Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_29_05_2021

saturDAY 29th May, 2021

' No.106375

Safety of flood-affected residents a priority 03 PAGE

–– President Ali assures nation, says gov’t working to provide much-needed assistance

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday visited and interacted with residents of Mahaicony Creek, who have been affected by severe flooding due to persistent rainfall over the last few days. The President was accompanied by a team of senior officials, among them Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar

More pumps deployed to flood-hit 02 Region Six PAGE

‘Sister Baby’ turns 104, Nelson Clonmell going strong at 100 12&14

PAGE

PAGES

Lucretia Bradford

High water levels in Region 10 raise 07 health concerns

Nelson Barrington Clonmell

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

Minister Croal leads flood assessment team to Mabaruma

HOUSING and Water Minister, Collin Croal, and a team from the Ministry of Agriculture, on Friday, engaged Programme Heads of the Mabaruma Sub-district as they commenced a twoday assessment of the flood situation there.

Croal also holds Parliamentary Responsibility for Region One. The visiting team includes senior staff of the Guyana Livestock Development Association, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, the National Research and Extension Institute and members of the Guyana Defence Force and Police Force.

Also present at the briefing are Regional Chairman,

Brentnol Ashley, and Shem Cuffy, Deputy Regional Executive Officer.

The regional officials in their brief noted that a total of 19 communities in the sub-region are affected by flooding while several poultry and cash crop farmers have suffered losses.

The flooding is caused by heavy rainfall and the recent high tide.

Already several communities have been visited by health officials and other technical regional officers to assess and find possible solutions.

The minister and team will be visiting several communities throughout the day.

Residents of several communities in the Mabaruma

sub-district were allowed to engage Minister Croal, and a team from the Ministry of Agriculture visited flood-affected areas.

The team visited the communities of Wauna, Tobago, Hosororo and Barabina Kumaka Waterfront.

Commitments were made to ease the effects felt by residents of these communities.

At Barabina, residents complained of having to wade through floodwaters to get to work. In response, they were promised rain boots, while in the long-term the drainage system in the community will be looked at.

Additionally, some works to clear drainage canals have commenced in several communities.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, speaking with residents of the Mabaruma district affected by the flooding

More pumps deployed to flood-hit Region Six –– distribution of relief hampers commences

By Nafeeza Yahya

APPROXIMATELY 12 drainage pumps were in operation in the flood-affected parts of Region Six on Friday evening, as officials tried desperately to bring relief to residents and prepare for the rainfall that is predicted for the next few days.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrrat, led teams into Black Bush Polder (BBP) and other flooded parts of the region on Friday, to identify and put relief measures in place for the affected residents.

Minister Mustapha re-

turned to BBP two days after he visited with Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and regional officials, to check on the progress of the measures that were implemented. He also had over 800 food and sanitation hampers which were distributed to residents of Yakusari and Johanna, areas located in BBP. CDC will return to BBP on Saturday with another 1000 hampers which will be distributed in Mibicuri and Lesbeholden.

During Wednesday’s visit, PM Phillips had promised residents that every household in BPP would be receiving a hamper consisting of food items and sanitation supplies.

Minister Mustapha, on Friday, reiterated his previous commitment to assist the rice, cash crops and livestock farmers who have suffered losses, following his team’s completion of an assessment of the extent of the damages incurred.

The minister informed residents that, aside from a pump being installed at Adventure, pumps will also be installed at Eversham and Number 43 Village. It is anticipated that these pumps and those currently in operation will be able to discharge more water into the outfalls when the sluices are closed.

Minister Mustapha expressed optimism that this would see residents getting some relief

soon.

“Most of the measures that we initiated last Wednesday are in place. We have the machines in the four polders.

We have machines going on the Crown Dam because the water is overtopping there.

We have started the distribution of hampers. I’m optimistic that if the weather holds, we will see a lot of relief in BPP over the next 24 hours,” he said.

During his visit to Yakusari, the minister made a commitment to ensuring that the area has its own drainage canal as part of a long term solution once the water recedes. This, he noted will take some time and resources but will happen sometime in the future.

The minister noted that there are other areas across the

country that are flooded and that President Irfaan Ali is extremely concerned. Government officials have fanned out to different areas to assess the situation and provide interventions to bring immediate relief to residents.

Minister Mustapha is expected to visit other flood-affected parts of the region on Saturday even though he has deployed some excavators and high-?density Polyethylene (HDPE) tubes to aid in draining the water from the land.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, David Armogan, said with the exception of Crabwood Creek and Skeldon in the Upper Corentyne, all other areas in Region Six have reported some level of flooding. The BPP and the Mara/Lightown area on the East Bank of Berbice are the two most affected.

He disclosed that all sluices are being closely monitored while excavators and drainage pumps are being deployed to areas that are more affected. He stated that based on the situation on the ground, plans may have to be made for evacuation works or the provision of hampers to residents.

Anisha Narine, a 32-yearold resident of Yakusari expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of the minister and team.

“Me and me family very happy for the help (hamper) from the government because with the flood all me crops them destroy and me can’t get any money.

This hamper will help keep food on abee table until things gone back to normal,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE saturday, may 29, 2021

Safety of flood-affected residents a priority –– President Ali assures the nation, says gov’t working to provide much-needed assistance

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday journeyed to Mahaicony Creek, in Region Five, where he was able to assess, first-hand, the impact of the recent flood on villages along the Mahaicony River, including First Savannah, Water Dog Creek and Gordon Table.

The President visited several homes in the Mahaica-Berbice region, and interacted with scores of

“It’s all the regions we are having this difficult time with, and we have to get resources all over. I know it is a difficult situation, but the problem is the rainfall, which we don’t have control of.

And it is not only in one area, but in all 10 of the regions,” President Ali said. “So, what we are trying to do now is to ensure that people are safe, and that essential necessities are met,” he told the residents

their livestock dry and safe”.

He also pointed out that the areas should have a localised rapid-response team that would be able to respond to the residents’ daily needs, instead of large teams having to travel back and forth from the communities. According to Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Indar Deodat, the response team will include veterinary and medical services.

Like several other parts of the country, the residents of Mahaicony Creek, in Region Five are also affected by flood waters due to the persistent rains

President Ali listening to the concerns of a Mahaicony Creek resident residents there who told him of the challenges they have been facing due to flood waters invading their homes and farmlands.

Dr. Ali assured the residents that the government is working around-the-clock to ensure that Guyanese affected by flooding are provided with essential supplies.

of West Berbice.

He emphasised that constant support, especially as it relates to infrastructural work, would be provided.

President Ali further instructed the Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal to ensure that the residents of Region Five have access to areas where they can “keep

Mohamed Zaid Rafeeoodeen of the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMAADA) informed the president that currently, farmers in the area are being supported by six excavators; three on the right bank and three on the left bank of the river, to secure transport for crops,

and to heighten the floor embankment to prevent water from overflowing into the farmlands.

Chairman Ramphal also pointed to the distribution of more than 200 food hampers, as well as cleaning supplies to affected residents. He also expressed gratitude for the government’s swift intervention.

Head of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Kester Craig was also present to explain that the countrywide flooding is as a result of excessive rainfall over the last eight days, and that mostly farmlands and low-lying homes are affected. “The Commission has been working closely with all 10 Administrative

Regions to ensure that the regional response mechanism is activated and responded to in a coordinated manner with all the programme heads, the departments, the units, the fire, the military, working together to respond to this current situation,” Craig said.

It was furthered explained that the Regional Democratic Council and Town Council in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have established temporary shelters that currently houses five persons. Craig said, too, that the CDC has also established temporary shelters in the area to cater for people, if the numbers increase.

President Ali has assured all concerned that the govern-

Baggage handler shot dead by motorcycle bandit A 40-year-old maintenance and baggage handler of a local airline was shot dead by motorcycle bandits on Friday on Camp Street between Church and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.

Dead is Ronald Omar Smith, of Wakapao, Pomeroon, Region Two. He was robbed and shot dead by two bandits on a XR motorcycle.

Enquiries revealed that the victim was conducting business in and out of the city and was being driven by a miner in motor car PZZ 6065 earlier in the day.

The victim made a sale of gold and placed the $437,000 cash received in a haversack and went to visit his girlfriend.

After the visit, Smith and

his girlfriend were standing in front the Impeccable Beauty Salon when they were confronted by the suspects who came from an unknown direction.

The pillion rider, according to reports, dismounted and discharged two rounds at Smith who fell to the ground.

He then took away Smith’s haversack containing the

The area where Smith was robbed and killed

ment will continue to providing relief and other forms of support to residents, at least until the floodwaters recede.

Prior to President Ali’s visit to the Mahaicony Creek, he convened a high-level meeting with members of his Cabinet and other key stakeholders to ‘brainstorm’ ways of mitigating the effects of the flooding on low-lying housing areas and agriculture, particularly vulnerable crops and livestock.

According to information from Guyana’s Hydrometeorological Service, heavy rainfall is likely to continue over the next few days. Persons affected by the flood can call the CDC for guidance and assistance on 600- 7500. cash, after which he and his accomplice made good their escape north on Camp Street.

Smith was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention.

Police said that the body was examined and three circular wounds were seen: one to the upper left shoulder, one to the middle region of the belly and one under the right armpit.

The driver is in custody assisting with the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

COVID-19 death toll for May now at 81 THE Ministry of Health on Friday recorded four more COVID-19 deaths, bringing the number of such casualties to 81 in May alone, the deadliest month since the pandemic struck Guyana.

So far, the virus has claimed the lives of 380 persons since it was first detected here on March 11, 2020.

The latest fatalities, according to the ministry, are a 39-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); a 74-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); and 68-yearold man from Region 10

(Upper Demerara-Berbice). These persons succumbed while receiving medical care at Ministry of Health institutions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health recorded 70 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,248 tests carried out on Friday.

Of these, Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded two; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), six; Region Three, seven; Region Four, 29; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), two; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), seven; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), five; and Region 10, 12.

The newly-infected

persons were 33 males and 37 females.

Currently, 24 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 103 are institutionally isolated, 1,841 are isolated at home, and nine are institutionally quarantined.

Of Guyana’s 16,724 confirmed cases since the arrival of COVID-19 here, 1,977 are currently being monitored, while 153 of Guyana’s 14,376 recoveries were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and con-

sistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and the need for good hand hygiene to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Persons are also urged to get vaccinated unless otherwise advised by their doctors.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

Brazil’s fight against COVID-19 hampered by flooding and favela growth

EFFORTS to vaccinate people in the remote Amazonas State in Brazil are being badly hampered by flooding.

Anama is a municipality home to 14,000 people on a tributary of the Solimoes River, which flows towards the capital of Manaus.

It is just one of dozens of towns in the Amazonas state that have recently seen life upended by floods, due to higher-than-average rainfall.

Health workers have

Saturday May 29, 2021 – 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

Lining up for lunch outside a Catholic charity in São Paulo. The number of people going hungry has nearly doubled in Brazil recently. been forced to take to boats to deliver vaccines to vulnerable residents who have been stranded by the deluge.

“Today,” nurse Tayline Bastos told Euronews, “we are going house-to-house with vaccines for influenza, and against COVID. We’re vaccinating people aged 18

to 59 with chronic conditions.”

