Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_29_04_2022

FRIDAY 29th APRIL, 2022

No. 106707

Home ownership could become easier - gov’t explores building homes for land owners without capital under model to recover cost

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5,000 scholarships for Region Five residents

- work on US$30M state-of-the-art hospital at Bath Settlement expected to commence soon

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President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, met His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, at Clarance House, Royal Residence, on Thursday, in London. Prince Charles is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. President Ali was accompanied by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond (Office of the President photo)

Authorities to purchase COVID-19 treatment for children SEE PAGE

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Brutus files $70M lawsuit against Paul Slowe SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

5,000 scholarships for Region Five residents - work on US$30M state-of-the-art hospital at Bath Settlement expected to commence soon

WORK on a modern US$30M hospital at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice will commence this year and the government has announced that it is willing to fully fund scholarships for 5,000 Region Five residents to pursue tertiary or technical education as it ramps up attention on education and healthcare.

Speaking to residents at separate community meetings in Novar and at the Bath Primary School, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said the government, since assuming power some 18 months ago, has crafted a master plan to transform the health sector.

He told the residents that the quality of healthcare and services offered by the State will improve significantly in the near future with the construction of six modern hospitals along the coast, which together will cost over US$180M. Among the six is the one at Bath Settlement.

Preparatory work there is slated to commence soon and the hospital is expected to be ready for

A section of the gathering at the community meeting at the Bath Primary School (Office of the Vice-President photo) opening before 2025.

Dr Jagdeo told the residents that the Bath Settlement Hospital, when completed, will be equipped with three operating threatres of international standards and a CT scanner among other vital equipment that will

enable the provision of services that they usually travel to Georgetown or have to pay private medical service providers to obtain.

The other state-ofthe-art hospitals will be built at Skeldon, Region Six; Enmore, East Coast

Demerara, Region Four; Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Region Four; Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, Region Three and Anna Regina, Region Two. The hospitals in New Amsterdam, Georgetown, Linden and the hinterland regions will also be upgraded and four modern diagnostic facilities will be built in the hinterland regions with conferencing capability to enable telemedicine services, said the Vice-President.

In addition, a state-of-

art children and maternal hospital will be built and work is expected to commence on this facility before year-end.

The Vice-President also pointed out that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its 2020 election manifesto promised to offer 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese and has begun this process.

Last year, he said the government awarded some 6,000 scholarships and this year, it is hoping to award another 4,000-

5,000 scholarships.

For Region Five, alone, he said, the government is will to fund the cost for some 5,000 scholarships for residents who are willing to pursue tertiary or technical education. Those who do not meet university entry requirements, he said, can undergo a remedial programme that will enable them to matriculate.

Interested persons can contract the GOAL Scholarship Secretariat for more information.

“We are remaining faithful to all the thing we promised, we cannot solve every problem immediately but we remain faithful to the things that we promised,” Dr Jagdeo said, pointing out that the government wanted citizens to pay less taxes, have more access to healthcare, education and more people employed and it is doing all it can to make these happen.

The government will also deliver on its promise of free education at the University of Guyana, said Dr Jagdeo.

“We believe that if we have healthy people, educated people, then we are in good shape for the future,” he told the residents assembled at Novar and repeated this message at the meeting held at the Bath Primary School about three hours after.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Home ownership could become easier - gov’t explores building homes for landowners without capital under model to recover cost

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the community meeting at Novar, Mahaicony on Wednesday

By Tajeram Mohabir IN a bid to make homeownership much easier, the government is exploring a model where it builds the homes for persons who own land but do not have the capital to build.

According to VicePresident, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the government will build the homes and the new homeowners, in return, will take a loan from a bank to repay the government.This model, if approved, is expected to see the government and the landowners enter into an agreement on the specifications of the houses to be built, and the houses being used as collateral for the granting of a loan from a commercial bank.

The monthly installments paid by these homeowner to the bank will go to the government, enabling the governmento recover the money it invested.

Speaking at a community meeting at Novar, Mahaicony, in Region

Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that these projects would be extended to persons outside of governmentdeveloped housing schemes.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), in its 2020 elections Manifesto, promised to distribute 50,000 houselots in its first term in office, and thus far, according to Dr. Jagdeo, more than 10,000 lots have been delivered since his party assumed power less than two years ago.

This is more than the 7,089 houselots the Coalition Government delivered during its five-year tenure.

“This year’s budget, we have budgeted enough resources to start putting in the infrastructure for another 30,000 plots,” the Vice-President told the residents of Region Five, and contended that the government ‘under-promised’ in its Manifesto.

He noted that the Dr. Irfaan Ali administra-

Government officials listen to Region Five residents with concerns during the Vice-President’s outreach to the region on Wednesday (Office of the Vice-President photos) tion never promised the construction of housing units, but the government will be building thousands of them across the country. Work has already begun on several government-developed housing schemes.

Under this scheme, the State builds the homes in government-developed housing schemes, and persons, through a loan from a commercial bank, acquire a property of their choice, with the mortgage payments going to the government as repayment for the money it has invested.

In Linden, the government is building 1,000 such housing units, and another 100 at Williamsburg, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

“I don’t know what

the appetite for that Statesponsored construction of low-income housing is in Region Five, but we can explore that,” the Vice-President said as he assured the residents that the government is willing to assist those who may not have the capital, but want to get their homes built.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, earlier this year reported that some 590 low and moderate-income homes are being constructed, according to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report.

Notably, 350 two-bedroom elevated units are being built in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown; 100 two-bedroom flat units in Prospect, on the East Bank Demerara;

100 two-bedroom flat units in Williamsburg, in Region Six; and 40 twobedroom elevated units in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the DPI had reported.

At Cumming Lodge, some of the houses have been completed, and allottees have already begun occupying them.

Some 350 young professional housing units are being constructed.

Two hundred two-storey and flat units are being constructed at Providence, East Bank Demerara, and another 150 are under construction in Prospect, Minister Croal had noted.

In addition, under the Core Home Support Initiative, 25 new housing units are being built in

Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and at La Parfaite Harmonie, on the West Bank Demerara. These houses will be sold to low- income and vulnerable families at subsidised costs, Minister Croal said.

M e a n w h i l e , Vi c e President Jagdeo said that apart from housing, the government is also investing significantly in public infrastructure, including roads. In this year’s budget, some $1B has been budgeted for community roads in Region Five, the biggest allocation yet for the region.

The allocation to the region for these works, he said, will be kept high, so that most of the roads in the region are fixed and remain in good state.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

U.S. economy shrinks in first quarter; trade, inventories mask underlying strength

(Reuters) - The U.S. economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter amid a resurgence in COVID-19 cases and drop in pandemic relief money from the government, but the decline in output is misleading as domestic demand remained strong.

The first decrease in gross domestic product since the short and sharp pandemic recession nearly two years ago, reported by the Commerce Department on Thursday, was mostly driven by a wider trade deficit as imports surged, and a slowdown in the pace of inventory accumulation.

A measure of domestic demand accelerated from the fourth quarter’s rate, allaying fears of either stagflation or a recession. The Federal Reserve is expected to hike interest rates by 50 basis points next Wednesday. The U.S. central

bank raised its policy interest rate by 25 basis points in March, and is soon likely to start trimming its asset holdings.

“The economy is still showing some resilience, but the first-quarter GDP report signals the start of more moderate growth this year and next, largely in response to higher interest rates,” said Sal Guatieri, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto.

“Despite the contraction, the Fed has little choice but to hike aggressively in May to corral inflation.”

Gross domestic product fell at a 1.4 per cent annualised rate last quarter, the government said in its advance GDP estimate. The economy grew at a robust 6.9 per cent pace in the fourth quarter. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast GDP growth rising at a 1.1 per

People pay for their purchases at a supermarket in Manhattan, New York City, U.S. cent rate. Estimates ranged from as low as a 1.4 per cent rate of contraction to as high as a 2.6 per cent growth pace.

The economy also took a hit from supply-chain challenges, worker shortages and rampant inflation. Last quarter’s decline is a head fake

as GDP remains 2.8 per cent above its level in the fourth quarter of 2019 and the economy grew 3.6 per cent on a year-on-year basis. Further, 1.7 million jobs were created in the first quarter and manufacturing output grew at a five per cent pace.

“It is nonsense that real GDP declined,” said Conrad DeQuadros, senior economic adviser at Brean Capital in New York.

But the mismatch hints at weaker productivity last quarter.

Front-loading by businesses fearful of shortages because of the Russia-Ukraine war contributed to a surge in imports. Exports tumbled, leading to a sharp widening of the trade deficit, which chopped 3.20 percentage points from GDP growth, the most since the third quarter of 2020. Trade has now been a drag on growth for seven straight quarters.

Businesses have turned to imports to satisfy demand, with local manufacturers lacking the capacity to boost production. Business inventories increased at a $158.7 billion pace, slowing from the robust $193.2 billion rate in the October-December quarter.

Inventory investment cut 0.84 percentage point from GDP growth.

Stocks on Wall Street were higher as investors shrugged of the drop in GDP. The dollar rose against a basket of currencies. U.S. Treasury prices fell.

Growth in consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity picked up at a rate of 2.7 per cent from the fourth-quarter’s 2.5 per cent pace, despite taking a hit from the winter wave of coronavirus cases, driven by the Omicron variant.

The loss of pandemic money to households from the government was partially offset by rising wages amid a tightening labuor market.

Government spending fell for a second straight quarter.

Strengthening labour market conditions were reinforced by a separate report from the Labour Department on Thursday showing initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 180,000 for the week ended April 23. With a near record 11.3 million job openings at the end of February, employers are desperately hanging on to their workers.

