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See Inside 4, 2021 Sunday July 2021 July 4,
Sunday
,
4th July, 2021
No.106411
Hess mulls US$1B investment in O&G sector SEE PAGE 03
Even amid a global pandemic and devastating nationwide floods, these youths of Moraikobai, Region Five, Mahaica-Berbice, opt to indulge in the simple joys that life has to offer. In this Elvin Croker photo, they can be seen using the Moraikobai bridge as a springboard into the fresh waters of the Mahaicony Creek
$213B earned from exports 04 in first quarter PAGE
Gov’t working to ‘tame’ investment 02 interests – Pres. Ali PAGE
Agro-processing plant for Black Bush Polder 21 PAGE
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Gov’t working to ‘tame’ investment interests
SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
― says President Ali; commits to using local funds to initiate critical projects
WITH Guyana being on the cusp of massive transformational development, the country has been attracting a high number of potential investors; so much so that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been actively working to “tame” these growing interests. This is according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who pointed to the importance of strategising outside investments coming to Guyana. “…because when you are managing an economy like this, you have to be mindful of the consequences of overheating; you have to be mindful of the consequences of having the investments
itself [sic] creating shortages,” the Head of State reasoned. He was at the time delivering the feature address at the sodturning ceremony for the new $US20 million Courtyard Marriott at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. Dr. Ali said that already, the country has been seeing signs of shortages in relation to certain construction materials. “That is why material management is so critical, and that is why we have to open up new areas and new quarries and so on,” President Ali said. He noted that while the investment interests are being thor-
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
oughly examined by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the Cabinet has taken a conscious decision to expend local funds to kickstart key projects that are important for Guyana’s development. “We are not going to wait, as a government, on loans that take too long. We are going to get the work started,” the Head of State asserted. He said that as a result of the government’s decision to be proactive, several major infrastructural projects will be ready by the end of the year. These include the four-lane road from Mandela, Georgetown to Eccles, East Bank Demerara, as well as the designing, tendering and hopefully, awarding of the contract for the Eccles to Diamond bypass road, which will be done with local funds. President Ali also announced the government’s intention to complete the Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Eccles section of the promised superhighway at least by the second quarter of 2021. That particular thoroughfare is slated to run all the way to the soon modernised Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which will not only enhance the aesthetics there, but also boost the tourism and business sectors. President Ali also pointed to the construction of a new Demerara Harbour Bridge, as well as the pioneering gas-to-shore project, which are slated for completion before the PPP/C’s five-year tenure (2020-2025). The new East Bank-West Bank bridge link is expected to not only minimise the daily traffic woes faced by persons along both corridors, but it is being seen as enhancing the country’s aesthetics, while opening new lands for further development. Meanwhile, the heavily touted US$900 million gas-to-shore project is promised to directly, and significantly lower the cost of electricity throughout the country. This is likely to provide an additional boost to local and international businesses, which will be able to cut their costs of operation. “We have to invest, so that the end result is the success of various projects and investments that is what is critical for us,” President Ali indicated. He said that the idea is to ensure that there is a “matching of investments with what is required for the immediate, future and the medium-term” development of the country. “We are heading in the right direction, but all of us must understand also that we have our role to play,” the Head of State Ali surmised.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Hess mulls US$1B investment in O&G sector By Navendra Seoraj
SHOULD the conditions both globally and locally remain favourable, one of the world’s leading energy companies, Hess Corporation, plans to expand its investment in Guyana’s oil and gas sector by injecting US$1 billion next year. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent interest in the 6.6 million-acre Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is the operator and holds 45 per
the country’s oil and gas sector next year. Though there could be adjustments to the plans as time passes, the company’s strategy remains unchanged mainly because of favourable commodity prices and the developments offshore Guyana. With the Liza Unity, which has the capacity to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, set to come on stream next year, the company will be looking to utilise cash inflows to service its loan, and will then divert its attention to increasing dividends. Also, with the Payara
The Liza Unity FPSO is set to commence operations in Guyana next year
cent interest in the block, while CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest. With there being 20 discoveries of high quality hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs at the Stabroek Block so far, stakeholders remain encouraged to continue and even increase their investments in Guyana. This willingness was recently exuded by Hess Corporation through its Chief Financial Officer, John Reilly, during a discussion in a fireside chat hosted virtually in June by J.P Morgan as part of its 2021 Energy, Power and Renewables Conference. Reilly, when asked about the company’s development budget, said that Hess has budgeted US$780 million for Guyana this year and is planning to invest around US$1 billion into
project set for 2024 and Yellowtail, 2025, Reilly said the partners are optimistic about increased revenues. President Irfaan Ali had said already that the Government of Guyana welcomes any investment in the Guyana basin. “We welcome investment in the Guyana Basin, as well as the multiple opportunities it will spawn within our economy… I want to take just a few moments to say to all potential investors that you need to come; you need to explore, and you need to look holistically at the varied opportunities in Guyana. “Whether it is largescale agriculture production, whether it is mining, whether it is forestry, whether it is in the healthcare system, the education system, you need to understand the varied opportunities Guyana offers for different types of investors.
