24th July, 2022
Free Inside No.106793
Housing, infrastructure needs take centre stage
–– $50B to be injected into construction of 4,500 housing units, expansion of major highways
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–– authorities plan to expend over $100B in three years to develop infrastructure in all regions, Minister Croal says 03
500 houses to be constructed at Leonora 05 PAGE
–– following signing of MoU between Housing Ministry, Republic Bank
President, Dr Irfaan Ali, and First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, introduced the Girls-Only Self-Defence Class under the “One Guyana” initiative, on Saturday, at State House. The programme which caters for girls 11-18 years of age, is designed to not only teach the art of self-defence, but to impart lifelong skills, discipline and assist in improving their self-confidence (Office of the President photo) – [See story on Page 20]
The Housing and Water Ministry, on Saturday, attended to more than 1,000 persons who were invited for house lot allocation and title distribution exercise at the International Building Expo, Providence. Those persons are well on their way to sealing the deal with banks and financial institutions, having received their titles (Adrian Narine photo)
Modern US$20M condominiums, 02 From nursing assistant to WHO declares global health 04 office complex for Cummings Lodge qualified medical doctor 12 emergency over monkeypox outbreak PAGE
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Modern US$20M condominiums, office complex for Cummings Lodge By Tamica Garnett
THE landscape of Cummings Lodge, which sits just on the outskirts of Georgetown, is set to be transformed with the construction of three 10-storey buildings to be used for condominiums and office centres. The project, which is expected to be among the first of its kind in Guyana, is be undertaken by the Guyanese-owned Trican Develop-
ments Inc. During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Consultant for Trican Developments Inc., Abigail Welch, said the project is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2022 and is scheduled to be completed by 2025. Situated on three acres of land, two structures will each have 54 condominiums, while the third building will serve as an office complex. The gated development, according to Welch, will
include smart security, and multi-storey parking. She said Trican is pursuing this project because the company recognises the need for premium living and working facilities in Guyana. The overarching goal of the company is to contribute to the formation of a modern Guyana, honouring Guyana’s rich history through its new and innovative condominiums and office complex. “Our vision is to create world-class real estate prod-
SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
One of the renders for the US$20M condominium and office complex ucts for our corporate and residential clients, as an expression of our commitment to the formation of a modern Guyana. Trican’s goal is to create enjoyable living and working experiences through carefully crafted architecture and interior designs, while merging local culture with state-of-the-art facilities for both comfort and luxury,” Welch said. The facility is expected to include uniquely woven outside facades, courtyards, rooftop gardens and green spaces. Trican is currently participating in the International Building Expo at Providence, where it is advertising the project and offering virtual reality tours of what the facilities are expected to look like. Regarding other amenities, the 10-storey structures will include pool facilities, a tennis and basketball court, health and wellness facility,
a spa, a courtyard plaza, a barbeque area and event space “It’s going to be quite luxurious,” Welch commented. She further noted: “Our buildings are designed to maximise functionality with their smart features and carefully crafted designs. Our bespoke concepts along with our talented and highly qualified team will deliver the highest quality to immerse prospective clients in a stable and peaceful environment.” Welch noted that the company is placing emphasis on the utilisation of local capacity during the project. “We are using a lot of local capacity. We’re engaging with local companies here. Our architect, HE Designs Studios, whose presenting these wonderful renders is local,” Welch said.
Housing, infrastructure needs take centre stage
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
–– $50B to be injected into construction of 4,500 housing units, expansion of major highways –– authorities plan to expend over $100B in three years to develop infrastructure in all regions, Minister Croal says By Rabindra Rooplall
THE government will be investing a total of $50 billion to construct 4,500 housing units and expand major highways, according to Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during his address to thousands of people at the launch of the International Building Expo 2022, on Friday. There, he said that $20 billion would be spent on the expansion of major highways, including the Aubrey Barker Road, Eccles Landfill road and Schoonord to Crane roadways, among others, while a further $30 billion will be expended on the construction of 1,500 housing units at LBI, 1,000 at Leonora, 1,000 at Wales and 1,000 at the new Silica City. Minister Croal said that, while those projects were government-led, there were many private sector-led projects in various stages, making the offerings of Building Expo 2022 critical. Further, he said that, over the next three years, more than $100 billion would be invested in regional infrastructure and building works across the ten administrative regions.
This is all in recognition of the increasing demand for housing and other supportive infrastructure. Citizens, he said, want pre-fabricated and pre-built houses, and the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector has brought its own demands for modern housing, particularly condominiums, which were formalised with the recent passage and enactment of the Condominium Bill No.4 of 2022 “We have grown accustomed to building with concrete and wood, but with the global challenges of climate change and environmental exploitation, we must now pursue construction technologies which will reduce our carbon footprint,” Minister Croal noted. Expanding on technology, Minister Croal said the construction sector has impressive new technology that allows for homes to be completed in shorter timespans, new kinds of building materials, and 3D printing. “We will also see a model construction built entirely from recycled materials and shortly we will witness the unveiling of an industrial size 3D Printer which will over this three-day event will construct Guyana’s first 3D printed house and patrons will be
able to get miniature models of their houses using their building plans. E-Networks will also unveil a smart home which will demonstrate the use of internet in home security,” the Housing Minister noted. These new technologies, he said, will bring awareness of better methods of home construction that are not just faster, but more energy efficient, eco-friendly, more durable, and affordable options which will challenge contractors and engineers as well as architects and financial institutions to take new risks and increase their capacities. He explained that the government set the ambitious target of 50,000 house lot allocations in the first five years and has committed to establishing Silica City, Guyana’s model smart city outside of Georgetown. These works, he said, will begin to close the development gap between the coast and hinterland and inject new life into others. “Since the return of the PPP/C to government, we have re-energised the housing and construction sectors by introducing bold and aggressive homeownership initiatives at the policy level and reducing the gaps in the application and processing time. The establishment of new housing developments
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal across Guyana and the upgrading of existing areas within the past two years have been met with huge smiles of relief from citizens who are anxious to own their own homes,” he emphasised. At the expo, 350 companies, including banks, share the same space to combine their vision for a new era of housing solutions.
Region Eight residents benefit from over $88M in hinterland-relief grants
MORE than 3,525 families in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), will now have more money in their pockets, as over $88,225,000 was distributed to households in the region, as part of the government’s $25,000 per household cash-grant programme for hinterland and riverine communities. The countrywide initiative was launched by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, and is aimed at buffering the rising cost of living. For Perslyn Gomes-Kellman, the sole breadwinner of her family of five, the cash grant has come at the right time. “This is a little hustle I’m doing; I don’t really get much from it and right now
my husband is not working and I have three little girls to look after. So, it means a lot to me, I’m very thankful and grateful for it. “I’m going to stretch it. I’m going to put a little on my business and I’m going to put some in the kitchen because ration is very expensive,” Gomes-Kellman said. Mahdia resident, Howard McPherson, also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate nature of the government. He spoke of the challenges he faces daily and how the money will help to address his circumstances. “Right now, it is very, very important cause I does work in the backdam and we can’t even work now because the water slushy,
so this money will come in very good,’” McPherson said. Lennox Matherson also voiced appreciation for the continuous work of the government. “Right now, this is a really good grant, and will do a lot of things for we right now, so we are presently thankful for it. At least I get some for light bill, piece for light bill and piece for ration,” he said. Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, who facilitated the distribution, reiterated that the initiative is a fulfilment of the government’s commitment to help ease the economic hardships faced by Guyanese. She said: “This is an effort
to relieve the level of cost of living in Guyana. It’s not going to eradicate it. It’s not going to overcome this major challenge our country is facing, but we believe we have to make an effort…we are here as a government to ensure that we make that effort to reach out to you in this particular period.” Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Shawn Britton, promised that every household will benefit. “We are targeting the households that received the COVID-19 cash grant and it also targets those persons that would have received the grant through the pink-slip method. So, it’s a combination of the white and pink slips. We have a list here with us that was
generated from the Ministry of Finance and we are going to use that list as a guide to do the distribution,” he said. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Thursday, sought some $3.1 bil-
lion supplementary funding from the National Assembly to further support Amerindian development. The $3.1 billion is part of a $44.7 billion supplementary provision for both current and capital expenditure. (DPI)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
WHO declares global health emergency over monkeypox outbreak (Reuters) - THE rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak represents a global health emergency, the World Health Organization’s highest level of alert, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Saturday. The WHO label - a “public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)” - is designed to trigger a coordinated international response and could unlock funding to collaborate on sharing vaccines and treatments. Members of an expert committee that met on Thursday to discuss the potential
recommendation were split on the decision, with nine members against and six in favour of the declaration, prompting Tedros himself to break the deadlock, he told reporters. “Although I am declaring a public health emergency of international concern, for the moment this is an outbreak that is concentrated among men who have sex with men, especially those with multiple sexual partners,” Tedros told a media briefing in Geneva. “Stigma and discrimination can be as dangerous as any virus,” he added. He said the risk of mon-
keypox - which spreads via close contact and tends to cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions - was moderate globally, except in Europe, where the WHO has deemed the risk as high. Previously, Tedros has typically endorsed expert committee recommendations, but the two sources told Reuters earlier on Saturday said he had likely decided to back the highest alert level due to concerns about escalating case rates and a short supply of vaccines and treatments. So far this year, there have been more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox in more than 75 countries, and five
deaths in Africa. The viral disease has been spreading chiefly in men who have sex with men in the recent outbreak, outside Africa where it is endemic. Health experts welcomed the WHO’s decision to issue the PHEIC declaration, which until now had only been applied to the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing efforts to eradicate polio. “The right result is clear – not declaring an emergency at this point would be a historic missed opportunity,” said Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C., calling the decision politi-
cally brave. The decision should help contain the spread of the viral disease, said Josie Golding, head of epidemics and epidemiology at the Wellcome Trust. “We cannot afford to keep waiting for diseases to escalate before we intervene,” she said. JUNE MEETING The WHO and national governments have been facing intense pressure from scientists and public health experts to take more action on monkeypox. Cases of the viral disease have ballooned since the committee first met at the end of June, when there were
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only about 3,000 cases. At the time, the expert group agreed to reconsider their position on the emergency declaration if the outbreak escalated. One of the key issues driving a reassessment was whether cases would spread to other groups, particularly children or others who have been vulnerable to the virus in past outbreaks in endemic countries. On Friday, the United States identified its first two monkeypox cases in children. WHO officials said on Saturday they were exploring the possibility of the virus spreading via new modes of transmission.
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500 houses to be constructed at Leonora
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
–– following signing of MoU between Housing Ministry, Republic Bank
By Jared Liddell
IN keeping with its drive to allocate 50,000 house lots and housing solutions by 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Republic Bank Guyana Ltd. for the construction of 500 affordable homes at Leonora, on the West Coast of Demerara. The agreement was signed by Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, and Republic Bank’s General Manager (Credit), Venus Frith, on Saturday, at the ongoing International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The MoU caters for the construction of the new, affordable homes at a cost of $5.5 million. According to Housing Minister Collin Croal, construction on the foundation for the first 100 homes under this initiative is expected to commence in the new week. The Housing Minister related that this new joint agreement is a signal of the government’s commitment to promoting home ownership, which will directly contribute to the lives of all Guyanese. He noted that this agreement is set to fill a gap that is currently recorded by the CH&PA which shows a greater need for affordable homes below $6 million. “Only a few hours ago, we would have heard our President reinforce or strengthen the relationship between government and the financial institutions in terms of the housing sector. And so, this simple ceremony that we have here today is another testimony of what our President was speaking towards. “And that is why we signed an MoU of commitment of our collaboration between the CH&PA and Republic bank for the construction of 500 houses along the West Coast of Demerara, for a particular bracket that is the highest within our demand on CH&PA’s database,” Minster Croal said. The Housing Minister noted that while the government has been working aggressively and achieving targets for house lot dis-
tribution, the ministry has seen a rise in the demand for completed homes which has propelled the government to collaborate with the local banks to cater to this growing need. “We have several persons who have been showing interest more in terms of being able to be part of our collaboration to own their own home in a fast-tracked way,” Minister Croal said. He related that the government is committed to achieving its house lot allocation goal and is committed to the allocation of at least 22,000 new house lots within the next three years.
boost the quality of life enjoyed by Guyanese. “Today’s signing of the MoU between the CH&PA and Republic Bank Guyana limited just signals the continued indication of our intent, commitment, and passion to contribute to the rural development of the communities in which we live as individuals, as well as in which we operate as an institution. “It is meant to strengthen our existing relationships, all of which we cherish and appreciate, and to be a demonstration of our willingness to embrace new relationships all across the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” Frith said.