Even with food and gasoline prices soaring, there is no sign yet of consumers pulling back. The government’s measure of inflation in the economy surged at a 7.8 per cent rate, the fastest in 41 years, after increasing at a 7.0 per cent pace in the fourth quarter. Inflation by all measures has overshot the Fed’s two per cent target.

At least $2 trillion in excess savings accumulated during the pandemic are providing a cushion against inflation.

Workers’ shortages saw businesses boosting investment, with spending on equipment increasing at a 15.3 per cent rate last quarter. They mostly bought computers and industrial machinery.

That combined with solid consumer spending to hoist final sales to private domestic purchasers at a 3.7 per cent rate. This measure of domestic demand, which excludes trade, inventories and government spending, increased at a 2.6 per cent rate in the fourthquarter. Final sales to private domestic purchasers account for roughly 85 per cent of aggregate spending.

The housing market notched another second straight quarterly gain, but with the 30-year fixed mortgage shooting above five per cent, the outlook is uncertain.

While concerns remain that the Fed could aggressively tighten monetary policy and tip the economy into recession, most economists are not convinced, pointing to the strong domestic demand and signs that inflation may have peaked.

Consumer spending last quarter was driven by services.

The shift in demand from goods is likely to help ease pressure on supply chains, though the coronavirus-related lockdowns in China pose a risk.

“The U.S. economy is not anywhere close to recession,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC Financial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“Underlying demand remains strong, and the labor market is in excellent shape.

Growth will resume in the second quarter.”

April 27, 2022

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28/04/22 - 4 6 2

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

British Virgin Islands Premier charged in cocaine smuggling scheme

The premier of the British Virgin Islands and the director of the small Caribbean territory’s ports were arrested Thursday at a Miami-area airport by federal agents on charges of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and money laundering, according to US authorities.

Andrew Alturo Fahie, BVI’s premier, and Oleanvine Maynard, manager director of the port authority, were taken into custody by Drug Enforcement Administration agents at Miami-Opa-locka Executive Airport. The foreign officials were arrested after they met with undercover DEA agents posing as cocaine traffickers to check out an alleged shipment of $700,000 in cash on an airplane that they believed

was destined for the British Virgin Islands, authorities told the Miami Herald. The DEA agents were posing as members of the Mexican Sinaloa cartel. Both government officials, who were in Miami for a cruise convention, went to the airport Thursday morning to see the alleged load of cash after DEA agents told them that the money was a payoff for allowing the cartel’s future cocaine loads to be transported through the British territory to the United States, authorities said. The British territory, an archipelago, has a population of only 30,000 and is adjacent to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Both Fahie and Maynard, who are being held at the Federal Detention Center, are scheduled to have their first

British Virgin Islands, Andrew Alturo Fahie (Miami Herald photo)

appearances in Miami federal court on Friday afternoon. A third person, Kadeem Maynard, the son of BVI’s port director, was also arrested Thursday in connection with the undercover DEA case, but not in Miami, authorities said. All three defendants

were charged with conspiring to import more than five kilos of cocaine into the United States and conspiring to commit money laundering.

A DEA criminal complaint and affidavit were expected to be filed in Miami federal court on Thursday afternoon by the US Attorney’s Office.

It was not immediately clear if any of the three defendants had retained attorneys. In response to the arrests of the premier and the others, BVI Governor John Rankin issued a statement saying the US government informed United Kingdom officials of the drug-trafficking case in Miami.

“As this is a live investigation I have no further information on the arrest nor can I comment any further on it,” said Rankin,

who was appointed BVI’s governor by the United Kingdom. Rankin also noted that the narco-trafficking arrests were unrelated to a current UK corruption investigation of Fahie’s government. Corruption in the small islands of the Caribbean, which became a major drug transshipment point for US-bound cocaine shipments in the 1980s, has always been a concern for the US Government. In recent years, US officials have been helping the UK government in its investigation of money laundering allegations in the self-governed, dependent British territories in the Caribbean. In 1985, the then-chief minister of the Turks and Caicos, Norman Saunders, became the first head of

state charged with violating US drug laws after he was arrested by DEA agents and accused of accepting $30,000 from undercover agents to ensure safe passage of Colombian cocaine through his island chain by permitting flights to refuel.

He was arrested along with his development minister, Stafford Missick. Saunders was convicted of conspiracy to violate travel laws and with traveling to promote an illegal business, but he was acquitted on charges that he offered to bribe undercover drug agents and of conspiracy to import cocaine and marijuana into the United States. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined $50,000.

(Miami Herald)

Virgin Atlantic expects profitability to return in 2023 (Barbados Today) Virgin Atlantic Ltd. has reported a decline in revenue for 2021, when compared to 2019 figures, the last year in which the airline operated a full year of service before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted flights in 2020.

In its financial results for the year ending December 31, 2021, the air carrier said its results reflected “an intensely challenging year” and “continuation of the immense challenges the airline industry faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the period under review, the UK-based airline reported total revenue of £928 million (about BDS$2.38 billion), up £60 million on 2020, yet down from £2.9 billion in 2019; an EBITDA loss of £166 million; and a loss of £594 million before tax and exceptional items.

Virgin Atlantic ended the year with a robust cash posi-

tion of £580 million, delivered by raising £670 million in new capital, including £400 million shareholder investment completed in December 2021; maintaining £300 million annual cost savings; capitalising on pent up demand following the opening of the transatlantic corridor; and delivering record cargo revenue of £448 million, the airline said.

It noted that those actions narrowed statutory losses by £378 million versus 2020 to £486 million in 2021, and helped to set the airline up for success in 2022.

“As the airline ramped up operations in the final quarter of the year, it was able to welcome back more than 1,100 crew and pilots from holding pools created as part of the 2020 response to the pandemic,” the airline said in its financial report.

Due to continued travel restrictions, the officials are now expecting profitability

to return in 2023, although it expects the losses this year to significantly narrow again as passenger demand and international travel continue to return to scale.

Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Atlantic, Shai Weiss, pointed out that with ongoing restrictions and the rapid spread of the Delta and Omicron variants of the COVID-19, customer demand was materially impacted and the year became even more challenging than previous, despite the vaccine rollout.

“Persistent volatility in international travel, fuelled by ever changing restrictions and testing requirements, resulted in significant losses and a decline in passenger numbers, with an improve-

ment in November as our heartland destinations in the US opened up to UK travellers, following months of cross-industry campaigning to open the skies,” Weiss said.

He added: “The completion of £400 million shareholder investment in December 2021 sets us up for success in 2022, as we take advantage of the return of customer demand.

“We have much to look forward to, from the launch of a new route to Austin, Texas in May – our first new US route in five years – to the introduction of the A330-900 in the Autumn, continuing the transformation of our fleet into the youngest and cleanest in the sky.”

Chief Financial Officer of Virgin Atlantic Oli Byers

said: “Our 2021 financial results reflect the continued challenges faced by our industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Avi-

ation was one of the first industries to be affected and remains one of the last to fully recover.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Arteries of development LESS than two years ago, after President, Dr Irfaan Ali in his inauguration speech passionately called on all Guyanese to come together to peacefully transition the country to a pathway of economic and social development, Guyana has been experiencing a new wave of development.

Since then, the government has been on a progressive schedule to transform the physical outlook of the country with an all-inclusive infrastructural programme.

In its landmark $552 billion budget presented

by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and approved this year by Parliament, approximately $126 billion will be utilised from the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) for the first time. A four-fold path to transformation was declared by the government and the indefatigable Vice-President, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, in outlining this framework for the future, emphasised that great attention will be placed on education, healthcare, infrastructure and the nonoil sectors to ensure the prosperity of Guyana long after oil is no more.

No wonder, the largest

portion of the budget, $96.1 billion, was allocated to the Ministry of Public Works under the watchful eyes of Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, of which, $76 billion was budgeted for roads and bridges and $12 billion for housing.

The transition from brick roads to pitched (bituminous/asphalted) roads played a pivotal role in speeding up of travel, trade, transportation and communication links, throughout the country in all the regions.

The Soesdyke-Linden 45mile highway was a major break-through to link the hinterland and the three counties. Work started in 1966 and it was opened in 1969, costing some US$17M to build. It was rehabilitated by the PPP/C Government in 1997-1999 at a cost of US$6.6M. The East Bank Demerara Public Road made it easy to go to the airport, while the East Coast Demerara road relieved the headache of travelling from Georgetown to Rosignol. The Berbice Public Road runs from New Amsterdam to Crabwood Creek and onwards. Essequibo Coast Public Road connects Adventure to

Charity. The West Coast Demerara Public road stretches from Vreed-enHoop to Parika and the West Bank Public road from Vreed-en-Hoop to Patentia.

Maintenance and upgrading works are factored in this year’s schedule for all these roads. “Key allocations include provisions of: $8.3 billion for the rehabilitation of the Corentyne Main Road from Palmyra to Crabwood Creek; $6 billion for the construction of the Linden-Mabura Hill Road; $3.4 billion for hinterland roads; $2.6 billion for the rehabilitation of the entire Soesdyke-Linden Highway; $2.3 billion for the East Bank-East Coast Demerara Road Linkage between Ogle and Eccles,” the Finance Minister had stated in his budget presentation.

Recently, the $2.6 billion Mandela to Eccles four-lane highway was commissioned by President Ali, who spoke with great fervour on the occasion.

“I guarantee you that every drop of blood in my system and in the government system, we will get it done with those who are ready to come on board,

and work and push so that Guyana, not a section of Guyana, so that Guyana could be uplifted.”