It is not only about oil and gas; oil and gas has really brought attention to Guyana, a sleeping giant in investment opportunities,” President Ali said at the opening of the virtual Guyana Basins Summit 2021 (GBS) in March. President Ali has said already that Guyana is on course to prosperity, with a diverse economy that is yet to reach its peak. “Our economic prospects have never been brighter; our collective feet are firmly placed on the first rungs of a ladder to prosperity that is clearly within our sight,” President Ali said during his address to the nation on January 1, 2021. It was reported that with 16 exploration wells planned for this year, Norwegian independent energy research and business intelligence firm, Rystad Energy, has said that 2021 holds “a lot of promise” for Guyana’s burgeoning petroleum sector. ExxonMobil will be spearheading the local exploration activities, having already set an ambitious divestment target of $15 billion by expelling mature assets in Asia, Europe and Africa, so as to prioritise investments in “high-value” assets such as Stabroek.
According to Rystad Energy, the company’s drilling activity will focus on “firming up” resources in the southeastern part of the Stabroek Block, where deeper plays have been observed underneath the existing discoveries. ExxonMobil’s first offshore Guyana project, Liza Phase One, began producing in late 2019, well ahead of the industry average for development time. Liza Phase Two remains on track to begin producing oil by early 2022. Liza Phase Two will produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates, using the Liza Unity FPSO. Recently, the oil giant, following an agreement with the Government of Guyana, decided to proceed with the Payara field development offshore Guyana. Payara is ExxonMobil’s third project in the Stabroek Block, and is expected to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, after start-up in 2024, using the FPSO vessel. The US$9 billion development will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels. “Rystad Energy data suggests that close to 300 million barrels of oil equiv-
alent has been discovered on average for each exploration well (wildcat and appraisal) drilled in the country over the past six years,” Analyst attached to Rystad Energy’s upstream team, Santosh Kumar, said in a recent report. This aside, with around 16 exploration wells planned, including some
in riskier frontier regions, 2021 holds a lot of promise, Kumar said. And, not only is ExxonMobil “firming up” resources in the southeastern part of the Stabroek block, it is also eyeing the unexplored northwestern parts of the block. In addition, work is also lined up for the Canje Block.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
$213B earned from exports in first quarter ― oil exports, higher prices for gold, rice could increase earnings by year-end
By Navendra Seoraj THOUGH obstructed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic issues and external shocks in 2020, Guyana managed to ride the waves of the challenges in the first quarter of 2021, and not only commenced its recovery, but also recorded an increase in exports by US$379.6 million. Guyana’s economy, over the years, has been driven mainly by primary production, while its main exports include sugar, rice, gold, bauxite, rum, shrimp, timber, and, of recent, oil. This year, despite contending with the challenges of the pandemic, the country managed to record a merchandise trade surplus of US$369.2 million compared to a deficit of US$1 million last year. And based on the Bank of Guyana’s quarterly report, which was release recently, this outturn reflected a US$379.6 million growth in exports when calculated against the corresponding period last year. Aggregately, Guyana earned US$992 million or
G$213 billion from the export of local commodities, with higher export receipts stemming from US$674.1 million for crude oil and US$20.9 million from bauxite. There were, however, lower receipts from gold,
‘other export,’ rice and timber by US$36.2 million, US$7.3 million, US$4.4 million and US$0.1 million, respectively. As outlined by the Bank of Guyana, at the end of the first quarter of this year, gold accounted for US$205.6 million of total export receipts, while
Added to this, President Irfaan Ali, in November, 2020, had said that trade facilitation is an area which will receive the government’s attention. Issues such as delays in customs clearance, increase costs and reduce export com-
tured as a vehicle to attract and facilitate investment and export promotion,” President Ali related. But, although facilitation of investment is expected to be easier, the President said the government will be working to enhance the competi-
Non-traditional agricultural produce being prepared at GMC’s packaging facility for export
rice accounted for US$32.2 million; rum, US$12 million; shrimp, US$11.9 million; timber, US$6.4 million; sugar, US$4.6 million and ‘other,’ US$24.3 million. Moving forward, the prospects remain positive, as the central bank projects improvements in export earnings largely due to oil exports supplemented by higher export prices for gold and rice.