Housing Minister Collin Croal (left) and Minister within the Ministry of Housing Susan Rodrigues (Right) overlooking the Signing of the MOU being carried out by CH&PA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sherwyn Greaves, (seated left) and Republic Bank’s General Manager (Credit), Venus Frith, at the International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence (Adrian Narine photo) concession that has been granted by the local banks. “To further expand our housing programme, the banks have agreed that there will be no per cent requirements for loans below six million dollars, because of this policy of the government. So you don’t have to find the 10 per cent or the 20 per cent. “Once you qualify through the joint window system, the government is with you. Now the commercial banks are with you; no requirements because of the singular policy,” President Ali said.
Housing Minister, Collin Croal, handing over a land title to a home owner on Saturday, during the International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence (Ministry of Hosing and Water photo) At the Building Expo alone, the ministry is set to allocate an additional 5,000 house lots. SEALING THE DEAL The ministry, on Saturday, also attended to more than 1,000 persons who were invited for house lot allocation and title distribution. Those 1,000 persons are set to be well on their way to sealing the deal with banks and financial institutions, having received their titles. Frith said that the MoU between the bank and the ministry represents the commitment of the institution to the people of Guyana to
He noted that the institution remains steadfast in providing the backing for persons to achieve their dream of homeownership. This MoU between the government and Republic Bank represents the most recent collaboration between the government and the local banks to promote home ownership. At the opening of the Building Expo on Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that through agreements with the banks in Guyana, the government has been able to secure a reduction in the interest rates on loans of up to $9 million to 3.8 per cent. And this is not the only
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
Paradigm shift
PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has issued a call for a paradigm shift in the way Guyanese think and act if the country is to realise its full potential within the shortest limit of time. This shift is already evident at the level of the PPP/C administration, which has taken a number of bold and strategic initiatives to lift Guyana and, by extension, Guyanese to higher levels of prosperity. Speaking at the opening of the International Building Expo 2022 at the Guyana National Stadium, President Ali outlined a menu of measures aimed at ensuring that Guyanese own their homes at affordable costs. This is especially so for low-income earners who are no longer required to have a percentage of the building cost deposited in the banks as a prior condition for obtaining loans for home construction. This is indeed a major boost in terms of owning a home especially for low-income earners, many of whom are severely challenged to raise that initial sum to access bank loans even though they are in receipt of lands from the Housing Ministry.
But that is just one part of the story of homeownership. As President Ali said, incentives will be provided by way of some building materials, namely one sling of cement and steel for foundational work which are two of the high-cost items in building construction. This facility is applicable for homes below $6 million but other categories will also benefit. For example, home builders above the $6 million to $25 million will receive two slings of cement in the construction process. In addition to the above, interest rates for houses and buildings up to $9 million have now been further reduced to 3.8 per cent, thanks to the policy interventions by the PPP/C administration. These, along with the removal of value-added taxes on a range of building material is tantamount to a significant subsidy on the construction cost of homes and buildings by the government. The private sector is also coming on board with special discounts on building materials for eligible individuals. The fact is that there was never a better time for Guyanese to own their own homes, especially young people and professionals.
This is perhaps the best start in life anyone can hope for. Indeed, a growing number of young people are accessing bank loans to build their homes as reflected in the big increases in loans disbursed by the banking sector for building construction. As noted by President Ali, within the past two years, mortgages in Guyana went up by a significant $16 billion or 21 per cent, an indication of the drive by Guyanese to own their own homes. Regrettably, a significant number of Guyanese under the past PNC administrations were unable to own their homes due to flawed policies and utter neglect of the housing sector. The ‘Feed, House and Clothe’ (FCH) programme during the 1972-1976 period turned out to be a colossal failure and a mere 13,000 homes were actually built out of a projected 65,000! An entire generation of young people under the PNC regime had their dreams of owning homes shattered, many forced to erect shacks on squatted lands or condemned to live in rented apartments for the entire duration of their lives. All of that has changed with the coming
to office of the PPP/C administration on October 5, 1992. Today, owning a home is no longer a distant or unrealiseable dream. Full credit must be given to the PPP/C for making this possible. These are indeed the elements of a caring and people-centred administration. As noted by President Ali, the PPP/C administration is undertaking a robust approach to ensure Guyana’s development soars by leaps and bounds and no amount of negative energy will stand in the government’s way as it positions itself to establish an international construct by 2030. A strategic framework has been laid out for the massive transformation of the country based on a number of interlocking linkages and synergies encompassing infrastructure, human, technological and social transformation, economic diversification, international positioning and equitable and prosperous development. This is indeed forward and visionary thinking on the part of President Ali which will certainly result in a new Guyana in consonance with the ‘One Guyana’ vision as articulated by the President.
Take a light and easy moment to digest last week’s eyebrow-raising remarks
Dear Editor,
THE smell of sweet sugar lingers in the air as Uitvlugt Estate commenced its production and GMC makes sugar easily available at a cheap price. While reports of sugar scarcity and smuggling surface, an ultrasound technician makes his way to Suddie Hospital. Region Three will develop some 7,000 house lots declared the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, as he turned the sod at Leonora for a new Demerara Bank. The east side was not to be outdone, following up with the opening of the $300 million Imran Ally’s Shopping Complex and the allocation of 5,000 house lots for the East Coast of Demerara. The President announced that the glamour of five-star hotels will soon glorify the hospitality industry to cater to tourism and the booming productive sector, as he turned the sod for the construction of a US$45 million Pasha Global Hotel at Liliendaal and a US$35 million Sheraton Hotel at Houston. Again, on a happy note, the President joined Robert Badal to cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare open the new US$100 million Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, but, on a sad note,
a mystery fire gutted St. George’s High School. Not to feel left out, the President also turned the sod for a US$45 million AC Hotels Marriott at Ogle, on Thursday, and launched the New Haven Merchant Bank at the Marriot Hotel. Do enjoy the International Building Expo 2022 to wrap up the weekend, as you take a light and easy moment to digest the week’s eyebrow-raising remarks: 1) “Raising taxes at this moment will choke off economic growth,” debated UK Foreign Minister, Liz Truss. If only her words were uttered earlier for Granger to hear! 2) “This something-for-nothing economics isn’t conservative, its socialism,” Britain’s potential Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak rebutted. President Ali cut most of the VAT to become a “social capitalist.” 3) “It is also the politically correct thing or ethical thing to do,” mused Ramjattan. Like extorting, exporting and expelling the imagined Russian Hackers? 4) “Our constitutional mandate to ensure transparency and accountability for the people’s resources cannot be held hostage by your party’s political interest,” Jermaine blurted. Who is the culprit for the five-month election siege in 2020?
5) “The Guyanese people expect that we do the work that is required without entanglements of political gamesmanship,” Figueira confessed. A game of losing “hatrick” at the CCJ served a bitter lesson. 6) “These pitches are not helping us,” bemoaned Captain Pooran. A white-wash case of a bad workman blaming his tool? 7) “This is the ridiculous nature of the Party called the PNC,” commented Neil. Goodness gracious me, that stupidity is utterly stupendous – 33 is not the majority of 65? Back to nursery school – No “ands, ifs or buts” about that, chuckled the Doctor. 8) “It took several millennia for humans to invent democratic governance. But only 50 years for the PNC to destroy it here.” We are all witnesses, miracle still happens. 9) Which Guyanese thinks that the WPA is alive? Which Guyanese thinks that the AFC is alive? Nothing intricate but legitimate and not to discriminate, Freddy does not hesitate to articulate. They multiplied but melted. Those in the media and academia have a right to expose them in order to avoid any gross miscarriage of justice. 10) President Ali pointed out: “You know in any system people look for loopholes.” Imagine if the PNC Party had won
the election and was managing the oil revenue! It’s okay, go ahead and do the “Father Christmas” laugh. 11) “I’m not afraid of the chatterati about consequences on our nine parliamentarians,” snarled Jan Jat. A stormy parting of the Red Sea? PNC is still in love with AFC and refuses to end the romance peacefully. See you in court! 12) As former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman, Denesh Ramdhin officially retires from international cricket along with West Indies batter, Lendl Simmons, Tiger Woods had this to say, “Life moves on, and I think that’s what people understands.” 13) “To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice,” Judge Sandil Kissoon counseled. No, he wasn’t referring to oil when he set the accused free after more than nine years. 14) Follow the beat of the drums, or, “When you go outside of the realm of the law…. we are going to bring you back in line based on recommendations coming from our legal advisors,” the Top Cop warned the Force. 15) Rain, rain, go away, You had your reign, See page 7
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
Take a light and easy moment to digest ... From page 6
It’s time to rein in the train, To find a trend for its way. 16) One run made the world of difference as New Zealand braced the tape to romp home and be declared the winner over Ireland. 17) “So, now you have to find that delicate balance to satisfy all of what is ongoing,” President Ali remarked. He wasn’t referring to tap dancing, ballet dancing or scale weighing, but to the sensitive intricacies between a CoI and the non-interference of its court case pertaining to the attempted rigging of the March 2020 Elections. 18) Professor Roop surmised: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was when the AFC chose to close the sugar industry with no effective follow-up plan on how the sugar workers would cope with their sudden unemployment.” The Third Force became the Dark Force as their hapless Change For Alliance search becomes hopeless in the wilderness! 19) The young one, Mike, declared: “Sadly, all of Norton’s cards, in his tightly guarded deck of tricks, are running out. He has tested some and they have been rejected.” Poor chap, beaten, battered, broken and burned out, he’s running out of oil, gas, lubricant, water and…..friends. 20) “The President was appropriately dressed,” Tom confided as he peeped through the magnifying glass and asked the mirror on the wall, “What is the Guyanese dress code, by the way?” The impropriety of inappropriateness is now the property of appropriateness. Burnham pushed the dashiki, imposed shirt jacs and wore a suit and tie. 21) President Ali untangled the web to project Guyana as an unsinkable ship when he unveiled a one-of-a-kind plan for a 500-acre rain forest Safari development on the Soesdyke-Linden highway with a sun, sand and sea attraction, saying: “If you go to the US, they have Disney World, you go to Singapore, they have the Night Safari, you go to the Middle East, they have the Day Safari.” 22) Since the early 60’s, two first Prime Ministers, both lawyers, differed, deviated and dialogued differently. Burnham stagnated the Guyanese economy, while Lee Kuan Yew developed Singapore. His motto: “Let us unite, regardless of race, language, religion, culture.” As Henry Kissinger noted, Lee did not seek
to strengthen his position by pitting the country’s diverse communities against each other. Another lesson for Burnham’s products? 23) Cricket-starved fans gobbled up and secured their tickets, screaming and shouting the One Guyana hope, “Oh yes, Warriors all the way!” 24) “But I want to say to all of you here, that this investment should be an inspiration to the naysayers,” President Ali emphasized at the new Pegasus Suite. Well, naysayers, seeing is believing. 25) “I want to assure you as your Commander-in Chief, I will lead the charge to ensure that in the coming years, the dignity, honour and pride that comes with the uniform will be upheld in a way in which your welfare, your signs will reflect the honour you deserve,” President Ali told the newly commissioned GDF officers. Rest assured, this Commander will not act like the previous dictators and order the Army to do anything illegal, like seizing and destroying ballot boxes, planting explosive bombs nor accommodate rogue elements in the army to exist. 26) Naysayers were further disillusioned and defeated when President Ali declared: “Silica City is going to happen, I’m telling you it’s going to happen and the opportunities which will come with Silica City will be mind-blowing.” 27) “This Government from day one, has been in all of the villages and regions of this country, trying to assist, and have been assisting,” Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag, pounded in the ears of the Opposition. Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, also hammered the Opposition and told them to stop pretending! Come, come children, behave yourself now! 28) Minister Gail Teixeira, like a typical headmistress, scolded the eight naughty children, punished them with detention, saying: “I hope you will not see this as just another battle to win, but to sit and think quietly: Was it all worth it?” The eight Coalition MP’s suspended are probably fans of Dr Seuss, who said: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out.” 29) “While the issue of corruption is important to all of us, the urgency of the particular allegation I cannot accept, and so I deny this request,” Speaker Manzoor Nadir ruled. Sorry old chap, better luck next time. Poor Norton, he has to learn that, a request for a probe cannot be based on “media allegations of corruption.”
30) Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, warned: “I would want to say to any employer, keep your lawyers lined up because we will take you to court if you don’t uphold the law.” Free advice to get your ducks in a row to become sitting ducks? Guyana smiled with Dominica as one Guyanese sister replaced another to be appointed high court Judge. Guyanese are smiling all the way to the US Federal Reserve bank with US$108.5 earned from the latest sale of crude oil. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Guyanese, Sasha Amadally, made Guyana smile when she was awarded a spot in the US National Honour Society for outstanding performance.
Guyana is flying high with Minister Bishop Juan Edghill chairing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) meeting on carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Deputy Inspector, Ralph Clement, is all smiles with Guyana being commander of NYPD’s ninth Precinct, and, hats off to youthful 19-year-old Ranne Johnson, for being elected leader, a Toshao for Wikki/Calcuni village. Smile more and frown less, Shri Shri Ravi Shankar encouraged Guyanese and others. Yours Respectfully, Jai Lall.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
Are you sleep deprived
IN a fast paced world where everyone appears to be in a race to the top, high anxiety levels are created, which may cause the lack of adequate sleep and impact negatively on health and quality of life. The Sleep Foundation describes sleep deprivation as getting less than the required seven to nine hours of undisturbed sleep for adults from age 18 to 65 and older. Generally, babies, the growing child, teenagers and seniors require more sleep than adults. Acute sleep deprivation is inadequate sleep for short periods which is referred to as sleep insufficiency, whereas chronic sleep deprivation is over a longer period of time such as three months. Insufficient sleep or sleep defi-
ciency is also caused by disruptions or fragmented sleep. In May 2022, the Sleep Foundation published sleep statistics from the US which highlighted insufficient sleep (short period) and sleep deprivation (extended period) in the following categories of persons: * 44 per cent of the productive work force * 42.6 per cent of single parents * 35 to 46.3 per cent of all adults * 30 to 48 per cent of older adults * 57.8 per cent middle school aged and 72.7 per cent high school aged learners * 40 per cent more women are likely to suffer from insomnia than men * 66 per cent of people
talk in their sleep during their lifetime * 69 to 76 per cent of persons over 40 years old have interrupted sleep due to at least one bathroom visit * 57 per cent of men, 40 per cent of women and up to 27 per cent of children snore Sleep is important. In a worst case scenario, lack of sleep may be life-threatening because of impairment in decision making, increasing the likelihood of accidents, if operating a machine. Slowed reaction time and micro sleeps are reasons for occupational hazards with drivers, surgeons and pilots. The short term consequential effects of sleep insufficiency are lack of energy, irritability, mood swings, decelerated thinking, decreased performance levels at work and home and reduced attention span. More pronounced long term effects are anxiety disorders, depression and memory lapses. Sleep disorders have been directly linked to diabetes, heart disease and obesity. During the process of sleep the body goes into maintenance mode to repair muscle, regulate hormones for appetite and growth and boost memory. There are five stages in the sleep cycle; firstly transitioning into sleep or dozing off, followed by three levels of Non REM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep. The latter occurs during 80 per cent of sleep time and is classified as light, medium and deep sleep. During deep sleep, the body’s immune system
is strengthened to fight infections and illnesses. In the course of Non REM sleep, dreams do not occur but a combination of various hormone levels are adjusted, thus making heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and breathing rates lower than normal. The fifth and final sleep stage is REM sleep where dreams occur and eye movements and breathing is fast and irregular. Sleeping pills, both non-prescription and prescription, are a short term solution to insomnia. For example, if there is a sudden stressful situation such as a divorce or a death of a loved one, sleep aids assist in the ability to fall asleep faster. According to a professor and sleep medicine expert at the University of Pittsburg, sleeping pills mainly increase the amount of medium depth Non REM sleep. However, these pills have a wide range of unwanted side effects when used on a long term basis. In worst case scenarios memory impairment and heart attack in heart failure patients are associated with continuous use. Some childcare providers have administered allergy medication, like Benadryl, to children just to get some quiet time. This practice is highly inadvisable since the child’s sleep cycle and learning abilities are connected. Note that there is no approved medication, both prescription and non-prescription including melatonin, for treating insomnia
in children. Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorder Centre articulated an association between poor sleep quality and sleep disturbances at certain phases of a women life cycle, such as transitioning from perimenopause to menopause and after menopause, where hormone production is irregular. A small study in 2015 funded by UCLA Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology proved the hypothesis that sleep loss for one night, in older adults aged 61-86 years, activated the biological pathways to promote biological aging or induce senescence and DNA damage. This was highlighted in 2021 by a Gravitas broadcast and confirmed in an NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) study that showed sleep deprivation could be linked to DNA damage in the cell. Consequently, breast and prostate cancer have been associated with sleep deprivation. Some of the reasons for sleep deprivation might be work or childcare obligations or the desire to view a televised program or attend a function, which demands time from your allocated sleep schedule. Other reasons for sleep deficiency may be a medical condition such as sleep apnea (short breathing during sleep), a post-surgical procedure, pain or mental health problems such as anxiety. Note that sleep deprivation is not insomnia which is the inability to fall asleep despite making bedtime a priority.
Prioritising urgencies, balancing work-life and social activities and the ability to say no to added responsibilities and burdens are key for enabling sleep, an important activity for longevity. Suggestions for a better sleep are to: * establish a regular sleep schedule (bedtime and rise and shine time) * have a routine (for example 3B’s before bed; take a bath, brush teeth and read a book) * refrain from electronic devices one hour before bed time (the blue light emitted suppress the body’s production of melatonin which is responsible for sleep) * create a sleep conducive environment (dark, cool and quiet space) * exercise daily and indulge in a good nutrition daytime (avoid heavy meals or strenuous exercise two hours before bedtime) * avoid napping during the day, unless for just a brief 30 minutes relaxation * avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine generally four hours before bedtime For further pharmacological guidance, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine. express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #2255142.
The AFC conundrum and its fight for relevance
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
LAST November I asked columnist Freddie Kissoon to send me a document labelled “Review of the AFC and the Way Forward” which he had in his possession about the AFC leaving the coalition. Kissoon did send me the document. I was, however, reluctant to analyse it until I received further information in the mainstream media. No name is on the document, printed or signed. I believe it was written by some members of the AFC. In brief, the document states that the AFC said that it would eventually leave the coalition, but did not say exactly when. The following statement of the 17-page document speaks to the supposed position of the AFC: “From all indications in the media and in political circles, the PNC is not honouring the letter of the agreement, has acted unilaterally, disrespected its partners, and could well jettison the Accord to expand its power in the Parliament and regional councils.” The rest of the document is a heap of hogwash, detailing a sorry and sordid narrative on how and why the AFC had become a spent force and how it should redeem itself. It is suspected that the party will use this document to conduct itself when it departs the coalition in December. So, if interested, pay attention to it. Now we know, if we are to believe Khemraj Ramjattan and his sidekick in the dailies, that the AFC will indeed leave the coalition when the Cummingsburg Accord expires in December 2022. To illustrate, one section of the media declared that Ramjattan revealed that on “the 31st December, this year, that the Cummingsburg Accord comes to an end and then we maintain our independence and go hit the ground running, have good relationship with the APNU, have good relationship with the PPP, criticise them whenever we have to… and maintain an independent position.” Put differently, the seemingly AFC intends to embark on a journey to rebuild itself and seek new coalitions. May I ask: is this a reality check in which helplessness has now morphed into hopelessness? I guess this question can only be answered with time. The Cummingsburg Accord is an agreement originally signed by the APNU and AFC in 2015 and revised in 2019; it will end in December 2022. The parties would then have to broker a new agreement or add terms under the agreement or part ways. I argue here that the AFC is off with its decisions to leave
the coalition. The timing is uncoordinated with its ambitions and goals. I premise my position by saying what and how I responded to a Facebook post when the AFC declared that it would leave the coalition. I said, oh yeah, the AFC will depart from the coalition, but on which flight, and where is it going, and who will accept it? In other words, does anyone really care? Moreover, the dearth of information other than the one Kissoon sent to me as to why it is leaving lends credence to the suspicion that this migratory political party was not too certain when it joined APNU on Valentine’s Day in 2015, and it is now not sure how it would exit the coalition. Is this a case of a coalition of confusion? I will supply two reasons why the timing to leave soon is off. The first reason is that the AFC should have claimed independence soon after the No-Confidence Vote in 2018 rather than staying with the coalition’s position and fighting a useless mathematical case that 33 is not the majority of 65. The AFC should have, or at least some members, stuck with Charrandas Persaud’s position that the PNC was trampling upon its promise with AFC on wheeling and dealing equally in the coalition. This was one reason Persaud voted against his own government. By seeing and treating Persaud as a traitor, the AFC
party became the larger traitor, as many, including its own supporters, saw it as being in bed with the dogmatic PNC. The No-Confidence Vote should have been a question for the internal dynamics of the coalition first, and to the PPP second. The point is that the AFC has now taken the same position as Persaud for leaving the coalition. The difference is time. If the AFC had taken any semblance of independence during the No-Confidence Motion and the later vote, it would have displayed a consistency of being a Third Force party within the coalition. The No-Confidence Vote was an opportunity to prove that important characteristic and go to polls in 90 days as required by the Constitution. By leaving the coalition in December, we are convinced that the AFC has finally received the message which Persaud had sent to them in 2018. The second reason is that the AFC should have declared its intention to leave the coalition during the five-month election impasse, especially around April, when it was clear that attempts were being made to rig the March 2020 general election. This was a missed opportunity, which would have revealed that the AFC was not in bed with the PNC, or at least slow down the “rotting process”, according to Kissoon (To be continued). lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu
Afro-Guyanese wise up 10
GUYANA is rapidly developing, and modernising at an unprecedented rate, changing the lives of thousands of people regardless of their race, religious or political affiliation, and socioeconomic standing. The truth is, all the people are slowly benefitting, but benefitting nonetheless from every transparent and pro-people policy that is rolled out by the current Dr. Irfaan Ali Administration. On Thursday, July 21, 2022, it was reported on the online news media that the Dr. Ali administration had been meeting with residents of both the PPP and APNU+AFC traditional strongholds. It was also reported that Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has on a number of occasions pledged to engage the Indo-Guyanese community here, but, so far, those activities have not been visible compared to the coalition’s activism in its traditional strongholds. There is only one explanation for Norton’s behaviour to the people who are considered Afro-Guyanese. Norton seemingly is playing the dangerous game of racial traditional politics in this country. It looks like he is seeking to hold on to whatever grip
his party has over the minds of Afro-Guyanese, to make it appear as though he still has some sort of political power left. So, he will not venture into the PPP strongholds or keep a meeting because he knows the residents would chase him out. They know what he, and his party stands for. They seemingly know that Norton will complain about things in the country but offer no sensible or workable solutions. Norton’s street style and off-school politics of ethnic pandering will not score points with the Indo-Guyanese majority that have long put that away. That leaves the Afro-Guyanese group, and here he is seemingly being met with challenges because every right-thinking Guyanese knows the saying: “This time nah long time.” So, while they voted for him, they did not vote for an Opposition Leader who would take Afro-Guyanese so far back into the past. Understandably, Norton and the APNU+AFC did not expect the PPP/C to mature, and become so bold in the APNU+AFC’s stronghold by going to places, talking up its policies, and sharing the goods and services to all.
