Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_26_04_2022 by Guyana Chronicle

TUESDAY 26th APRIL, 2022

Four-fold path to transformation

No. 106703

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- framework for Guyana’s future being crafted with emphasis on investment of oil funds into education, health, infrastructure and development of non-oil sectors, says Vice-President Jagdeo

Members of the Guyana Police Force Band play at State House to celebrate President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s birth anniversary on Monday (Office of the President photos)

Teachers no longer 500 Kaibarupai residents Autopsies on require ‘release’ to Hansraj, Teixeira to receive potable water pursue education degree inconclusive in new week PAC recommends criminal investigation: contractors under APNU+AFC Gov’t paid for incomplete work SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Police Force Band plays for President on birth anniversary PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, celebrated another year on the planet and was treated to a medley of local tunes by the Guyana Police Force Band, at State House, on Monday. The Head of State was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag), Calvin Brutus; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag), Ravindradat Budhram; representatives from the Office of the Pres-

ident, including Permanent Secretary, Abena Moore and other members of the Guyana Police Force. President Ali expressed his gratitude for the performance and warm sentiments extended to him. “I pray that God continues to be merciful and bless all of you and your families, keep you in good health and keep our country, by extension, in good health; bring us together

and unite us as a family, a Guyanese family that would not only be good for the country but that would be able to strengthen each and every Guyanese to look out for each other. That is my greatest wish.” The President used the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to improving the lives of every Guyanese. “I promise that I will try to upkeep the high val-

ues that we are committed to. I promise that we will work towards ensuring that every Guyanese, their lives become better.” President Ali was also presented with a token from Permanent Secretary of the Office of the President, Abena Moore and a portrait by local artist Randy Bentinck on behalf of the Guyana Police Force. (Office of the President)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, receives a portrait of himself from senior functionaries of the Guyana Police Force on Monday (Office of the President photo)

Members of the Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra play for the President (Office of the President photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Four-fold path to transformation - framework for Guyana’s future being crafted with emphasis on investment of oil funds into education, health, infrastructure and development of non-oil sectors, says Vice-President Jagdeo

By Navendra Seoraj IN order to solidify the foundation of Guyana’s economy and enhance the overall well-being and welfare of every Guyanese, the government is crafting a framework for development that will be sustained through prudent and effective investment of oil funds into education, health, infrastructure and the nonoil sectors. Unlike the agenda of the former administration, especially as regards expenditure of the immense returns that will accrue to Guyana from its oil-and-gas

we campaigned between 2015 and 2020, that money will be spent on education, health care, infrastructure and assistance to non-oil industries,” the Vice-President told residents of Region Six during a recent Cabinet outreach. Those are the four areas that will attract the ‘bulk of the resources’ and are part of a broader plan to ensure that Guyana’s economy continues to thrive long after oil resources would have been exhausted. It was reported that returns from the sector are expected to catapult Guyana to the ranks of wealthiest

sphere; we intend to employ the gains from exploiting these deposits into initiatives geared at expanding the economy, improving competitiveness, giving people the best social services, increasing productivity, enhancing food production, and building new sectors,” President Dr. Irfaan Ali had said in his keynote address during a virtual faculty workshop on the microeconomics of competitiveness hosted by the Harvard Business School. In painting a vivid image of what is expected of the oil-and-gas sector in the near term, Dr.Ali said that by

2020, has only this year, budgeted to utilise some of those funds. Its landmark $552 billion budget, which is 44.3 per cent larger than Budget 2021, includes roughly $126.7 billion from the NRF. This decision was taken by the government only after the enactment of a new and strengthened legislative framework governing the 2021 Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act. “We have come up with a simple, transparent formula for transferring money from the Natural Resources Fund to the budget, and we have outlined the four areas

President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently unveiled a billboard of the $2 billion Suddie Hospital, Essequibo Coast, Region Two sector, Dr Jagdeo said the intention of the incumbent is to craft a framework for the future which will see more proceeds from the petroleum industry going towards Guyanese. “… we have to spend the money to build the future, that is why we have made it clear in our manifesto when

countries in the Western Hemisphere, thereby increasing the government’s fiscal space to invest in initiatives geared at expanding the economy and improving the overall welfare of citizens. “Guyana is now poised to be one of the wealthiest countries in the hemi-

2025, operating cash flow, based on total investment, is expected to reach US$3.5 billion. As it is now, Guyana has US$719,713,039 in its Natural Resources Fund (NRF) at the US Federal Reserve Bank. The government, since being elected to office in

in which we would utilise this money,” Dr. Jagdeo told the business community in Region Six. INVESTMENTS ALREADY MADE Despite not utilising any of the oil funds, the government has still been able to initiate the process of strengthening the four pillars

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo of development, according to the Vice-President. On the topic of education, the government has increased the education cash grant from $15,000 to $25,000 and the uniform voucher from $4,000 to $5,000. This initiative benefits each school-aged child from both the public and private school systems. The overarching objective, according to Dr Jagdeo, is to increase the education cash grant to $50,000 per month within five years. Further, the government plans to award some 20,000 online scholarships to persons through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). And of this amount, 6,000 were already awarded and 500 of those beneficiaries are from Region Six. Additionally, for those persons who cannot get into the programme, there is a three-month course that, once completed, would afford persons entry into either a tertiary-level programme or a specialised technical programme. This, Dr Jagdeo said, is all part of a plan to equip Guyanese with the knowledge and technical expertise to meet the skills demand Guyana will need in the near future. “If we educate our people, whether in oil and gas or another area, they would be able to earn more and we would equip them to work in any industry,” the VicePresident said. To achieve this goal,

the government will also be transforming the Port Mourant Training Centre into a national institute for oil and gas and hospitality. All those programmes are supplemented by the Local Content Act that came into effect in December 2021. The new law earmarks 40 sectors or services and stipulates a minimum percentage of the total value of expenditure on those services that oil companies and their sub-contractors must procure from Guyanese suppliers. In essence, this law creates a foundation for Guyanese to complete the various technical and academic programmes and acquire a job with little to no hassle. Aside from job security, the government intends to establish the ideal conditions for business, especially manufacturing, and decrease the general cost of living by investing in an energy mix that will reduce the cost of electricity by approximately 50 per cent. Specifically, this would be achieved through the Gas-to-Energy Project, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the establishment of solar farms across Guyana. Other transformational projects are also in the pipeline and those include the construction of several hospitals and diagnostic centres and the construction and enhancement of roads and bridges, among others.

500 Kaibarupai residents to receive potable water in new week

RESIDENTS of Kaibarupai, Region Eight, will soon be able to enjoy first-time access to potable water through the new Kaibarupai Water Supply System. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailal and a team visited the ongoing project on Sunday. Close to 500 villagers reside in the area and practise rain-water harvesting to receive water. “Clean water is a basic necessity. It doesn’t matter where you live, our government will ensure you have a better life,” stated Minister Croal. At least 70 per cent of the community which lies on the right side of the creek will have first- time access to water at the service-connection level upon completion. The right side hosts the health post, primary and nursery school and village office. However, the minister

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, tests the Kaibarupai Water Supply System has committed to expanding the system for the left side. “We will have an assessment to see if this system can distribute the water on the other side and we will connect the pipes,” the minister assured.