petitiveness will soon be addressed through an electronic single window for trade, which will reduce time and costs, the President said. “We will also be seeking to ensure that investors’ applications and requests are facilitated more promptly. As part of our agenda to improve ease-of-doing business, the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) is being restruc-
tiveness of local businesses. Through the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) project, the government will create a catalyst for competitiveness and increased global market access. The NQI aims to improve the quality of local products and services, thereby stimulating greater demand. The implementation of the NQI will bolster the ability of
local businesses to engage in global trade and increase their competitiveness therein. To achieve the projected targets, stakeholders will have to navigate not just the lingering direct and indirect challenges of COVID-19, but also those created by flooding in certain parts of the country. However, even with this being the case, the foundation has been set for the country to continue along the path of positive economic growth. In the first quarter of this year, the country benefited from oil output, while the non-oil economy registered mixed output performance in major sectors. And, as the country pushes ahead, the Bank of Guyana projects that the local economy will record real oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 20.9 per cent while the non-oil economy is estimated to grow by 6.1 per cent. “This performance is expected to stem from expansions in all the major sectors due to the reopening of the economy as the ongoing vaccination programme continues and the COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted. “However, the new variants of the coronavirus pose a threat to this outlook, as there is the possibility of another lockdown. Notwithstanding, the endof-year inflation rate is expected to be 1.6 per cent due to increased economic activities as the economy picks up,” the central bank noted.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
DPP appeals decision to free trio in attempted bank robbery THE Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack, S.C., has filed an appeal against the decision of City Magistrate, Leron Daly, to free three men allegedly involved in the attempted armed robbery of Republic Bank’s Water Street Branch, Georgetown on the morning of July 4, 2017. According to Police Headquarters, Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, has received word from Ali-Hack acknowledging receipt of the police file on the matter, and alluded to the fact that an appeal has already been filed in the said matter. This comes against the backdrop of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) writing to the DPP requesting an
appeal of the decision to free Gladston George, Anfernee Blackman and Shawn Grimond who are all jointly charged with attempt to commit a felony, to wit, robbery under arms committed on Republic Bank. Ex-Police Constable, Blackman, of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown; ex-Rural Constable George of Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown and former Republic Bank employee, Shawn Grimmond, of Pike Street, Kitty were freed of the charges on June 22, 2021, four years after the attempted robbery. This was against the backdrop of a no-case submission made by their lawyers – Leslie Sobers and Roger Yearwood, along with Dexter Todd, who argued
that the State failed to make out a case against the men. However, their co-accused, Keron Saunders, was not so lucky as the magistrate did not agree with his no-case submission and instead called on him to lead his defence on July 08. It was reported that former Republic Bank employee, Jamal Haynes, 28, of Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, and his alleged accomplices, Elton Wray and Saunders, had orchestrated to purloin the Bank’s night deposits by businesses gained during a three-day weekend in a movie-style robbery on the day it occurred. When the matter was first heard in 2017, Hanes had pleaded guilty and was was jailed for six years by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. Wray, a 25-year-old agron-
From left: Anfernee Blackman, Shawn Grimmond and Gladstone George omist at the National Agriculture Research Extension Institute (NAREI), was shot in the chest during the rob-
bery and died while receiving medical attention. George and Blackman were, at the time, constables
attached to the GPF; they allegedly aided the robbery attempt by providing firearms.