The flooding has also led to the suspension of a mass vaccination effort aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 in remote areas of the vast state.

PANDEMIC DEEPENS POVERTY Brazil has been battered by COVID-19 in both its remote, underdeveloped regions and cities, where crowded neighbourhoods and poverty often go hand-in-hand.

New favelas are sprouting up in Sãao Paulo, built and lived in by recently-unemployed workers like Giovani de Souza, who lost his former jobs and home in the coronavirus pandemic.

Now living in the Penha Brasil favela, he said: “Everyone ended up being fired.

Without a job, I couldn’t pay my rent. I was evicted from where I was, and found the

solution here; I built my small shack, and I’m now living here.”

Giovani’s story is far from uncommon. Former saleswoman, Jessica Costa also lost her job and, consequently, her home. She has now moved to the same favela.

“We decided to come here,” she said, “because with only one person working, it’s not possible [to make rent], with two small children, one aged four, and the other two. Things got tough, and we had to come here. But I used to work before, too.”

There appears to be no let-up in the pandemic in Brazil, even as vaccination drives get underway.

The latest figures showed over 67,000 new infections registered in the previous 24 hours, while the country’s officially-recorded death toll now stands at over 430,000. (euronews.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

$1B in security, infrastructure works for Region Six

SENIOR officials of Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) on Thursday signed off on contracts for the provision of security services and infrastructural works in the region valued at over $1B. The contracts were awarded to four contractors, namely: Queensway Security Service Inc., the sum of $988,786,754 for the provision of security services to the Regional Democratic Council (all public buildings); Shaffeeullah Sawmill, the sum of $31.4M for the rehabilitation of the Number 63 Beach entrance; Premium Asphalt, $28.7M for the rehabilitation of the Number 61 Beach entrance; and N and S General Engineering and Contracting Services, $14.8M for the extension of the Berbice High School.

Additionally, a 13-seater bus, valued some $4.4 M, was handed over to the region’s Regional Health Services. The contracts were signed in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council, at its Vrymen’s Ervin, New Amsterdam, East Berbice office.

According to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall the four

“We are going to transform the country; as a matter of fact, we have more projects now, and we will have more projects in the future than we have contractors,” Minister Dharamlall said, adding: “And I can tell you this: In the regional system, I run all 10 regions, and we will have more work than we have contractors for. We also have space for people to do quality work, and we have more space for additional persons to come onboard. So, you should also see this as a form of open competition;

Imran Shaffeeullah of Shaffeeullah Sawmill receiving his contract from Regional Chairman, David Armogan in the presence of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall and Regional Executive Officer, Narendra Persaud contracts and the bus collec- countability and transparen- mented, and executed to the tively represent one-sixths of cy. And that is why you find specifications of the contract, the budget for Region Six, us doing this activity in such and to the expectations of the and that the signing of them a public way,” Minister Dha- people where these contracts publicly is in keeping with ramlall said, adding: “As you are executed.” the government’s position on would note, since we have That said, he charged the transparency in the award of taken government, a lot of contractors and engineers contracts. ministers of government and to ensure that payments and “Today is quite signifi- officials of the government, critical deductions to The cant in the life of the govern- have been spending time in National Insurance Scheme ment in Region Six, and by the fields, and on different (NIS) and the Guyana Revthat I mean the way that we project sites, to ensure proj- enue Authority (GRA) are are conducting ourselves is ects are implemented the way made in accordance with the with the highest level of ac- we would like them imple- laws, and in a timely manner.

Neighbour found guilty of murdering Anna Catherina businesswoman, sons NINE years after the gruesome killing of Anna Catherina liquor store owner, Jennifer Persaud, and her two sons, Abishai Caesar, was, on Friday, convicted of the crime.

Caesar was found guilty of three counts of murder by a jury at the Demerara High Court.

Caesar was convicted of the murders of 41-yearold Jennifer Persaud, called “Jenny,” and her sons, sixyear-old Afridi Bacchus and 18-month-old Jadon Ernest, who were killed between September 21, 2012, and September 22, 2012, at Sea View, Anna Catherina.

Justice Sandil Kissoon deferred sentencing until June 16 when a probation report is expected to be presented to the court in favour of Caesar.

Caesar was represented by attorney Rachael Bakker, while the state was represented by prosecutor Lisa Cave.

One of the main witnesses in the case was Zoey Phillips, the former reputed wife of Caesar and neighbour of Persaud.

“Abishai said to me that he was going over to Jenny to get some money because he was broke,” Phillips had told the court during her testimony.

The couple then went into

CONVICTED: Abishai Caesar the kitchen in the lower flat of their home, where Caesar armed himself with a knife and a pair of green gloves. He was clad in a pair of 3/4 pants at the time.

The witness said that Caesar went to the back of their house and gained entry into their neighbour’s yard through an opening in the zinc fence. According to Phillips, her neighbour had clear glass windows and so she was able to see Caesar in the woman’s house by peeping through the louvre window in her bedroom.

After seeing Caesar as he went up the stairs to Persaud’s home, Phillips claimed that she went to bed and fell asleep. She was later awakened by the sound of a woman screaming and sat on

her bed. Thirty minutes later, Caesar called for her and she went downstairs into the kitchen and opened the back door for him.

According to Phillips, Caesar had a small cardboard beer box in his hands, and told her that that was all he had gotten from raiding Persaud’s home. The box contained a number of $20 and $100 bills which amounted to $3,000. He also came back with the pair of gloves and a knife, both of which had what appeared to be blood. There was also what appeared to be spots of blood on his pants.

The witness disclosed that her reputed husband told her that Persaud woke up and saw him in her house and he killed her because she saw his face and knew him well.

Caesar, Phillips explained, told her that while he was stabbing Jennifer, the older son woke up and saw him. This caused him to kill the older son and later the baby. The couple then went to the seawall, where Caesar threw the knife into the river.

They then went into the street and Caesar threw the gloves and pants into some bushes.

The witness said they returned to their home and went to sleep.

In 2019, Caesar was first tried before Justice

Brassington Reynolds but the case was sent for retrial after a 12-member jury was unable to arrive at a verdict.

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and you have been able to get these contracts, as you have gotten others. So just make sure you do justice to the Bills of Quantities.”

The Local Government Ministry has intensified the monitoring of projects, and has resumed the public placement of unpriced Bill of Quantities at the project site, or within the project area, so that residents and NDCs can see what the scope of works entails and help to monitor the projects and contractors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Online Learning

OVER the last few decades there has been a rapid growth in the number of online distance education institutions.

A major concern has centred on the quality and effectiveness of the learning, ie, whether this mode of education was as effective as classroom-based learning. With the exception of degrees and other qualifications granted by a few well-established distance education institutions, such as for example, the University of London and the Open University in the UK, and a handful of similar institutions around the world, many employers in the U.S., but mostly in developing countries, have been reluctant to hire graduates of online degrees. This concern has spawned a number of studies on the effectiveness of this mode of learning and the positive findings have begun to change this employer-posture.

There is now strong evidence that suggests online learning is generally at least as effective as the traditional format. For example, one systematic analysis has found that students’ learning outcomes for online learners were as good as, or better than those of traditional learners regardless of background characteristics, and that the students were greatly satisfied with online learning.

Another study that examined the relationship of sense of community between traditional classroom and the blended format or combination of online, electronic and face-to-face learning, found that compared with the traditional format, students in blended formats had a stronger sense of community.

Further, in a study that compares learn-

ing outcomes for students who self-selected into the online format for a macroeconomics course, researchers found that after correcting for sample selection bias, students’ test scores in the online format were higher than in the traditional format by four points.

Furthermore, these learning improvement and cost-saving gains are expected to increase as new tools and software for online learning are developed and tested continually. Finally, a team of researchers at Stanford Research Institute International conducted a systematic search of the literature from 1996 to 2008, and identified more than 1000 empirical studies of online learning and found that students in an online format performed modestly better than those in the traditional format.

E-learning requires less time to learn than in a traditional classroom setting, because students can learn at their own pace, going back and re-reading, skipping, or accelerating through concepts as they choose.

The availability of broadband, highspeed Internet and modern communication technologies such as smart phones, smart television and other similar devices/gadgets, has allowed an increasing number of people around the world to work and study from their homes. Students in online programmes come from all over the world, thus, class discussions feature a broader range of perspectives, helping learners to enhance their academic as well as own cross-cultural understanding. Online education inculcates or improves virtual communication and collaboration skills and offers a broader global perspective. Students also have the

opportunity to network with people from around the globe, and also broaden their perspectives on world-socioeconomic and political affairs. Finally, by successfully earning a degree online, the learner has demonstrated time management, self-motivation, the ability to tackle multiple tasks, set priorities, and adapt to changing work conditions.

A salient feature of online education is the type of pedagogical approach used. Different online pedagogical approaches promote different learning experiences through varying the source of the learning content and the nature of the learner’s activity. In traditional didactic or expository approach, content is instructor- or computer directed and typically presented in the form of text, lecture, or instructor-directed discussion.

Another approach stresses collaborative or interactive learning activity, in which the nature of the learning content is emergent as learners interact with one another and with an instructor or other knowledge sources.

The emergence of newer technologies brought a pedagogical shift in online learning from merely transmission of knowledge to active and interactive learning. A third characteristic was commonly used to categorise online learning activities is hinged on whether the activity is synchronous, ie, with instruction occurring in real time.

A synchronous activity offers greater spontaneity, making learners feel connected with others, which theoretically promotes collaboration. However, students may feel pushed or pressured to respond or hampered by technology breakdowns. Therefore, asyn-

chronous activity offers greater flexibility to learners, because it allows them to respond at their convenience. Further, the time lag offered in an asynchronous activity allows for more thoughtful and reflective learner participation.

Some of the most important benefits of online learning include its effectiveness in educating students, its use as professional development, its cost-effectiveness to combat the rising cost of post-secondary education, credit equivalency at the post-secondary level, and the possibility of providing a world-class education to anyone with a broadband connection. However, the main positive attribute of online learning was the flexibility of the approach, both in terms of time and geographic location. This flexibility was also linked with a positive perception of self-reliance. However, the factors that significantly predicted completion rate included start date, course length and assessment type.

Note, however, that the effectiveness of online learning varies amongst age groups. The general consensus on children, especially younger ones, is that a structured environment is required, because children are more easily distracted. To get the full benefit of online learning, there needs to be a concerted effort to provide this structure and go beyond make-shift presentations, which merely replicate a physical class/ lecture through video capabilities.

It requires using a range of collaboration tools and engagement methods that promote inclusion, personalisation and intelligence.

Shocked by statements from Georgetown municipal officials

Dear Editor,

I AM in ‘shock and awe’ at statements and responses coming out of Georgetown municipal officials about the appalling state of their finances which was so factually and eloquently alluded to by the President.

One of the pathetic excuses being proffered was that many of the financial challenges faced by the council were inherited from previous town council administrations.

