red Force, who were dismissed before lunch for 271 in their second innings to taste their first defeat of the championship, are now third in the standings, on 43 points, switching with Hurricanes the positions they were in going into this third round.

Jamaica Scorpions and Windward Islands Volcanoes remain the last two teams after their match at the Brian Lara Stadium that lasted just three days, although this time the latter is bottom of the table.

Scorpions fast bowler Derval Green and off-spinner Jamie Merchant wrecked the Volcanoes batting with five-wicket hauls to propel their side to an innings and

14-run victory on Friday.

Resuming the day on 101-3 in their second innings and still requiring a further 108 runs to avoid an innings defeat, Volcanoes were demolished by Green who snatched 5-46 with his accurate pace and Merchant who ended with 5-72, as he got the ball to turn and bounce.

Scorpions, who ended the second round in last position, are now fifth (29.6 points) while Windward Islands Volcanoes (15.6 points) have dropped to sixth.

The fourth round of the championship begins tomorrow. The match-ups will be Jamaica Scorpions and Guyana Harpy Eagles at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Barbados Pride at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, and Windward Island Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Queen’s Park Oval.

The final round bowls off June 1.

Mohamed’s Enterprise supports Guyana’s Pan Am MMA team

MMA amateur fighter, Ijaz Cave receives the GYMMAF contribution from Nazar Mohamed on behalf of his entity, Mohamed’s Enterprise (Rawle Toney photo)

MOHAMMED’s Enterprise became the latest corporate entity to throw its support behind Guyana’s Mixed Martial Arts team for the June 22 – 24 Pan Am Championships in Mexico.

Four athletes will represent Guyana at its second International

Mixed Martial Arts Federation tournament, with the country’s first outing being the World Championships in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.

Known for his philanthropy, especially towards sports, Nazar Mohamed made the presentation of

an undisclosed sum to the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF, while pointing out that more could be done if everyone is involved.

Mohamed spoke profoundly of his business’ meaningful contribution to the nation’s athletes and

Salah and Son Heung-min share Premier League’s Golden Boot LIVERPOOL forward Mohamed Salah and Tottenham's Son Heung-min will share the Premier League's Golden Boot award after finishing the season tied on 23 goals.

Egyptian Salah began the final day one goal clear of the South Korean at the top of the scoring charts.

Son scored twice in Tottenham's 5-0 win at Norwich but Salah struck late on as the Reds beat Wolves 3-1.

It is the third time Salah has won the award.

He previously claimed the Golden Boot in 2017-18, when he scored 32 times, and

Meanwhile, the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF)said the entire contingent of athletes will be announced shortly.

Apart from Mohamed’s Enterprise, KFC Guyana is the other company that has so far assisted the team.

Clubs across Berbice continue to reject Foster’s resignation

Mohamed Salah (left) helped Liverpool finish second in the Premier League, and Son Heung-min aided Tottenham to fourth

…finish as top scorers

federation, but said with the growing corporations in Guyana, more interest should be given to sports.

Ijaz Cave, one of the athletes heading to the Championships in Monterrey, Mexico, lauded Mohamed for his support, which he described as timely.

in 2018-19 season, when he finished with 22 goals.

In the latter case, Salah was involved in a three-way tie at the top of the scoring charts alongside his Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane and then-Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Salah's total of 23 goals this season includes one hat-trick, which he scored in a 5-0 win at Manchester United on 24 October.

Twenty of his strikes had come by 12 March but his scoring form tailed off after that, with two in a 4-0 win at home to Manchester United on 19 April and one more against Wolves.

In contrast to Salah's finish to the season, Son struck nine times in his last 10 games, including six in his final five, to shoot up the TURN TO PAGE 27 ► scoring charts.

CLUBS in the West Berbice sub-association over the weekend joined their counterparts from the Upper Corentyne area, as rejection surrounding the planned July 31.resignation of BCB president Hilbert Foster continues.

Twelve of the 14 clubs were present at the meeting and they all supported a motion to reject the resignation and asked Foster to at least complete his elected term up to the 31st of December, 2023. Among the clubs present at the meeting were D’Edward, Cotton Tree, Police, Achievers, Blairmont Remnants, Bush Lot United and Bath.

One representative stated that Berbice cricket would decline rapidly if the resignation goes ahead as without doubt, Mr. Foster was the best leader we ever had and warned that many leaders would walk away from the game at the club level as they all have great respect and admiration of Mr. Foster. Another delegate told Mr. Foster that he cannot build the game to such a high level and then walk away.

The teams had gathered at the venue as part of the BCB President regular meetings with them to discuss developmental plans and also to receive balls under the Shimron/ Nirvani Hetmyer Cricket Trust Fund. Like he did in Upper Corentyne, the BCB President made no commitment but thanked the clubs for their confidence in his leadership.

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BCB president Hilbert Foster

Meanwhile, Foster was on hand to present cricket balls under the Shimron/Nirvani Hetmyer Cricket Fund programme in the Cotton Tree Ground over the weekend, as part of the Trust fund to further help develop cricketers and clubs across the Ancient County.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022