A 56-kilometre road linking the new proposed sight for the Demerara Harbour Bridge will be built from Schoonard to Parika and will then connect all the way to Bartica.

In his vision for foresight and easing traffic congestion, the President recently announced a 3.5 miles four-lane highway to be built to connect Crane to Schoonard.

With the government’s commitment to improving rural, urban and the hinterland roadways to bolster traffic, tourism and communication network, the town of Linden in Region 10 will also undergo a massive $600 million road rehabilitation exercise.

A five-mile road in Bartica, Region Seven, has been completed. Paving is underway on the Canal Number Two Road in Region Three while the local road to Leonora market will commence shortly as indicated by Minister Deodat Indar.

Earlier this month, contracts to the sum of $5.57 billion were signed for the construction and

upgrade of roads and bridges in the hinterland. Construction on a two-way lane, 122 km. highway from Linden to Lethem to improve travelling and trading between Guyana and Brazil will commence shortly.

While close to $1 billion has been allocated for the upkeep and maintenance of the aged Demerara Harbour Bridge, (5th largest floating bridge in the world), $21.1 billion has been ear marked for the construction of a brand-new bridge. The sight proposed will be Nandy Park in the East end and Schoonard on the West side. The bridge will not require any opening or retraction for maritime traffic.

At the recent outreach visit in Berbice where the government will be investing some $10.8 Billion to develop the region, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Phillips reminded the nation of one of the objectives of the government saying, “We are a government that is focused on developing Guyana, developing all the communities in Guyana.”

At the opening ceremony of the TechnipFMC Georgetown ser-

vice base oil and gas support facility last Tuesday at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara, performing the functions of the President, Phillips stated, “In every country’s success, its people must be involved. Its people must be able to feel the success as their own and reap the benefits of that success.

Ownership and inclusion of a country’s people are imperative not only for the country’s development but for the social and economic betterment of citizens.”

With the oil and gas industry developing to propel Guyana as one of the richest nations in the world per capita, it is easy to see why tourism will also flourish as a booming industry and investors are being encouraged to come to this shore.

This message was delivered to the world in London by President Ali. The need for proper roads, highways and bridges cannot be over emphasised and this government is certainly acting with foresight with so many physical infrastructure programmes being undertaken.

Arai Thantoni was stalwart

Dear Editor,

THE passing of Arai Thantoni brings memories to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and particularly the

Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO).

Comrade Arai was a former General-Secretary of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and a militant activist of

the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). She was indeed very vocal and active during the three trials of Arnold Rampersaud.

However, in the struggle for free and fair elections

she was very passionate and vociferous in the protest as Guyanese protested the brutal killing of the Ballot Box Martyrs, Bholanauth Permanand and Jagan Ramessar.

Arai was indeed a source of inspiration and a fighter in the 70s and 80s for free and fair elections. Comrade Arai was also a militant activist in the struggle

for the recognition of the most powerful trade union in Guyana, the GAWU. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

‘Kads’ Khan had a dim view of the performance of the Coalition Government

Dear Editor,

I WRITE to condole the passing of Kads Khan, I will like to share some anecdotes of my engagements with him.

I am not a friend or associate of Kads Khan, and we only met a few times although we spoke several times on the phone. He left a very positive remarkable and indelible impression on me on his ‘take’ of the politics and about his desire to contribute to Guyana’s national economic and political development.

A former executive of the opposition PNC, and onetime Member of Parliament, he was not pleased with the direction of the party since it was returned to office in May 2015, and he was critical of the Coalition although he did not want his views to be on public record, fearing victimisation. He assailed the Coalition’s performance, saying it would take a miracle for it to win re-election unless off course it were to rig the election, which, like me, he had expected.

He urged me to become involved in ‘a new politics’ that would lead to good or better governance; I politely declined his offer as I did not and do not have interest in active politics, turning down many offers from politicians.

I had heard of Kads Khan since the time of Hoyte’s presidency. His name was in the papers and as a political activist.

I keenly followed developments in the homeland.

He was strongly affiliated with the PNC becoming its treasurer. And he successfully raised funds for the party for electoral contests, especially post-1992 when Hoyte, acting against the wishes of his colleagues and the majority of its supporters, decided to restore democratic governance in Guyana after 26 years of dictatorship. The PNC was in political decline post1992 and facing serious economic crisis to fund its activities. Kads told me he bore the burden of funding activities of the PNC. He noted that the PNC encountered problems in paying staff and putting

out a party publication after its defeat in 1992. He raised funds to help out. He also said he received concession rates from the late CEO of a newspaper in order to publish the PNC organ over a period of time.

My first encounter with Kads was through a common friend in Georgetown.

Kads was very close to him. They were in a meeting and I happened to visit the friend who introduced me to Kads. This was around 2018. Kads said he was very pleased to meet me, telling me he knew of my political and academic history since the 1970s when I was a university student in New York. I did not know much about Kads other than what was in the public domain. He began showering accolades about my polling work, political activism in the diaspora, my writings, analyses, and other aspects of my contributions to Guyana and the diaspora. In the presence of the common friend, he discussed the politics and the governance of the Coalition including its many unforced errors. Kads was not pleased with Coalition rule, using epithets I can’t pen for publication; he was also displeased with the opposition. He invited me for breakfast at his home the following morning which I accepted. There, he continued berating the political parties and making a strong case for political change to bring about honest clean governance. He expressed fear that Guyana would be heading into a repeat of a dictatorship pre-1992, pleading upon me to play a more active role and help bring independent political forces and interested players together saying my integrity commands respect in the public. I resisted his appeal and politely told him that my interest was polling and independent political analyses. He respected my position on political independence.

Following breakfast, Kads drove me to his mechanical engineering workshop and gave me a tour. It was an impressively huge workshop with all kinds of tools and equipment.

His aide served coffee, and

he shifted the discussion to economics. He said he was in transition to modernise the workshop for the oil industry, claiming oil companies had expressed an interest to partner with him. He was teaming up with oil people in Texas, UK, and other places. He had several workers of all ethnicities and genders.

They admired and respected him. His driver was African as was one of his closest aides. He didn’t see race in employment practices.

He merely wanted competence. He was unabashed in reprimanding workers who messed up.

Kads expressed some of the most excoriating remarks about Coalition rule, questioning competency and honesty of several appointees of government.

(Names were given of whose fingers were in the cookie jar with examples of acts). He was praiseworthy of Joe Harmon, Amna Ally and a few others and he announced then that he would support Harmon as Chair of PNC in party election. But I knew it would be a hard fight for Harmon against Volda Lawrence; Basil Williams had no chance as I had penned in the press.

On APNU+AFC Coalition performance, Kads and I agreed that the government badly erred in closing down the sugar estates and that it would be their undoing. It doomed the Coalition. He was most disappointed that AFC did not stand up for the farmers and workers to prevent the closure of the estates since sugar workers and rice farmers were the base of support of the AFC in 2011 and 2015 elections. He said I was spot on in writing about the anger of the sugar workers and rice farmers against the Coalition government. He went into a rage against Nagamootoo and Ramjattan for allowing the estates closures and lack of assistance to farmers. We both concluded that the Coalition could not win re-election without rigging. And he was certain what would happen in next election, revealing confidential information of a rigging plan. Kads was against rigging as was I. He

was of the view that PNC could not rig the way it did pre-1992. He went into the rigging method and the figures placed in strategic offices to facilitate rigging.

I did not reveal any of the confidential info on rigging to anyone, but I utilised the info to help combat planned rigging of the March 2020

elections.

Kads and I spoke after the election. He had mixed feelings about the change. But he was a pragmatist. He embraced the Irfaan Ali administration. Although he belonged to the PNC, the PPP administration has given him land and the

sugar packaging plant for oil-related enterprise that would provide employment for many. He died a man pleased with aspects of governance of President Ali and the PPP. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

MoE hosts autism acceptance outreach

By Cassandra Khan

THE Ministry of Education’s Special Education Needs (SEN) Unit on Thursday hosted an Autism Acceptance Outreach at the National Centre of Educational Resources Development (NCERD) in Kingston.

The outreach was said to be part of the observance of Autism Awareness Month.

“We expect that the engagements conducted will accelerate the formation of the desired attitudes, bring changes, and produce actions beneficial to those of our population who have special education needs or live with disabilities, and especially those on the autism spectrum,” Savvie Hopkinson, National Special Education Needs Officer, said at the event.

Hopkinson noted that the event provided opportunities to reach out to the public to provide services to persons with disabilities.

The Step by Step Foundation demonstrating how they teach children with special needs (Elvin Croker photo)

There were several booths, including an information booth where the public could access information

about SEN. Other booths consisted of inclusive learning resources and activities. The Step by

Step Foundation demonstrated how they teach children with special needs, while the Regional Special Educa-

tion Needs Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (RSENDT) outlined ways of assessing and providing services to students.

The Ministry of Health also collaborated with SEN, offering ear and eye testing to the children in attendance, while Health Care International, Georgetown, offered healthcare services to all attendees.

Meanwhile, at an autism walk and public awareness session on World Autism Awareness Day, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, in her remarks, said that she desires to live in a world where awareness about the equality of autistic persons is no longer needed.

“We have to work tirelessly, consistently, and sensibly to remove the need for us to have autism awareness,” she said.

Also speaking at the autism walk was Director of NCERD Quenita Walrond-Lewis, who said that it is not only about the inclu-

sivity of persons living with autism in the educational sphere like the classrooms but also in the workplace, so that all citizens can activate their right to access employment freely and fairly.

Additionally, in a dialogue forum, a team of SEN Officers shared with the public what autism is.