These ridiculous claims are first being made by persons who were there for decades and glibly allowed these transgressions to

occur. The youngest child is aware that the Georgetown municipality has been under the control of one political group since Guyana’s independence 55 years ago. As the Latins would say, ‘Corvus Oculum Corvi Non Eruit’ “a crow will not pull out the eye of another crow.” Secondly, even if bad things were happening before their time, it was their duty to correct them once they took over responsibility.

Equally ridiculous was the claim that the M&CC is now trying to ‘catch up’ on a backlog of financial statements and that before they could respond to the concerns

raised by the President that these concerns needed to be ‘particularised’. Oh Please!

The list is extremely long and well known to most persons.

With many documents destroyed through alleged flood damage, with a lot having disappeared that were allegedly misplaced and with many former finance department staffers no longer within reach, ‘catching up’ would be impossible. And they know that. Their hope is probably for the life of this Council to come to an end before the ‘catching up’ occurs.

But with no qualified accounts coming

out of the Council in more than 15 years, an entity that rakes in billions of dollars each year from citizens, it certainly makes the Georgetown municipality one of the most disreputable agencies in the entire country.

I guess when the auditors are finished doing their work at City Hall, those very persons who are feigning ignorance about the horrid state of Council’s finances will be ‘heading for the hills’ when everything is ‘particularised’.

Yours sincerely, Anu Bihari

GUYANA CHRONICLE saturday, may 29, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

Establishment of Climate Change Vulnerability Fund critical –– President Ali tells Regional Food Systems Dialogue; joins PM Mottley in urging CARICOM citizens to ‘eat local’

By Rehana Ahamad

THE sudden spike in food prices has been previously attributed to external shocks, and, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the notable impact of these ‘external shocks’ is as a result of the Caribbean’s high dependence on food imports.

“The region’s high food import bill is estimated at more than US$4 billion per annum... if the region is to become more food secure, it has to begin to source more of its food needs from within the Caribbean,” President Ali told a Regional Food Systems Dialogue on Friday.

The virtual forum, which featured agriculture leaders from across the Caribbean

President, Dr. Irfan Ali Community (CARICOM), including Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, served as a preparatory forum for the United Nations’ 2021 Food Systems Summit, which is slated for September, as part of Decade of

Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the stipulated 2030 timeline.

In his keynote address, President Ali touched on the critical link between the environment and food security,

as well as the need for improved financing to address the challenges relating to sustainability.

“We cannot continue to eat third quality or second quality food when we can produce first quality food,” Dr. Ali said.

He further emphasised that “Financing for regional agriculture cannot be divorced from financing for climate reliance,” since environmental threats have a significant impact on the region’s food systems.

President Ali said that the Caribbean region remains vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change, and that financing to tackle these effects have become more critical today than ever before.

“We are perhaps the region that is affected in a worse way in terms of climate-related disasters, and if we assess international financing that comes our way it leaves much to be desired,” the Head of State admitted.

NOT SHORT OF SOLUTIONS He said definitively that the CARICOM region is not short of solutions for improving food security, since a plethora of solutions can be found in many proposals, reports, studies and regional strategies.

Dr. Ali made specific reference to the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’ which was put forward by former President and current Vice-President,

Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. The initiative, according to President Ali, had identified the key binding constraints to regional agricultural development.

“Foremost among those constraints were limited financing and new investments in the sector,” Dr. Ali recalled. He said that the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’ also proposed the development of a fund to modernise regional agriculture.

“The solution exists.

What is required is the political will and the financing to give effect to what needs to be done to develop the region’s food systems. I believe that the time has come, and the time is ripe for us to do so,” President See page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

Establishment of Climate Change ...

From page 8

Ali asserted.

The Head of State believes that the upcoming 2021 UN Food Systems Summit provides the ideal opportunity for the Caribbean to link greater resilience for its food systems with increased access to financing for sustainable development and the environment.

“It must add its voice to the appeal for the full implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development; greater grant-based financing for adaptation; greater ambitions under the National Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement on climate change; and the operationalising of the REDD Plus Mechanism for trading in carbon credits,” President Ali posited.

He also underscored the importance of establishing a “Climate Change Vulnerability Fund”.

“The Caribbean region faces many challenges in developing a competitive agri-food system that can contribute to the achievement of its food security and economic goals. One of these challenges is the region’s vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change – rising sea levels, extreme weather events and other natural disasters,” President Ali maintained.

He reasoned that given the Caribbean’s position as the second most hazard-prone region in the world, it is imperative that

attention is given to building climate resilience in order to transform the region’s agrifood system. “As I speak to you, my country along with Suriname is battling floods.

In parts of the country, many of the agricultural lands are underwater. A number of our regions have been subject to torrential rainfall, which has resulted in flooding, which, in turn, has led to losses of crops and livestock,” Dr. Ali informed the forum.

The President specifically called on the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the World Food Programme, and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to be CARICOM’s partners in championing the fund that remains a critical component of the Caribbean’s survival.

“You have all summarised in every finding that the Caribbean is specifically vulnerable to the issues of climate change. You have to help us to champion the establishment of a vulnerability fund,” President Ali urged.

The Head of State said that the preservation, protection and improvement of the environment, and, by extension the food systems, are central to achieving the SDGs. “If there has ever been a time for us as CARICOM to act decisively and as a cohesive unit, it is now – in light of the need to ensure that we do not deviate from our commit-

ment to the SDGs,” Dr. Ali said.

CONSISTENT FARMING Similar sentiments were shared by Prime Minister (PM) Mottley, who emphasised the need for Caribbean farmers to start producing crops year-round, and not only when the region is in a crisis.

“It means that there will be some need for some level of protection because they simply cannot withstand the onslaught of cheaper prices from outside, where they have the benefit of scale.

Unless we confront this frontally, we will put, at risk, our own national security and the well-being of our citizens,” Mottley posited.

She said too that the Caribbean’s goal to be able to produce at least 25 per cent of its own food by 2025 needs urgent modification.

“I trust and pray that our region will accept that we need to expedite the process of producing as much food regionally as we can, and that we need to come together, accepting that the true breadbaskets of the region will be Guyana, Suriname and Belize,” the PM noted.

She cautioned, however, that the role of Guyana, Belize and Suriname does not remove the obligation from other member states to produce and utilise as much local foods as they can.

To this end, President Ali pointed to the importance of educating the

CARICOM’s high food import bill has been pegged at being more than US$4 billion per annum

regional population on the benefits that come from eating locally produced foods. “…as my sister said, on the values of eating locally, the values of eating regionally, the values of utilising our own products. We have to take strong measures.”

Barbados PM, Mia Mottley

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

PM calls for funding to support energy revolution in the Caribbean

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has called for CARICOM member states to receive improved and prioritised access to public, grantbased and investment funding to support a “CARICOM energy revolution”.

The Prime Minister, who is the Chairperson of the CARICOM Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED), made his call while delivering remarks at a virtual high-level meeting with CARICOM ministers responsible for

energy, heads of international financial institutions, bilateral development partners and the private sector.

“We are of the firm view that a front-loaded and fasttracked investment surge is urgently needed to achieve, within the next five to ten years, what may have otherwise taken 30 years, because time is of the essence.”

He said that the region requires an average of US$5.3B in private and public investment for its push towards energy security.

Guyana on its own, he

said, requires US$1.1B for a range of energy projects which are expected to add 230 megawatts of renewable generation capacity to the country’s electricity mix.

These projects include the modernisation of the electricity grid, hydropower generation, and the inclusion of rooftop solar photovoltaic power.

“This would simultaneously improve our energy security, reduce energy pricing, and reduce carbon emissions from the power sector, among other things,” the PM

told his COTED colleagues at the meeting.

Energy security is essential to the region, according to the Senior Government official, since energy issues are inextricably linked to climate change.

“The ‘CARICOM energy revolution’ will not only allow CARICOM countries to play the leadership role that we’ve assumed in global climate mitigation efforts, recognising that, collectively, we contribute less than 0.2 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, but also facilitate our ability to implement some of the measures that are necessary for our climate adaptation,” he said, adding that each time there is a natural disaster or climate-related challenge, CARICOM member states suffer.

“These externalities have consistently eroded the modest economic gains made by some, and in many instances exacerbates our inability

to attract the right quantity and quality of financing for investments,” he noted.

Prime Minister Phillips also noted that it is imperative that the region employs modern infrastructure and techniques that are capable of effectively supporting the requirements for, and national aspirations toward, sustainable development.

“Countries can recover better from the various exogenous shocks, including those that are caused by climate events and the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said, “through an accelerated clean-energy transition that, inter alia, delivers long-term economic growth and job creation.”

The Prime Minister said that he is eagerly awaiting the expressions of interest on “our proposal, that will emerge from this meeting, and, more so, the collective actions that will follow in the years to come. Our citizens

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips continue to depend on us for solutions. Let us not let them down, on this occasion.”

Among those present at the meeting were Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, and Secretary-General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque.

Man accused of gunpoint robbery gets $200,000 bail KEON Simon of Albouystown, who allegedly robbed two persons at gunpoint, on Friday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was granted $200,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

He denied that on May 13, 2021, at Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, while being in company of another, and armed with a gun, he robbed Eion Small of one Honda XR motorcycle valued at $445,000, one silver chain valued at $35,000, and a black LG cellular phone valued at $100,000. He also denied that on the same day and at the said location, while being in company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Monisha Toppin of $800 cash.

According to the facts of the case, Small was in front of his house while his motorcycle was parked on the street with

the keys in the ignition. Simon reportedly approached Small and pulled his chain from around his neck. With a gun in his hand, he proceeded to check the man’s pants pockets where he found a phone.

Simon’s accomplice reportedly targeted Toppin, who was in her yard at the time. The woman was relieved of the sum of cash mentioned in the charge.

Following the robbery, Simon and his accomplice reportedly mounted Small’s motorcyle and speed off.

Police later arrested Simon who denied the allegations. He was charged after being picked out during an identification parade.

Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus ordered that Simon be placed on $100,000 bail on each charge.

The matter was adjourned until June 25, 2021.

Trio charged for unlawful firearm, ‘ammo’ possession THREE men, who were allegedly found with an illegal firearm and matching ammunition in their possession, were, on Friday, placed on $200,000 bail each when they made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

The charges state that Brandon Barker, Tahj Fraser

and Keith Cains, on May 26, 2021, at Brickdam, Georgetown, had in their possession a .32. Taurus pistol and two rounds of matching ammunition when they were not the holder of a firearm licence.

It is alleged that on the day in question, police, who were on mobile patrol duty, observed a suspicious car, PYY5049, parked with the three defendants seated in-

side. In their presence, a search was conducted on the car and the firearm and ammunition were reportedly found hidden under the driver’s seat. The men were told of the allegation and arrested.

Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus ordered that they be placed on $100,000 bail on each charge.

The matter was adjourned to June 25, 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

Minister Benn empathises with relatives of victims of Kairuni accident

HOME Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn on Wednesday visited the relatives and friends of Antonio Henry, Meliena Emmanuels and Akese Jerome who died as a result of a traffic accident on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway at Kairuni last Sunday.

According to a release, the minister expressed condolences on behalf of his ministry, and his personal regret at the tragic loss of life.