The PPP/C’s action in places like APNU+AFC’s perceived stronghold of Buxton, Soesdyke, Linden and little Africa, Berbice, is a problem for the Opposition. But this simply means that PPP/C is changing, and crossing over. It is doing the hard but rightful thing by becoming a party for all Guyanese. It is modernising and learning now more than ever before. It is continuing along the path of having an authentic political paradigm shift. Importantly, the PPP/C party knows if it is to survive at this crossroad, the ethnic approach to politics in Guyana has to change. So, the party, since its establishment, has managed to attract some intelligent, grassroots and worker-orientated Afro-Guyanese leaders. Now, years after, the PPP party is seemingly aggressively putting in the hard work. While Norton is seemingly only using, and misusing the trust of Afro-Guyanese who blindly support him, the PPP/C has been doing more for Afro-Guyanese from the standpoint of empowerment and helping the poorer classes climb out of poverty. Sadly, some sections of the Afro-Guyanese community wants more development
SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
to get out of the black hole that seemingly keeps them back. This is the problem with the politics of Norton and the political opposition. They prefer for their supporters, many of them Afro-Guyanese, to be suffering and caught in unfortunate situations. The PNC-APNU+AFC will not change the dynamics. They seemingly want to keep some of their supporters mentally enslaved and locked by racism. Apparently, they are happy when they are heard spewing all types of questionable rhetoric about discrimination. From the looks of it, the party does not want its Afro-Guyanese supporters to think critically and analytically, but the youths are
rebelling. Afro-youths do not like the idea of racial politics or violence being meted out to innocent Guyanese, so they are going to reject that warmongering nature of the PNC-APNU+AFC every time. Furthermore, the Afro-Guyanese youths are peace-loving, orderly, and much more enlightened and intelligent. They will not allow themselves to be used for the opposition political politics. Afro-Guyanese know what will happen if they do because it happened when they helped APNU+AFC win in 2015. They got nothing in 1,910 days and 272 weeks six days, the APNU+AFC administration was in power.
Painting everything green and yellow is not their idea of Afro-Guyanese empowerment, creating employment, and helping the youths. Additionally, right-thinking Afro-Guyanese are encouraged to take advantage of every loan and opportunity to empower themselves. They must meet the PPP government ministers and enlighten them about the things they need done to help the village economies and bring development to their neck of the woods. They will be called many things like sell out and house slaves, but they will lead their families into the new era and out of the opposition-induced darkness. Wise up cause this time not like long time!
Understanding Energy
Suriname v. Guyana on energy sector development, fiscal terms
OVER the past few years, Guyana and Suriname have announced mammoth hydrocarbon discoveries offshore. Guyana’s reserves are now estimated at nearly 11 billion oil equivalent barrels while some preliminary reports estimate that Suriname might have as many as six billion. But while Guyana’s series of discoveries offshore have rapidly translated into production, revenues and jobs, Suriname’s offshore discoveries have not yet contributed significantly to its economy, despite talks of their potential. Suriname grew by just 1.9 per cent last year, despite its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Guyana’s growth was more than 10 times that. Most significantly, despite major discoveries, Suriname has had no companies make
final investment decisions (FID) about investing offshore—the most significant step of commitment for oil development. Just this past week, FID on two major projects were postponed. Meanwhile, Guyana has seen FID on four projects with two already producing oil and generating revenues—a step that remains years away for Suriname. Oil and gas production has been on a steady upward pace with total production at more than 300,000 barrels per day and set to increase to just under 350,000 barrels per day by the end of the year. With two more projects expected to start producing by 2025 and up to ten floating production storage and offloading (FPSOs) systems operational by the end of the decade, development output
could reach 1.1 million barrels per day by 2028. Suriname has traditionally taken an approach different to Guyana’s, with state-owned Staatsolie participating directly and investing taxpayer funds in exchange for a larger stake in production when it occurs. Suriname has had a small amount of onshore oil production since 1982 but significant offshore discoveries weren’t made until the last few years. Suriname has been hailed by some in Guyana as an example of how to squeeze a greater share of profits out of oil companies. But it’s also a cautionary tale in many ways. Guyana already has more than US$700 million in its Natural Resources Fund. According to a recent report from analysts at Rystad Energy, the average government take moving
forward should be around 59 per cent of profits or 14.5 per cent of overall revenues, when both the pre-cost royalty and the post-cost profit sharing are accounted for. In 2022, Rystad expects revenues from oil production to surpass US$1 billion and average US$3.6 billion per annum through 2030 (and US$12.4 billion annually between 2031 and 2040.) Right now, Suriname only has 40 per cent of its offshore blocks licensed. Suriname’s Block 58 is the most important of its licences with Apache Corporation and TotalEnergies both holding a 50 per cent working interest and several discoveries. But the country is still playing catch-up to Guyana. The government is unlikely to receive any revenues from offshore production before 2025 and
companies remain suspicious that the investment will be worthwhile. This has left Surinamese companies which are eager to join the industry, in limbo, while the government struggles with an ongoing financial crisis, in sharp contrast to the double-digit growth that Guyana has experienced over the past several years. Though Staatsolie’s participation in development and Suriname’s fiscal terms are sometimes held as an example, it’s critical to understand that those terms are purely hypothetical. Currently, no company has actually agreed to develop the reserves and Suriname is unable to do so alone. Meanwhile in Guyana, ExxonMobil made its FID on the US$10 billion Yel-
lowtail development in April, thereby making it ExxonMobil’s fourth development on the Stabroek Block and the largest single investment in Guyanese history. In the short period that Guyana has been an oil producing nation, it has also managed to implement policies and legislation that Suriname is only now considering, such as the local content law and the sovereign wealth fund act. Suriname stands to gain much from Guyana’s rapid development as it moves towards developing these fields. Hopefully it will benefit the most from watching Guyana’s development over the next decade and mirroring its legislation, workforce development efforts, and the partnerships that are shaping its rapid growth.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
WI selectors and administrators must stop sporting with sport By Neil Kumar
A CRICKET coach is now criticising pitches in the Caribbean for his failure. The West Indies team failed miserably against the Bangladesh touring team in the One-Day International games and as the West Indies team comes up against India, Coach Simmons is singing to keep his job. After the West Indies team was humiliated by Bangladesh, expectations were sky high that the better players who are not in the team would have been selected to play against the star-studded Indian cricket team. Shimron Hetmyer and Chanderpaul Hemraj are two outstanding players in all forms of cricket and the selectors are so insular that they are not considering these players to play for the
West Indies team. The haters are complaining that Hetmyer is not physically fit. However, it cannot be denied that he is the best fielder in the world when he is on the boundary. Hetmyer is one of the fastest in the outfield and the safest catcher when fielding. He was a successful captain as he won the World under-19 World Cup title for the West Indies. The Guyana Cricket Board and our journalist must make consistent calls for Hetmyer’s inclusion in the West Indies team. Hetmyer is a better batsman than any of the players in the present team. As for Hemraj, he is a consistent opening batsman. Hemraj is a utility player, he is a useful spinner and an outstanding fielder. India is playing a young team with several of their
world-class players resting. However, the likes of the experienced stand-in Skipper, Shikhar Dhawan and players like Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson and the master all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are capable of making enough runs to win matches. India’s bowling will be heavily strengthened with Jadega, Yuzvendra Chahal along with the quick bowlers Mohamed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur and Axar Patel. India will start as hot favourites to win, as the West Indies did not win a series against India in almost 20 years. West Indies lost miserably against Bangladesh as they were whitewashed. With the low morale, the West Indies will have to select the best players in the Caribbean
Sport View By Neil Kumar
and get back to winning ways. As the ODI series gets on the way in Port of Spain, all eyes will be on the West Indies team. The criticism against the Guyana pitch at Providence was uncalled for. Our batsmen will have a herculean task to score runs so as to give the bowlers a chance to win.
From nursing assistant to qualified medical doctor
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
–– Dr. Elizabeth Russel Bhagwandass reflects on her journey to realising her dreams
T H E challenges were many, both personal and professional but Functionaries of my school were caring and gave unstinted support in every possible area. Those were the words of Dr. Elizabeth Russel Bhagwandass, during an interview with the Sunday Chronicle. Dr. Bhagwandass recently graduated from the Georgetown American University (GAU), a Medical School which was established in November 2013 by Dr. Melissa Varswyk, Chief Executive Officer. She was presented with the President’s Medal for her all-round quality performance and contribution to GAU. Persistence and an “unwillingness to surrender” contributed greatly to Dr. Bhagwandass’s success. It is hoped that this article will be shared with the young people of this nation and inspire them to access the many opportunities for training that the government is making available. The graduate of GAU attended the Linden Foundation Secondary and the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education (IDCE).
After acquiring her subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level, she joined the Charles Rosa School of Nursing, in Linden, in 2001 and graduated in 2003 as a Registered Nursing Assistant. Additional studies from 2010 resulted in her graduating, in 2014, as a Registered Nurse. She desperately wanted to acquire the skills and the knowledge to make a difference in her community. In her view, there were too many persons who needed to benefit from medical attention. She wanted to serve her country. During her training, Elizabeth made every effort to gain ‘on the job’ experience and, at the same time, acquire the finance to address her personal and professional needs. Stints at Venus Health Centre, Vivienne Parris Health Centre and Letitia Health Centre were indeed professionally rewarding. She knew that she had made the correct career choice. Her service as a counselling tester in the area of HIV/AIDS will never be forgotten. She contributed to the ‘peace of mind’ of many. Dr. Bhagwandass was determined to contribute to the
health sector at the highest possible professional level and therefore joined GAU’S School of Medicine in 2015, having been granted a scholarship by the school. She informed this publication that several of her batch mates similarly benefitted from the benevolence of GAU. The woman graduated a few weeks ago at a
AN innovative programme under the Ministry of Home Affairs titled “A Fresh Start”, saw another three ex-prisoners becoming the third set of recipients of items to develop their craft and skills under the auspices of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS). A presentation ceremony was held at the Prison Headquarters boardroom on Friday. According to the GPS, the Fresh Start programme was not only established to address the needs of ex-offenders transitioning from incarceration back into society, but it gives former offenders a chance to chart their professional path.
To this end, Alvin Rudder was the recipient of a complete kit of carpentry tools and equipment, Shemroy King received a comprehensive joinery kit, while Naomi Adams, a cosmetologist by profession, was the beneficiary of a complete cosmetology kit. Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, said the Fresh Start programme has already demonstrated some success in meeting the overwhelming needs of individuals leaving correctional facilities, during their transition from prison to the community. “So, we want to make sure we are doing more than just providing training
programmes in the prison. We give you a tangible means once you are released to make steps in the right direction of making good and clean income for yourself and become marketable,” Mr. Elliot said. Additionally, Officer in Charge of Prisons’ Welfare and Corrections, Mrs. Marielle Bristol-Grant, said that the “Fresh Start” initiative was conceptualised to help reintegrate inmates into the community and their families. The ex-prisoners were considered for the “Fresh Start Toolkit” based on several qualifying criteria while in prison, which included participation in training programmes, con-
Dr. Elizabeth Bhagwandass (right) and Dr. Melissa Varswyk, Chief Executive Officer, GAU well-organised ceremony at the Marriott Hotel. She was overjoyed. Part of the mission was completed. She indicated that she should have completed her programme in 2019 but health challenges of her mother and son had to be addressed. During the period when COVID-19 seemed ‘uncontrollable’, Dr. Bhagwandass
was basically on the frontline, providing service at the Bamia outpost. She was, at the time, also involved in her clinical rotations. She was fortunate to be the recipient of a further scholarship from GAU which allowed her to do part of her clinical rotation in Georgia where a branch of GAU is located. She expressed how beneficial the experience was. In response to a question on her overall experience at GAU, she literally ‘shouted’ – “everything was awesome!”. She stated that lectures were delivered in a timely manner, material was always available and ALL promises made at the beginning of the programme were fulfilled. She was high in praise of all the lecturers but singled out Dr. Wesley Torrington and Dr. Wilbert Walcott, her rotation guide, Dr. Carlos Martin of GPHC, Dr. Melissa Mootoo of St Joseph Mercy Hospital and Dr. Anthony Onyebula of Georgia. She further stated that she benefitted, greatly, from the advice of Dr Varswyk. The Georgetown American University is an affiliate
member of the American Medical Student Association, an organisation that allows experienced medical practitioners and young professionals to share best practices and interrogate strategies. Dr. Bhagwandass was an Executive Member of the GAU/AMSA branch. She functioned as a recruitment co-ordinator and attended the 2022 AMSA Conference in Washington. Elizabeth is a volunteer member of the Guyana Cancer Foundation. She also did community work with the Sickle Cell Foundation in Georgia, USA. Dr. Bhagwandass is now lecturing on the Nursing Programme at the Georgetown American University. She is extremely pleased that government is prioritising the health sector. She stated that the establishment of new hospitals and the refurbishing of existing ones will greatly benefit Guyana and, more than likely, CARICOM. When asked what advice she would give to students who aspire to become doctors, she said, “be your own motivator, persevere, and always seek God first”.