By May 1, 2022, the Kaibarupai Water Supply System will be fully operational. The project is being executed by R. Kissoon Contracting Services and includes the installation of an intake pumping chamber, pump and dis-

charge assembly in the creek, installation of a photovoltaic pumping system, solar panels and accessories. Some 3,000 metres of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes and 1,000 metres of 19mm (3/4”) pipes with 50 service connections have been installed. According to the Housing Ministry, a reinforced concrete base is also constructed to accommodate four 450-gallon storage tanks. More than 90 per cent of works have been completed and the project is awaiting only the installation of the submersible pump. Approximately $34.6 million is being expended to complete the water-supply system. Minister Croal also announced a number of incoming projects to develop the community, such as the training of Community Service Officers and completion of the computer hub, as well as, a bridge to connect the two sides of the village.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Teen remanded to prison for allegedly killing his stepfather

A 19-year-old man was on Monday remanded to prison until May 30, for the alleged murder of his stepfather, Joseph Davis. Joshua Williams, of Swan Village, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond-Grove Magistrates’ Court, but was not required to plead to the capital offence, which alleged that on March 27, 2022, he murdered Davis. According to reports, on March 19, Williams and Davis had a misunderstanding, during which the teen allegedly

pulled out a knife and stabbed the older man, before making good his escape. The injured Davis was immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but died a little over a week later, on March 27 to be precise, while receiving treatment. The police would later issue a wanted bulletin for Williams’ arrest, after he’d allegedly gone into hiding; he was arrested last Wednesday at his father’s Kuru Kururu residence on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Teachers no longer require ‘release’ – Minister Manickchand to pursue education degree

THE need for trained teachers to obtain a release from the Ministry of Education to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at the University of Guyana will no longer be required starting this September, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand said. According to a post made on the Education Minister’s Facebook page, the ministry has been working with the university to restructure the timing arrangements of the programme to better facilitate teachers in the public school system. “I am happy to inform all trained teachers who will be pursuing their degree in education from September 2022, that you will no longer need ‘release’ to attend UG. All classes for the degree in education will be held outside of school hours. Thank you, Dr. Paloma Mohamed and team,” Minister Manickchand said. According to Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hudson, who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, the new system will allow for a smoother organised structure as the ministry pushes to achieve its aim of boosting the capacity of the local education system, through certified and qualified teachers.

He noted that, over the years, the ministry has seen teachers abandoning their posts and illegally enrolling in the programme without the requisite permission from the ministry. This practice, he said has disenfranchised their students. The CEO explained that the old system allowed for a smaller number of teachers to be allowed time off from their regular duties as they pursued their degrees. This meant that the ministry could not grant large numbers of teachers releases simultaneously. Under the old Ministry of Education policy, four teachers from Grade ‘A’ schools were allowed to be released; three from Grade B schools and two from Grade C schools. “…And, of course, based upon the specific need of the school, the subject and affordability and ensuring that there were adequate resources to ensure that the children were not left in a compromised position,” said Hutson. TRAINING TEACHERS This change is one of many the ministry plans to institute to promote better education delivery. Last year, Minister Manickchand announced plans to have all teachers in the public education system trained.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand Following the minister’s announcement, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has facilitated the enrollment of over 2,500 firstyear students, a figure five higher than the usual enrollment number. Courses at the college are now fully online and teachers in the system who are not trained have been advised to get qualified. Minister Manickchand noted that moving the college online has allowed hinterland teachers to enroll in the Associate Degree in Education programme, rather than the Trained Teacher’s Certificate (TTC) programme, which,

previously, was the only programme accessible to them if they were willing to leave their homes and attend faceto-face classes at the college. “Hinterland teachers across the country, we have seen a remarkable drop. We used to have about three hundred and thirty-something teachers doing the Trained Teacher’s Certificate (TTC) programme as opposed to the Associate Degree programme. Before 2020, the TTC programme was the only programme offered to hinterland teachers,” she added. She noted that there are challenges in terms of connectivity and access to de-

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson vices but the ministry is currently working to have those addressed. LICENSING In an effort to boost quality education delivery, Minister Manickchand, in December 2021, said the Ministry of Education plans to license teachers in the education system. “Beginning next year (2022), we have to license our teachers; this is one of our most important professions. Doctors have to be licensed and re-licensed every year because we have to make sure that they have these skills,” Minister Manickchand had noted.

She added: “Teachers across the Caribbean, North America, they hold a licence and if you don’t engage in a certain number of professional development courses that speak to the level of commitment and what you might be able to know and learn, we can’t progress… so we are moving in that direction also.” The need for improvements in the education sector has taken centre stage over the past few years, as conversations continue around the need for Guyana to develop its human resources to match its developmental needs.

National conference, symposium to mark World Press Freedom Day THE Department of Public Affairs will host a national conference and symposium to commemorate the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) designated World Press Freedom Day, from May 3-4. The event, which brings together industry practitioners and stakeholders from across the local media and communication spectrum, will focus discussions on the global theme for this year, ‘Journalism under surveillance’ and Guyana’s national sub theme: ‘Partnerships in Communication for Development (C4D),’ a release from the Office of the Prime Minister said The conference opener will be headlined by a feature address by President, Dr Irfaan Ali and special guests will include Home Affairs

and Information Minister, Barbados, Wilfred Abrahams; Head of the Press Office of Suriname, Alven Roosveld as well as other Caribbean and international partners. Participants will interact with several panels of leading local and visiting industry practitioners and experts during the symposium, the release noted. “Of considerable note too, is the unveiling of the ground-breaking Guyana

Media and Communication Academy (GMACA) during the conference ceremony. The academy’s online learning platform developed in collaboration with COURSERA will immediately be open to the first cohort of learners following the unveiling. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration values its extensive record in and out of office, of advancing and preserving

the freedoms enjoyed by the local press and the wider media fraternity, while addressing issues of concern whenever and wherever they arise,” the release said. It pointed out too that the government recognises that the transforming landscapes of Guyana’s economy and society will have corresponding implications for evolution of Guyana’s media, and as such, efforts are ongoing to facilitate scholarships for advanced industry studies, up-skilling opportunities and other interventions to further enable an environment for a free press to thrive and grow. “It considers the mainstreaming of C4D as a potential catalytic partnership with the ‘Fourth Estate’ which, if forged, can help to underpin Guyana’s transformational thrust,” said the Office of the Prime Minister,

which has responsibility for public communication. Meanwhile, a conference and symposium website and registration portal has been designed to facilitate easy registration, as well as update participants and special guests on new, innovative and important developments

around this year’s observance. Media houses are urged to encourage their journalists to register for this event by clicking on the link http://www.wpfconference.gy and following the simple steps outlined.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Enhancing Standards

AS Guyana repositions itself as a major development hub in the region, the need to build capacity to take on the complex task of accelerated growth and sustainable development becomes all the more necessary. Now regarded as the fastest-growing economy in the region, the pressure is mounting for an enabling development framework which will allow for the full optimisation of our physical, infrastructural and human resources to facilitate the growth momentum. This observation was made by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali during the recent commissioning of a project on the West Bank of Demerara, site for the oil and gas company at Wales. From a highly depressed community following the closure of the Wales Sugar

Factory by the then APNU+AFC Coalition Government, the community is now poised to become a major development hub with the establishment of several new projects which will impact positively in terms of job creation and injecting new life into the communities. This particular investment, in the view of the President, should not be seen as a singular piece of investment but has linkages with other sectors, especially in the area of transportation logistics. It adds new capacity to our economy by diversifying the breadth of service that we can produce right here in Guyana. Besides, it will also create several jobs from an operational and servicing perspective. Many of the new pipeline projects will impact

in a big way on the economic and social life of residents of the region. The construction of a new fourlane bridge over the Demerara River will create scores of new jobs during the construction phase. In addition, it will tremendously ease traffic congestion when completed, especially during peak hours, saving on time and productivity hours. Other major construction works in the pipeline include a new four-lane road from Vreed-en-hoop to Parika and a new fourlane road from Crane to the Harbour Bridge entrance road. These are significant developments in the region, which will have a big impact on the lives and well-being of citizens. The investment climate in Guyana is getting better by the day. But while the