He undertook to follow up on the government’s commitment to provide aid to the bereaved, and support for Alina Persaud, eight, and Rodwell Jerome, 50, who were also severely injured as a result of the accident, and are still hospitalised.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn visiting relatives of the deceased at Kairuni, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway

Man charged for firearm-related offences gets $400,000 bail ANTONIO Fraser, who was allegedly caught with an illegal firearm and ammunition hidden in his crotch, was, on Friday, granted $400,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Fraser denied that he, on May 26, 2021, at Main Street, Georgetown, had in his possession one 9mm Glock 19 pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time and one live 9mm ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time.

It is alleged that on the day in question, at about 03:40 hours, police on mobile patrol duty proceeded to Main Street, Georgetown, in response

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to some information received. Upon their arrival, a group of men, was seen.

The men were approached by the ranks who requested that their person be searched. The men agreed.

As the search was being performed, Fraser, who was among the group of men, was allegedly found to have a bulky object in the right front part of his crotch. The object, which turned out to be a firearm, was immediately retrieved and examined.

Fraser, during questioning, told ranks he was not a firearm holder. He was later arrested and charged with the two offences.

Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus granted Fraser $200,000 bail on each charge.

The matter was adjourned until June 25, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

Nelson Clonmell going strong at 100

LOOKING on, it may be hard for some to believe that Nelson Barrington Clonmell turned 100 years old on Thursday, owing to his friendly, jovial personality and remarkable physical strength.

The centenarian, of Nimrod Street, Two Friends Village/Ann’s Grove Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), enjoyed a celebration of his life among family and friends.

As fellow older ones chatted with him and reminisced about his younger days, Clonmell seemed to have remembered everything, as he was responding and laughing during the conversations.

Senior Probation and Social Services Officer

Centenarian, Mr. Nelson Barrington Clonmell

Senior Probation and Social Services Officer, Chiaka Hodge, right, was happy to represent Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud in honouring Mr. Clonmell on Thursday with responsibility for the ECD, Chiaka Hodge was happy to represent Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud in honouring Clonmell.

“It was something else to see him walking across

the street where the celebration was held. And when I was presenting him a hamper, I knew to myself it was heavy, and we were telling him that he doesn’t have to actually collect it, but he was trying to take it out of my hand. I was so

surprised at the amount of strength he has,” Hodge fondly reflected.

Clonmell was born on May 27, 1921, and it was his neighbour, Dellon Adams, who invited the ministry to share in the celebration.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

High standards made Eureka a household name

EUREKA Medical Laboratories Inc. (EML), now a household name, first opened its doors in March, 1995 to meet an increasing demand for multiple tests to detect, diagnose or monitor various health conditions.

According to a release, the laboratory was initiated

by Andrew Boyle, who now serves as Director of EML. Boyle was, at the time, working at the Georgetown Public Hospital as a microbiologist where he noticed a constant increase in the number of persons seeking reliable tests in the health sector.

As such, he was inspired to open his first laboratory at a small office in Waterloo Street, Georgetown with just one microscope and one analyser.

Four years later, with a growth in the number of clients, equipment and variety of testing, Boyle decided to get his business certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

“We wanted to be certified as well because we needed to ensure that what we put out there is quality stuff; not only for self-satisfaction but for our clients and stakeholders as well. I would say also, it gives us a sense of pride to know that we’re certified,” Boyle noted.

The process, which began in 1999, led to the laboratory achieving certification to the Guyana Standard (GYS 170:2009) – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory in March 2001.

Laboratories, which conform to the requirements of this national standard, are provided with formal recognition to attest that they have implemented an effective laboratory management system, which aids their provision of accurate and reliable results to customers.

While admitting that the journey was difficult as the employees of the facility were forced to put certain systems in place in a timely manner, the director assured that it was rewarding.

Boyle encouraged others to get onboard with the GNBS Laboratory Certification Programme as he lauded the GNBS team for working with his company to ensure a smooth process to confor-

mance.

“You’re better off being certified. It helps not only with the morale of team players, but also it helps you to have confidence in what you do” he stated.

Meanwhile, Quality Manager at the laboratory, Shawn Manbodh, who is constantly working with other team members to keep the laboratories functioning to maximum capacity, noted that certification gives the assurance of accurate and reliable results.

Manbodh admitted that up keeping the requirements is challenging but it is the unmatched way to promote consistency.

“You’re able to deliver a level of consistency so not

GNBS Technical Officer, Keon Rankin, hands over a plaque to Director of Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc., Edward Boyle on April 20, 2021 just quality today, off tomorrow; but consistent delivery of quality every day,” Manbodh explained. “With that, customers have gravitated to us; they have built confidence in us,” he added.

Certification to the National Standard was a stepping stone for Eureka Medical Laboratories towards becoming internation-

A laboratory technician at work at Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc., Thomas Street, Georgetown location

ally accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard, which specifies requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories.

In order to reopen Guyana’s International Airports in 2020 after a period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, EML was contacted to set up testing sites at the ports of entry. The lab’s

accreditation to international standard played a big role in its selection, as accredited tests was a requirement of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Under its scope of certification, Eureka Medical Laboratories performs tests in the areas of microbiology, haematology and biochemistry, among others.

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‘Sister Baby’ gives praise to God for reaching 104

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

By Indrawattie Natram

THANKING God each day for her life, Lucretia Bradford, called “Sister Baby” of Cullen, Region Two, celebrated her 104th birthday on Tuesday.

Bradford, who is Essequibo’s oldest resident, spent the day with her children and members of the Methodist Church.

For achieving this milestone, the centenarian said lots of praise must be given to the Almighty, not only for the number of years she has been on the earth, but also for ensuring she continues to live a healthy life.

She was born on May 25, 1917, which meant she has lived through World Wars I and II. She has fond memories of Guyana’s Independence and what life used to be like in those days.

Bradford told the Guyana Chronicle that she has been

Lucretia Bradford holding her Holy Bible

Lucretia Bradford and two of her children, Randolph and Patsy Bradford able to remain healthy during the pandemic. She attributed

this to her strong immune system which she began

focusing on, at an early age.

During the interview with this publication, she encouraged all Guyanese to build their immunity and to adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines so as to reduce their chances of becoming infected with the deadly virus. The centenarian said she is a firm believer in “home remedies” and that ginger and turmeric are the best immune boosters to protect oneself against the virus.

Bradford said her daugh-

ter, Patsy Bradford, usually prepares healthy meals filled with lots of “veggies” for her. Additionally, she said she ensures she consumes fruits every day. Despite her blurred vision, she enjoys playing with her grandchildren and interacting with the neighbours.

In reflecting on her life, Bradford said she vividly remembers taking care of her seven children after her husband passed away; only three of them are alive. She grew up in Cullen Village where she remained after getting married. She recalled assisting her mother and

aunt in practicing midwifery, working on farms, and fetching stones to build roads.

According to Bradford, reading the bible in part of her daily routine and some time is spent teaching her grandchildren the various verses. She also gets a lot of sleep and would spend some parts of her day sitting in the living room with her grandson.

Her children told the Guyana Chronicle that they are happy to have seen their mother live to this age and are cherishing each day they are able to spend with her.

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Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendants vital for climate-friendly world INDIGENOUS peoples and Afro-descendants’ knowledge, innovations and resilience capacities are essential for the transformation to a more sustainable and climate-friendly world and should be included in the policy-making processes, agreed a recent the High-Level Seminar con-

This forum raised awareness of what’s needed to ensure the well-being of the Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants’ groups and to promote the protection of their rights while recognising their contributions to preserve biodiversity - a key response to the challenges of climate change.

A striking example of

Women at work in an Amazonian food system vened by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the governments of Costa Rica, Spain and the Vatican.

Indigenous peoples are major contributors to positive change, yet these valuable contributions are seldom reflected in mitigation strategies and adaptation policies to address climate change, said FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, in his opening remarks.

“We should not leave those who know so much about biodiversity, food diversity and cultural diversity behind,” he added.

This High-Level Expert Seminar provided a dialogue space where representatives of governments, Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendants, migrants organisations, UN agencies and international organisations came together to identify solutions to address the effects of climate change on specific population groups.

“The way we treat the environment reflects the way we treat ourselves,” said Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, who grew up in rural Ghana. He called for a new “culture of care” permeating all of society and implying changes in patterns of growth, production and consumption.

“It is time to embrace new opportunities,” he said.

that, reported in a new and important FAO study, is that community forests in Latin America where Indigenous Peoples have secure collective land tenure are subject to deforestation rates four times slower than those of neighbouring state-protected areas.

The seminar explored how the impacts of climate change are expanding situations of vulnerability for these groups. It was held to echo and intensify reflections in Laudato Si’, the encyclical Pope Francis issued six years ago, which urged all of humanity to heed the way that Indigenous Peoples and other local peoples are for “our common home”.

Opening remarks at the seminar were also given by Epsy Campbell Barr, First Vice-President of Costa Rica and the first woman of African descent to hold that title, and Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Deputy Prime Minister of Spain.

Anne Nuorgam, Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), gave a keynote speech. “Indigenous peoples are not vulnerable - we are being placed into situations of vulnerability,” she said. “We are agents of change.”

SOME KEY FACTS Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants occupy a vast extension of terri-

tories characterised by abundant natural wealth.

There are more than 476 million Indigenous Peoples living in more than 90 countries and speaking more than 4,000 of the world’s remaining 6,700 languages.

Their territories encompass 25 per cent of the globe’s surface but - buoyed by their cosmogonies, beliefs, governance, territorial management and the circularity, solidarity and reciprocity of their socio-economic systems, their unique knowledge and food systems - account for 80 per cent of the planet’s remaining biodiversity.

The impacts of climate change are eroding their resilience and forcing them to migrate and relocate both domestically and internationally.

More than 50 per cent of the Indigenous Peoples in Latin America live now in urban areas.

LEARNING

BY LISTENING Myrna Cunningham, President of the Fund for the Development of Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean (FILAC), emphasised the importance of the full participation of all -- old and young, women and men -- in discussions of key issues, listing five in particular: land tenure, territorial governance, ecosystem service payments; community forestry; and traditional knowledge and food systems.

Richard Moreno Rodríguez, Coordinator for the Afro-Colombian National Peace Council, highlighted the remarkable mutual intensity of the relationship between a people and their territory for ethnic communities in his country. “We feel, suffer and live it,” he said.

Alexis Neuberg, President of the Africa-Europe Diaspora Development Platform (ADEPT), highlighted the “marginalisation of people who are in fact an asset” that afflicts many migrants, including those compelled to leave their home countries due to climate change or conflicts.

Other participants in the seminar included Beatriz Argimón, Vice-President of Uruguay; Pearnel Patroe Charles Jr., Jamaica’s Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change; Kluane Adamek, Yukon Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, Canada; Bruno Oberle, Director-General of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN); and Lisa

Famolare, Vice-President Nature for Climate for the Americas of Conservation International.

“One issue that was made clear by Indigenous and Afro-descendant speakers is that their

communities are among the first to face the consequences of climate change due to their direct dependence on and close relationship with the land and natural resources,” said Torero, adding: “It is es-

sential to build beneficial partnerships with them, including recognising their collective tenure rights, to build collective strategies to mitigate climate change and contribute to biodiversity.” (FAO)

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GWI working to recover $29.8M from forged wire transfers

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh said the utility company is working to recoup its credit at a local commercial bank, following an alleged fraud that resulted in the debit of its account of some $29.8 million.