“Autism is a developmental disability, and it manifests itself before an individual is three years old,” one of the team members said.

They noted that while many scientists have done the research, there is no definite cause.

The team said different strategies can be used to manage autism.

They explained that an intensive substantive special education needs programme is put in place to provide structured teaching, language therapy, social skills therapy and more to help ensure the condition is properly managed.

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$32B to be spent on fortifying regions against floods

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

THE government has rolled out a plan to provide a long-term solution to flooding countrywide, which will see an expenditure of some $32 billion.

Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t , D r.

Bharrat Jagdeo, made this

sultation held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, to discuss strategic flooding interventions in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six. Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

disclosure at Dundee, Mahaicony, during a community meeting on Wednesday.

The discussion comes on the heels of a recent con-

Wordsworth, outlined proposals intended to improve the drainage system to tackle flooding in Region Five.

He said when there is

rainfall to the magnitude the country experienced mid last year, the rivers are swollen and the water overflows the embankments, resulting in flooding.

The government, through NDIA, plans to rehabilitate the Mahaica Creek embankment and upgrade existing channels to take water directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

Also, with the creation of new outlets, improved pump and drainage capacity, the decades-old situation could be resolved.

“We propose a new outlet to be added at Dantzig; this would entail cutting across the road, upgrading channels, constructing a [pump] station, new sluice and pump, like what we are currently doing at Cottage,” Wordsworth said.

Dr. Jagdeo said that,apart from the proposed works, the government will dredge the mouths of the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary rivers.

The government, in addition to its own plans, is also examining several proposals made by residents to address flooding.

A pump in operation

Brutus files $70M lawsuit against Paul Slowe

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FORMER Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe, has found himself in more legal trouble as Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus has filed a $70-million libel suit against him.

Brutus, through his attorney C.V. Satram, moved to the Demerara High Court and filed a Statement of Claim against Slowe for damages in excess of $60 million for a series of libel committed between November 22, 2021, and January 12, 2022.

He is also seeking aggravated and or exemplary damages in excess of $10 million.

In his lawsuit, Brutus said that on October 15, 2021, Slowe appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer three counts of sexual assault and the

offence of conspiracy to defraud the state of just over $10 million.

The court document, seen by this newspaper noted that Slowe allegedly created and began operating Facebook and YouTube pages under the title, ‘SPEAKING OUT, EXPOSING CORRUPTION’.

The claimant is contending that Slowe, since creating the social media pages, would regularly publish and or cause to be published defamatory material about him.

“The said Facebook and YouTube pages were created by the defendant or at his instruction for the sole purpose of launching character attacks on the aforesaid officers that are investigating him for these offences in an effort to prejudice the investigations,” Brutus said in his court documents.

In his lawsuit, Brutus said that the slanderous words

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

The claimant Mr Brutus

used against him by Slowe were calculated to disparage him and intentionally done to embarrass, humiliate and injure his reputation and standing as a senior officer of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

According to the senior police officer in his submission, the publications are not only false, but are also aimed at tarnishing his reputation

and have caused him to suffer considerable hurt, distress and embarrassment.

He is arguing that the statements were also published with the intention to lower his character, morality and honesty in the eyes of right-thinking members of the public as they are in electronic circulation on social media.

Among other things, Brutus is claiming that he has been and continues to be demeaned in the eyes of his peers and subordinate ranks of the GPF and his authority is also being questioned.

He is also asking the court to grant an injunction to restrain Slowe, whether by himself, his servants, his agents or employees, from further speaking or publishing the same or any similar

The defendant Mr Slowe

defamatory statements about him.

“Unless restrained by this Honourable court the Defendant [Slowe] will further publish the same or similar defamatory statements,” Brutus said in his court documents.

Earlier this year, Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Senior Superintendent, Fazil Karimbaksh had filed a $70M lawsuit against Slowe for similar claims.

Brutus was among five senior GPF officers who brought a legal challenge against the PSC over the year-end police promotions for 2020.

That legal challenge was later struck out by Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George S.C in June 2021.

Following the CJ’s ruling,

the Government of Guyana, through the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall S.C., issued a statement rejecting the PSC’s promotion list as “unlawful and illegal.”

It noted that in the circumstances, this purported list of promotions of members of the GPF will be ignored, since the PSC was suspended by His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on June 16, 2021.

F i n a l l y, o n A u g u s t 8, 2021, the life of the five-member PSC expired.

The PSC is currently challenging its suspension

by President Ali, a move which it claims was “unconstitutional.” This matter is currently ongoing before High Court Judge, Gino Persaud.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Authorities to purchase COVID-19 treatment for children

THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, will be moving ahead with the procurement of a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved COVID-19 medication for children called Paxlovid.

The treatment is an oral antiviral medication and is manufactured and produced by the Pfizer Company.

“We have been in communication with Pfizer to be able to procure Paxlovid and hopefully we’ll be able to have those arrangements in place so that we can have Paxlovid in Guyana,” Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said during Thursday’s COVID-19 update.

The minister added that the COVID-19 pandemic

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony

has affected many children across the world and treating them was never simple.

He noted that although children have shown milder symptoms of the disease, there are others with comor-

bidities who are presented with the more severe form of the infection.

“We would have [sic] seen that throughout this pandemic it was difficult for us to be able to treat children, although generally children do have a milder form of the illness. There are cases when sometimes they do present with severe illnesses and it has been challenging in managing those patients,” Dr Anthony said.

Additionally, the Health Minister said Guyana has been using Remdesivir and Molnupiravir to treat COVID-19 patients; however, these medications are mostly used in the adult population.

The Remdesivir treat-

GECOM to verify fingerprints, residency before issuing ID cards THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has said that national identification (ID) cards will only be issued after an applicant’s fingerprint and residency have been verified by officers of the elections body.

The commission said that there are a variety of statutory forms that must be filled out when applying for any of the various registration transactions, as a matter of commission policy, by GECOM Registration Staff – a task that they are trained extensively to perform. So, applicants for registration are not permitted to fill any of the forms.

“GECOM recognises that individual persons have their respective signatures which they have been using customarily. Accordingly, there is no prescribed signature requirement which must be met by applicants for registration, save and except for placing their signature in the space provided for this purpose,” the elections body said.

Residency verification is a statutory component of the process which must be completed relative to the processing of an application for registration.

In this regard, the commission – as a matter of policy – decided that registration staff must visit the residential address provided by an applicant no sooner than 48

hours after the application was made.

The justification for this is to discourage persons applying for registration from using addresses where they do not reside.

Further, this measure is pivotal to the correct placement of eligible persons in any List of Electors, to ensure that they are correctly listed to vote at polling stations for the catchment area that aligns with their residential addresses.

National ID cards are produced and issued to persons whose applications for registration are successful.

GECOM is responsible for ensuring that no person is listed more than once in the National Register of Registrants (NRR).

Accordingly, the commission conducts due diligence checks for double registrations by cross-matching the fingerprints of all appli-

cants for registration against those of the registrants who are listed in the NRR. Fingerprints taken from applicants for registration during any given registration exercise could be dispatched for cross-matching only after the close of the exercise.

Fingerprint cross-matching is currently outsourced to an overseas contractor.

It is only after the applicants for registration have been cleared as new applicants for registration, through this methodology, that they are committed to the NRR and ID cards are issued.

It is not unusual for this to take place until about two months after the closure of the particular registration exercise.

It is essential that all stakeholders make queries pertaining to the work of GECOM through the commissions’ Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward.

Paxlovid treatment for children with COVID-19

ment, according to Dr Anthony, is also effective in treating children infected with COVID-19.

“More recently, the company making Remdesivir would have [sic]

presented the data showing that they have done clinical trials among children and that Remdesivir has been very effective, so this is a good development,” the Health Minister related.

In terms of the Molnupiravir treatment, Minister Anthony said approval has also been granted to treat severe cases. This medication is now available locally and is produced by a licensed company here.

Dr Anthony also noted that the ministry is prepared to treat children

with severe COVID-19 if any case is to be recorded.

Despite recorded reductions in the number of cases, the Health Minister urged citizens to get vaccinated as it is important for the population to become immunised against the disease. Minister Anthony said three COVID-19 vaccines namely Sinopharm, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson are currently available in the country. (DPI)

Body of Venezuelan woman found in shallow grave

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THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is investigating the alleged murder of a Venezuelan clothes vendor at Eteringbang landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to reports, the body of 49-year-old Deissy Antury Perdomo was found in a shallow grave.

Reports are that the in-

cident occurred sometime between April 23 and April 26, 2022, in the ‘Cores’ Backdam area.

Perdomo was also mining in the area and worked alongside her reputed husband, Vladimir Marquez and two male Venezuelan nationals.

Initial investigations revealed that the woman’s re-

puted husband left for Venezuela on April 22 and the following day, Perdomo was seen leaving the backdam in the company of the two males.

It is alleged that they made their way to the Eteringbang landing, where they were seen shopping and imbibing. Perdomo was later

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

seen again with the two men heading towards their camp.

The police, in a statement, said on April 26, when Marquez returned from Venezuela, he was unable to contact his wife and became alarmed.

He subsequently formed a search party to comb the area.

Perdomo’s body was later found in a four-foot wide hole, partly covered with mud and dry leaves and examinations showed that there were multiple chop wounds about her body.

While checks were made for the two Venezuelan men, reports indicated that they were last seen on April 24 and had left for Venezuela.

Marquez is currently in custody assisting with ongoing investigations.