Ex-prisoners benefit from ‘Fresh Start’ Initiative
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, makes the presentation to Naomi Adams. Also in the picture are Technical Officer Rae-Dawn Corbin, Alvin Rudder, Shemroy King, and Mrs. Marielle Bristol-Grant (GPS photo). duct reviews, family support, and a post-release plan.
The recipients thanked the Home Affairs Ministry and Guy-
ana Prison Service for their support upon their release.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
Smart homes, smart business options now available – with partnership between GTT and Starr Computer
IN today’s tech-savvy era, Guyanese lives revolve around technology, and with a partnership between communications giant GTT and technology specialists STARR Computer, the concept of making your home smart can start from a simple light switch. In an interview at the Building Exposition at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, President of STARR Computer, Mike Mohan, noted that the concept of a smart home is not a collection of different smart devices and appliances but ones that work together to create a remotely controllable network. “It only takes a few smart upgrades to our passive home fixtures and appliances with Wi-Fi components which can be accessed wirelessly from our smartphone, tablet, computer, game console, among others, via its software applications to create your own smart home,” he told this publication. Further, Mohan explained
that these Smart Home accessories could be added to businesses using various methods and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software which can assist in boosting all aspects of a business. Noting that Smart Home and IT products are readily available for a free demonstration at STARR Computer on Brickdam, Mohan said that simply adding an affordable Wi-Fi light bulb to your light fixture starts the process of a Smart Home creation. “Later, you can add one of the multiple choices of Smart Wi-Fi appliances indoor or outdoor outlets, plugs, stabilizers, doorbell, cameras, light projectors, photo-frames, sensor kits, Infra-Red Universal Controller for home entertainment, Security Starter Kits, and many others… STARR Computer warranties all these appliances. Today, STARR targets low-income families by setting affordable pricing for its customers,” Mohan said. He said that in some cases, family members with
multiple devices could access these home devices from inhome or remote locations. Meanwhile, the STARR Computer President said that the free installation of Fibre Internet from student to corporate level powered by GTT is readily available at STARR. “No child should be left behind, and the Student Fibre Internet is priced to support low-income families with children. Every child should be able to access educational information and be self-sufficient to accelerate their learning curve on their own and let the sky be their limit. They should be able to communicate with their families and colleagues via voice, video, and data without burdensome costs to their parents,” Mohan explained. He explained that, over time, the consumers better understand the Smart concepts and experience with internet service. They can, after that, invest in the more high-priced appliances that create a different level of experience with monthly sub-
scription warranty services. “My favorite device is the Robotic Vacuum Cleaner since my weakness is finding time to clean my room,” he said cheerfully. Further explaining the Smart Business concept, Mohan said that this is done with quality IT equipment from HP, Lenovo, APC, and other major brands, along with smart software with artificial intelligence since every business must have a purpose with an end goal. Additionally, Mohan noted that everyone attending the Internal Building Expo 2022 would have a chance to win a Smart Home kit. “No purchase is necessary to win. However, we encourage everyone to visit STARR to experience our miniature version of a 3D Printer creating products in real-time (plastic or metal) from which house building uses a similar concept on an industrial level. Also available for viewing are our recreational drones, the miniature version of the Agricultural drones at the
President of STARR Computer, Mike Mohan Expo. All in our Innovation Center. Attendees can visit starrcomputers.com website to register, they must add their ticket number to authenticate entry, and there will be an additional 25 consolation prizes. Winners will be announced on August 15, 2022,” he explained. He continued: “Building Expo 2022 creates new
opportunities for every Guyanese who are willing to improve their lives. Fifty thousand plots of land will motivate 50,000 home buildings and 50,000 opportunities across 100 different career paths. And with a government willing to listen and work with the people, the sky becomes the limit for everyone.”
Thirty-six commence training in seamanship
TWELVE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard ranks, alongside one member each from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Presidential Guard, and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have commenced training on the Leading Rating and Seaman Course (LRSC). Meanwhile, 20 ranks including one from the Guyana Fire Service and one from the Presidential Guard commenced training on the Ordinary Rating and Seaman Course (ORSC). According to the GDF, the ranks of LRSC will be exposed to training in Nautical Rules of the Road, Navigation and Pilotage, International Maritime Law, Swimming and Sea Survival, Boarding Officer Fundamentals, Maritime Search and Rescue, and Leadership which will augment the knowledge they already have
Law enforcement officers participating in the training (GDF photo) to better serve their organisations. The students of ORSC will cover the following
subject areas: Coast Guard History and Customs, Basic Seamanship, Fire Fighting and Damage Control, Ship
Maintenance, Quartermaster Fundamentals, Nautical Rules of the Road, Basic Sea Survival, First Aid, Lo-
cation Markings and Naval Communication, Swimming and Lifesaving, International Maritime Law and Languag-
es (Spanish and Portuguese). In a brief address to the courses at their opening ceremony, Coast Guard Operations Officer, Lieutenant Coast Guard Roul Williams, charged the students to continuously seek knowledge and give their all during the course. “There is no such thing as too much knowledge, therefore, challenge yourselves and each other so there will be benefits to all collectively,” he urged. “This course will equip you with the fundamentals required to function as deck ratings onboard vessels and on operations, it is the first step in equipping you for the tasks ahead. Work hard and give 100 percent to learning. The sea is dangerous and every bit of knowledge gleaned during your training will prove valuable,” he told those undergoing training on ORSC. Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of both courses.
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Science, innovation key accelerators for transforming agri-food systems –– FAO Director-General says
THE Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, has underscored the critical contribution of science and innovation to the transformation of agri-food systems, and pointed to the UN agency’s recently adopted thematic Strategy on Science and Innovation as an important tool to help deliver FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31 in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “FAO’s first-ever Science and Innovation Strategy, recently endorsed by the FAO Council, is historic and will ensure that science, innovative solutions and technical tools will be crosscutting in FAO’s programme of work over the next 10 years,” Qu said in his opening remarks at a side event of the 28th session of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG). The FAO Director-General emphasised how the
challenges facing the world today, including conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis, are also heavily affecting agri-food systems, hence the need for rapid change. “Transformation is critical, and science and innovation are key accelerators to achieve this change. This Strategy will help us to achieve a new level of productivity, quality, diversity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in agrifood systems,” Qu said. The Strategy promotes a holistic approach to minimise trade-offs using science, technology and innovation, and enabling policies with particular attention to the needs of lowand middle-income countries, as well as small-scale producers, women, youth and Indigenous Peoples. Noting how science and innovation are already fully embedded in the work of FAO, the Director-General cited several examples as reflected in the items of
this week’s COAG agenda. These included the Handin-Hand initiative, which identifies the biggest opportunities to accelerate agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development by using the latest up-to-date tools available, including advanced geospatial modelling and analytics. He also mentioned the 1,000 Digital Villages Initiative and the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. “FAO is also supporting innovative approaches with a strong focus on addressing the challenges stemming from climate change and biodiversity loss, such as the bio-economy approach,” Qu added, explaining that this is a sustainable, circular bioeconomy that promotes the sustainable use of biological resources instead of finite resources for better production, better nutrition, better environment
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and better life in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BETTER The FAO Director-General noted however, that science and innovation alone are not enough, and that enabling policies are needed that respond to the needs of small-scale producers and also family farmers. He summarised in three points what needs to be done better. “First: we must implement our two new thematic strategies on Science and Innovation, and on Climate Change, in a coherent and synergetic way” he said, adding that science and innovation are critical to finding solutions to the climate challenges we are facing today. “Second: we must do better at monitoring the diffusion of innovations, at promoting adaptation to local needs, and at scaling up successful implementation. Better knowledge management is key,” he said. “Third: we need to
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu at the High-Level Panel Discussion on FAO Science and Innovation Strategy and its relevance for the COAG improve our extension systems, using the best available technologies, including digital technologies, to effectively reach small-scale producers,” Qu stressed and that digital and other gender gaps in access to innovations are not acceptable. He underlined how important it is to work with women “from the earliest stage of research to the final stages of adoption and adaptation, in order to take concrete steps to ending hunger and poverty”. COAG 28 AGENDA The discussions at the 28th Session of COAG cover a range of key topics for which science and innovation are extremely relevant, including food safety, livestock, One
Health, antimicrobial resistance, the State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture (SOLAW), soils, agricultural plastics, climate change, agricultural innovation, the linkages between agriculture and forestry, mainstreaming biodiversity, the UN Decade on Family Farming, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration . The COAG 28 is taking place as a hybrid event from 18 to 22 July 2022. COAG is FAO’s main technical advisory committee on agriculture. It provides overall policy and regulatory guidance on issues relating to agriculture, livestock, food safety, nutrition, rural development and natural resource management.
Former minister secured salary in lieu leave despite then public service rule
–– according to Dr. Singh AMIDST concerns raised by the Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), about the operation of the public service, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has reminded the coalition that it went against its own rules while in office, to allow a former Public Service Minister to secure salary in lieu of leave. In a powerful address to the National Assembly on Thursday, Dr. Singh said: “When Honourable Member, Tabitha J. Sarabo-Halley, was appointed Minister
of Public Service [prior to 2020], she secured a letter signed by the Honourable Member, Dawn Hastings, as showing she would be paid her salary in lieu of leave, while other public servants were being told they would lose.” Under the former coalition administration, a circular had been issued informing public servants that they would have to take their leave or they would lose it entirely. Dr. Singh contended that the very Opposition that is now trying to champion the rights of public servants, went against its own rules while in office. The minister revealed,
however, that while the minister had secured the letter from the then Minister of State, the Finance Ministry at that time, being cognisant of the former rule, declined to pay Sarabo-Halley. “When the PPP/C assumed office, we received a lawyer’s letter from the Honourable Member, Roysdale Forde, demanding payment of salary in lieu of leave to the [former Public Service Minister],” Dr. Singh said. At the end of the legal proceedings, the Finance Ministry, he said, had to pay the former coalition minister a “huge sum,” which she and her government purportedly denied thousands of public ser-
vants. “You cannot come here and champion the rights of public servants… you served nobody but yourself and that is why you are on that side of the House and that is why you will be on that side of the House for a very, very long time…,” Dr. Singh contended. As it is now, the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is working to enhance the conditions within the public service, especially regarding payments. “This government does not want to see public servants wait three months to be paid [but] there is a process that if you are on a new employment list or recruitment. The agency
has to submit your name, there are credentials and documents that have to be submitted, within a timely manner through multiple agencies,” Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, said during her presentation to the National Assembly on Thursday. The minister was at the time making her contribution to a debate on a motion put forth by Opposition Parliamentarian, Sarabo-Halley, who called for the “payment of first salary to public servants in one month.” Minister Parag affirmed that the government does not believe that a public servant should have to wait for three months to be paid. “We try within a time-
ly manner to get persons their salary but it involves a multi-agency collaboration. I am saying that we are going to work collaboratively with all agencies to ensure within a reasonable time after a request has been sent to get persons their salaries,” the minister said. She further noted: “We are putting a system in place to assist, to ensure public servants get their salaries within a reasonable time. No public servant should wait three months for a salary [but] we cannot put the timeframe of one month. Where there are bottlenecks, we will look at those bottlenecks.”
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Modern construction, engineering company enters expanding Guyana market
TEKTON Inc., a construction and engineering company, was officially launched in Guyana, at the International Building Expo 2022, on Friday, raising the standards for commercial and residential solutions in the country. According to TEKTON Inc., the company is a professionally licensed company with over 60 years of experience between its founders. The company offers services in architecture, engineering, interior design, furniture, fixtures, equipment manufacturing, procurement, and construction management. Through a long-term strategic partnership with a US-based company, JCER Design Consultants, Limited Liability Company (LLC), they have done many hospitality projects throughout the United States and are brand-approved with all the major brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham and Best Western. TEKTON has also partnered with Dhospitality LLC, which has completed hundreds of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) projects worldwide and is fully integrated as they own their manufacturing plant in Guangzhou, China. The company noted that serving clients from across the globe, JCER Design Consultants, LLC, and Dhospitality, LLC have made notable accomplishments in many aspects of residential and commercial construction design and FFE
(From Left to Right): Michael Mowlah, Chief Development Officer, Evan Ramlochan (CoCEO), and Mahaish Ramoutar (Co-CEO)
manufacturing. “We possess the unique ability to understand the dynamic sequences of any and all construction projects. For example, our experience with the complex tasks of performing major renovations in existing or new medical facilities allows us to fully understand the requirements for patient safety, systems integrity, facilities management, and protection of ongoing medical operations. We believe that today’s times are tomorrow’s future. With thoughtfulness and perseverance, we can design and create an amazing legacy,” TEKTON’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Evan Ramlochan said. Additionally, the Chief Development Officer, Michael Mowlah, said, “Our labour force comprises of highly skilled and knowledgeable individuals who possess years of experience within the industry.” He added: “We believe this is the time to create a “One Guyana” and with that mentality in mind we foresee that our joint venture is expected to accelerate the growth for companies in this quickly emerging economy. Our new innovative partnerships leverage the respective strengths of our companies to create compelling value for the people of Guyana.” The company can be reached via telephone on 592-503-2910 and 347239-5323. Their office is located at Lot 19 S ½ Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara.