government has an opendoor policy towards investment, it does not follow that investors are free to do business in a way that is not in conformity with the laws of Guyana or in violation of ethical and technical standards. This point was emphasised by President Ali during the commissioning of the ‘Malavi’ GAICO’s new addition to their dredge fleet at Nismes, West Bank Demerara. According to President Ali, the focus should not only be placed on building international capacity, but also on satisfying local demand. This, he said, requires certification, standards, an understanding of the rules and doing things within the framework of international convention and rules. These, he said, are core principles which should serve as a guide to

those looking to build international companies. The President could not have been more direct when he said that “The days of doing an operation and trying to avoid taxes and avoiding declarations are far, far, far over. If you really want to build an international company, these are the things you should shy away from. These are not conversations we have to shy away from.” Investments, both local and foreign, are not ends by themselves. Rather, it is the means to a much greater end, namely, to create a better Guyana, one in which Guyanese can all benefit by way of job creation and ultimately through higher levels of economic prosperity. It is precisely for this reason that the local content legislation was put in place by the PPP/C administration to

ensure that Guyanese benefit in full measure from the exploitation of our natural and other resources. Guyanese must not only be the beneficiaries of our natural resources, but they must also be treated with respect and dignity. This is why our labour laws have been strengthened with labour offices in all the 10 regions of Guyana. President Ali must be commended for stressing the importance of standards in Guyana. The fact is that we are living in an increasingly competitive world environment where there is no place for mediocrity. As the President correctly puts it, “Whatever we build now must be to international standard because our ultimate goal must be to play on the international stage and an international market.”

Kaieteur News presenting GNBS has not issued warning dated information as news to EUREKA Lab regarding Dear Editor,

IN yet another of its attempts to mislead and in its quest to discredit the Dr Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C Government, Kaieteur News reproduced a section of the 2021 US State Department Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Guyana which stated, “There remained a widespread public perception of corruption involving officials at all levels and all branches of government, including the police and judiciary.” Under the headline “Guyanese think Gov’t. corrupt at all levels – US Human Rights report,” the newspaper sought to con-

vey the impression that this damning indictment has just been bestowed, when in fact a Google search of the reports from 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 reveals that the same exact thing has been said. See below: 2016 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Guyana: https://www. state.gov/reports/2016-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/guyana/ 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Guyana: https://www. state.gov/reports/2017-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/guyana/ 2018 Country Reports

on Human Rights Practices: Guyana: https://www. state.gov/reports/2018-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/guyana/ 2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Guyana: https://www. state.gov/reports/2019-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/guyana/ 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Guyana: https://www.state. gov/reports/2020-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/guyana/ Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

Dear Editor,

inconsistent results

WITH reference the Kaieteur News publication dated Sunday April 24, 2022, captioned “GNBS issues warning to Eureka Lab over inconsistent lab tests,” the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) would like to categorically state that it did not issue such a warning to Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc. To publicise such a statement on behalf of the GNBS without due diligence by Kaieteur News is misinforming and misrep-

resenting the facts, and this is of great concern to the GNBS. Making unverified statements on behalf of the GNBS is malicious and could compromise stakeholder confidence built over the years by the national standards body. The bureau’s corporate communications team has always been forthcoming with information to the media, and it should always be engaged for the requisite information. Meanwhile, the GNBS is fully aware of the complaint made by Mr Brian Massay regarding his claims of in-

consistent drug test results provided by Eureka lab. In keeping with its procedures, the bureau conducted a surveillance audit of the laboratory facility. This audit revealed deviations from procedures in the handling of Mr Massay’s complaint. To ensure that the necessary corrective actions are taken, the GNBS will engage Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc. on these findings. Yours sincerely, Lloyd David GNBS, Head, Corporate Communications

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The no-confidence motion threw the Coalition’s devious plans into chaos Dear Editor, FRIENDS were recently reminiscing about the planned or attempted rigging of the March 2020 elections. I have studied Comparative Politics and holding of elections in multiple societies. Rigging (wholesale electoral fraud, manipulation of the electoral list, voter count, ballot stuffing, capturing of polling stations and ballot boxes, changing of count, switching ballots, etc.) is common in but not exclusive to African countries. We have experienced almost all of the preceding in Guyana in elections from 1968. One political party was primarily responsible for those kinds of activities in Guyana. The rigging in Guyana in the elections of 1968, 1973, 1978 (referendum), 1980, 1985 and 1992 took place before the actual date of the elections. The incumbent could not win with the rigging (ballot box stuffing) in 1992 because the margin was too large to make up. Pre-rigging was difficult as the Carter Center monitored the voters’ list. Reputable observers were watching, making it very difficult to engage in massive fraud to claim a victory as in earlier elections. It was almost impossible to rig some 10 per cent

of the vote in an election on Election Day. There was some rigging like booth-capturing in traditional strongholds of one party. The riggings of pre-1992 were well planned and executed, making victory possible, especially when western powers were on the side of the regime to keep out the communists. In 1992, the western powers demanded free and fair elections because the communists were no longer a threat to western interests. Massive rigging was not permitted, and therefore, it was impossible for the incumbent to manipulate the numbers to such an extent to win over 50 per cent when its traditional base had consistently remained around 40 per cent. The coalition won in 2015 because of some 11 per cent brought by AFC. In 2020, the western powers could not close their eyes to rigging in light of what was happening around the region. The attempt to rig the 2020 elections was rebuffed. Apparently, the regime felt confident it could win in 2020 without engaging in massive rigging. Observers were watching every step like a hawk to deter rigging. Pre-election polls I conducted showed the regime losing. Polls commissioned by the regime showed it winning. In fact, one poll report showed a

massive victory for the incumbent. I was asked if I wanted to see it; I expressed a disinterest. I wanted to know where that pollster conducted the poll. I have been conducting polls too long to recognise non-nonsensical numbers. Anyone who knows anything about polls would tell you that all polls conducted around the same time would find similar results. All of the polls I conducted pre-2020 (from 2016) showed the coalition trailing. The coalition lost support when it closed the four estates, terminated Amerindian and Indian workers at other jobs, denied the rice farmers the promised minimum price of some $9,000 a bag for paddy, arrogance of ministers, the refusal of AFC to stand up to eye-pass of its supporters, over-taxation, a poorly negotiated oil contract, hiding the US$18 M signing bonus, among other factors. A majority of voters told my interviewers and myself that they had had enough of the regime. There was no credible poll that could find the coalition winning a majority of support. The independent polls I conducted consistently showed the challenger winning the election. And that was the actual outcome. If the leadership or high officials of the regime felt they were going to win the elec-

tions, they fooled themselves. Victory was not possible without rigging. In fact, it was hinted at a meeting in Atlanta two years earlier that in order for the coalition to win, it had to rig as it did pre-1992. Any plan to rig the 2020 elections through manipulation of voter IDs and the voters’ list was circumvented in the Coalition’s fall to a no-confidence motion and the reversal by the CCJ of the validation by the (2-1) Court of Appeal of the appointment of Patterson as Chair of GECOM. Had the coalition won the no-confidence motion and or the ruling on Patterson’s appointment, the Coa-

lition would have had a free rein ‘to win’ the elections. The no-confidence motion saved the country from a rigging and a return of the pre-1992 system of governance. Nevertheless, the Coalition must have still felt it could or would ‘win’ the election through electoral manipulation. Having known and recognised that it had to rig to win, it cannot be understood why the effort was made to rig the outcome after the election rather than on Election Day, or before the count or during the initial count. When it became clear that the regime

had lost, then it attempted to rig the count to certify the count (SOPs). It was the clumsiest way to rig an election, not attempted since elections in Zimbabwe and a few other African countries and perhaps a few others elsewhere. It was done under public glare. The shame and embarrassment did not bother the officials or leaders involved in the attempted rigging. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (PhD Pol Sci)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Will Queen Shelve Royal Visits Stressful 2022 Caribbean Charm Offensive?