Baksh was addressing members of the media on

Thursday, at the company’s Vlissengen road headquarters.

“We have written to the bank and we are moving to recover our monies and also the police were called into this matter and they are doing their investigations on the criminal side, and we are working to get back our monies,” he said.

The CEO debunked reports circulating in the media that there is a $100 million fraud at GWI. He explained that a fraud was committed at the bank using forged wire transfers payable to persons residing overseas.

The amount of $17,489,417 was debited on March 16 and $12,327,515 on March 24.

Meanwhile, a forensic au-

dit is currently underway into suspicious activities relating to the Vlissingen Road/New Town water and pipe laying project, and the construction of a building in Region Five.

The contractor for the Vlissingen Road/New Town project received 93 per cent of the total sum of $123 million for the project; however, only 11.2 per cent of the

works were completed. The CEO said GWI is working to recover its monies.

“Eighty-seven million was paid to the contractor above the work that he did and we have that contractor in the court right now. We took him to court late last year and we are trying to get back our monies,” he said.

The contract sum for the building in Region Five was $19.7 million and to date, the expenditure is $40.5 million.

The building is only 80 per cent complete.

“To complete that building will now cost us another $20 million. Its incomplete,

GWI CEO, Shaik Baksh only 80 per cent completed,” the CEO said.

He said the sums were approved by the then top management of the GWI. Further, an investigation is being conducted into some $1.8 billion spent on SeaQuest, a chemical used to treat water. The sum was spent over a four-year period. (DPI)

Investment opportunities, plans for oil sector discussed –– during Foreign Secretary’s meeting with diaspora in New York

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, flanked by Guyana Consulate Adviser on Investment and Diaspora Affairs, Fazal Yussuf and Dr. Asquith Rose FOREIGN Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud, has met members of the Guyanese community in Brooklyn, New York, following the recent virtual Diaspora Conference.

The invitation for the meet coincided with Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary.

During the interaction, Persaud updated the Guyanese community on President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s plans to transform Guyana.

He emphasised the importance of the diaspora in promoting unity and social cohesion and urged them to be wary of misinformation circulated to create unease and sow division.

Members of the community raised issues relating

to investment opportunities and plans for the oil and gas sector.

Persaud was accompanied by the Guyana Consulate Adviser on Investment and Diaspora Affairs, Fazal Yussuf and Dr. Asquith Rose.

During his address at the inaugural Virtual Diaspora Conference, President Ali had reassured overseas-based Guyanese that his government remains committed to engagements and is vigorously pursuing policies and plans to ensure they are integrally involved in the process.

The conference was held under the theme “A New Era of Engagement for the Guyanese Diaspora”.

More than 500 overseas-based Guyanese participated in the discussion.

(DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 29, 2021

$440M contract awarded for security services in Region Two

By Indrawattie Natram THE Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC), on Friday, signed a $440M contract with the Georgetown-based N and M Trucking and Security Service for the provision of security services in the region.

A simple signing ceremony, which was held in the RDC’s boardroom, was witnessed by Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Devanand Ramdatt; Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Susanna Saywack; RDC councillor, Lloyd Perriera; Regional Engineer, Kawan Suchit and staff of the region’s Accounting Department.

In brief remarks, Ramdatt said the contract entails the provision of security services to the RDC, inclusive of all government buildings in the region. Ramdatt said the approval for the award of the

contract was done through the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTAB) at the approximate cost of $440M. The contract has a duration of one year commencing from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022.

Meanwhile, the company’s Managing Director, Narsurdeen ‘Junior’ Mohammed, said the firm is happy to have been awarded the contract. He said that the company will work closely with the previous contactor and most of the staff members will be retained. Mohammed also mentioned that the company also intends to use the previous contractor’s office to facilitate execution of the service.

More persons, he said, will be employed both in the office and as supervisors.

The office will be providing 24-hour security at each location.

This is the company’s first security contract in the region.

Man bites elderly woman, wounds friend during drinking spree A 33-year-old carpenter of Reliance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two was wounded on Wednesday during a scuffle with a friend, who’d bitten his mother during a drink spree on Independence Day. The berserk 23-year-old biter has since been captured and placed in police custody.

According to information received, the carpenter and the suspect were drinking when the latter suddenly got up and shortly after, the carpenter’s mother began to scream.

The carpenter quickly responded to his mother’s cries for help, and she told him that she was bitten by his friend, who was drinking with him.

The carpenter, angered by what was told to him, confronted his drinking partner, who, on seeing what was coming his way, armed himself with a bottle of poison to defend himself.

During the fright, the carpenter was wounded. He was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was seen and sent away.

The suspect was captured before he tried to escape and is in police custody.

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Regional Executive Officer (REO), Devanand Ramdatt, takes a look at the contract document. Also pictured, from left, are PPP/C councillor, Lloyd Perriera, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, and Managing Director of N and M Trucking and Security Service, Narsurdeen ‘Junior’ Mohammed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 23, 2021

FIFA Qatar World Cup qualifiers Golden Jaguars depart today for St Kitts hunting wins

By Rawle Toney

A YOUNG Golden Jaguars team will depart Guyana today from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, for St Kitts and Nevis to play back-to-back matches in their final Group F encounter in the FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifiers.

“We are very optimistic as usual, because we’re still in the race,” head coach Marcio Maximo said, taking into consideration Guyana’s peculiar position in the group that consists of Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, and Puerto Rico.

Guyana will face the home side (St Kitts and Nevis) on June 4, followed by Puerto Rico on June 8. Both matches kick-off at 16:00hrs.

After two matches, Golden Jaguars are in third place behind Trinidad and Tobago and group leaders St Kitts and Nevis.

Having lost 0-3 to Soca Warriors, and claiming a 4-0 victory of The Bahamas in their opening matches, Golden Jaguars must hope those teams slip-up in the concluding group matches, in order to secure the top spot in the group and progress to round two.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we have to win these two games. We have an equal chance in our view. Our team has been training very well and everyone is motivated to represent Guyana,” Maximo said.

Maximo raised some eyebrows with the composition of the team selected, with the Brazilian leaving out Colchester United talisman Callum Harriott, captain Sam Cox and defender Kadell Daniel.

In all, there have been six changes to Guyana’s 23-man roster, as Maximo looks to find favour with a more youthful and inexperienced side.

The team saw a return of Duke-McKenna, Kevin Layne and Liam Gordon and handed

first-time call-ups to three U-20 national players.

Duke-McKenna, the flashy 20-year-old midfield player, made his first team debut for English Football League Championship side, Queens Park Rangers (QPR) this year.

Layne, 23, has recently signed for Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Academy, joining Golden Jaguars goalkeeper Akel Clarke in the island’s top flight.

Bolton Wanderers full back Gordon, 22, has impressed on loan at fifth tier Dagenham and Redbridge.

Javier George who plays in midfield for Stade Beaucairois in the French fifth tier, Santos midfielder Marcus Wilson and Guyana Police Force forward Osafa Simpson have already made their mark at international level as part of the recent Guyana U-20 squad.

English Premier League’s Watford defender Bayli Spencer-Adams, 19, and Bournemouth midfielder Nathan Moriah-Welsh, 19, re-joined

the squad following their international debuts in March, alongside 17-year-old Fruta Conquerors forward Omari Glasgow, who scored in a memorable debut against The Bahamas in March.

According to Maximo, “it’s very important that you renew the team and maintain the competitive level but in Guyana’s case, we do not have another option.”

“Even the players who did good performance overseas and also local players are young. So Guyana should look at the present of course, try to represent well, but also, don’t forget the future.

We should maintain the programme that we have in Guyana now as its foundation for at least 10 years,” he noted.

While optimistic that Guyana will advance, Maximo was keen to note that “we might not get the best results at this time, but definitely in the future and I hope in the next games.”

Guyana Lottery Company ‘serves’ one-year sponsorship to Chelsea Edghill

THE Guyana Lottery Company yesterday inked a one-year sponsorship deal with local table tennis ace, Chelsea Edghill.

It will cover the 23-yearold’s preparation for the Tokyo Olympics, the November 23 – 29 World Championships in Houston, Texas as well as her return to Portugal, where she plays professionally.

The sponsorship, valued at a substantial undisclosed sum, is said to be the company’s first for an athlete - something their Brand Ambassador Rawle Toney pointed out was solidified before Edghill picked up the lone female ‘wild card’ spot in the world which was handed down by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to the game’s most-promising player globally.

“It is with joy that the Guyana Lottery Company is announcing today’s partnership of Chelsea Edghill,” Toney said, while adding that “we believe that she’s deserving of the support, not just from the Guyana Lottery Company, but all of Guyana at this time.”

According to Toney,

“The only requirement is for her to continue being a great and exemplary athlete. She would have excelled as a junior athlete not only in Guyana but Latin American and the Caribbean, so we just want her to keep playing and being the model of consistency for athletes in Guyana.”

Toney believes that it’s “important for other athletes to see that Chelsea Edghill is getting support from corporate Guyana, so that they can be inspired to work hard, knowing that someone is paying attention and will be willing to assist when the time comes.”

Meanwhile, the company’s General Manager, Tracey Lewis, said it’s a pleasure for them to sponsor Edghill, noting “you are a female role model for the young people in Guyana to look up to. We want to wish you all the very best and we will be standing behind you as you head to Tokyo.”

Edghill in thanking the Guyana Lottery Company, said, “It’s a great feeling to be backed by such a company and it is great to be able to continue my journey in

the sport and to be given the opportunity to excel.”

President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Godfrey Munroe called the occasion “auspicious”, pointing out that “for elite athletes, corporate support plays a very pivotal role in ensuring that these athletes are supported and are able to realise their truest potential.”

“Chelsea represents one of our elite athletes with great potential and market value, so we’re happy that the Guyana Lottery Company can come on board and support her,” Munroe said.

The 2018 Caribbean U-21 Champion who also holds a BSc in Chemistry, having graduated in 2019 from Lindenwood University in the USA, plays professionally in Portugal with Lusitania de Lourosa - a table tennis club located in the city of Lourosa in Santa Maria da Feira.

When Edghill features at the 32nd Olympiad, she will become the first table tennis player, male or female, from Guyana and Lusitania de Lourosa to reach the Olympic Games.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 23, 2021

35

Hearn says Joshua may vacate WBO title

EDDIE Hearn says Anthony Joshua won’t be told what to do by the governing bodies in being ordered to fight particular fighters such as Oleksander Usyk.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn says Joshua may take the fight with Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs), but he also may vacate the WBO belt if it doesn’t make “business sense” for them.

“We negotiate all the time with people who sometimes aren’t entitled to a fight, and we got it again now,” said Hearn to Boxing Social. “The WBO straightaway sent a little in, ‘You’re now fighting him.’

“At some point, you want to turn around and say, ‘You know what? Why can’t we just breathe and do our own thing, but of course, he (Joshua) wants to be undisputed, and

Anthony Joshua may take the fight with Usyk

Hearn has a couple of other options that he’s looking at for Joshua’s next fight.