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Girls-only self-defence class an important component of ‘One Guyana’ initiative –– President Ali says
President, Dr Irfaan Ali; First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and other officials engaging the girls who are enrolled in the new Girls-Only Self-Defence Class (Office of the President photo) PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Mrs Arya Ali, introduced the Girls-Only Self-Defence Class under the “One Guyana” initiative on Saturday at State House. The programme, which caters for girls 11-18 years of age, is designed to not only teach the art of self-defence, but to impart lifelong skills, discipline and assist in improving their self-confidence. The Head of State noted that those skills are important in producing the next cadre of leaders of Guyana. He said that outside of individual development and improvement of skills, it will also promote camaraderie, which is an important pillar of the “One Guyana” initiative. The classes will be held at State House and will be facilitated three times weekly during August. Four instructors will administer sessions in manageable groups. “What we want to do is to open up State House to all of Guyana, because the children of Guyana must grow up knowing that this house also belongs to them,” Dr Ali said. More than 300 young ladies have already registered for this new initiative. The girls will also be given the opportunity to interact with members of the Cabinet during their lessons. The Head of State said that with involvement of the ministers and senior members of the Guyana Police Force, as well as other role models, the young participants will also be given the opportunity to learn other life skills during these interactions. He assured the parents that the best possible care will be taken of their children during the programme.
“We will work to ensure that they are very well taken care of. We are going to be with you in this programme. I am so happy to see all of you and I want you to know that in building this strong, united ‘One Guyana,’ this is perhaps one of the most important initiatives … bringing young girls together and allowing you this opportunity to grow and to understand self-defence,” Dr Ali said. The President also announced the intention to expand the programme to other regions given the overwhelming response. Meanwhile, another initiative that will soon be launched is the Art of Life Programme, which will cater to boys and girls and teach them art and craft. LEADING THE CHARGE The President said that the First Lady has been working intensely on initiatives all across the country to help improve the prospects for young girls and women. “We are working on a number of programmes. Minister Charles [Ramson] is working on a number of programmes for young people in various categories,” Dr Ali said. Those include a swimming programme and the introduction of a talent-development programme to produce outstanding performers from Guyana. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; senior members of the Guyana Police Force, the instructors as well as the young female participants of the self-defence course and their parents were all gathered for the introduction ceremony.
Health authorities issue guidelines for Monkeypox By Dr. Tariq Jagnarine, Family Medicine, Endocrinology / Diabetes MONKEYPOX is a rare disease similar to smallpox caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a member of a family called orthopoxvirus. While it is found mostly in areas of Africa, it has made its way to other areas of the world in recent years. Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a
pox-like disease occurred in groups of monkeys being used for research. There are two known types (clades) of monkeypox virus — one that originated in Central Africa and one that originated in West Africa. In the spring of 2003, the first outbreak of monkeypox outside of Africa occurred in the United States. A shipment of infected animals from Ghana was imported into Texas. The infected rodents spread the virus See page 21
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Health authorities issue guidelines ... From page 20
to pet prairie dogs, which then infected 47 people in the Midwest. As international travel becomes more common, viruses that were once fairly confined to certain locations can more easily spread around the world. In the summer of 2021, a case of monkeypox was found in a U.S. resident who had travelled from Nigeria to the United States. Then, 2022 brought outbreaks to regions outside of Africa, including Europe, the Americas, and Australia. The current world outbreak (2022) is caused by the less severe West African clade. Monkeypox is rare but the number of cases is increasing in Africa, as well as in regions that haven’t seen these infections before. On July 19 of this year, a total of 1882 cases of monkeypox were reported SYMPTOMS Monkeypox causes pus-filled blisters that crust over and fall off. After exposure, it may be several days to a few weeks before developing symptoms. Early signs of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms like: • Fever • Chills • Headache • Muscle aches • Fatigue • Swollen lymph nodes After a few days, a rash often develops. The rash starts as flat, red bumps, which can be painful. Those bumps turn into blisters, which fill with pus. Eventually, the blisters crust over and fall off — the whole process can last two to four weeks. Persons can also get sores in their mouth, vagina, or anus. Not everyone with monkeypox develops all of the symptoms. In fact, in the current (2022) outbreak, many cases aren’t following the usual pattern of symptoms. This atypical presentation includes only a few lesions, no swollen lymph nodes, less fever, and other signs of illness. Persons can have it and not know it. But even if they don’t show any signs of infection, it can still spread to others through prolonged close contact. HOW IS MONKEY POX SPREAD Monkeypox is spread by coming into contact with an animal or a person infected with the virus. Animal-to-person transmission occurs through broken skin, like from bites or scratches, or through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids, or pox lesions (sores). Monkeypox can spread from person to person, but it’s less common. Person-to-person spread (transmission) occurs when persons come in contact with the sores, scabs, respiratory droplets or oral fluids of an infected person usually through close, intimate situations like cuddling, kissing, or sex. Researchers aren’t sure if the virus is transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids. It can also be spread by coming into contact with recently contaminated materials like clothing, bedding, and other linens used by an infected person or animal. WHO IS AT RISK? Anyone can get monkeypox. In Africa, most cases are among children under 15 years old. Outside of Africa, the disease appears to be more common in men who have sex with men, but there are numerous cases in people who don’t fall into that category. DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS Healthcare providers may first suspect other rash illnesses, such as measles or chickenpox. But swollen lymph nodes usually distinguish monkeypox from other poxes. To diagnose monkeypox, a healthcare provider takes a tissue sample from an open sore (lesion). Then they send it to a lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing (genetic fingerprinting). A blood sample can be taken for the monkeypox virus or antibodies the immune system makes to it. MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Most people with monkeypox get better on their own without treatment. Following diagnosis, a healthcare provider will monitor a person’s condition and try to relieve his/her symptoms, prevent dehydration and give him/her antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections if they develop. There’s currently not an approved antiviral treatment for monkeypox. Antiviral drugs may help, but they haven’t been studied as a treatment for monkeypox. Several investigational antivirals with activity against monkeypox are available, but only as part of a research study.
Monkeypox normally takes about two to four weeks to run its course. If exposed to monkeypox, health care providers will monitor persons until the rash resolves. PREVENTION A smallpox vaccine protects against monkeypox, but its use is currently limited to clinical trials. Prevention depends on decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread. The best way to help to prevent spread of the monkeypox virus is to: • Avoid contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals). • Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus. • Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat or parts. • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. • Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus. • Practise safe sex, including the use of condoms and dental dams. • Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
IS MONKEYPOX DEADLY? The less severe West African clade causing the current world outbreak (2022) with no deaths thus far. But, monkeypox can lead to other problems (complications) like pneumonia and infections in your brain (encephalitis) or eyes, which can be fatal. SELF CARE If you have monkeypox symptoms, inform a health care worker immediately. There are over-the-counter medications that can help persons feel better, including: • Pain relievers and fever reducers. Medicines like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). • Oatmeal baths. Soaking in a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal can relieve the dry, itchy feeling that comes with skin rashes. • Isolation if infected. Avoid contact with others until all lesions have scabbed. • Cover single or local lesions. Use gauze or bandages to limit the spread to others and the environment. • Take good care. It’s important to stay home and rest when sick, wear a mask around others and drink plenty of fluids. • Avoid contact with pets (especially rodents). The best way to protect yourself is to avoid contact with people who are infected, wash your hands frequently and wear a face mask in crowded, indoor spaces. See your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms.
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Pooran highlights character... FROM PAGE 31
Romario Shepherd (39 not out) and Hosein (32 not out) nearly took them over the line. Pooran said moving on in the series, belief would remain critical to his inexperienced side’s performances. “We need to believe in each other – not only in ourselves – and we’re trying to get closer as a unit and we’re trying to develop something here which could be special eventually,” he stressed. “As I keep telling everyone, this is our story and this is our journey and we’re going to have a lot of challenges but I’m just happy that we’re going forward and in the right direction.” The final match of the series is on Wednesday at the same venue.
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On this day: McGrath’s mastery caps wild Ashes opening
… After a chaotic opening two sessions that foreshadowed the historic series to come, the first day of the first Ashes Test in 2005 swung back Australia’s way thanks to one man By Sam Ferris IT’S the northern summer of 2013 and Ryan Harris, Australia’s premier fast bowler, is early for a daily physio appointment that helped to keep his fragile frame together. While Harris waits his turn as Test rookie Steve Smith is having his troublesome back treated, the Queenslander is hypnotised by what’s unfolding on the television
But in the space of 31 balls after the tea interval, Australia’s most prolific fast bowler, with 499 Test dismissals already under his belt, changed the complexion of the day and the match Trotting in from the Pavilion End down the unique, pronounced slope of the Lord’s playing surface, McGrath sized up Marcus Trescothick, the left-handed England opener, who, the metronomic Australian had declared before
Andrew Strauss edged McGrath to Shane Warne at first slip to be Test wicket No.501. In fact, replays show Kasprowicz rushing past the departing Strauss with a new set of spikes in hand as the late Tony Greig bellowed in commentary: “McGrath is amongst them!” With the left-handers out of the way, McGrath could target the stumps of England’s right-handed middle-order and it wouldn’t take
stumps of right-handed batters. And if the wickets of Vaughan and Bell weren’t evidence enough that it was a sound strategy, the ball that dismissed Andrew Flintoff closed the case McGrath’s masterpiece concluded with a ball that pitched short of a length, jagged down the slope with the seam bolt upright and zeroing in on the vulnerable wickets. Flintoff had no chance of stopping it as his off-stump was
Keemo Paul donates cricket balls, bats to Timehri prison
GUYANA and West Indies all-rounder, Keemo Paul, recently paid a visit to Timehri Prison, East Bank Demerara, where he interacted with some of the inmates and encouraged them to change their lives during their time of incarceration, in order to have a positive impact on society when they are released. According to a press release, he also promised to donate several balls and bats to the inmates, and he delivered on same recently. However, due to commitments with the West Indies team, he was unable to personally present the donation. A long-time friend, Siddiq Mohamed, did the hon-
ours recently on his behalf and also encouraged the inmates to remember the words of Paul about life changes. He hope they enjoy their recreational time playing cricket. Mohamed promised this won’t be the end of supporting the inmates, as they have other initiatives planned in the near future. At the previous visit, the prisoners questioned the all-rounder about life as an international cricketer, the demands of the coaches, and the pressures he faces in life. They also indicated it was the first time an active sport personality of such calibre had visited the facility and they appreciated the wisdom he shared.
‘Fastest woman...
Michael Vaughan has his stumps disturbed (Getty) in front of him. Sitting in Australia’s team room in their hotel on the 2013 Ashes tour, Harris is awestruck watching a replay of Test legend Glenn McGrath ripping the heart of England’s top order at Lord’s eight years earlier. Today, many years after the chaotic final session on day one of the first Test of the 2005 Ashes, the images of a 35-year-old McGrath sporting blond tips in his hair and custom gold shoes dis-embowelling Australia’s oldest and fiercest rival, are just as hair-raising, spine-tingling and jaw-dropping as they were that Thursday evening at St John’s Wood. Two-thirds through a chaotic first day of a memorable series, it was England who found themselves in an imperious position at 10-0 having bowled Australia out for 190, after losing the toss and being asked to bowl first.
arriving in the motherland would be his 500th Test victim. It took only one ball after tea for the right-armer to collect his milestone scalp as a wobbly-seam delivery went down the slope, took Trescothick’s leading edge and was safely pouched by Justin Langer at third slip. While McGrath was saluting the packed Lord’s crowd, 12th man Michael Kasprowicz sprinted out to the middle with towels, water bottles and a fresh pair of bowling shoes for the wicket-taker, emblazoned with ‘Pony 500’ on the side McGrath would later reveal the plan was to sneak off and change boots once he reached the landmark, but Kasprowicz had other ideas for the brilliant speedster who allowed himself, just this once, to be a ‘show pony’. But the Pony 500s became redundant four balls later when Trescothick’s opening partner
FROM BACK PAGE fastest woman alive, a national record, and a personal best, I can’t complain,” Jackson said. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to her lofty position in world sprinting having begun her professional career at the 400m distance in 2015. The win was the first gold medal for the athlete at any major championship.