By Earl Bousquet

WHEN Queen Elizabeth II made her last Royal Visits to the Eastern Caribbean in 1966 and 1985, she was welcomed by children lining streets waving British Union Jacks. But she stopped travelling last year, on her 95th birthday, and, for her record 70th year on the throne this year, she dispatched two sons and a grandson to represent her in the Caribbean. Prince Charles started the latest Royal Caribbean Charm Offensive in Barbados last November, followed by Prince William in March and Prince Edward this month, to observe their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

as the longest-serving monarch in Europe. The Commonwealth comprises over 50 former British colonies in Asia and Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific, The Americas (including Canada), including Australia and New Zealand. The March charm offensive wasn’t all that charming for William and his wife Kate Middleton (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), who were reminded at each port of call (The Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica) that CARICOM (to which each nation visited belongs) has, since 2013, been calling for Reparations from Britain and European memberstates for Slavery and Native Genocide.

The second Royal Caribbean tour involving Prince Edward and his wife Sophie (Earl and Countess of Wessex) started in St. Vincent and the Grenadines last weekend. That visit was supposed to have been less stressful, tour handlers having convinced Buckingham Palace to cut Grenada off the list due to possible protests. But not so. After a RedCarpet arrival in Kingstown with a steel band playing ‘One Love’ by Bob Marley, Edward and Sophie were confronted by the same old song that greeted William and Kate: protesting islanders demanding reparations. According to an April

23 report by St. Vincent’s Kenton Chance of i-Witness News, “Idesha Jackson, 47, was among a crowd of about 20 in the farming village of Diamond, where the Royal Couple had travelled to watch athletes training for the Commonwealth Games. She said she was there to show her “disgust and disappointment” for those who, “over 400 years, had to suffer the slave master’s whip”. “This wrong was done against a sector of the human race by another and this wrong must be compensated,” Jackson said. The article also quoted Theo Thomas, 69, who travelled to the protest from the Lowmans Hill community on the other side of the country – and who criticised his government for permitting the visit. “It’s a shame that a socalled progressive government would be using our people as props to entertain members of the royal family and there has been no conversation about reparations,” he told i-Witness News. Jomo Thomas, a former chair of the St Vincent and the Grenadines National Reparations Committee, was among protesters and also called for reparations from Britain. “They hunted us down, they kidnapped us, they stole us, they worked us. They owe us and they must now pay us,” he said. The next leg of the Wessexes’ tour took them to Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, where they got more stress, as had been warned by the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC). The Gaston Brown government let them know Antigua & Barbuda intends to drop the Queen as its

head of state and become a Republic. From Antigua & Barbuda, the couple will head to Saint Lucia for the final visit on April 27 and 28. Saint Lucia was their base since arriving there on April 22, flying off to the other two capitals and returning to Castries last Sunday (April 24) to attend mass at the local Anglican Church, the Church of England. The Saint Lucia leg will see many private engagements, including the Royals handing out medals to persons selected for the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honors List. The Saint Lucia National Reparations Committee (NRC) will host a press conference Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s start of the official end of the Royal visit. The NRC plans to explain why CARICOM is calling for “A Full and Formal Apology” from Britain for Slavery and Native Genocide and the CARICOM 10-point Plan for Reparatory Justice. Members will also discuss CARICOM’s presence on the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent and launch its ‘100 Day Plan’ (from May Day to Emancipation Month). The Saint Lucia NRC did not plan a protest, leaving it to member-organisations to choose. But it has also promised last week that “The Royal Couple will get the Reparations Message in Saint Lucia.” Whatever happens, when Her Majesty’s last son flies back home, like his two brothers, he’ll also tell his mom that the islanders were more eager to remind them of CARICOM’s call for ‘Reparations Now!’

than to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee Indeed, quite apart from Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade and the Grenada government having advised that Edward and Sophie skip St. George’s, Buckingham Palace is also being advised -- on home ground -- to think twice about continuing these unappreciated charm offensives in a region now moving to proceed from Independence to Republicanism after six decades in London’s shadow, in The Commonwealth. The UK’s National Council of St Vincent and the Grenadines told Buckingham Palace: “We, as a community, feel that the Royal Family and Buckingham Palace must rethink the future of Royal Tours following previous visits, given their involvement in the treatment of people of colour.” The message to Buckingham Palace is therefore crystal-clear: Britain’s former West Indian colonies have had enough of the monarchy -- and now they’re moving on. Before Charles returned home from Barbados, The Commonwealth of Dominica and the Republics of Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago were the only four CARICOM member-states that had chosen to elect their own Presidents as Head-ofState. And when Edward returns this weekend, like William and Charles, he too will bring home similar notso-good tidings to his Dear Mother, from the ex-British West Indies where locals no longer sing ‘God Save The Queen!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Six years on…

DEAD: Anthony Breedy

Keimo Corbin, better known as ‘Trini’

‘Trini’ cuts to the chase, confesses he killed remigrant agriculturist

SIX years after 60-year-old remigrant Agriculturist Anthony Breedy was killed during a robbery at his Hill Foot, Soesdyke-Linden Highway home, Keimo Corbin, better known as “Trini”, on Monday confessed to committing the gruesome act. Corbin, 23, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was arraigned for murder before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court, where he admitted killing Breedy during the furtherance of a robbery between March 12 and 14, 2016. He will know his fate in another two weeks or so, when the matter comes up for sentencing on May 9;

he is represented by Attorney-at-Law Ravindra Mohabir, while Prosecutor Latifah Elliot is holding for the State. Based on reports, Breedy’s body was found,

hands and feet bound, on the lower flat of his two-storey house. It was also uncovered that he’d sustained multiple injuries in his head, and that after committing the act, his

killers had made off with his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and other belongings, including an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Autopsies on Hansraj, Teixeira inconclusive - samples to be sent overseas for testing

THE autopsies conducted on the bodies of Justin Teixeira and Richie Hansraj are inconclusive and further tests would be needed to determine the cause of death. Relatives were also instructed not to cremate the bodies as there may be need to have them exhumed. The autopsies were performed by government pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh on Monday at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and the bodies were handed over to the relatives for

burial. Police Headquarters, on Monday, noted that stomach contents were removed from both bodies and handed over to investigators. Those will be sent overseas for testing. The duo were, on Saturday last, found dead in a motorcar belonging to 34-year-old Teixeira in the parking lot of the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, where Teixeira was a guest. Officials at the Guyana Forensic Laboratory have

determined that the “white hard substance” which was found in the back seat of the car tested negative for the presence of narcotics, but it is believed that the substance may be sodium cyanide, which is lethal. Sodium cyanide is a poisonous compound; it is a white, water-soluble solid. Cyanide has a high affinity for metals, which leads to the high toxicity of this salt. It is believed that both men took their lives. The police, in a statement, reported that investigators

Justin Teixeira and Richie Hansraj in happier times were reviewing CCTV footage in an effort to determine the circumstances leading to the death of the young men. According to the police, investigators were told by a 28-year-old employee of the Marriott Hotel that he received a telephone call from Teixeira’s 60-year-old mother, at around 23:30 hours, that her son was having a seizure. The mother asked if someone could check on him. The hotel employee said he immediately dispatched another employee to check on Teixeira who was a guest at the hotel, and it was dis-

covered that the room he was staying in on the sixth floor was empty. The employee then went, just after midnight, to Teixeira’s black Vezel motorcar (PAC 2607) in the parking lot where he observed Teixeira sitting in the driver’s seat and all the windows of the vehicle were halfway down. The employee said he opened the front passenger door and discovered 25-year-old Hansraj sitting in a crunch-like position. Both Teixeira and Hansraj appeared to be motionless. The employee immediately called 911 and the am-

bulance with EMT arrived; both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that no marks of violence were seen on the exposed parts of the bodies. The bodies were escorted to the Memorial Garden Funeral Home. Teixeira was a flight attendant and lived at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara. Hansraj was known for his singing and was expected to get engaged next month. He resided at Hague, West Coast Demerara and was the only son of his parents. Police are also examining the Facebook accounts of both young men. “And their last posts which were made approximately eight to 15 hours ago appeared to be of some investigative value,” the Crime Chief was quoted by the News Room as saying. Hansraj’s last post on Facebook stated: “I hope the world find peace today, I love you all! Teixeira wrote on his page: “Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Jury empanelled, duo pleads ‘not guilty’ understanding, during which Baksh was beaten and stabbed about the body, including in his ney-at-Law Ravindra and fatally stabbed by neck and shoulder. Mohabir, and Shako by the duo along with othHe was picked up in Attorneys-at-Law So- ers. an unconscious state and phia Findlay, Konyo It is alleged that the rushed to the Leonora Sandiford and Narissa men had had a mis- Cottage Hospital, where Leander. The trial is expected to commence today, April 26, 2022. According to the police, on the day in question, Baksh was attacked