Presumably, those are bigger money fights than what Usyk brings to the table. Usyk isn’t someone who will attract a lot of excitement from the fans, as he’s not done anything at heavyweight to make a name for himself.

Hearn and Joshua (241, 22 KOs) are still steaming about losing out on the Tyson Fury undisputed championship fight, and the last thing they want is for a sanctioning boy to order them around.

that’s why we’re considering our options.

“I think the most likely scenario is that we fight Oleksander Usyk. If the deal is right and everyone is sensible, yes, I think that fight happens.

“But I’ll tell you something right now. AJ is not in the mood, nor am I to be told what to do by governing bodies right now. There is no guarantee for an undisputed fight right now.

“What are we holding onto a belt right now for? Promises, dreams, whatever. But he (Joshua) respects his belts, and he wants to honour his belts,

and he’s done that for the last four years. So that’s the likely scenario,” said Hearn.

The way that Fury’s team didn’t attempt to save the fight with Joshua is a clear indication that they didn’t want it in the first place.

That’s why it could be risky for Hearn to put a bunch of energy into setting up a fight between Joshua and Fury for

December.

It will make Hearn and Joshua look bad in the eyes of the Saudis if Team Fury does something to prevent the fight from happening in December. Given what just happened, Hearn would be wise to pull back and focus on setting up fights with promoters he can trust.

“All the other names

(Andy Ruiz Jr, Luis Ortiz, and Dillian Whyte) are in play, and we will do now what’s right for AJ and no one else,” said Hearn. “We’re very close.

“I’ve got a couple of fights ready to go (for Joshua),” Hearn said when asked how much time he has before he thinks he can have Joshua’s next fight dialed down.

“But I am speaking to

Alex Krassyuk (Usyk’s manager). That is our preference.

That is the fight that I think is most likely.

“But again, it’s got to be right. If the belt goes, the belt goes. In an ideal world, we keep the belt; we always want to keep the belt. But we’ll see what happens,” said Hearn. (Boxing News 24)

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 23, 2021

Chameera takes 5-16, Perera hits 120 as Sri Lanka win final ODI

DUSHMANTHA Chameera took a career-best 5-16 after Kusal Perera struck his sixth ODI hundred as Sri Lanka earned a consolation win over Bangladesh in the third and final game of the series.

Seam bowler Chameera reduced Bangladesh to 28-3 in their unsuccessful pursuit of 287 before taking his final two wickets late in the innings as the hosts were skittled for 189 in 42.3 overs Sri Lanka captain Kusal had earlier hit 120 from 122 balls, having been dropped on 66, 79 and 99, as his side posted 286-6, a total Bangladesh got nowhere near with Chameera in electric form as they lost by 97 runs.

The tourists lost the first two games in Dhaka to suffer a bilateral series defeat to Bangladesh for the first time but rallied at the same venue yesterday to deny the Tigers a clean sweep.

Kusal’s hundred, which featured 11 fours and one six, was backed up by an

unbeaten 55 from 70 balls from Dhananjaya de Silva, with the pair sharing a 65-run stand for the fourth wicket.

with the ball for Sri Lanka though, taking a wicket in his first over for the third game in a row in the series when he

six overs.

Half-centuries from Mossadek Hossain (51) and Mahmudullah (53)

Ibrahima Konate did not play against Liverpool in the Champions League when the Reds knocked RB Leipzig out of this season’s competition

By Mandeep Sanghera

Kusal Perera 11 fours and a six in his knock of 120 (BCB)

Kusal also put on 82 with Danushka Gunathilaka (39) for the first wicket and 69 with Kusal Mendis (22) for the third, while seamer Taskin Ahmed claimed 4-46 for Bangladesh.

Chameera was the star

dismissed Mohammad Naim (1) with his first ball.

The Sri Lanka paceman then removed Shakib Al Hasan (4) in his second over and Tamim Iqbal (17) in his fifth during a superb opening spell of 3-11 from

helped Bangladesh recover somewhat to 158-5 but the hosts then lost their last five wickets for 31 runs, with Chameera dismissing Taskin and Mehidy Hasan for ducks.

(Sky Sports)

Hero CPL franchises reveal 2021 team rosters FOLLOWING the 2021 player draft of the Hero CPL, franchises announced their full rosters yesterday.

Included in the squads are a number of overseas signings that include Shakib al Hasan, Chris Morris, Faf du Plessis, Matthew Wade, Sandeep Lamichhane and Shoaib Malik. There are also spots for talented Pakistani players Haider Ali, Azam Khan and Usman Qadir and Englishman Samit Patel, who will be playing in his first Hero CPL.

The full squads are listed below: The Jamaica Tallawahs – Andre Russell, Shakib al Hasan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rovman Powell, Haider Ali,

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Liverpool agree £35M deal for French defender Konate

Chadwick Walton, Fidel Edwards, Qais Ahmad, Jason Mohammed, Migael Pretorius, Kennar Lewis, Veerasammy Permaul, Abhijai Mansingh, Joshua James, Kirk McKenzie, Ryan Persaud.

St Lucia Zouks – Faf Du Plessis, Keemo Paul, Wahab Riaz, Matthew Wade, Andre Fletcher, Kesrick Williams, Usman Qadir, Samit Patel, Obed McCoy, Rahkeem Cornwall, Mark Deyal, Roston Chase, Javelle Glenn, Keron Cottoy, Jeavor Royal, Kadeem Alleyne, Alzarri Joseph.

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B a r b a d o s Tr i d e n t s – Chris Morris, Jason Holder, Thisara Perera, Mohammad Amir, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Oshane Thomas, Kyle

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Mayers, Hayden Walsh Jr, Azam Khan, Raymon Reifer, Justin Greaves, Ashley Nurse, Shafiqullah Ghafari, Nyeem Young, Joshua Bishop, Samit Patel.

Guyana Amazon Warriors – Nicholas Pooran, Shoaib Malik, Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Mohammad Hafeez, Brandon King, Naveen Ul Haq, Romario Shepherd, Waqar Salamkheil, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Odean Smith, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Kevin Sinclair, Ashmead Nedd.

The 2021 Hero CPL bowls off at Warner Park on August 28 with the final set for September 19.

(SportsMax)

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LIVERPOOL have agreed to sign centre-back Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £35M on a long-term deal.

The French defender, 22, has passed his medical and agreed personal terms, with his move subject to international clearance and a UK work permit.

“It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family,” said Konate, whose contract will run from July 1.

Konate is part of France’s squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which starts on Monday.

The defender, who started his career in France with Sochaux, made 21 appearances for RB Leipzig this season as they finished second in the Bundesliga.

“Right now, my focus is on the Under-21 European Championships with France, but after this competition I know I will be joining one of the best teams in the world and that gives me a great feeling,” said Konate.

His arrival would help bolster a backline which suffered with the long-term injury absences of centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip during the season.

Midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were used as makeshift central defenders, while Liverpool ended the campaign with a centre-back pairing of Nathaniel Phillips, 24, and Rhys Williams, 20.

Liverpool secured a Champions League spot with a win over Crystal Palace on the final day of the season as they finished third in the Premier League.

The deal for Konate means Liverpool will reject the chance to sign defender Ozan Kabak on a permanent basis.

The Reds had an option to sign 21-year-old Kabak for £18M with add-ons as part of the loan deal which brought him to Anfield in January.

They told the Turkey international of their intentions before news of Konate’s deal and he is speaking to other clubs. (BBC Sport)

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S:

Clive Lloyd/Viv Richards-28 Tests Sunil Gavaskar-27 Tests

TODAY’S QUIZ:

Which WI has scored most Test runs against IND to date?

Which IND cricketer has registered most Test runs against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 23, 2021

Nike ended Neymar deal after non-cooperation in sexual-assault probe

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Nike Inc. NKE.N said on Thursday it ended its partnership with Brazilian soccer star Neymar last year because he refused to cooperate in an investigation into sexual assault allegations levelled against him by a Nike employee.

Neymar, who currently plays for Paris St Germain, denies the allegations, his spokeswoman said in a statement.

The world’s largest sportswear maker said in a statement it viewed the allegations about an incident in 2016 as “credible” but also said an independent investigation it commissioned was inconclusive.

“No single set of facts emerged that would enable us to speak substantively on the matter. It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts,” the statement said.

Neymar’s spokeswoman said the athlete would vigorously defend himself if any claim is presented, describing the allegations as

baseless and adding that the endorsement deal ended for commercial reasons.

“It is very strange a case that was supposed to have happened in 2016, with allegations by a Nike employee, come to light only at that moment,” her statement said.

publicly given a reason for terminating the deal.

Nike said a female employee officially reported the incident to the company in 2018, coming forward in an internal forum. While Nike was prepared to investigate at that time it respected her re-

Brazilian soccer star Neymar

The statements follow a Wall Street Journal report about the investigation.

Nike had previously not

quest to keep the matter confidential and did not investigate until she expressed an interest in 2019 in legally pursuing

the matter, its statement said Neymar, the world’s most expensive soccer player, partnered with Puma PUMG.DE in September.

The sportswear company declined to comment when asked by Reuters if the allegations affected the partnership.

He had been signed with Nike for 15 years when the deal ended. The contract was terminated with eight years remaining, the Journal said, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Neymar was separately accused of rape in a Paris hotel in June 2019. Neymar has said the encounter with the woman, a Brazilian model, was consensual and accused her of attempting to extort him.

Brazilian authorities dropped that investigation against Neymar, citing lack of evidence, and later charged the model with slander, extortion and procedural fraud. The slander and extortion charges were dismissed in 2019 and she was acquitted of the fraud charge in 2020.

Bermuda announce new-look squad for Suriname, Cayman HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) – Bermuda have announced a new-look squad – minus former captains Nahki Wells and Reggie Lambe – for next month’s CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers against Suriname and the Cayman Islands.

Bristol City striker Wells had foreshadowed his likely absence by saying he wanted to rest following a gruelling season in the English Championship.

Stowmarket Town striker Lambe, who had made himself available for selection after his UK league ended early because of the coronavirus pandemic, missed the World Cup qualifiers against Canada and Aruba in March after a motorcycle accident left him requiring stitches.

The pair’s absence comes on the heels of captain Danté

Leverock’s shock announcement last week of his retirement from international football at the age of 29.

National coach Kyle

Lightbourne will also be without Kane Crichlow through injury, the young Watford striker having burst on the senior international

Former Bermuda captain Nahki Wells

stage with a consolation goal in the 5-1 defeat against Canada and a brace in the 5-0 win over Aruba.

With centre-half Jaylon Bather suspended and other regulars such as US-based winger Zeiko Lewis not involved, Lightbourne will head to South America and then Florida with a largely untested group at this level.

Bermuda play Suriname at the Frank Essed Stadion in Paramaribo on June 4 and then fly to the IMG Academy Complex in Bradenton four days later to play the Cayman Islands in a game switched from Bermuda because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Lightbourne has yet to announce a new captain, but goalkeeper Dale Eve, striker Jonté Smith and midfielder Willie Clemons could be in the running.