G r i f f i t h - J o y n e r ’s world record, however, continues to be elusive but Jackson insists that isn’t a cause for concern at the moment. “I wasn’t thinking about any time, the world record wasn’t on my mind. I was just going out there to execute each round as best as possible and when the time comes it comes.” (Sportsmax)
English Racing Tips Chelmsford 08:00 hrs On More Holly 08:35 hrs Appointed One 09:10 hrs Time Step 09:45 hrs Dubai Station 10:20 hrs The Mouse King 10:35 hrs Central City 11:30 hrs Ford Maddox Brown
10:05 hrs Peaches And Cream 10:40 hrs Wbee 11:15 hrs Hereditary Rule
An iconic image of Andrew Flintoff at Lord’s in 2005 (Getty) the master seamer long to find the woodwork. England captain Michael Vaughan was the next to go, unable to keep out a ball from the Australian that jagged down the slope, stayed low and uprooted his off-stump. A score of 13-3 turned into 19-4 as No.4 Ian Bel chopped the veteran onto his leg bail to send the tourists into frenzy for the fourth time in the session Richie Benaud, the doyen of cricket commentators and analysts who had closely observed McGrath’s Test career from its inception, proclaimed in commentary that he’d never seen him bowl any better. But the best was yet to come. In retirement, McGrath reflected that he never bowled a single ball from the Nursery End at Lord’s, preferring the Pavilion End so he could take advantage of the slope that angles into the
blasted out of the ground with a metallic clang and sent hurtling behind him. England were 21-5, McGrath had 5-2 in 31 balls and the match had been flipped on its head. Eight years later, Harris would marvel at how the ball to dismiss Flintoff seemingly swung with a straight seam after landing, and into the all-rounder’s stumps. Later that year, Harris would himself replicate the wizardry of that delivery with a ball that defied physics; swinging in, straightening and then swinging away to castle England captain Alastair Cook with the first ball of the second innings at the WACA Ground. The stirring spell from McGrath meant Harris would be late for his appointment on that day in 2013. But nobody noticed; the entire room had stopped to watch the Narromine Express at his best. (Cricket. com.au)
Pontefract 08:45 hrs Mrs Trump 09:20 hrs Lenny’s Spirit 09:55 hrs Lightening Company 10:30 hrs Corinthia Knight 11:05 hrs Alflaila 11:40 hrs Wilkins 12:15 hrs Canaria Prince Uttoxeter 08:20 hrs Fast Forward 08:55 hrs Gulliver Colognes 09:30 hrs Onward Route
South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 08:25 hrs Fire Lord 09:00 hrs Quanabi 09:35 hrs Sea Master 10:10 hrs Only The Brave 10:45 hrs Haooy Wanderer American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Bat Flip Race 2 Street Vendor Race 3 Ampersand Race 4 Storm Shooter Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Veloce Race 2 Wave Baby Race 3 Boardroom Race 4 He’s Got Soul
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Sam Northeast cracks 410* as first-class records fall
… It was the third-highest first-class innings in England - all of them in the Championship - and the ninth-highest innings worldwide
SAM Northeast, the 32-year-old Glamorgan batter, long regarded as the best uncapped player in England, joined exalted company after extending his overnight 308 against Leicestershire at the UptonSteel County Ground in Leicester to 410 not out by the time Glamorgan called off the punishment at lunch on the final day. Northeast’s innings was the third-highest ever made in England - all of them in the Championship - and the ninth-highest first-class innings ever made worldwide. He passed 400 in the final over of the morning with two successive straight sixes against Roman Walker - two of only three that he struck in an innings that also included 45 fours and spanned 450 deliveries. Leicestershire, bereft of ideas with the ball and regularly misfielding on
a bumpy outfield, were downcast long before the end.
When Glamorgan declared on 795 for 5, having made 232 runs in a session, they possessed the ninth-highest total ever assembled in Championship cricket in England.
There was a partnership record, too, with Northeast and Chris
Cooke sharing an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 461 in 71.3 overs - the highest ever recorded in English first-class record and the second-highest in history. (Cricinfo)
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Vingegaard set for victory as Wout van Aert wins stage 20
JONAS Vingegaard is set to win the 2022 Tour de France after finishing second to Wout van Aert in the stage 20 time trial on the penultimate day. van Aert clocked 47 minutes 59 seconds to finish 19 seconds ahead o f h i s J u m b o - Vi s m a team-mate. D e n m a r k ’s Vi n g e gaard, 25, now has an overall advantage of three minutes and 34 seconds on Tadej Pogacar. Briton Geraint Thomas finished fourth to effectively confirm his third place before the processional final day. “It means everything to me,” said an emotional Vingegaard. “It’s really incredible. It’s hard for me to put words on it. It’s the biggest win in cycling. “Since last year (when he came second), I always believed I could do it. It’s a relief that I did. I’m just so happy and proud.” Vingegaard began the day with a lead of three minutes 26 seconds over defending champion Po-
Kiwis complete whitewash of Ireland in T20 series
NEW ZEALAND completed a whitewash of three wins in their Twenty20 series with Ireland, courtesy of a six-wicket success at Stormont. Ireland made 174-6 off their 20 overs, with Paul Stirling scoring 40 and Mark Adair ending not out on 37. The tourists reached their target with one over to spare, Glenn Phillips contributing an unbeaten 56 and Daryl Mitchell scoring 48 off just 32 balls. James Neesham wrapped up victory with his second six of the day. New Zealand also
Gareth Delany leaves the crease after being dismissed by Daryl Mitchell won the subsequent oneday international series between the sides 3-0. Mitchell’s dismissal - he was caught and bowled by Josh Little left the tourists on 147-4 with a little over three overs remaining. But the Irish were
unable to pull off a surprise win as Phillips, who also produced a match-winning fifty in the series-opener, and Neesham, who smashed 23 off six balls, dragged New Zealand over the line. Ireland had been pro-
pelled to their total by their impressive lower order. Mark Adair accrued his total off only 15 balls and Curtis Campher cracked an eight-ball 19 as the hosts registered 70 runs in their final five overs to add to opener Stirling’s contribution. The unbeaten partnership of 58 from 23 deliveries between Adair and Campher gave Ireland momentum at the break. Yet, despite an early stranglehold with the ball, they ended up suffering a sixth whiteball defeat against New Zealand this summer. (BBC Sport)
gacar - with the 40.7km solo route from Lacapelle-Marival to Rocamadour standing between him and a first Grand Tour triumph. Two years ago, Jumbo Visma rider Primoz Roglic saw a 57-second lead overturned by
five seconds faster than 2018 champion Thomas. Thomas’ Ineos Grenadiers team-mate and world champion Filippo Ganna led the way for a long period but he had to settle for fifth, while Britain’s Fred Wright, 23, produced a notable per-
Jonas Vingegaard will win his first overall Tour crown after finishing second to Tadej Pogacar in 2021 Pogacar in the penultimate-stage individual time trial. But rather than just protect his overall lead yesterday, Vingegaard was able to extend it and he even appeared on course for the stage victory as he passed the third and final intermediate check point two seconds faster than van Aert. “What happened two years ago, we always thought about it and we didn’t want it to happen again,” Vingegaard said. “We just wanted to go for it today. (The emotion) just shows how close everyone is in this team. It’s a special thing we have.” van Aert said: “I’m emotional. Today it was like a dream scenario. I thank all my team-mates and the whole team for those special three weeks, it’s unbelievable.” Pogacar had to settle for third place, 27 seconds down on green jersey-wearer van Aert but
formance to finish eighth on the day. There were changes in the top 10 as Aleksandr Vlasov rose from seventh to fifth, above both Nairo Quintana and Louis Meintjes, while the latter dropped below Romain Bardet to eighth. “It’s been a good three weeks, with many ups and downs, with lots of bad luck for my team, but the battle between me and Jonas for the yellow jersey has been very special,” Pogacar said. “I think we have some very interesting next two or three years ahead of us. Jonas has stepped up his game this year. I’m motivated and looking forward to the next challenges.” The 109th Tour concludes with a traditional processional final stage in Paris today, before the sprinters fight for victory on the iconic Champs-Elysees finish. (BBC Sport)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
Pele FC Alumni commits to continue support of the Lions Club of Georgetown D’Urban Park
SOME principal Executive members of Pele FC Alumni Corporation, who are in Guyana to reassure those entities whom they have been supporting over the years with continuous provision, have committed their sustained support of the Lions Club of Georgetown, D’Urban Park. The USA-based entity met with Executive members of the Lions Club of Georgetown D’Urban Park last Saturday where the discussions were broad-based in keeping with the partnership whilst the assurance of the Pele FC Alumni’s cooperation was reiterated. Attending the meeting on behalf of the Pele FC Alumni Corporation were Chairman Denis Carrington, Treasurer Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton, and Executive Committee Member, Eric ‘Riggy’ Smith. The Lions Club of Georgetown D’Urban Park
was represented by, Allison Harewood (president), Denise Woolford (IPP), Donna Chapman (first vice-president), Bevon McDonald (service coordinator), and Carol Parris (chair of library and reading committee). The two bodies have over the past five years been supporting hundreds of youths through a backto-school project as well as a Christmas support programme. Materials donated include amazon tablets and educational and recreational items in keeping with one of the most important pillars and focus of the Pele FC Alumni which is the education of the youths as it empowers them to live a successful life. Alumni Chairman, Denis Carrington commented on the meeting, “We had a very cordial discussion and we took the opportunity to speak about enhancing
Executives of Pele FC Alumni and the Lions Club of Georgetown D’Urban Park pose following their meeting at the Marriott Hotel ful, and the two entities our partnership which has school academic initiative programme.” The Lions Club of have further strengthened been going for five plus and the Christmas toy and years now. We also spoke gift drive. We also took the Georgetown D’Urban their partnership to collecabout the continued sup- opportunity to share plans Park stated that the dis- tively support educational port for the youth back-to- for our mentorship support cussion was rich and fruit- activities in Guyana.