— ahead of trial into 2016 murder of Tuschen man A MIXED 12-member jury was on Monday empanelled before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court for the trial of two men who allegedly murdered 22-year-old Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) resident, Dewaun Baksh back in 2016.

Rocky Lallu and Somar Shako both denied murdering Baksh on January 1, 2016, at Greenwich Park, some four villages away from where he lived. The State is represented by Prosecutors Latifah Elliot and Marisa Edwards, while Lallu is represented by Attor-

Rocky Lallu

Somar Shanko

Dewaun Baksh

he was pronounced dead on arrival. A post mortem examination would reveal that Baksh had died of shock and haemorrhage due to the five stab wounds he’d sustained.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

PAC recommends criminal investigation into 2018 project - after audit report shows cheques were reportedly paid to contractor before completion of works

By Shamar Meusa THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC), on Monday, called for a criminal investigation to be launched into a 2018 project, which involved repairs to a self-acting sluice at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, for which cheques were prepared and purportedly paid out before the completion of works. The $4.6 million contract,

as outlined by the Auditor General’s 2018 report, was awarded and later signed on December 5, 2018, with an expected timeframe of two months. According to the report, some $4.5 million was paid to the contractor, and the project engineer who was assigned to the Ministry of Public Security, Dannie Ramdolar, purportedly certified that works were completed since December 17, 2018.

Contrary to his certification of the works, a physical verification by the Audit Office of Guyana on May 3, 2019, found that the contractor was still conducting works on the structure. Owing to this observation, the audit report outlined that the engineer falsely certified that the works were completed since December 2018. As this revelation was made to the committee, members questioned the engineer as to

whether he indeed falsely certified completion of works. Ramdolar, in response, said that this was not correct, and at the time of the physical verification by the Audit Office, remedial works to damaged sections of the sluice were being completed. He said that there was no certificate of completion for the project and the contractor was not issued payment, as he was still to complete remedial

works. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, after listening to the engineer’s statement, asked what documentation the Auditor General had to back up the audit report. It was then revealed that, in the compilation of the report, auditors used a final payment voucher of $4.5 million which was dated December 17, 2018, along with the signature of the engineer, stating that the works were inspected and certified as of the said date. To this end, members of the committee, on both sides, inquired as to why the information that Ramdolar provided differs vastly from that of the Audit Office. Giving some background, representatives of the Audit Office told the committee that during their visit in May 2019, the contractor was doing works to the surface and road works. The representative said that when they visited while remedial works were to be done, the contractor was conducting works which were part of the contract and, as such, it could not have been that the project was completed and remedial works were being done. It was then that Ramdolar told the PAC that it should be noted that payments were not issued until everything was completed after May 2019. H o w e v e r, M i n i s t e r Edghill said: “If two weeks after you sign a contract you prepare a final payment voucher that went to the ministry’s finance department that went for payment… it’s a payment voucher that they’re auditing signed by both you and the contractor when the work was not completed, it was not done. We’re in breach, serious breach.” The minister then asked the former Permanent Secretary of the ministry what advice was given to facilitate this payment. In response, the former senior official said that, at the time, in order to retrieve funds from the system, that procedure was used and it was done not knowing that the contractor would have encountered difficulties with the project. “We have a public officer that is telling the PAC that to facilitate monies being recorded as expended for a year, documents are written up to falsify activities that did not take place?” Edghill asked. The committee then turned to the Accountant General who stated that, as the contract

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill was signed for the project on December 5, 2018, only the mobilisation for the payment should have been processed at the time and then have the project marked as a multiyear project. More revelations as it relates to the project being incomplete were made, as it was noted that when officials from the audit office visited in May 2019, a number of things that were outlined in the contract for the project were not physically in place and as such the works that were being done at the time could not have been remedial works. Ramdolar, however, said that his view was different. Minister Edghill then said: “If you have prepared certificates, cut cheques for payments, the door was not in place, road works were now being executed, when the Audit Office checked the quantities for sand, loam and crush and run, zero and you’re going to tell PAC the work that was being done was remedial work. That’s misleading PAC.” This sentiment was echoed by Chairman of the PAC, Jermaine Figueira, who said that he was convinced that the engineer was indeed misleading the committee with his responses and this was backed up by the findings of the Auditor General’s report. It was then that Minister Edghill made a request that the committee adopt a process that the Finance Secretary refer the matter for a criminal investigation. This move was seconded by opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, even as Figueira stated that that was the position of the PAC.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Ex-media worker takes the ‘rap’ in CJIA cocaine ‘bust’

…two co-accused released on $750,000 bail each FORMER media worker Zaneel Williams, who was recently nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with 21 pounds of cocaine, on Monday pleaded guilty to the drug trafficking charge, while her two co-accused were each released on $750,000 bail. Wi l l i a m s , 2 5 , o f Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown; ex-officer of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) Anil Sookhoo, 33, of Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke-Linden Highway; and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officer Shameka Caesar, 27, of D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown were hauled before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the DiamondGrove Magistrates’ Court. The trio was jointly charged for trafficking a total of 9.628 kilograms of cocaine on April 22, 2022 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Williams pleaded guilty, while Sookhoo and Caesar denied the allegation. Williams was represented by Attorney-at-

Law Mark Conway, while Sookhoo and Caesar were represented by Attorneysat-Law Nigel Hughes and Adrian Thompson respectively. Magistrate Scarce ordered that a probation report and psychiatric evaluation be done on Williams before passing sentence on her; she was remanded to prison, while Sookhoo and Caesar were released on $750,000 bail each. The matter was adjourned until May 30, 2022. According to a CANU release, Williams was an outgoing passenger destined for the United States, when she was intercepted at the CJIA with 7.962 kg of cocaine concealed within fake walls of her carry-on bag. Williams was immediately arrested and escorted to CANU’s Headquarters, where an additional 1.666 kg of cocaine was found strapped to her body. In total, the narcotics had a street value of over G$5M. Further investigations led to the arrests of Sookhoo and Caesar.

Motorcycle bandits rob trio TWO motorcycle bandits in the vicinity of the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, North Road, Georgetown, on Saturday robbed three persons of their valuables and made good their escape. According to Police Headquarters, Nicholas Samaroo, 31, of East Street, Georgetown, was robbed of one blue iPhone 13 Pro Max and $92,000 in cash; Mahindra Ramcobeer, 39, a fisherman of Section N Cove & John, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was relieved of One black J2 Samsung cellphone and Cindy Persaud, 23, a housewife of East Street, Georgetown, was relieved of one white iPhone 11, a Guess handbag and $20,000. Police said on the day in question, around 21:30hrs, the victims returned to Georgetown from the Jubilee Fun Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), via a route 50 Toyota Pitbull Minibus, driven by Samaroo, when the bus encountered a mechanical problem. The victims were in the process of examining the bus when they were confronted by the two bandits, one of whom was armed with a handgun and the other with a knife. As they dismounted their motorcycle, one of the men pointed a black handgun in the victims’ direction and demanded that they hand over their personal items. The victims then became fearful for their lives and complied. After committing the act, the suspects then made good their escape, west on North Road.