Reforms to protect landowners underway –– AG tells diaspora By Richard Bhainie ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has guaranteed overseas-based Guyanese who own properties in Guyana that measures are currently being implemented and crafted to protect their estate in land from being fraudulently transferred in their absence. Nandlall made the announcement while addressing the concerns of members of the diaspora during a Town Hall meeting, organised by the International Committee for Democracy (ICD) in the Queens borough, New York, on Friday last. In explaining the system of landownership in Guyana, the Attorney-General reminded of the country’s history which contributed to its legal system. He highlighted that even though Guyana inherited the British common law system, remnants of the Dutch system remained. “In 1917, the British officially launched its legal system as Guyana’s legal system and transposed the laws of England and made it the laws of Guyana; save and except, it maintained, reserved and preserved certain components
of the Roman-Dutch law and one of those components was the Land Law,” he said. Nandlall explained that it is against this backdrop the complexed ‘Transport’ land system is still existent in Guyana alongside the ‘Title’ system. He explained that under the Transport system, the conveyance of land is never completed until the Transport is transferred into the purchaser’s name. “That system is a very complex system, the system is that when you enter into an Agreement of Sale and you pay a deposit, even if the deposit is 99 per cent of the purchase price, or you can pay the whole purchase price, you do not become the owner until that transport actually goes into your name,” he explained. Prior to the transfer of the Transport from the vendor to the purchaser, the law mandates that the conveyance is advertised in the Official Gazette; this is to allow any creditor the vendor owes to file an application in the court objecting to the passing of the Transport but also effectively allows landowners to apprise themselves of properties that are the subject of conveyances. “So, if you want to know if you are being defrauded,
attempting to draft the Power of Attorney. “So, you’re in America, somebody executes a Power of Attorney on your behalf; in Guyana, they sign your signature, somehow, they get a form of ID or they don’t have a form of ID, but they go to a complicit Notary Public and he swears and stamps it which indicates that he has verified that you are actually the agent of that
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. with a member of the diaspora at the Town Hall event in New York city for example, you have to read that Official Gazette to see that publication and then file an opposition but a lot of people don’t read it,” Nandlall explained. Cognizant of the large number of overseas-based Guyanese, the Minister of Legal Affairs had undertaken to publish the Official Gazettes online, on the designated website officialgazette. gov.gy, to allow anyone to be able to access the important document. It is also available on the various website of the government ministries as well as on Facebook. “All of you go whole day and you comment on Facebook, spend some time and
read the Official Gazette and you will see whether your property is advertised there or not,” Nandlall told the gathering. “In addition to that, I have a menu of draft proposals from the Bar Association and from other stakeholders which I have to take to cabinet for approval to further reform the law to impose stiffer sanctions,” he added. One such proposal is the reform of the Notary Public Act to mandate that in the absence of the rightful property owner, where a Power of Attorney is being used to transfer the property, valid forms of identification (ID) should be presented when
principal, but you are not; the entire thing is a fraud and then you go and you sell the man property,” he explained. Recently, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case of Merlene Todd v Desiree Price and Jenifer Jeboo - a case of proprietary fraud - also ruled that significant reforms are to be made to the Deeds Registry Act, to prevent such from happening.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
No One Is Above The Law
G
UYANESE are a peaceful people. We take great pride in the fact that despite our cultural and ethnic diversity, we continue to live in a state of peace and harmony. This is exactly what our foreparents would have wanted for us. Regardless of how they came to our shores, there was one thing that bonded them all: that vision of a future society in which there is peace, tolerance and prosperity for all. As a society we have come a long way in realising the dreams and aspirations of our foreparents. Indeed, in many respects, we are a model society when it comes to our collective sense of respect for diversity and our ability to peacefully co-exist. This is why any attempt at disrupting our peace and tranquility cannot be taken lightly. Only recently the police had
cause to reprimand an opposition politician for allegedly attempting to project a narrative that could create a wrong impression regarding the professionalism and integrity of the police force. The Guyana Police Force, in a recent release, drew attention to a Facebook post purportedly emanating from a senior APNU+AFC functionary Ms. Annette Ferguson, regarding the setting up of a ‘death squad’ and a ‘Black clothes group’, which according to the police could be considered a cybercrime. According to the ministry’s press release, Minister Robeson Benn has condemned, ‘in the strongest possible terms, the malicious, incendiary and delusional attempts to bring the security forces into disrepute; to target individuals in those services and to foment mischief and misrepresentations with respect to the policies and programmes of the PPP/C
government in its efforts to improve safety and security throughout Guyana.’ When it comes to the law, there are no ‘holy cows.’ The police, in keeping with its mandate to serve and protect, arrested Ferguson after an objection was raised by a senior officer of the Guyana Defence Force who was named in the Facebook post. In came the Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon who, without the benefit of the facts, condemned the action of the police and accused the PPP/C administration of ‘dictatorial and authoritarian acts of political persecution meted out to opposition members of Parliament.’ The opposition leader accused the PPP/C of ‘pushing this nation to the brink of civil unrest’ and issued a warning that the PPP will have to bear the full burden of responsibility for whatever ensues. These utterances are not in keeping
with the norms of civilised discourse. Indeed, they can have a polarising, if not incendiary effect on a society that has already been fed more than its fair share of misinformation and a false narrative of electoral fraud by the political opposition. Guyanese are tired of such baseless and irresponsible behaviour on the part of the leadership of the APNU+AFC. Harmon, as leader of the oposition, has a constitutional duty and a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to come clean with his supporters and the Guyanese people. By continuing to describe the PPP/C as an ‘installed regime’ and as practising ‘political persecution,’ he and his party cohorts seem unwilling to come to terms with our democratic culture and the reality of governmental changes based on the principle of majoritarian rule.