37

WTA would welcome dialogue with Osaka, Nadal defends media

LONDON England (Reuters) — The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) said it would welcome dialogue with world number two Naomi Osaka over her decision to boycott press conferences at this year’s French Open.

Japanese player Osaka cited the impact on players’ mental wellbeing for her decision, saying the nature of questions from journalists is like “kicking a person when they are down.”

Tennis world number Naomi Osaka

While the 23-year-old has received some support, 13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal and women’s world number one Ash Barty believe players have a duty to address the media.

Osaka’s decision has been slammed by the French Tennis Federation (FFT).

After American great Serena Williams, Osaka commands the highest profile of any female tennis player and her decision has left the WTA in an awkward position.

“Mental health is of the utmost importance to the WTA and for that matter, every individual person,” the organisation said in a statement on Friday.

“We have a team of professionals and a support system in place to look after our athletes’ mental and emotional health and well-being.

“The WTA welcomes a dialogue with Naomi (and all players) to discuss possible approaches that can help support an athlete as they manage any concerns related to mental health.”

However, it stressed that it also had responsibilities to the fans and public.

“Professional athletes have a responsibility to their sport and their fans to speak to the media surrounding their competition, allowing them the opportunity to share their perspective and tell their story,” it said.

Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg, former tennis player Zina Garrison and British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith have voiced their support to world number two Osaka.

But Australian Barty echoed the opinion of men’s world number one Novak

Djokovic who says that postmatch press conferences, while unpleasant, are part of the job.

“We know what we sign up for as professional tennis players,” Barty told reporters yesterday. “I can’t really comment on what Naomi is feeling or the decisions she makes.

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“At times press conferences are hard, of course, but it’s also not something that bothers me. Certainly doesn’t keep me up at night what I say and hear or what you guys ask me.”

Nadal said that without the media, tennis players would not enjoy the same profile.

“I respect her, of course, as an athlete and her personality. I respect her decision,” Nadal told reporters.

“We need to be ready to accept the questions and to try to produce an answer. Without the people writing the news and achievements that we are having around the world, probably we will not be the athletes that we are today.”

“I have my point of view that the media is a very important part of our sport.”

Reigning women’s champion Iga Swiatek added: “I don’t find (press conferences) difficult. It gives us a chance to explain our perspective, so I think it’s good.”

PHENOMENAL MISTAKE’ French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Gilles Moretton described Osaka’s action as a “phenomenal mistake.”

“What is happening is, in my opinion, not acceptable. We will stick to the laws and rules for penalties and fines,” he said. According to the Grand Slam rule book, players can be fined up to $20 000 for skipping a media conference but Osaka said she was ready to accept any sanction.

Osaka hoped the “considerable amount” that she expected to forfeit would go towards a mental health charity.

“I’m writing this to say I’m not going to do any press during Roland Garros,” Osaka, who lives in the U.S., wrote on Twitter. “I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes’ mental health, and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one,” she added.

“We’re often sat there and asked questions that we’ve been asked multiple times before, and I’m just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me.”

Osaka, who according to sports business website Sportico earned $55.2 million over the past 12 months has, in the past used her platform and considerable press attention to highlight issues of police violence and racial inequality.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 23, 2021

GCB Inaugural Under-19 Franchise tournament Launched

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) launched the inaugural Under-19 Franchise Tournament in partnership with General Marine, Tropical Spring, Trophy Stall,4R Bearings and E-Networks at the GCB’s Board Room yesterday . The Tournament which is proposed to be an annual event, will be conducted after the annual Inter-County Under-19 Tournaments.

The Franchise Tournament will present a selected pool of talented players involved in a number of competitive trial matches. This year’s tournament is scheduled to be held at the National Stadium, Providence from Saturday today at 10:00 hours.

The Tournament will include three (3) teams, namely Falcons, Eagles and Amazon Hawks, which will be captained by Matthew Nandu, Zeynul Ramsammy and Marvan Prasad, respectively.

At the launch, GCB president Bissoondial Singh, who outlined the purpose of the tournament indicated that due to the fact that CWI was unable to host the Regional Under-19 Tournaments in 2020 and 2021, the executives of the GCB are of the view that such an Under-19 Tournament (which is being livestreamed with commentary) will provide valuable feedback to the CWI selectors and relevant coaching staff on players’ ability and current form.

Singh went on to indicate that the players will also be able to showcase their talents to a wider audience within Guyana, the West Indies region and beyond.

He further mentioned that the Franchise Tournament will create a competitive trial match environment in a teamwork context, as against a heavy focus of individual player performance. This trial environment in a tournament setting will provide the national selectors with a good indicator to the players’ form.

Further, the Under-19 Franchise Tournament will provide players with more opportunities for national selection, since it would build on their club, Association and county tournament performances. Singh Singh was high in praise of the sponsors who readily came onboard.

He thanked them for their invaluable contributions and wished that their businesses will continue to excel.

Representative of General Marine, Floyd Allen indicated that their company was privileged to be associated with the GCB and other sponsors in running off this tournament.

He wished the players every success in their endeavors.

He praised the GCB for taking this initiative to give Under-19 players an opportunity to play cricket at such a competitive level.

He indicated, that based on feedback, players were keen

to participate and to have an outside chance of being involved in the West Indies ongoing preparatory activities for the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup. Representative of Tropical Spring, Aravinda Gainda said their company was very pleased to once again be a part of the GCB activities.

their company has and would like to share is that the GCB maintains this league and possibly expand on the number of teams that can be sponsored by various businesses. Gainda posited, that this will greatly strengthen the relationship between the private sector and the GCB. He went on to suggest that

the GCB Outlined the structure of the Tournament, indicating that it will take-on a round-robin format with the winner being decided on a point system which may necessitate the use of Net-run rate to determine the champion where two or more teams end the final round on equal points.

President of the GCB Bissoondyal Singh (right) receives the sponsorship of Falcons from Aravinda Gainda of Tropical Spring

He remarked that this was Tropical Spring’s second engagement in sponsoring GCB’s cricket. He indicated that Tropical Spring was looking forward for another successful partnership.

Further, he indicated that their decision to sponsor the Falcons Under-19 team is based on their belief that investing in youths is the best way to proceed with cricket development.

He said that the vision

this approach will simultaneously provide mileage to the sponsors. Additionally, Gainda thank the GCB for offering Tropical Spring the opportunity to sponsor and pledged their company’s continued support.

Proprietor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, told of his company’s delight in being a part of youth development, and in doing so, pledged to donate all trophies for the tournament.

Mr. Colin Stuart, TDO of

THE TOURNAMENT WILL PROGRESS AS FOLLOWS: On Saturday May 29, 2021, Falcons will play Eagles.

On Sunday May 30, 2021 Eagles will battle Amazon Hawks, while on Saturday June 5, 2021 Amazon Hawks will challenge Falcons.

The GCB trusts that this tournament will help to give the U-19 players an opportunity to be selected in the CWI U-19 Preparatory activities

for the 2022 World Cup. The GCB has arranged for an independent match to be played upon conclusion of the tournament on Sunday June 6, 2021 to involve the best performers from the tournament.

All matches will commence at 10:00 hours.

Teams Falcons: Matthew Nandu (Captain), Sheldon Charles, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Tomani Ceasar, Jason Holder, Addul Ramsammy, Jeremy Sandia, Andre Seepersaud (Vice-captain), Brandon Jaikaran, Wazim Mohamed, Pavindra Ganesh, Rudranauth Kissoon and Ajay Gainda. Manager: Yeuraj Khemraj; Coach: Julian Moore.

Eagles: Zeynul Ramsammy (Captain), Ricardo Ramdehol, Mavendra Dindyal (Vice-captain), Oren Gibson, Isai Thorne, Romal Hubbard, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Jonathan Rampersaud, Aryan Persaud, Daniel Mootoo, Chatram Balgobin, Nicko Vincent, Anthony Khan and Alvin Mohabir.

Manager: Kumar Bissoondial; Coach: Orin Bailey.

Amazon Hawks: Marvan Prashad (Captain), Rampertab Ramnauth, Ushardeva Balgobin, Shamar Yearwood, Trevon Charles, Thaddius Lovell, Gourav Ramesh, Leon Cecil, Zachary Jodah (Vice-captain), Collis Noble, Niran Bissu, Anthony Williams and Jadesh Dowlatram. Manager: Shaun Massiah; Coach: Winston Smith.

Man City, Chelsea ready for Champions League final clash in Porto (AFP) - Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea are in Porto as tension builds towards today’s all-English Champions League final showdown in the Portuguese city which was named as a last-minute host for the match.

It is the third final of Europe’s elite club competition to be played between two Premier League sides, and the second in just three seasons, underlining the strength of the cash-rich English game.

And these are the two clubs whose own transformations in the last two decades under mega-rich foreign owners have done the most to change forever the landscape of the Premier League.

Not so long ago, the idea of Chelsea and City meeting in the biggest club game of all would have been laughable. Their only previous encounter in a final came in 1986 in the short-lived Full Members Cup, when Chelsea won 5-4

at Wembley.

That was before the Premier League and modern Champions League existed, before Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and before the Abu Dhabi takeover of City in 2008.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

Between them they have now won seven of the last 10 Premier League titles.

The west London club had a head-start in terms of becoming big-spenders and as a club they have the experience of this stage in Europe before; having beaten Bayern Munich on penalties on their own turf

in the 2012 final.

They have also won the Europa League twice since then.

‘IF YOU WIN YOU’RE A HERO’ City, though, have never made it this far but are finally here, after 13 years of enormous investment from the Gulf and four previous years of disappointment under Guardiola, the man who was hired principally to win them the European Cup. After romping to the Premier League title, their third in four seasons, and having also won the League Cup this season, a City side starring the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ruben Dias are the clear favourites at the Estadio do Dragao as they target a treble.

“We, as players, understand the magnitude of the game tomorrow,” influential midfielder De Bruyne said in a press conference yesterday. “If you win you’re a hero, if you lose you’re almost a failure.

“Everyone understands

the pressure but we should be enjoying this game. Take it as something where you want to perform and show your best.”

City know all about Chelsea’s threat. Chelsea have beaten City twice in the last six weeks, first in the FA Cup semi-final and then at the Etihad Stadium in the league.

They have been transformed since Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as coach in January, even if they did finish the domestic season with three defeats in four games including the FA Cup final against Leicester City. “ We h a v e a r r i v e d here. This is an incredible achievement and once you arrive you want to be on your very best, but it’s City with Pep on the other side who are maybe at the moment the best in Europe, maybe in the world,” said Tuchel this week.

“It is on us again to close the gap for 90 minutes and the good thing is we did it already.”

SHADOW OF COVID COVID-19 again casts a shadow over the final, which is only being played in Porto after the last-minute decision to move the game away from Istanbul.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel

The Turkish metropolis was denied the chance to host the occasion for the second year running after the UK government put the country on its travel red list, making it impossible for fans of either finalists to attend the game from England.

Just like last year when

Lisbon was the last-minute solution, Portugal rode to the rescue again, and fans will be there with the country, one of the few on the UK’s green travel list.

There can be few more charming final host cities than Porto, with its cobbled streets tumbling down towards the waterfront which looks across to the Port wine warehouses on the other side of the Douro River.