Zaneel Williams

Anil Sookhoo

Shameka Caesar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Four Guyanese to participate in international hackathon competition

A GROUP of University of Guyana (UG) graduates, past and current, are on their way to represent Guyana at the first 5G for

Change Hackathon, presented by Verizon in the USA. According to a release, the young men, who are the winners of the recently conclud-

ed GTT backed Innovation Challenge 2022, hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, are thrilled to be presenting a useful green solution to the

world. GTT said it was elated to support the team’s travel to New York, USA to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This sponsorship

akin to an Academy Award for technology innovations, and US$50,000. The Webby Awards’ website said it has a long history of recognising change-makers

and confidence to express our ideas… and our lecturers at the Department of Computer Science have always encouraged us to think of solutions to global issues -- especially in

Senior Manager, PR and Corporate Communications, Jasmin Harris (centre), with members for team Frameperfect (left to right): Malik Williams, Andrew Garnett, Jun Leung and Shomari Williams

was in keeping with the company’s promise to strengthen the community and innovate for all in Guyana. The initial stage saw over 150 international teams apply, according to Malik Williams, one of the local team members. He beamed that his team of developers were among the five finalists chosen to present their solution for change. “The role GTT and the University of Guyana have played in our success in becoming finalists in this competition is immense,” Malik said. His other team members are current UG student, Jun Leung and UG alumni Shomari Williams and Andrew Garnett. The challenge aims to build real-life solutions to major issues plaguing our world. The winning team will walk away with a Webby Award –

and companies that have used the Internet to have an impact on the world, from the inventors of the Internet to founders of Black Lives Matter and Greta Thunberg, among many others. At its core, the solution being presented by the developers will see the reshaping of Guyana’s efforts to maintain its forests, using technology, and help weed out illegal forest activities to promote more sustainable ecosystems in Guyana. Malik made special mention of his lecturers at UG, whom he said gave them the confidence to take on significant challenges and the ability to approach them systematically and the technical skills required to design feasible solutions. “GTT has continuously contributed to initiatives in Guyana that give us the ability

our research projects.” He further explained that youth involvement in competitions like these show the tremendous abilities of Guyanese youth and their awareness of local, regional and global issues. Jasmin Harris, Senior Manager PR and Corporate Communications at GTT extended the company’s best wishes to the lads and added that the company stands ready to support young Guyanese minds and encourage innovation. “GTT is interested in creating an environment for bright minds to thrive and be a part of Guyana’s development through innovation. We will continue to support initiatives like these, which strive to engender change. Best wishes to the team on their journey!” Harris noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Brazilian vessel concludes port call

A BRAZILIAN Naval Vessel, the ‘NApOC IGUATEM’, on Monday, concluded a visit to Port Georgetown as part of Operation Caribex 2022. The vessel was berthed at the Guyana Coast Guard wharf, Ruimveldt, Georgetown. According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Operation Caribex is an annual operation conducted by the Brazilian Navy which sends a task force to navigate Caribbean waters and visit ports of friendly nations.

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, received Task Group Commander, Naval Captain Alessander Felipe Imamura and Lieutenant Commander Gustavo Conduru de Oliveira Malta for a courtesy call at his office on Monday. In brief remarks, Brigadier Bess lauded the excellent cooperation between the two militaries, particularly with Caribex which has resulted in a number of valuable opportunities for developing and building capacity for Officers and Ratings of the

Abram Zuil man remanded to prison on causing death charge NICKLOUS Singh, 26, of Abram Zuil, Region Two, was, on Monday, remanded to prison on a causing death charge when he appeared before Magistrate Ester Sam at the Charity Magistrate Court on Mon-

the death of Das. Singh was unlicensed at the time when his vehicle collided with Das’ motor car. Before the charge was laid against the accused, a file was prepared on the matter and sent to the

Nicklous Singh

Deceased: Chandanie Das

day. Singh was wanted by police for eight years for causing the death of Richmond Courts Branch Manager, Chandanie Das. He was arrested by police during an intelligence-led operation conducted last Friday. Singh, who was unrepresented in court, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The court heard that, on August 12, 2014, around 22:30 hrs, he drove in a dangerous manner on the Annandale Public Road, causing

Office of the Director of Public Prosecution which advised an inquest be conducted into the matter. The inquest was held where 10 witnesses testified and the jurors found that Singh was criminally responsible for causing the death of Das. The matter was called by then Magistrate, Sunil Scarce, on November 19, 2015 and was adjourned several times. The accused, at the time, had reportedly fled the jurisdiction.

Coast Guard. The visit by the Brazilian team forms part of efforts to strengthen relations between Guyana and Brazil, particularly in the areas of defence and security, engineering and capacity building. This visit provided an opportunity for ranks from both sides to share best practices and network. They also engaged in a day of games. The GDF noted that the visiting party aboard the vessel comprised 11 officers and 39 other ranks.

The Brazilian Naval Vessel (GDF photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 26, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 26, 2022

Wolff promises to protect Hamilton after dismal Imola finish (Reuters)- Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, has promised to protect Lewis Hamilton after the seven times Formula One world champion struggled through Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Briton finished 13th in the fourth round of the season and was lapped by Red Bull's world champion race winner, Max Verstappen. Mercedes team-mate George Russell's fourth place after the Imola sprint weekend also put Hamilton's seeming loss of form into question as much as the car's performance. "I have to protect him. It’s not his low," Wolff, whose team failed to make it to the final stage of qualifying for the first time in a decade, told reporters. "It’s the low of the car performance. "The guy is the best driver in the world and he is not having a machine and equipment underneath him to be able to execute," added the Austrian. "In a way it is even irrelevant whether you come

eighth, 12th, 15th; doesn’t matter, it’s all bad." Hamilton is now seventh overall, already 58 points behind Ferrari's leader Charles Leclerc and with his title hopes in tatters. Wolff said the true greats all had difficult moments in their careers and overcame them, and Hamilton, winner of a record 103 races, would do so too. "He’s going to help the team to sort themselves out and we are sticking together through good and bad times and today certainly was a very bad day," he added. Wolff apologised to Hamilton over the team radio after the race, saying Mercedes had not provided a car worthy of a champion and they would fix it. How they do that remains to be seen. The car suffers from 'porpoising' more than others, a fundamental problem arising from new rules that makes it bounce on the straights as aerodynamic downforce is gained and broken. Wolff said the team still

hoped they could unlock the 'aerodynamic goodness" but recognised they might also have to go back to the drawing board. "You don’t need to throw away the goodness, but if there are fundamental areas that don’t allow us to unlock the potential that we believe is in the car, then you need to cut your losses," he said. "It would mean you say 'where is the baseline now?'. Is there a new one we can start on where we believe we can unlock more potential? "If we thought that, we would have done it five months ago. We believed this was the development line we needed to take. So it is quite a tricky exercise." Verstappen, who denied Hamilton a record eighth title last season, was brutally honest about how it felt to lap the sport's most successful driver. "They've been slow all year, so it's not really a surprise or I feel happy lapping Lewis compared to anyone else," said the Dutch driver.

Fina looking into Rylov’s alleged competition while suspended

Evgeny Rylov (third from left, wearing dark coat) at the rally alongside other Olympic athletes. The banner reads: 'For a world without Nazism. For Russia.'