Dead: Deissy Antury Perdomo

ICAO provides technical assistance to local aviation authorities THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and other authorities within the aviation sector got a welcome boost in the form of technical assistance from two aircraft accident investigation regional officers from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The team met with the designated Aircraft Accident Investigator, the Director General (ag) and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)’s ICAO compliance team to provide technical assistance on the new 2020 edition Protocol Questions in the area of Aircraft Accident Investigation

ICAO annex 13.

That was done to help prepare Guyana for its future ICAO audit, so that there can be national and regional improvement in that area.

The two officers, who travelled to Guyana to conduct this capacity building exercise with local authorities, met with Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Thursday.

During the meeting, the minister said: “Our country is poised for a multi-sectoral transformation where aviation will play a more supportive role and will expand exponentially. With increased

activities, I am aware that there will be increased risks. We, therefore, must be prepared for this expansion for us to develop our country harmoniously, thus ICAO’s support is a timely intervention.”

Minister Edghill related that he was pleased with the support that Guyana’s aviation sector has received from the South American regional office for the past two decades.

He said air navigation services and the regulatory arm of the GCAA have been in constant communication with the regional office.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill (centre) with two aircraft accident investigation regional officers from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

ExxonMobil contributes further $20M to STEM programme

EXXONMOBIL Guyana has contributed more than $20 million to the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC) for the continuation of its STEM after-school programme in Regions Three and Four.

ExxonMobil Guyana Production Manager Mike Ryan officially handed over the funds in the form of a cheque to VYC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Goldie Scott at the ogranisation’s D’Urban Backlands office.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the partnership between ExxonMobil Guyana and VYC Inc. Ryan was quoted in a press statement as saying: “This is the longest-running programme we have

supported to date. Our longterm support is testament to the VYC’s development, and the adaptability of the programme to the changing needs of the community.”

Scott added that the funding from ExxonMobil Guyana has allowed the NGO to be much more secure, and ensure that the programme is consistent in providing after-school services to children.

“We have grown from about three teachers to close to 30 teachers in the programme, and moved from 100 to 700 children yearround,” the CEO said.

The organisation, he said, will continue to support its 700 students across 18 high schools. The Grades Seven to Eleven students will

receive instruction for several subjects two to three days per week. Additionally, students will benefit from STEM seminars and robotics workshops.

More than 5,000 students have received free after-school lessons, and supportive services during the decade-long partnership.

The most recent donation pushed ExxonMobil Guyana’s contributions to the VYC to some $113 million (US$565,000) since the collaboration began in 2012.

Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation that has been in operation for over 25 years, providing quality health, education and social services to children and youth.

ExxonMobil Production Manager Mike Ryan giving an overview of ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyana to more than 70 students of participating schools (ExxonMobil photo)

Education Minister attends Commonwealth education conference MINISTER of Education Priya Manickchand, has participated in the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in Nairobi, Kenya.

The conference was hosted under the theme, “Rethinking Education for Innovation, Growth and Sustainability postCOVID-19”.

On Wednesday, Minis-

ter Manickchand chaired the fifth roundtable discussion titled, “Education for Sustainability and Peaceful Cohesive Commonwealth”.

Further, during the two-day conference, Minister Manickchand engaged and connected with fellow Education Ministers and Commonwealth officials.

At the conference, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand chairing the fifth roundtable discussion during the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Nairobi, Kenya

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, in conversation with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, QC (Education Ministry photos)

Ministers of Education from across the Commonwealth member states discussed some of the Commonwealth’s most urgent education challenges, at a time when the world is recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conference not only brought together Ministers of Education, but also educators, teachers, development partners, civil society and policymakers to address education priorities within the Commonwealth which align with the 2030 agenda.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Aspiring teacher cops Miss LTW Youth Ambassador crown ASPIRING teacher and pageantry enthusiast, 19-year-old, Zalika Samuels, an Amelia’s Ward, Linden resident, was crowned Miss Linden Town Week (LTW) Yo u t h A m b a s s a d o r Queen 2022 at the Mackenzie Sports Club on Saturday last.

Donning a House of Pearson, aquamarine, one sleeved, fish tail evening gown, the beauty queen was crowned by the 2019 Miss LTW Teen queen, Akeila Handy, who had also recently won the 2022 Miss Mash Queen

crown.

Delegate No. 4 in the pageant, Samuels prevailed over four other delegates to snatch the coveted crown.

“I competed with some fierce young ladies, so it’s a surprise to me that I am the LTW 2022 Youth Ambassador,” Samuels shared, while speaking with the media moments after being crowned.

“I don’t even have words at this moment, but I am grateful and I must say it has been a tough journey for me but this is

a stepping stone for me.

“It was challenging practicing every day and having to get up early, but as you can see, it was worth it,” the crowned beauty shared.

Standing at five feet, eight inches, Samuels shared that she sees the pageant win as just a stepping stone in her ultimate goal of one day representing Guyana at the international “Miss Universe” pageant.

“Pageantry is something I’ve always admired, and it’s my dream to one day walk the Miss

Universe stage,” she shared.

Rocking her natural hair in a low-cut style, Samuels was established as a crowd favourite early in the evening as she gracefully moved through segment after segment in the competition, and dazzled with her mannerism and bright smile.

Her win was well-received as many flocked to front of the stage for a photo with the queen after her win was announced.

Delegate No. 1, 17-year-old Moneisha Trotman, of Block 22, finished as first runnerup, while Delegate No. 3, Elisheba Wilson, of Wisroc, was the second runner-up.

Samuels also picked up the prize for “Best Dressed” for her Quinton Pearson-designed fit, while Delegate No. 5, Celina Lorrimer, 16, of Wismar Housing Scheme, picked up the prize for the “Best Smile”.

Trotman won the prize for “Miss Popularity”.

The night saw the delegates competing in an opening dance performance and introductions, as well as a talent segment, showcasing a sports

Ms Samuels

discipline. They were also required to present on a community-based topic they were assigned. The final segment was evening wear.

Samuels particularly stood out for the crowd during her presentation on her community-based platform. She spoke on the Linden recreational area, “Buck Town”. As

she exited the stage following her presentation, the crowd excitedly demanded her return.

Following the evening wear segment, the top three delegates were then selected from the five.

This was the moment for Samuels, Wilson and Trotman to shine. Samuels took the moment.

(Tamica Garnett)

The five delegates as they awaited word on the selection of the top three

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

‘Moonlight Stories’ promises fusion of fashion, Guyanese folklore

Designer/Event Organiser, Keisha Edwards

By Tamica Garnett GUYANESE folklore will fuse with fashion and elegance on May 21 at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston in the much anticipated upcoming “Moonlight Stories: Guyana’s First Gala and Runway Show” being put on by local designer, Keisha Edwards.

Some 12 designers, including a visual artist and jewellery designer, are set to participate in the elegant event including several top names such as Randy Madray, who received much acclaim for his pieces donned by First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali. He also designed Her Excellency, Mrs Ali’s attire worn at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Other designer brands include Wanza’s Designs, Francois Designs, Ghodess Wear, Maxi Williams, House of Pearson by Quinton Pearson, Buckbead by Isaiah Luther, Seduction by CIM, Olympia da brand by Olympia Sonaram, Rio De Roberto, and Shasha Designs by Edwards herself, among others.

Edwards, an in-demand designer, is considered among the sought after names of Guyana’s designers. In a recent chat with The Buzz, Edwards shared how it was Guyanese folklore that inspired the show, and will be the theme for it.

“We all have childhood memories of hearing about Guyanese folklore under a moonlit sky, especially during blackout,” she said.

“These stories connect us.

These stories, if used to create a collection, are a way of uniting us as a people, reminding us of the past and introducing it to this generation,” Edwards said emphatically.

“So, this show is an opportunity to promote fashion tourism, commerce, and awareness,” she added.

Sharing a little about what

patrons can expect from her own line, Edwards noted that Shasha Designs will be delivering aesthetic, clean lines, strong shoulders, and innovative cuts.

“It will be the fantasy of our folklore reimagined through modern lenses. My collections are always metaphorical rather than literal. So, I am enthusiastic about my collections and I can’t wait to see what my fellow designers create as well,” she intimated.

Notwithstanding Guyanese designers time and again proving that they can hold their own with international quality pieces, fashion shows in Guyana are too few and far between. This show responds to the too-long gap.

“Strut II”, organised in 2017 at the Marriott hotel, Kingston, was the last major

fashion event of this calibre in the country.

For her part, Edwards said her show is about letting people know that there is talent and culture in Guyana.

“Culture is the life of any society. It can let the world know who we are before we speak and I think fashion is a useful method of displaying that.

“Fashion is not entertainment, it is art and a business.

It is my hope that this fashion show sets the wheel in motion, to not only revive Guyana’s fashion industry but to showcase the talent, creativity and innovative work that myself and designers put into our creation,” Edwards expressed.

With tickets costing quite the pretty penny, $18,000 for front row, and $15,000 for regular, Edwards is adamant she will give patrons their monies worth. If she doesn’t, Guyanese can be quite unforgiving.

“So far, preparations has (sic) been really good. When planning an event of this magnitude, you need a solid team as well as combing over your event lists, check items off ensuring each task is completed.

“I am excited about the entire process. There is still more to get done, and I am ensuring no stone is left unturned with regards to offering a brand new experience to our attendees,” she shared.

The runway show was made possible through Ed-

A piece from a Shasha Designs collection

wards’ clinching of an award in the recently distributed funding for creatives from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport under its “Cultural Creative Industries Grant”.

The show has since picked up a few other sponsors, which Edwards said is making it all the more possible to put on the kind of quality show she has envisioned.

“Without the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and these businesses, this event would not have been possible.