President and gov’t praised for handling of flood Dear Editor,
A
SNAP survey of opinion on the ground about government’s response to the flooding finds positive views. President Irfaan Ali and his government have won praises everywhere, and across all communities for their handling of the country’s worst floods. The President, his Cabinet, and officials from various ministries were seen visiting flooded areas on the coast and in the interior offering various forms of support and providing relief. Virtually no one expressed any negative response on how the government has been responding to the flood, although almost everyone feels the administration must
do more to drain water from their land, and provide appropriate assistance to affected communities. Some respondents feel that the government could have made preparation well ahead of the expected rains to reduce the effects of the flooding with better planning and dredging of the waterways. Some felt mechanism should have been put in place by succeeding governments to address expected annual flooding and fixed ocean breaches. They call for such planning now to prepare for future heavy rains and accompanying flooding that will happen with greater frequency because of climate change and other factors like high tides. In particular, they say government must perform infrastructure work to remove built-up siltation.
This is Guyana’s worst flooding on record. Hydrologists, meteorologists, and civil engineers call it the flood of a century. The President and Cabinet were quick to visit affected areas, even hard-to-reach remote locations, assessing the situation on the ground, and providing needed relief. The President’s response has been described as momentous and decisive. He dispatched ministers, the PM, heads of department, and CDC personnel, medical personnel, and others to affected areas. President Ali visited all regions and flood areas, and personally handed out assistance in several locations. The President was on the ground routinely and regularly, including at water pumping stations, checking on pumps. He has put in place a pilot
system to monitor pumps, because some attendants were caught sleeping, as pumps to drain water were turned off, and kokers were closed. The public thanks the President for his quick response, and the measures he put in place to ameliorate the situation. They salute his hands-on approach. All of the ministers and leadership of regional governments, as well as MPs received kudos for their activism and outreach to help the affected; there was no time to idle. The chairs of Regions Five and Six were singled out for special praise for being on the ground for several hours daily. Some ministers were also on the ground for several hours each day. Some, like Agriculture Minister, Zulfi Mustapha;
Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall; Works Ministers, Juan Edghill and Indar Deodat, the PM, among others, were out daily, assessing and responding to infrastructure requests. Some like Zulfi and Nigel hardly had time to sleep, as they oversaw drainage and relief efforts. The public said that personnel have been going around taking stock of losses and needs request. An assessment is being done to provide some aid. The floods, that began a month ago, the result of heavier than usual rainfall that overtopped waterways from the Amazon River all the way to Guyana, have left many homeless, killed hundreds of animal life, and inundated vast tracts of farmland; hundreds of thousands
of acres of rice, sugar cane, and other crops under cultivation have been destroyed and some still under water. The government set up shelters for flood victims and cattle and as emergency crew worked feverishly to drain water from the land into trenches, canals, other waterways and into the ocean. President Ali has been applauded everywhere for his hands on approach in addressing the dangers of the flood. He was lauded for directing his Cabinet and government officials to visit affected areas to take stock of the situation and oversee relief operations. The President was also seen immersing himself in the dangerous flood waters. Respondents told interTURN TO PAGE 7
SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
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GECOM must account for billions of misspent dollars Dear Teacher I Dear Editor,
T cannot be denied that the Guyana Elections Commission has spent billions of dollars during the 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2020 Elections and the ‘Lone Ranger’ Chief Elections Officer is yet to answer the Auditor General’s queries. The purchasing of millions of dollars in equipment, stationery, hiring of staff and giving out of phantom contracts must be fully investigated. Billions of dollars were abused and misspent during a spending spree for the senior staff. Further, billions were lost by our Guyanese people whose livelihoods came to a standstill during the deliberate elections crises from March to August 2020. Guyana suffered international infamy as the entire world was looking on as the PNC/APNU attempted to steal the National and Regional Elections. The lawlessness that took place from March to August last year must never be allowed to happen again. The ‘rogue elements’ in GECOM usurped unknown powers and humiliated commissioners and international observers. They must be held accountable for the millions of dollars that the GECOM secretariat spent on food, drinks, transportation, lawyers fees, and the hiring of phantoms to commits acts of terrorism. Political activists and leaders of the communities were threatened and were scared to be in the streets. Our children were kept away from schools, commuters were afraid to travel, the business communities were forced to close their doors. Our farmers were afraid to take their products to the established market places. The memoires of that dreadful five months continue to haunt our nation. Our Guardian of Democracy will live on forever. We will never