(BBC) - Swimming's governing body Fina said it is looking into Russia's Evgeny Rylov taking part in his country's national championships, despite being banned. Rylov was suspended for nine months after attending a rally in support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fina said it was aware double Olympic champion

Rylov "competed in the Russian Championships this weekend". It stated it had "launched an internal review to ascertain whether Fina sanctions or rules have been broken". Fina added: "The outcome of this review will be announced in due course." Rylov won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke at the Tokyo Olympics last

summer. The 25-year-old was among a number of athletes present at the rally, hosted by Russian president Vladimir Putin at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium in March. They wore the pro-war symbol of the letter 'Z' on their clothing. After the rally, Speedo announced it had terminated its sponsorship deal with Rylov.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 26, 2022

Smith cleared of racism charges (BBC) -Former South Africa captain and director of cricket Graeme Smith has

been cleared of racism allegations by two independent arbitrators.

Smith, 41, was among several Cricket South Africa (CSA) employees implicated

in "tentative findings" made by the Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) om-

Graeme Smith's contract as CSA director of cricket ended in March

budsman last year. The report claimed Smith had engaged in racially biased and discriminatory behaviour on three counts as Proteas captain and CSA's director of cricket. However, Smith was cleared of all allegations by two independent advocates, who found "no evidentiary basis" the former opener had engaged in racial discrimination CSA has been ordered to pay Smith's costs for the arbitration process. Smith, who captained South Africa in a record 108 Tests from 2003 to 2014, left his role as director of cricket after three years when his contract ended on 31 March. He was accused in the report of having blocked wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile's elevation to the South Africa team after Mark Boucher's career was prematurely ended by an eye injury in July 2012. Despite not being a specialist keeper, AB de Villiers took up the position in the Test series against England ahead of Tsolekile, who was the reserve keeper in the touring squad. The arbitrators said there was no evidence of racial bias in this decision or that Smith was racially biased against black leadership at CSA. They added that Smith's

appointment of Boucher rather than Enoch Nkwe as South Africa head coach in 2019 did not constitute unfair racial discrimination. The SJN had been looking into alleged discrimination and racism within the national team and the CSA since the re-admission of post-apartheid South Africa to international cricket in 1991. Former wicketkeeper Boucher, who played 147 Tests, 295 one-day internationals and 25 Twenty20 internationals between 1997 and 2012, has been charged with gross misconduct over allegations of racism. He will face a CSA disciplinary hearing in May. Smith, who played 117 Tests, 197 ODIs and 33 T20s for South Africa, chose not to re-apply for the director of cricket role and the position has since been publicly advertised. "Now that finality on these processes has been reached, it is appropriate to recognise the extraordinary contribution that Graeme has made to South African cricket," said CSA board chair Lawson Naidoo. "His role as the director of cricket has been critical in rebuilding the Proteas men's team in particular and has laid a solid foundation for his successor."

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 26, 2022

Punjab Kings beat Chennai (ESPNCRICINFO) - Punjab Kings completed the double over Chennai Super Kings, closing out a tight game for a fourth win that moves them back to within touching distance of the top four. Shikhar Dhawan scored a stately, unbeaten 88 from 59 balls to anchor Kings' rethought approach to setting a target, and although Ambati Rayudu kept Super Kings in the hunt until the closing overs, his 39-ball 78 was not enough to avert a sixth defeat from eight games. On the same pitch that Lucknow Super Giants had successfully defended 168 against Mumbai Indians the previous evening, Kings' total of 187 for 4 always looked too much of an ask. Each of the three previous results at the Wankhede Stadium had gone the way of the team batting first, and although Ravindra Jadeja and Super Kings' preference was to chase, a lack of contributions at the top of the order again undermined their chances. Super Kings had looked to be heading for a much heavier defeat, only for Rayudu's innings, which included 13 boundaries, to repeatedly jangle the nerves of Mayank Agarwal and his men. Sandeep Sharma was collared for 23 in the 15th over, and with MS Dhoni waiting in the wings, and coming off the back of a vintage display

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of finishing in his previous outing, Super Kings could not be ruled out going into the final stretch. But Rayudu was visibly tiring and when he was cleaned up by Kagiso Rabada in the 18th, CSK were left needing 35 off 13 - an equation which became 27 off the last over, to be bowled by Rishi Dhawan. Dhoni smashed the first one into the crowd to threaten a reprise, and a wide from the next ball left Rishi feeling the heat. But a well-executed yorker was followed up by Dhoni holing out to deep midwicket and Punjab fans could breathe again. The Kings' approach to the first half of the tournament was to try and batter the opposition senseless from the off. They attacked throughout, but were bedeviled by wickets falling at an equal rate. Those tactics resulted in a few eye-catching wins and several costly implosions none more so than in their last outing, when they were dismissed for 115 and lost to Delhi Capitals by nine wickets with 57 balls to spare. Here, after being inserted for the seventh time in a row, they took a more traditional approach, throttling back at the top and then opening up with wickets in hand. A score of 37 for 1 at the end of the powerplay gave Kings their slowest start to an innings this season, but Shikhar and Brighton 08:50 hrs Betweenthesticks 09:20 hrs Mobarhin 09:50 hrs Hoffman 10:23 hrs Celestial Point 10:58 hrs Enfranchise 11:33 hrs Dark Kris 12:03 hrs Mr Pe Nottingham 09:00 hrs Lost Angel 09:30 hrs New Dimension 10:00 hrs Quick Change 10:30 hrs Mystical Air 11:05 hrs Noon Star 11:40 hrs Tribal Art 12:15 hrs Iur Cinn Tra Irish Racing Tips Punchestown

the recalled Bhanuka Rajapaksa - the Sri Lankan back in the side for the first time since victory over Super Kings at the Brabourne three weeks ago - settled into a steady stand that provided the foundation for an imposing total. Rajapaksa needed some luck, dropped twice before reaching double-figures, but he made good on it to help Kings register their first century partnership of the campaign. The pair hit just six boundaries - one of which should have resulted Rajapaksa being caught at deep midwicket - in the first half of the innings, as Kings reached 72 for 1. But just as Super Giants did from an identical score in Sunday night's game at the Wankhede, they effectively raised the tempo through the second ten. A tickled single in the second over of the match made Shikhar, playing his 200th IPL match, only the second man after Virat Kohli to score 6000 runs in the competition. By the time he had moved into the 60s, smashing back-to-back boundaries down the ground off Dwayne Bravo in the 16th over, Shikhar had notched more than 1000 of them against Super Kings alone. This was his ninth 50-plus score, and eventually enough to sink the Yellow Submarine. Shikhar's approach set 10:40 hrs Grangee 11:15 hrs Sir Gerhard 11:50 hrs Eskylane 12:25 hrs Chacun Pour Soi 13:00 hrs Caldwell Potter 13:35 hrs Bob Olinger 14:10 hrs De Nordener 14:45 hrs Firm Footing American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1 Straight Fight Race 2 Virginia Doze Race 3 Practical Pauline Race 4 Christmas Dinner Race 5 Mrs Bell Race 6 Lohengrin Two Race 7 Out Of Tune Race 8 Deputy Flag

the template for his side, as he ticked along at just above a run-a-ball for the first half of the innings. A slog-swept six against Maheesh Theekshana and a driven four off Dwaine Pretorius were his only boundaries until he tucked into Mukesh Choudhary in the 12th, rattling off a pair of cuts that beat the cover sweeper on both sides, and then flicking four more off the pads through the ring with fine leg up. A 37-ball fifty kept Kings on course and, when Rajapaksa fell in the 18th over, Shikhar handed over the strike to Liam Livingstone, whose seven-ball cameo included taking Pretorius for 4-6-6. Super Kings have had problems getting their innings off to good starts all season, and once again they shipped early wickets in the chase. Sandeep was one of three changes to the Kings

XI, as they sought greater batting depth at the expense of two genuine bowlers - Vaibhav Arora and Nathan Ellis; Sandeep had gone wicketless in his only previous appearance, the season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore, but he struck with his fifth ball on this occasion, Robin Uthappa splicing a pull to midwicket. Mitchell Santner was again asked to perform the Moeen Ali role at No. 3, but he struggled along to 9 off 15 balls - four of which came via thick outside edge past the keeper - and was the second wicket to fall, in the sixth over, as Arshdeep Singh plucked out his leg stump. That dismissal meant Super Kings' batting average in the powerplay for this season had dipped to 20.50 - the lowest of the ten teams. Their position in the match then got worse in the following over,

as Rishi Dhawan, making his first IPL appearance since 2016, found a way through Shivam Dube to leave them three down and off the pace. With the fall of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Super Kings were 89 for 4 in the 13th over and seemingly well out of contention, only for Rayudu to unleash a display of clean hitting on the way to his first fifty of the season. Six times he launched the ball into the stands, including a brutal sequence of three in a row off Sandeep during an over that brought Super Kings back to within range. But with the asking rate down to 47 off the last four, Arshdeep delivered an excellent over of wide yorkers that cost just six runs, and Rabada's dismissal of Rayudu meant there was too much to do - even for Dhoni.