I am also especially grateful to my sponsors, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Supreme Laundromat,” Edwards expressed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Crawley family return in new ‘Downton Abbey’ film

THE Crawley family are back, this time with a film that takes place at their famed “Downton Abbey” home as well as the French Riviera in the second movie stemming from the award-winning television series.

Released in United Kingdom (UK) cinemas on Friday, “Downton Abbey: A New Era” sees the return of the fictitious aristocratic Crawley family and their servants who run a sprawling estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century.

“We’ve been a familiar group for over a decade and for nearly all of us to be there was remarkable,” actor, Hugh Bonneville, who plays patriarch Robert Crawley, told Reuters of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic at the movie’s premiere in London on Monday.

“I appreciated the job far more than I’d ever done before after the experience that the world had been going through, and I think the release now is just a tonic at a time when we need a bit of escapism at this point. This is pure

entertainment,” he said of the film.

The movie begins with Crawley’s mother, Lady

Violet, played by veteran, Maggie Smith, surprising her family with the news that she has inherited a villa

in the south of France from a man she met decades earlier.

Led by Crawley, the family travels to France to

bey, delighting the staff but not impressing certain family members.

“It’s a really great script

Cast members, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery and costume designer, Anna Robbins arrive for the world premiere of ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ in London, Britain, April 25, 2022. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska visit the villa. At the same time back in Britain, a film crew is setting up a movie production at Downton Ab-

and it’s very different. Half the characters go off to France and the rest of us stay at the house and the

house is invaded by a film crew and actors,” said Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary, the eldest Crawley daughter.

“It’s a really different type of movie for Downton ... and I think the tie to a new era is very much about the world sort of moving on and changing and I think it’s great to see the characters sort of adjusting to that,” she said As well as Bonneville, Dockery and Smith, Elizabeth McGovern and Laura Carmichael reprise their roles as Crawley family members while Dominic West, Hugh Dancy and Laura Haddock are new additions to the cast.

“Downton Abbey: A New Era” is the second film to be made from the series, which first aired in 2011. It went on for six seasons and gained a huge following in Britain and the United States.

Asked about whether there would be more “Downton Abbey” in the future, writer, Julian Fellowes said: “I mean, I’ve said goodbye to these characters so many times. But back and back they come.

So who knows really?”

(Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

‘A Treat for My Mother’ returns after pandemic pause

PURPLE Arts Productions, a local entertainment company led by award-winning Guyanese actor and producer, Simone Dowding, will host the fifth edition of ‘A Treat for My Mother’ after a two-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This time around was really supposed to be the seventh show, but Dowding wanted to take no chances with the pandemic, especially as many of her activities include children.

With 35 years of experience in theatre, Dowding wants to play a role in passing on the training that she has received. In fact, it was for this reason that she decided to form Purple Arts Productions.

Planning this year’s ‘A Treat for My Mother’ did not come without its challenges as Dowding said she was disappointed

when told that she didn’t have the permission to use the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

She pressed on with the work, however, and now, has the Police Officers’ Mess Hall at Eve Leary, Kingston as the venue for the variety show on May 8 – Mother’s Day. The new venue turned out to be great for Dowding as she can now add more activities to the lineup that she usually has.

This year, she’s added a steel pan rendition, saxophone and guitar segments to cater for all the music lovers.

Starting at 20:00 hours sharp, Dowding told Buzz this week that she doesn’t budge from the scheduled time because she believes in showing respect for those who show up early, even if this means starting with one person in the audience.

According to her, this year’s show will feature the usual oldies music being sung by Guyanese artistes, along with the fashion segment, where young Guyanese designers are afforded a platform to display their work.

Apart from the prize giveaways, a piece of gold jewellery from L. Seepersaud Maraj and Sons will be given to the best dressed mother in purple.

For this prize, the audience usually chooses the winner.

So far, Dowding has on board performances by Carlvin Burnette, Sheron Cadogan, Bonny Alves, Charmaine Blackman, Pamela Gittens, Winifred Mason, Eion Nelson, and Francis Bailey.

She’ll also be using the occasion to introduce four new talents, namely: Paul Budnah, Mosa Telford, Maikel Sam, and Michael Smith.

Purple Arts Productions hosts fifth edition of ‘A Treat for My Mother’

A graduate of the Burrowes School of Art, Georgetown, Dowding has a total of 13 certificates from multiple institutions, and has won the Theatre Guild’s Best Actress Award in 2012 for the play, “Old Story Times.”

Having joined the Theatre Guild more than 35 years ago, she works primarily with children through her production house, providing them with opportunities she said she never had as a child.

Having worked on the popular “Link Show” for years, Dowding has also done House of Pressure, M i r i a m y, E l e v e n t h Finger, and Jezebel, to name a few.

Founder of Purple Arts Production, Simone Dowding

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Ben Stokes appointed England men's Test captain

ENGLAND have appointed Ben Stokes as the new Test captain following Joe Root's resignation earlier this month.

"I am honoured to be given the chance to lead the England Test team.

This is a real privilege, and I'm excited about getting started this summer," Stokes said.

"I want to thank Joe (Root) for everything he has done for English Cricket and for always being a great ambassador for the sport all across the world. He has been a massive part of my development as a leader in the dressing room, and he will continue to be a key ally for me in this role."

Stokes, who made his Test debut in December 2013, has played 79 red-ball games for England. He was named vice-captain in February 2017 and also stood-in as captain when Root was absent for the birth of his second child in the summer of 2020.

The Durham all-rounder has scored 5 061 Test runs at an average of 35.89, and claimed 174 wickets

England all-rounder Ben Stokes

with the ball.

Stokes's appointment, that'll make him the 81st captain of the England

Men's Test team, was approved on Tuesday evening by the ECB Interim Chair and Chief Executive Officer

Tom Harrison following the recommendation by the Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Rob Key. "I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben," Key said. "He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of redball cricket. I am delighted that he has accepted, and he is ready for the added responsibility and the honour.

He thoroughly deserves the opportunity," he added.

"I am delighted that Ben has agreed to become England Men's Test captain, which is another great achievement in his extraordinary career in an England shirt," Harrison said.

"He cares deeply and passionately about what it means to represent England and he will lead us into a new era with great pride. It's an important summer for our Test side and Ben will I am sure relish the challenge before him and his team." (Cricbuzz)

Brazilian Football Confederation appoints first female director

(REUTERS) – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) named its first female director on Tuesday, appointing architect Luisa Rosa to a role that includes oversight of new construction projects.

Rosa worked on the organising committees for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games held in

Rio de Janeiro.

She was also involved in architecture projects for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Rosa, 33, will be tasked with creating 15 development centres with money earned by Brazil when it hosted the 2014 World Cup. She will also oversee an expansion of the Granja Comary headquarters where the Brazilian national side prepares for international matches and World Cups, said the globoesporte website.

CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues said Rosa’s promotion to Director of Assets would act as an incentive to others.

“The hope is that this will serve as an incentive to all those who work here and show that we are following their work and looking to give them more opportunities,” Rodrigues said.

Her appointment comes almost a year after the previous CBF president was removed from office by the organisation’s ethics committee following allegations that he sexually harassed female employees.

Rogerio Caboclo has denied the accusations.

Luisa Rosa - CBF’s first female director

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Liverpool closer to another Champions League final after beating Villarreal LIVERPOOL put one foot in their third Champions League final in five seasons after a 2-0 victory over the least-fancied team in the last four, Villarreal.

An own goal from Pervis Estupinan and Sadio Mane’s 20th of the season in a three-minute second-half

spell did the damage and the only criticism which could be levelled at Jurgen Klopp’s side was that they should have scored more.

European Cup semi-finals are not supposed to be easy but this was about as comfortable as it gets – arguably less trouble than the 5-2

first-leg victory over Roma at Anfield which set them on the way to a 2018 final defeat against Real Madrid.

Under Unai Emery the visitors had lost just one of 12 away games in Europe, in stoppage time at Old Trafford last September, and had beaten Juventus and Bayern

Munich to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2006.

Villarreal were perceived as presenting an easy option – by virtue of them not being Manchester City or Real Madrid – and Liverpool’s dominance from the off suggested that would play out with La

Liverpool’s Sadio Mane scored his 20th goal of the season

Liga’s seventh-placed team failing to register a shot on target in the game.

Even a goalless opening 45 minutes which set a new competition record for firsthalf shots without scoring in a semi-final was more down to the hosts’ inability to find the net than their opponents’ powers of resistance.

The dozen attempts they made surpassed any other team since the data was first collected in 2003-4, with the closest they came being Thiago Alcantara’s 25-yard effort off the post.

Mane, whose combination with Mohamed Salah looked back to its best, had three efforts, Salah himself had a couple while Luis Diaz cut in from the left to blast a right-footed effort at Geronimo Rulli who unconvincingly claimed at the second attempt.

The movement of Liverpool was incessant and multi-faceted with Diaz tracking up and down the left wing but also dropping inside, Jordan Henderson often playing on the shoulder of the last line of defence and Trent Alexander-Arnold popping up in the number 10 position to win a free-kick 25 yards out, which he hit into the wall.

One move almost produced one of the goals of the season when the excellent Thiago sprayed yet another 50-yard left-to-right diagonal for Alexander-Arnold to hit first-time into the path of Salah whose own volley went over.

And while they reached the interval without scoring – Villarreal’s one chance

seeing Tottenham loanee Giovani Lo Celso lob wide from Dani Parejo’s longrange free-kick – there was never the sense that the breakthrough would not come.

Five minutes after the interval Fabinho forced the ball home only to be flagged offside, and Diaz headed weakly at Rulli before a stroke of good fortune brought the 53rd-minute opener.