President and gov’t ... TURN FROM PAGE 6
viewers that they were very pleased that the government, from the onset of the floods in early June, immediately commenced a massive rescue and relief operation. They express gratitude that the government and some generous individuals and organisations and businesses began providing food and essential items to affected communities. Hampers were distributed all over the country to affected families although some complain it was not enough for their needs. But overall, they are very grateful for the assistance, especially when compared to government’s response to the 2017 flooding on the coast. The Ali government responded efficiently and speedily in contrast with then government’s response to the 2017 floods. Foreign diplomats and even political opponents also praised the Ali government’s response.
Overall, the public has been pleased with government’s effort in addressing the ongoing month-long flood. In spite of the overwhelming favourable rating of the government’s response to the flood, the public feels more needs to be done to ameliorate ongoing issues. They also feel government should compensate them for damages to property and loss of livestock and crops. The government has agreed to provide some form of assistance to the affected to re-start their lives. The President said requests for help will be met by government. And the Agriculture Minister also said he will ensure that farmers get assistance to get back to livelihood. Sincerely, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
forget Mark Wayne Xavier, their dedication to the cause, patriotism and un-flinching support to our struggle must strengthen our resolve to demand that all the fraudsters and riggers be condemned condignly. Ever since the passing of the no-confidence motion on that historic night, 21st December, 2018, the PNC/APNU+AFC took advantage of the courts in Guyana. They relished using the judiciary to stay in power. However, the total amount paid with taxpayers’ money to Mercury/CosbyTextor, to JJ&B and LLC must be cleared in the public eyes. Basil Williams’ statement to the OAS on July 22, 2020, the sanctions, the no-confidence motion that APNU took to the CCJ, costing hundreds of millions and all other expenses that were incurred during that time, must be fully investigated and revealed to the public. As the notorious trio continue to face the courts and are slapped with more electoral fraud charges, this nation must continue to call for a full investigation into the likes of Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings and Michelle Miller et al. Staff members at GECOM must be accountable and work in a transparent way. GECOM must cleanse itself and remove all those who were part and parcel of the ‘Gang” that attempted to rig and then derail the 2020 National and Regional Elections. Billions of taxpayers’ dollars were abused and there is no accountability. Guyanese’ human and constitutional rights were trampled upon and this nation is waiting patiently for justice. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar
By Anonymous
Dear Teacher You’re special and kind Helpful You help build my life And my personality You’re an inspiration A gift A provider of education And a great person
You’re a great role model I want to thank you Because you have great generosity You’ve taught me so much All varieties of subjects My mind has become so much excited because of the great ideas my knowledge has learnt I can now help humanity And serve my family You’ve developed my skills And my character You’re just blessed To have helped me be a better person
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Understanding Energy
Balancing 'green' goals with development needs COUNTRIES across the emerging oil region of the Southern Caribbean are grappling with a delicate balancing act: meeting the world’s energy needs and growing their economies, all while preparing for a future of lower emissions. International organisations agree that the earth needs to cut carbon dioxide emissions from oil, gas and coal in order to reduce the risks of climate change. Although the transition away from fossil fuels is proceeding rapidly in some sectors, the global economy is still expected to require growing amounts of certain fossil fuels over the coming decades, particularly tough-toreplace ones like crude oil and natural gas. Trinidad’s Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young, put it eloquently last week to the Society of Petroleum Engineers Trinidad and Tobago 2021 Virtual Energy Resources Conference and Exhibition. “Even as we head towards a green economy, it is my belief and the mandate that we must focus on and prioritise monetisation of our hydrocarbon resource,” Young told