English fans were starting to gather yesterday on cafe terraces under blazing blue skies. With Portuguese authorities allowing the Estadio do Dragao to be filled to 33 percent capacity, there will be 16 500 spectators in total in the ground, including 6 000 fans of each club.

Many more are expected to gather in the city without tickets.

Portuguese police have said dealing with such an influx of English fans as the country opens its borders again is “an operation of great complexity.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 23, 2021

39

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce surges to 100m win in Doha

JAMAICA’S two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce underlined her credentials for the 100m crown in Tokyo with an impressive win in Doha.

The 34-year-old, who won gold ahead of Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith at the same venue at the 2019 World Championships, came home in 10.84 seconds.

The time makes her the third fastest woman in the world this year.

Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare was second in 10.90, but American Sha’Carri Richardson withdrew before the start.

World leader Richardson was suffering with cramps in the wake of her second-placed finish behind Asher-Smith at a wet and windy Gateshead on Sunday.

Fraser-Pryce, who missed

more than a year of action around the birth of her son in 2017, is aiming for a third Olympic 100m title after winning gold in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. She also won bronze in Rio in 2016.

In the second of the elite Diamond League meetings of the season, there were a number of creditable British performances.

Britain’s Holly Bradshaw came third in the pole vault, ahead of Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi, with a season’s best 4.74m. The event was won by American Katie Nageotte who beat compatriot Sandi Morris on countback after both cleared 4.84m.

Russian world champion Anzhelika Sidorova had a disappointing return to international action after being cleared to compete as an neu-

tral athlete, coming seventh with a best of 4.64m.

In the 800m, Britain’s European indoor champion Keely

champion Faith Kipyegon of Kenya powered through after a tactical first lap to win in one minute 58.26 seconds.

Diamond League Doha: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wins 100m with season’s best

Hodgkinson came fifth on her Diamond League debut.

The 19-year-old and the rest of the field were left trailing as 1500m Olympic

Hodgkinson finished in 2:00.63, nearly two seconds off her personal best.

Britain’s Adam Gemili was left trailing American Kenneth

Burnett looking to assist local athletes realise their dreams through full time scholarships

By Joe Chapman

FORMER champion middle-distance athlete and twotime Olympian Marian Joan Burnett is satisfied that she has committed to helping athletes realise their dreams with the necessary opportunities to try out for colleges and universities in the United States of America.

Back home on vacation the current LSU resident employee who has represented Guyana at all the major international track and field meets globally is giving back to the sport which has allowed her a future of which she is proud.

Burnett noted: “In retrospect I have no regrets taking up athletics, this is a blessing.

Academics gave me everything I got. I got my US residency, citizenship and I am also grateful for all those who played a part in my life. The main person is Mr Bertram Hamilton now deceased, and of course my parents. I had a lot of friends who supported me and the university was also there on to this day.”

Burnett attended Essex County College (ECC), Newark, New Jersey and gained an Associate’s degree of Science, June, 2001, Major in Physical Education and Science, then entered the Louisiana State University where she gained a Bachelor of General Studies, May, 2004, minoring in Social Work and Communication Studies.

Then she gained the Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA Bachelor of Science, Sociology in December, 2004 concentration in criminology and the Louisiana State University (LSU) Baton Rouge, LA CRLA Curriculum, Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes, August , 2009 College Reading and Learning Association.

She is a tutor at the LSU

and remarked: “I would go to the school and talk to students of how important it is to stay in school. And my duty right now is that I am helping Guyanese athletes even from Barbados and other athletes from Nigeria. It does not matter where you come from, if you give me a call and you have the grades and the time, I reach out to coaches and pursue to get a scholarship for you.”

She had also say in effecting another Linden athlete to attend a college in the United States in Deshanna Skeete recently. Bur-

Former champion middle-distance athlete Marian Burnett

nett reported, “My first Guyanese athlete to obtain a scholarship was Andrea Foster in 2017, the daughter of Alesha Fortune, who came to America and graduated from Clemson University in January 2021 and is now seeking a contract.”

She feels satisfied as she operates in the background and continues to press for opportunities. Burnett related that “my second athlete to benefit from my contacts is Chantoba Bright in 2018 to El Paso and she is now at Kansas State University and competing and doing well academically.

Then there is Daniel Williams in 2019, who is at Hinds University and should be graduating in December and moving on to Clemson University, and that is the goal. ” Burnett also disclosed: “There is a young female athlete from Berbice named Devante Jackson who is preparing to leave for Lincoln University in August and next in line is Ashanti George, who is preparing as she has her I 20 and is awaiting a visa to allow her to travel to Lincoln University,” It is known that recently Deshanna Skeete received a scholarship to go to New Mexico College in Texas where she will spend two years then continue at another university.

Others on the radar for Burnett are “Deon Roberts of Georgetown who is a sprinter and who should be going to Hinds Junior College in August.

We are still working on the paper work. I am trying to get Zavia Tyler, a distance runner, so I am still working the process and then there is Annalisa Barclay a junior from Linden, I had two offers for her but they were not giving her the full scholarship.

But I don’t get partial scholarship for my students because I figure their parents cannot afford it. Even the kids that I have over there, I mentor with them to ensure they do their school work and on the track. I check in with them and if they need any assistance I give it to them. I also have just got a full scholarship for Okenko Peters, son of former national athlete Nyota Peters.”

NO CASH FOR ATHLETES On a serious note Burnett warned about athletes who compete and receive cash awards saying it can affect their chances of gaining scholarships, particularly at American Colleges and Universities.

She cautioned, “When you are trying to make it to the next level you cannot be competing and taking cash. If you take cash it is going to be a problem and there is nothing I can do about that. You can’t be a professional and be a student athlete, that is not how it works.”

Even those athletes who are not associated with her, but who come to the United States on scholarships, Burnett says she gives them a helping hand where possible: “I know how difficult it is for athletes with talent and academics who want to make it in life. I cannot sit and see a kid fall by the wayside like that. I want to help people. I don’t want to gain anything, but just want to see Guyana out there and give as much support as possible that I can give them. I am not gaining anything but when they are successful I would be happy.”

According to Burnett, “Guyana needs to put much more emphasis in their athletes, they need more support and can be on the map just like Jamaica and other countries. But they need financial assistance and nutrition which costs money and they have got to eat properly”, she said Reflecting on where she gets the urge to see how best to help promising athletes. Burnett reasoned: “I am a mentor to all these athletes and they can call me anytime and ask a question.

I love to help people because people helped me along the way. I remember when I got a scholarship and my mom could not afford it, so most of the time I try to get full scholarships for these students because I know how difficult it can be.

When the athletes are offered cash it could be in a voucher form, or put it in a fund in their parents’ name, but not let anything go to them directly and avoid the publicity.”

Bednarek in the 200m for the second time in six days.

Bednarek, 22, held off fast-finishing Canadian Andre de Grasse to win in 19.88 seconds and make it three successive victories after wins in Ostrava and Gateshead.

Gemili was down in sixth, but his time of 20.58 was a significant improvement on his performance in Gateshead.

British 800m champion Daniel Rowden finished third on his first race of the season with a time of 1:44.60 behind Kenyan Commonwealth Games champion Wyclife Kinyamal, who won in 1:43.91.

There was twin disappointment for the Qatari crowd.

Home hope Abderrahman Samba was fourth in the 400m hurdles, unable to match the 47.38sec winning

time posted by American world silver medallist Rai Benjamin, while world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim was edged out by Ilya Ivanyuk’s 2.33m clearance in the high jump.

Elsewhere Kenyan world champion Timothy Cheruiyot won the 1500m in a new world leading time of 3:30.48, while Colombia’s Yulimar Rojas, who came within seven centimetres of the 26-year-old women’s triple jump world record earlier this month, racked up another win.

American Michael Norman won a keenly anticipated 400m, beating world silver medallist Anthony Zambrano and former Olympic champion Kirani James in a world-leading time of 44.27 seconds. (BBC Sport)

Walsh pleased with progress at women’s camp

Former legendary WI fast bowler Courtney Walsh

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Coach Courtney Walsh is pleased with the new players added to the West Indies Women’s training squad for the month-long high-performance camp currently taking place in Antigua.

Despite a few areas that need more attention, the West Indies bowling legend is not overly concerned as he knows the women can switch gears as the camp progresses.

The only concern he has so far is the level of fitness of some of the players. The coaching staff ramped up preparation in achieving improvements and balance between both fitness and skills.

He has identified an improvement in the batting both in the nets and during the practice matches played so far and he is confident the bowling will start showing that improvement in the

coming weeks before the camp ends. Walsh said.

“The batting has been a lot more consistent which is good. The bowling has been getting there but the batting has been the big thing so far.

The theme of this camp is awareness and consistency and it’s getting better game by game and practice by practice.”

Walsh was also im pressed with the adaptability of the youngsters who are in the setup for the first time and also praised the senior players for taking the younger ones under their wings.

The players have been training at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and have also played a number of highly-competitive intra-squad matches. They are preparing for the ICC Women’s World Cup to be played in New Zealand early next year. (CWI)

FIFA Qatar World Cup qualifiers

SEE PAGE 34

The new-look Golden Jaguars will seek to win back-to-back games in St Kitts and News on June 4 and June 8

depart today for St Kitts hunting wins

Lloyd calls on Hetmyer to let his bat do the talking

Embattled Windies batsman Shimron Hetmyer LEGENDARY West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd has called on embattled batsman Shimron Hetmyer to answer doubters by scoring a lot of runs whenever he gets the opportunity.

The 24-year-old has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after losing his international retainer contract with Cricket West Indies (CWI). The young batsman has long been considered to be one of the region’s premier talents but has struggled to hit top gear in recent seasons.

In Test cricket, where he has not played for the team since 2019, he averages 27.93 having played 16 matches.

In One-Day International cricket, where he last played in January of last year, he averages 36.66. In T20 international cricket, he averages 18.95 with a strike rate of 116.97.

In addition, the player has struggled with fitness issues, twice failing a fitness test during the period, ahead of a subsequent tour of Sri Lanka last year and a visit of the same team earlier this year.

“The guy has got ability, we know that all he has to do is produce the runs and there should be no problem,” Lloyd told the Mason and Guest radio programme.

“We all know Pooran, Hetmyer; these are very talented guys, but that talent must come out with runs. For a bowler it’s wickets,” he added.

“I would like to say to all the young people, Mr Hetmyer and the rest of the gentlemen. They are asking you to be fit, they want you to produce the goods. If you do well, we would have a world-beating team.” (Sportsmax)

ill gh Ed ea els Ch to hip rs so on sp ar ye eon s’ ve er ‘s y an mp Guyana Lottery Co SEE PAGE 34

Chelsea Edghill sporting her new Guyana Lottery Company outfit in commemoration of the one-year deal with the entity

SEE PAGE 37

WELCOME ABOARD! (L-R) GLC Brand Ambassador Rawle Toney, General Manager Tracey Lewis, Chelsea Edghill and GTTA president Godfrey Munroe (Delano Williams photos)

Nike ended Neymar deal after non-cooperation in sexual-assault probe

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SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021