In a flowing move which started close to the halfway line on the left by Andy Robertson and involved Thiago and Mane ended with Salah playing in Henderson wide on the right.

The England international looked to stand a cross up to the far post only for the ball to take a deflection off Estupinan and float over the goalkeeper and inside the far post.

It was the piece of luck they needed as one quickly became two when Alexander-Arnold combined with Salah on the edge of the penalty area and he slid a perfectly-weighted pass for Mane to poke past Rulli.

At that point it seemed a question of how big a lead Liverpool wanted to take to Spain next week as Robertson volleyed home Alexander-Arnold’s cross only for it to be ruled out for offside.

However, a raft of substitutions followed as Klopp rotated his players with a Saturday lunchtime kickoff at Newcastle to think about as his side’s pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple continues with a return to Premier League action.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Smirnoff Vodka Medal Play golf tourney set for tomorrow

THE Smirnoff Vodka-sponsored Medal Play golf tournament is expected to attract most of the country’s leading golfers tomorrow at the Lusignan Golf Club, East Coast Demerara.

Smirnoff, the world’s leading vodka is exclusively imported and distributed by Banks DIH Limited.

Operations/Engineering Director of Banks DIH, Gavin

Todd, an ardent golfer presented the trophies to Anasha Ally, Public Relations Officer of the Lusignan Golf Club, during a presentation ceremony yesterday at Thirst Park. Also present were Chet Bowling, Secretary of LGC, Troy Peters, Communications Manager and Ian Charles, Smirnoff Vodka Brand Representative.

Bowling expressed the Club’s heartfelt appreciation

to Banks DIH Limited for initiating the sponsorship.

“The Lusinan Golf Club acknowledges the contribution of Banks DIH to golf over the years through its sponsorship of the Guyana Open, junior programmes and the club’s upkeep.”

Peters said that Smirnoff Vodka, the largest vodka brand in the world is extremely delighted to sponsor the

Gavin Todd presents the first-place trophy to Anasha Ally while Chet Bowling, Ian Charles and Troy Peters display some of the other trophies that will be up for grabs

tournament and to support the development of golf locally.

Tomorrow’s lineup is expected to include Maxim Mangra, Paton George, Carlos Adams, Maurice Solomon,

Brian Glasford, Brian Hackett, Troy Cadogan, Richard Haniff, Philbert London, Bowling, Todd, Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis, Anasha Ally and Shanella London.

Trophies will be awarded to the top four overall Best Net, as well as Nearest to the Flag, Longest Drive and Best Gross.

Tee-off is 12:30hrs.

“The fans will always want more; they are always baying for more blood. But at the end of the day I don’t have anything more to give. I’ve given everything I’ve got. I’ve been a professional (for) 14 years, I’ve been boxing over 20 years.

“My time is to go out on a high. I always said that I wanted to walk away on top of the sport, and do it on my terms, and I didn’t want to be the person who said: ‘Well, I should have maybe re-

tired two years ago’ or whatever.

“I just wanted to walk out on top, go out with a bang. Nearly 100 000 at Wembley, with a knockout performance – they will not forget the Gypsy King in a hurry, and no amount of material assets or money will make me come back out of retirement because I’m very happy.”

Fury has indicated he has no interest in facing either WBA, IBF and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua,

whose rematch is pencilled in for this summer.

He also said following Saturday’s bout he is not ruling out exhibition fights or a return to return to World Wrestling Entertainment.

And when asked by Morgan on Wednesday what his big aim in life now was, Fury replied: “My big aim in life now Piers is to get a job next to you, interviewing people and talking my mind!” (PA Sport)

No amount of money will bring me out of retirement - Tyson Fury

TYSON Fury has reiterated that he is retiring from boxing, stressing that “no amount of money” will tempt him to change the decision.

The 33-year-old undefeated WBC heavyweight champion once again declared himself happy with his lot and ready to hang up his gloves, three days on from beating fellow Briton Dillian Whyte via a sixth-round stoppage in front of a 94 000 crowd at Wembley.

Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV, Fury said: “This is the truth, the gospel truth, nothing but the truth – I’m done.

“Every good dog has its day.

Like a great Roman leader said, there will always be somebody else to fight.

“When is enough enough?

I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’ve still got my brains, I can still talk. I’ve got a beautiful wife, I’ve got six kids. I’ve got umpteen belts. I’ve got plenty of money. I’ve got

Undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury

success, fame, glory. What more am I doing it for?

“Boxing’s a very dangerous sport, you can be taken out with one punch as we’ve seen on Saturday night, and it only takes one unlucky blow and you may not get up off that canvas.

“I’m quitting while I’m ahead. I’m undefeated, only the second man in history to retire undefeated heavyweight champion

I’m very, very happy and very content in my heart with what I’ve done, what I’ve achieved.

“It’s not about money for me. A lot of people in this world, everything is about money, and more money and more money.

I’ve got enough money. I’ve got enough of everything I need.

“I’m a very simple man.

I drive an 07 VW Passat. I’m a very normal person, I don’t need tons of money to impress everybody.”

Fury, whose professional record shows 32 wins and one draw, with 23 victories by KO, added: “It’s not worth it (continuing).

“I’ve got a family to raise. I have four young kids to raise and two older ones.

“I’ve been away for the last 10 years on the road, all over the world, travelling for boxing.

When do I get time to be a father or a husband, a brother, a son? I need this personal time.

Curry, Antetokounmpo star in NBA play-off wins

NBA superstars Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo demonstrated their talents once again by leading their respective teams to series-clinching play-off wins on Wednesday.

Curry scored 30 points in his first start of the play-offs as Golden State Warriors earned their place in the Western Conference semi-finals.

The Warriors won 102-98 against Denver Nuggets, securing a 4-1 victory.

Antetokounmpo scored 33 points as Milwaukee Bucks beat Chicago Bulls.

Bucks earned a 116-100 win over the visiting Bulls to reach the Eastern Conference semi-finals, where they will play Boston Celtics.

Curry, who has been recovering from a foot injury, made

five three-pointers, five rebounds and five assists, setting up a Western Conference clash with Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies.

"Steph Curry is a special, special player and you'll probably never see another player like him again," said Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson.

"Some of the threes he made were so incredible, also getting to the rim and making the pocket pass."

Antetokounmpo - a two-time NBA most valuable player eclipsed the 30-point mark for the third time in the last four games as Bucks overcame Bulls.

The victory - which is Milwaukee's first post-season series win over Bulls since 1985 sealed a 4-1 win in the best-ofseven series.

"After game two, the team

Stephen Curry, a twotime NBA most valuable player, is bidding to win a fourth championship with Warriors

knew what the deal was," Antetokounmpo told ESPN. "We knew what we had to do, we had to be desperate. We had to go out there and compete at a high level.

"We've got to do it as a team.

It's not a one-man show or twoman show.

"Now we're going to a different series, playing a different team, a very, very good team, and hopefully we can do it again, (BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

NYSCL to stage 17th Independence softball tournaments July 1-3

THE New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) will stage its 17th annual Independence Legends and Masters Cup tournaments from July 1 to 3 in New York at venues to be announced later.

According to a release from NYSCL president, Eric Ferrier, his league is extending an invitation to all softball cricket leagues, associations and organisations to participate in these tournaments which will be played simultaneously at different venues.

The tournaments normally attract teams from the hosts New York, Guyana and Florida.

The tournaments will feature a 25-over format for the Independence Cup, 20-over for the Masters Cup Over-40 and 15 overs per side for the

Flashback: 2021 Legends Over-50 winners Regal Legends

Legends Cup Over-50.

The participation fee per team for the Independence Cup, which features players in any age group, is US$1 200.

The Masters Cup partic-

ipation fee is US$1 000, and all players must be born in or before 1982 to participate.

The Legends Cup participation fee is US$900 and all players must be born in or before 1972.

The release further stated that players in the Masters and Legends categories must present a government-issued photo identification card showing their correct name and date of birth if called

upon by the organszing committee.

All teams will be required to submit rosters with a maximum of fifteen (15) players, clearly stating their captain and vice-captain and each

roster must be submitted at least one week prior to the start of the tournament.

Several individual batting and bowling prizes, along with man-of-the-match and Most Valuable Player (MVP) prizes for each tournament will be up for grabs while the winners of each tournament will receive a cash incentive.

The release also pointed out that the number of teams participating will determine each competition’s format and additional information will be provided as the tournaments approach.

Interested teams are asked to contact Eric Ferrier Email: ericferrier1@aol. com, phone: 917-743-8425 and Ivor Chan whose email is ivch50@hotmail.com and phone number 718-7557565. (Frederick Halley)

Baird to make return at Arrowhead League after MCL injury

IT has been 13 long months since Leslain Baird last competed. Derailed by a Medial Collateral Ligament injury (meniscus tear) in his left knee, Baird suffered the agony of missing the qualification standards for the Olympics.

Nevertheless, that familiar feel of adrenaline just before competing is about to return for the national javelin record holder when he steps on the track for the first time in over a year at the Arrowhead League

scheduled to start this weekend at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

“It was really a long and hard road to recovery. My coach had big things in store for me last year. We started last season with over 77m in throwing the javelin but then tragedy hit me on my second competition of last year so this year we are not taking it that hard, we are taking it slow,” Baird said.

In addition, Baird highlighted that he was thankful to his

2018 South American Games silver medallist Leslain Baird

coaches and physiotherapists who helped him along the road to recovery, noting that he could not have gotten to this point without their help.

However, Baird did mention that he will just be doing a “three-step throw” as he grooves back into the thick of competition.