St Kitts & Nevis to host Hero CPL matches in 2022 THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has confirmed that St Kitts & Nevis will be hosting matches during the 2022 tournament which will run from 30 August to 30 September. St Kitts & Nevis will host seven matches between 30 August and 4 September with the home team and current champions, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, playing in four of those games. Hero CPL will return to St Kitts & Nevis again in 2022 after the Federation successfully hosted the whole tournament in 2021. Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said: “The 2021 Hero CPL was an enormous success, and we are hugely grateful to the government and people of St Kitts & Nevis who were fabulous hosts. Warner Park is a fantastic venue, and we are very excited to be back there as the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots get their championship defence underway in front of a home crowd.”

The Hon. Jonel Powell, Minister of Sport for St Kitts & Nevis, said: “The hosting of the CPL in its entirety in 2021 in St Kitts & Nevis proved a success in every way for our people. Tremendous direct economic gains were made in our economy and to individuals at a difficult time due to the pandemic. Our people were able to receive some much-needed ‘Covid relief’ socially through the amazing matches, and our very own St Kitts & Nevis Patriots won its first CPL title in the most dramatic style. “This is why we are very pleased to partner with CPL once again as a host venue for their 2022 edition, and to have the opportunity to see our Patriots defend their title right here at historic Warner Park.” The 2022 season will take place in four countries, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana, with the final set to take place at Providence on September 30th.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 26, 2022

Leeds move five points clear of relegation zone Leeds United moved five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone following a fiercely contested goalless draw at Crystal Palace. In a scrappy, sometimes bad-tempered clash Wilfried Zaha came closest to scoring but saw his powerful shot well held by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier. England midfielder Conor Gallagher also fired a half-volley narrowly over the crossbar from the edge of the area as Leeds secured their second successive clean sheet. The visitors offered little as an attacking threat with a Liam Cooper header straight at home goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and a shot from substitute Joe Gelhardt their only efforts on target. In the last 10 minutes Zaha twice had attempts blocked by the legs of Meslier as Leeds held on for what could prove to be a valuable point. The result leaves Leeds - who play Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea in their next three games before ending the season with matches against Brighton and Brentford - in 16th place on 34 points, although 18th-placed

Leeds' Daniel James and Crystal Palace's Joel Ward were both booked following this altercation in the second half

Everton, on 29 points, have a game in hand. League leaders Manchester City are one point above Liverpool and travel to Elland Road on Saturday, with Leeds boss Jesse Marsch calling Pep Guardiola's side the "biggest Goliath in football in the world". However, Marsch said his side would not play with any fear, adding: "I know a little bit about the way Pep likes to play. We will try to create an aggressive gameplan but one that can also help us find a way to get a result. "I know what this game will require and how good the opponent is, but, whatever, let's go for it."

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday April 26, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) R P Singh-23 wickets (2) Anil Kumble-5/5 (RCB vs RR) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many centuries were scored in IPL 2009? (2) How many five-wicket hauls were bagged in IPL 2009? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 26, 2022

Linden Town Week Red Stripe Beer football tournament…

Georgetown versus Linden Masters double-header on tonight THE Linden Town Week Masters Red Stripe Beer football tournament kicks off tonight (Tuesday) with a Georgetown versus Linden Masters double header starting at 19.00hrs at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Public Relations Officer for the Linden Masters, Marlon ‘Brando’ Washington, explained that the clashes are part of showcasing the Linden Masters who have been very active despite the COVID 19 Pandemic and as such they

are ready to display their skills. He said that since most of the regular club footballers were not engaged in playing the sport, the Linden Masters were very active as they observed the COVID-19 guidelines and still had fun in being active. He said they are ready for match play and will do so to help promote football. In the first game, leading city side, Club 45, are up against their Linden

Linden's veteran football player, Curtis Bailey

Garfield ‘Snooks’ Shepherd

Georgetown Club’s Lance Wills

Under 45 counterparts in what should set the stage of a gruelling night of

rivalry. The Linden Under 45 Masters are out to win this

first game from 19.00hrs and will feature names like Travis Waterton, Keith

Bailey, Dwayne Charles and Keon Bristol. The City side has named players like Lance Wills, Curtis Davis, Miguel Lee, Kwesi price, Freeman Fordyce, Leyland Leacock and James Sullivan. The Linden Masters Over-45 is expected to have in their line-up former national captain and defence general, Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard, Garfield ‘Snooks’ Shepherd, Eon ‘Axeman’ Wills and Lennox ‘Grandpa’ Harvey.

Bidders cart off Linden Town Week Dewars dominoes championship By Joe Chapman Bidders are Linden Town Week Dewars dominoes champions following a hard fought final at Speedy’s Natural Juice outlet, Amelia’s Ward / Wisroc Car Park, on Sunday night. The team carted off the top prize of $100,000, the winners’ Dewars Trophy and bragging rights, following their dramatic final win. Led by the experienced duo of Jevon ‘Massive’ Allicock and Ian Bacchus, the Bidders, in their final sitting for glory, overcame a fifth sitting lapse to come from behind and snag the title. Earlier, the eventual champions relinquished the

lead for the first time to trail on 60, behind Big Landing, who nudged ahead on 63, leaving pre-game favourites, CATS, trailing on 57. It was then that Jevon Allicock -- later adjudged the Player of the Tournament -- and teammate Ian Bacchus rebounded in fine style with maxim sixes in this final sitting. The pushed Bidders to victory with 75 games, as both Big Landing and CATS had to settle on 68 games. Allicock, for his Player of the tournament title, was rewarded with the Attorneyat-Law Candacy Welcome trophy. However, CATS claimed the second place beating Big

The winners of the Linden Town Week Dewars dominoes tournament

Landing into third position, on account of having scored more fives. For the champions, Jevon ‘Massive’ Allicock led the way with 17 games; Bacchus finished with 14 and teammate Kevin Hooper supported with 12. However, CATS’ Tyrone Perry, the player who marked the maximum 18 games, was named Most Valuable Player of the Final and won the Marlon Fields Trophy. Gerry Faucet, who had inflicted the first ‘Sir Love’ of the tournament, collected the replica trophies donated by Marlon Fields while June Cummings was adjudged the Best Female Player and was awarded the Candacy

Welcome Trophy. The best dressed team was Bidders.

Oswald ‘Speedy’ Charles presented all the trophies and cash incen-

tives to the various winners at the conclusion of the final.

Punjab Kings beat Chennai PAGE

Arshdeep Singh bowled a nerveless 19th over

St Kitts & Nevis to host Hero CPL matches in 2022

PAGE

Warner Park St Kitts

Wolff promises to protect Hamilton after dismal Imola finish PAGE

The Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton is about to be lapped by Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Lars Baron - Formula 1/Formula 1 (via Getty Images)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022