McLaughlin shatters 400m hurdles record to win gold
SYDNEY McLaughlin produced another astonishing run as she broke her own world record by almost three-quarters of a second to take 400m hurdles gold at the World Championships in Eugene. The 22-year-old American left her rivals for dust as she came home in 50.68 seconds, smashing her own record of 51.41 seconds set in June. “The time is absolutely amazing and the sport is getting faster and faster,” said McLaughlin. “I only get faster from here.” The Netherlands’ Femke Bol, who won bronze at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, took silver in 52.27, ahead of the United States’ Dalilah Muhammad. Muhammad held the world record after breaking it twice in 2019 - on the second occasion, running 52.16 to beat McLaughlin to gold at the last world championships in Doha. Hudson-Smith claims world 400m bronze But McLaughlin has improved that mark four times
Gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin celebrates after winning the women’s 400 metres hurdles and setting a new world record (Photo: Reuters)
in the past 13 months, and has now run five of the six fastest times in history. Her winning time was faster than the seventh and eighthplaced times in the women’s flat 400m final, raced half an hour earlier on the same track. McLaughlin said that the presence of fans and family, after the COVID-19 pandemic took sport behind closed doors, has helped spur her on to new heights. “The last 100 really hurt, but I’m grateful to have this
crowd,” she added. “It was absolutely unreal to have my family in the stands. I have never had them together on one place.” Second-placed Bol said it was surreal to see McLaughlin’s pace at first hand. “It was crazy,” Bol said. “She was so far in front at the end so I was always doubting if I really had a good race, because it felt very good. “It means a lot that she also broke the 51-second barrier. “It is unbelievable but it is
amazing to be a part of it and to come out second in such a race.” McLaughlin hinted once again that she may switch events, with a change to the 400m flat looking most likely. “Me and (coach Bobby Kersee) are going to go back after the season, decide if this is still an event I even want to do, or if we’re going to find something else because we’ve accomplished so much in it,” she told NBC. (BBC Sport)
LBFCC cycling classic set for today at Amelia’s Ward
THE Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycling Club (LBFCC) will stage its first ‘County Styles Food Cycling Classic today at Amelia’s Ward in Linden. Organiser of the LBFCC, Jeffrey Yearwood, informed Chronicle Sport that Country Styles Foods, the manufacturer of Country Styles Food Plantain Chips, has teamed up with the club to host this event which will cater to both male and female cyclists in the veterans, seniors, juniors, juveniles and BMX categories. The day’s activities will start outside Bernard’s Avenue and Joseph Apartments in Amelia’s Ward at 10:00hrs. According to Yearwood, this is part of the LBFCC’s strategy to have frequent events to keep the cyclists of Linden active
throughout the year. Meanwhile, some 19 cyclists competed when the LBFCC staged the Linden Riverfront Festival Sprints recently which was sponsored by the Linden Chamber of Commerce and Office of the Prime Minister. The winner in the Male Open race was Christopher Cornelius who defeated Delroy ‘Steel’ Hinds, who was second, Nigel London took third spot and Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams was fourth. In the veterans category Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams was the winner from Nigel London and Andy Spencer in that order. The Juvenile Boys’ champion was Shaphon Daniels, Juvenile Girls’ winner was Ms Savannah Hyles and BMX top rider was Luke Gunraj.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
Ravi Shastri: If you want Test cricket to survive, keep it to top six teams
FORMER India Test all-rounder Ravi Shastri has argued that if Test cricket is to survive, it should be limited to only the top six sides in the world. Shastri, who was India’s head coach between 2017 and 2021 and is currently working for Sky Sports as a pundit, argued that if Test cricket is to survive it should be limited to just six teams, with an emphasis placed on limited overs-cricket as the format used to spread the game worldwide. “ Yo u c a n n o t h a v e 12 teams or ten teams,” Shastri said of the current format. “You keep the top six, keep the quality and respect quality over quantity. “That’s the only way you open a window for other cricket to be played. Expand teams in one-day cricket and T20 cricket
if you want the game to spread. But Test cricket will have to reduce the number of teams that play. “The bottom line, it’s the football model. You’ve got the EPL, La Liga, the German league, the South America Copa America. In the future it’s going to be like that, you’ll have one World Cup, the big one and then the rest of it will be all different leagues happening around the world.” The structure of international cricket has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks, following a succession of developments pointed to as demonstrating the direction in which the sport is heading. The IPL securing a record TV rights deal, worth US$6 billion, South Africa forfeiting an ODI series in Australia
Former India Test all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri wouldn’t be limited to only six sides indefinitely, but teams would have to qualify in order to be able to play the format “Whether it’s India, Australia or England you have to qualify for redball series if you want to be around to play Test match cricket. “Then it doesn’t matter if England don’t go to the West Indies, or West Indies come to England. If they’re in the top six,
in order to stage their own franchise T20 competition, and the buying-up of all the franchises in that competition by entities who have stakes in the IPL have been used to suggest that domestic T20 cricket and the IPL are becoming more dominant, while Ben Stokes’ ODI retirement has led to fresh questions over that format’s future. U n d e r S h a s t r i ’s proposal, Test cricket
they play, but if they’re not in the top six they don’t play.” Currently, the top six ranked sides in Test cricket are Australia, India, South Africa, England, New Zealand and Pakistan, meaning teams such as West Indies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka would not be eligible to play the longest format if Shastri’s plan was implemented. Shastri’s views have come in for criticism with it pointed out that West Indies beat England in a three-match series as recently as March, whilst Sri Lanka drew their Test series 1-1 against Australia that finished last week Shastri was challenged on his view on air, asked whether he would be happy limiting the Test game to only six nations and whether that would be counterproductive to growing the game.
“Absolutely,” Shastri replied. “Because what is Test cricket? It tests you and for that you need quality. If there’s no quality then who’s going to watch it? You’re going to have three-day games, two-day games if the opposition is not right. “If you have countries who have never played Test cricket and then you say ‘come to India’ or ‘come to England’, in bowler-friendly conditions the game’s over in two days, two-and-a-half days. And you’ve taken money from the broadcaster for five days. So he’s going to be unhappy, the fans are going to be unhappy and the standard is going to go down. “Quality is important and in that format of the game extremely important for cricket to survive in the future.”(Wisden.com)
Fraser-Pryce urges fans to be mindful of what they say to athletes CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 24, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)
Birmingham, England (1979)
(2)
Clive Lloyd & Srinivas Venkataraghavan
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who faced the first ball in a WI/IND ODI game? (2)
Who delivered it?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue2022 …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …
Five-time world 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce FIVE-time world 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has urged fans to be mindful of the things they say to athletes when things aren’t going well. “Jamaicans have a short-term memory. You’ll do a great thing this year and come back and not have a good year and they want to beat you down to the ground,” Fraser-Pryce said to over 8 000 fans who tuned in to her Instagram
live on Thursday. There have been many instances where athletes have had a good year and, because of injuries or other troublesome circumstances, have failed to produce those performances consistently in the years after. “It’s a whole lot they have to deal with so you have to be careful with your comments sometimes, because sometimes you make some comments and some of the athletes take
them to heart and dwell on them,” Fraser-Pryce said. “You have to big up the athletes. Every year is not the same … it’s not easy so, when you see the athletes out here representing you must know it takes a whole lot of work and they’re going to have good times and bad times,” she added. Fraser-Pryce used her teammate and 200m gold medallist Shericka Jackson as an example. At last year’s Tokyo Olympics, Jackson failed to advance out of the heats of the 200m and, a year later, she is the world champion and fastest woman alive at the distance. “Last year, Shericka didn’t run the 200m, and I know she cried and she came back and look, 21.45. She went back and put in the work, so you just have to understand that everything is a process and it takes time,” Fraser-Pryce said. (Sportsmax)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
Pooran highlights character, belief as WI look to level ODI series
Romario Shepherd (left) and Akeal Hosein nearly won the first ODI against India for West Indies on Friday (Photo courtesy CWI Media) PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran has saluted his side’s character after they pushed power-house India to the wire in Friday’s opening One-Day International of the three-match series. The Caribbean side were
coming off a chastening 3-0 whitewash to Bangladesh in Guyana last week but rebounded brilliantly to restrict India to 308 and just miss out on chasing down the target, losing by three runs at Queen’s Park Oval West Indies take on India in the second ODI here
today, hoping to level the series. “I must give credit to the bowlers. We didn’t get off to the best start. Obviously in these conditions, early up we understand that this is a very good batting track,” Pooran said. “But we did speak in that second water break and we said we wanted to restrict them to 315 and actually we got them to less and that was truly commendable. “I think (Gudakesh) Motie, Akeal (Hosein), Alzarri (Joseph) – everyone at the death – came and executed their efforts … and I’m really proud of the effort. “After coming from the Bangladesh series, we spoke about different boxes we wanted to tick and today we ticked three boxes actually – fielding, batting 50 overs and executing at the death.
“So, well done to the guys! I know it’s difficult to lose but we’ll take this one.” Sent in, India raced to 205 for one after 33 overs at the second drinks break, thanks to half-centuries from the top three - captain Shikhar Dhawan (97), opening partner Shubman Gill (64) and Shreyas Iyer (54). However left-arm spinner Motie, in only his fourth ODI, hit back strongly to claim two for 54 while pacer Joseph supported with two for 61 – both from ten-over complements – as India gathered only 60 runs from the last ten overs. Facing a demanding required run rate of 6.18 per over, West Indies kept pace through half-centuries from Kyle Mayers (73) and Brandon King (54) and a polished 46 from Shamarh Brooks, before cameos from
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Mohabir to captain Guyana Under-15 squad
DAVE Mohabir will captain the Guyana Under-15 team at this year’s Regional Under-15 tournament in Grenada from August 18 to 28. According to a press release from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday, Romario Ramdehol will deputise for Mohabir. “ T h e G C B ’s J u n i o r National Selection panel, chaired by Andre Percival, selected the Under-15 team which comprises a superb blend of skilled players,” the release indicated. Mohabir’s elder brother, Alvin, is the captain of the National Under-17 squad, who are currently competing in Trinidad. The other players are Shane Prince, Zandon Rose, Durwin La Rose, Dhanesh Persaud, Arun Gainda, Navin Boodwah, Arif Khan, Adrian Hetmyer, Razam Koo-
National Under-15 captain Dave Mohabir
bir, Nicholas Lovell, Sohail Mohamed, and Jonathan Mentore. The standbys are Omrion Smith, Mikle Sharma, Nicholas Hall, Thierry Henry, Elis Ramdat, and Enrique Mickle. The manager is Elroy Stephney and coach is Latchman Yadram.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2022
Miller-Uibo creates history with maiden 400m triumph at World Championships
BAHAMIAN Shaunae Miller-Uibo made history when she won the Women’s 400m title at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene on Friday. Miller-Uibo sped to a world leading 49.11 to win her maiden world title, with the Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino (49.60) and Barbados’ Sada Williams (49.75) coming second and third to complete a Caribbean sweep of the medals. In the process, 28-yearold Miller-Uibo became the first woman in the history of Track & Field to complete the world event wheel. “Congratulations to Shaunae on winning the 400m at the World Championships!! She is the first woman in history to complete the world event wheel. World youth, world juniors, indoor world champion, 2x Olympic champion and now world outdoor champion!” said her coach Lance Brauman in an Instagram post.
The process started all the way back in 2010 when Miller-Uibo ran 52.20 for gold at the World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada. A year later, she won gold at the World Youth Championships in Lille, France with a 51.84 performance. The third piece of the puzzle was completed in 2016 when Miller-Uibo sped to 49.44 to win the first of her back-to-back Olympic gold medals. After years of wondering if she’d ever achieve this unprecedented feat, the year 2022 saw her finally complete the puzzle. It started at the World Indoor Championships in Serbia in March where she did 50.31 to win gold and ended at the World Championships in Eugene on Thursday where, after silver medals in 2015 and 2019, the Bahamian superstar finally won an elusive world title to complete the wheel. (Sportsmax)
Shaunae Miller-Uibo celebrates winning the Women’s 400m final on day eight of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon (Photo: dpa)
‘Fastest woman alive’ Jackson puts on a show for 200m
John Campbell’s anti-doping whereabouts rule violation hearing adjourned to August 2
Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson celebrates her 200m victory at the World Athletics Championships, Oregon22 (Getty Images)
West Indies left-handed opener John Campbell
NEWLY crowned women’s 200m world champion, Shericka Jackson, insists she was determined to put on a show for the much-anticipated event at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Oregon on Friday. By any measure, the young Jamaican certainly
succeeded in doing so. En route to the gold medal, Jackson clocked the fastest time recorded for the event in 34 years. As it stands, only American Florence Griffith-Joyner, whose record still stands at 21.34, has gone faster. The Jamaican’s time of
21.45 was a new national record and eclipsed the previous mark of 21.53 recorded by her compatriot Elaine Thompson-Herah at the Beijing Olympics last year. “I wanted to come out here and put on a show and I did just that. The TURN TO PAGE 27
K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – The disciplinary hearing into allegations that West Indies cricketer John Campbell violated the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) whereabouts rule has been adjourned until August 2. At a preliminary hearing on July 6, a trial date had been set for Tuesday, July 19 at 10:00hrs. The West Indies Players’
Association (WIPA), which is supporting Campbell, issued a brief statement informing that the matter has since been adjourned, but did not state whether any evidence was heard on Tuesday by the Kent Gammon-chaired independent anti-doping disciplinary panel. The Jamaican is represented by attorneys-at-Law Ayana Thomas and MarkPaul Cowan of Nunes,
Scholefield, DeLeon & Co. in the matter. The Jamaica Anti-Doping Agency (JADCO) has alleged that the 28-year-old left-handed opener violated WADA whereabouts rule which requires an athlete to specify for a period of three months in advance, a onehour period in every single day between 05:00hrs and 23:00hrs when he/she will be available for out-of-competition testing. The athlete must advise his/her whereabouts for this hour and must make sure that h/she is at this specified location at the specified time. Under WADA’s anti-doping rules, any combination of three whereabouts failures – filing failure and/ or missed test – within a period of 12 months constitutes an anti-doping rule violation, and an athlete can be banned from his/ her sport for up to two years. That can be reduced to a minimum of one year depending on the athlete’s degree of fault.
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