“It’s not about winning this weekend, it’s about just getting in the distance and seeing how I feel when I’m done,” Baird highlighted.

Meanwhile, the 2018 South American Games silver medallist is enthused to compete in the first-ever track and field league (Arrowhead League) in Guyana, noting that “senior athletes need events like these to improve”.

Baird will compete in the javelin throw tomorrow where he is hinting at a special performance when action kicks off at 17:00hrs at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

Phantom cart off GDA Easter Bonanza dominoes event PHANTOM/Next Level Sports Club came out victorious as the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) held its first fund-raising event, dubbed GDA Easter Bonanza, and held over the Easter weekend.

Sixteen teams - Gangsters, Spartans, C6, Phanthom, Mix Up, Gold Is Money, All Seasons, Fresh Cash, 300, Spartan Girls, All Season Angels, Strikers, R&R, Turning Point, F&H and Players participated in the tournament.

The first round saw Strikers and Fresh Cash advance to round two due to the fact that Spartans did not have a full complement of members present upon roll call. Gang-

Yonette Christmas of Phantom/Next Level receives the winner's trophy from the vice-president of GDA, Colin Boyce, with elated team members alongside members of the GDA Fund-raising Committee

sters, Spartan Girls and Players were also eliminated in the first round.

The third round saw F&H, C6, R&R All Season and All Seasons Angels make their exit from the tourney. Strikers drew the bye to the final which left 300, Phantom and Mix up in the fray. However, 300 were not good enough to enter into the final.

The final started with Strikers in the lead after which they failed to strike, with Phantom and Mix Up going neck and neck until it was Phantom who were on a runaway train and ended with 87 games, Mix up, after having a scare from Strikers in the final round, finished with 77 games while Strikers ended in the cellar with

68 games.

The winners took home $175 000, second place $75 000, third $35 000 and fourth $20 000. Raulston Cameron of Phantom was adjudged MVP with the maximum 18 games and was rewarded with $10 000. Gilbert Mendonca and Rawle Cameron of Mix Up with 17 and 15 games respectively and Ryan Rambalak of Strikers with 15 were the other top markers.

Vice-president of GDA, Colin Boyce, in his closing remarks, on behalf of executives of the GDA, expressed heartfelt thanks to its members and sponsors for their support in making the venture a success.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Powell cameo takes down KKR as Russell, Narine fail

MUMBAI, India (CMC) – Rovman Powell unfurled a 16-ball cameo as Delhi Capitals chased down a modest total to beat Andre Russell’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by four wickets yesterday, and remain within touching distance of the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs.

In pursuit of KKR’s 146 for nine where Russell and West Indies teammate Sunil Narine both failed to score, Capitals overhauled their target with an over to spare, with Powell pummelling a four and three sixes in an unbeaten 33.

Australian opener David Warner top-scored with 42 from 26 deliver-

ies while Axar Patel chipped in with 24, helping Capitals to their fourth win of the season and into sixth place on eight points, just two points off the trio of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Sent in at the Wankhede Stadium, KKR struggled from the outset and needed Nitish Rana’s 57 of 34 deliveries and captain Shreyas Iyer’s 42 from 37 balls, in order to muster a competitive total.

Slumping on 35 for four after the left-handed Narine was lbw first ball to left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4-14) in the eighth over, KKR were revived by a 48-run,

fifth-wicket stand between Rana, who belted three fours and four sixes and Iyer who counted four fours.

Kuldeep removed Iyer and Russell in the space of four deliveries in the 14th over but Rana and Rinku Singh (23) put on 62 for the seventh wicket to control the back end of the innings.

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav (324) then gave KKR an explosive start when he bowled Prithvi Shaw with the first ball of the innings and when Mitchell Marsh (13) followed in the second over, Capitals were tottering on 17 for two.

Warner added 62 for the third wicket with Lalit Yadav (22) but

Rovman Powell hits out during his unbeaten 33 for Delhi Capitals yesterday. (Photo courtesy IPL)

a cluster of wickets – three for two runs in the space of 11 deliveries – left Capitals with work to do at 84 for five at the start of the 12th over.

However, Powell anchored two key stands, putting on 29 for the sixth wicket with Axar and a further 37 in an unbroken seventh-icket partnership with Shardul Thakur (8

not out), to negate KKR’s threat.

The Jamaican ended the contest by depositing Iyer’s unpractised spin over the ropes at long on.

Narine produced a stingy four-over spell which cost just 19 runs and yielded one wicket while Russell’s woes were compounded when his lone over leaked 14 runs.

3X3 basketball team in Adrian Hetmyer benefits action today at South from Project Cricket Gear American Youth Games

… swimmers, table tennis players fail to meet finals on opening day

From left, Guyana’s 3X3 team co-ordinator Junior Hercules along with players Carmelo Man-son-Hing, Kimol Grimmond and Matthias Arrindell in Argentina

IT certainly wasn’t the start to this year’s South American Youth Games that Guyana was hoping for, with the country’s athletes all failing to reach the medal round of their respective disciplines.

Guyana is being represented in the areas of badminton, boxing, table tennis, 3X3 basketball and swimming.

Swimmers Paul Mahaica (56.79s), and Leon Seaton Jr ((54.88) finished in the top three of their respective semi-finals of the men’s 100m freestyle event, but their times were not good enough to see them move on to the finals.

Vladimir Woodroffe will take to the pool for his first event today.

In table tennis, Jonathan Van Lange was

impressive during his run in the Boy’ singles event. After seeing off David Herrera 4-0 (12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 11-4, 11-5), Van Lange bowed out in the Round-of-16, going down in straight sets to Ecuador Diego Piguave (7-11, 5-11, 6-11, 7-11).

Jasmine Billingy and Thuraia Thomas narrowly missed moving out of the Roundof-32 in the Girls’ singles event.

Meanwhile, Kimol Grimmond, Carmelo Man-son-Hing, Matthias Arrindell and Travis Lewis will battle Venezuela today at 10:25hrs in the Boys 3X3 basketball event.

The South American Youth Games, first held in 2013, is a multi-sport event, held every four years and caters for athletes aged 14-18 years old.

PROLIFIC right-handed batter and medium pacer, Adrian Hetmyer, was recently rewarded for his selection to the Berbice Under-15 team, currently participating in the GCB/Dave West Indies Imports and Exports Inter-county tournament.

Players are vying for a place in the national team to participate in the upcoming Cricket West Indies regional tournament.

The 13-year-old Hetmyer represents Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club, East Canje, Berbice at all levels despite his tender age and is the son of former national youth player Seon and nephew of Shimron who is currently playing in the Indian Premiere League (IPL).

Hetmyer started well in the tournament, scoring 31 and taking two wickets in the first game while the second game was washed out. In the recently concluded BCB/Tenelec countywide Under-15 competition for teams in Berbice, he registered three centuries in four matches.

Hetmyer received one pair of batting pads, one pair of batting gloves and one arm guard from the initiative which is jointly sponsored

by Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA. He has expressed gratitude for the tokens and promised to perform to the best of his ability and follow the footsteps of his father and uncle.

Speaking on behalf of the initiative, Anil Beharry, a former long-serving cricketer and administrator of Berbice cricket and current executive of the GCB, said he is really impressed with the skill and level of maturity of young Hetmyer and is confident that he will reach the top.

Beharry also pledged to continue to help the rising star as his career grows - the same he did for his dad and uncle. “I am pleased to contribute to this noble game which will surely help to produce more cricketers and strengthen Guyana and West Indies cricket,”, Beharry disclosed.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $130 000 cash, two trophies, 11 cricket

Berbice Under-15 player Adrian Hetmyer

boots, 16 pairs of batting pads, 17 bats, 10 pairs of batting gloves, 19 thigh pads, one wicket-keeping pad, one arm guard, five cricket bags and one helmet. In addition to the above, $600 000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicketkeeper/batter.

To date, 34 young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, one arm guard, ten bats, nine pairs of cricket shoes, seven pairs of batting pads and eight pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club received a pair of stumps and bails and two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam cricket committees, Cotton Tree Die Hard and Rose Hall CCCC also each received one box of red cricket balls.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 29, 2022

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr (left) makes the presentation to Olympic medallist, Michael Parris, in the presence of Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle (Photo: News Room/April 27, 2022)

Sports Ministry honours Guyana’s lone Olympic medallist

FORMER boxer, Michael Paris, is the country’s lone Olympic medallist and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport on Wednesday made a ceremonial presentation to him as a start to building a future relationship.

Parris won a bronze in the 1980 Games in Russia.

Minister Charles Ramson Jr and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, presented

Parris with a locally designed sculpture, depicting a mother and a child, and a cheque for an undisclosed sum.

“Michael has said to me many times he always felt as though he was never really recognised ever since he got his bronze medal, and of course, that is something that would not sit nicely with me because we’re on a trajectory now in the Ministry where we’re looking to

Ben 23 Stokes appointed England men's Test captain PAGE

develop the programmes that will help us to become more competitive at the international level.

He added, “This here is just functioning as a signal to the public about where the Ministry and the Government of Guyana stand in relation to making this presentation to Michael, and to signal to young people that when they do well, they should always be recognised.”

Parris said: “I hope this token will help inspire the young men and women to use the opportunity to go out and receive medals at the CAC, Commonwealth, and Olympic Games, to come back and receive what Michael Parris received.”

Additionally, the Sport Minister said Parris would be featured more prominently at the annual Sports Conference, scheduled for October this year.

Luisa Rosa - CBF’s first female director

Brazilian Football Confederation appoints first female director 23 No amount of money will bring me out of retirement - Tyson Fury 25 England all-rounder Ben Stokes

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FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022