participants. With looming uncertainty about what demand for oil and gas may look like by 2050, there is tremendous pressure on new producers to make the most of their resources while they still can by fast-tracking development now. Investors are still interested in financing large scale oil and gas projects for the time being. But the type of projects winning investment continues to narrow, as legacy fossil fuel companies shift their profiles towards the lowest cost, lowest carbon sources of oil and invest more in alternate sources. Countries like Guyana, Brazil, Suriname, and Trinidad are all facing a similar dilemma. While all these countries have made it clear that they want to play a role in global efforts to reduce emissions, all expect to continue producing hydrocarbons in the near term while they can. The competition is also rising across the wider Latin American Region, especially as legacy producers like Mexico and Venezuela struggle to maintain production and compete against newer producers. In cases like Guyana, the revenues from these projects are vitally needed for sustainable development. With sea levels rising
and coastal communities suffering from decay in flood-control systems, the need for infrastructure investment in Guyana is only growing. Protecting fragile coastal ecosystems like mangroves that provide key natural defences will require even more effort. Without the billions of US dollars in oil revenues expected over the next decade, much of that spending would be nearly impossible to finance. Guyana has long faced unique challenges as a country that is substantially less developed economically than many of its Caribbean neighbours like Trinidad. Newfound oil in the Stabroek Block could go a long way towards enhancing social development such as the health care and education systems. The challenge for Guyana will be to balance oil development, meeting development needs and pursuing its environmental goals. In some areas like electricity generation, fossil fuel development can become a positive for Guyana’s environmental impacts. Guyana Power & Light (GPL) currently relies on heavily polluting and expensive heavy fuel oil for generating electricity. With the developments offshore, Guyana will be able to transition to a natural gas system over the next few years, cutting carbon dioxide emissions significantly. This situation is one key reason the International Energy Agency has made it clear that every country’s situation is different, even if it does not widely recommend more oil development. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said as much in recent remarks, when he noted that recommendations from the IEA are aspirational rather than prescriptive. He also expanded on plans for a vast expansion of renewable energy use in Guyana, particularly solar and hydropower. With the current government’s push towards increased renewable energy, strict limits on emissions and flaring and the considerable carbon sequestration potential already in the Amazon, Guyana can still play a leading role in keeping carbon emissions low. If it’s able to balance that with the extraordinary development promised by oil revenues, this country will be an even more remarkable success story.
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Politics & Society Forum
A Review of Caribbean Masala
THE book, Caribbean Masala: Indian Identity in Guyana and Trinidad, authored by Dave Ramsaran and Linden Lewis, draws upon sociological, anthropological, and historical schools of thought to understand the multilayered and multifaceted dynamics of Caribbean Indian identity. The authors use a theoretical perspective of creolisation to understand cultural mixing, assimilation, and adaptation of Indians since they arrived in Guyana and Trinidad in 1838. To clarify in a nutshell, creolisation is a process in which the culture of the Caribbean—mainly African and European— experience a mixing that produces new identities that are different from their original forms. The mixing of African animistic religion and European Christianity that produced the syncretic religions of
Santeria and Shango is an example of creolisation. Caribbean Massala argues that some Indians have become creolised but that the cultural process of creolisation cannot be used to explain the cultural mixing of Indians. To do so would mistakenly imply that Indians have experienced the Euro-African process of mixing and that Indians have given up any customs associated with India. Instead, the creolisation of Indians must be examined in relation to their (a) Indian ancestral customs in India, (b) colonial plantation experience, and (c) post-independent development of Guyana and Trinidad. The Indian customs of Matikor, a Hindu wedding ceremony, and Phagwah, a Hindu festival, were used to demonstrate how Indians have become creolised. These customs are not practised in the Caribbean in the same way as practised in India,
but new cultural elements have been added in Guyana and Trinidad. In India and even historically in Guyana and Trinidad, Matikor was an event reserved for women only, but in the modern period, men do participate. This process is inevitable given the pressure of modernization, but what is remarkable is the resilience and endurance of both cultural events and others like Diwali, which have adapted to the pressure of modernisation. This process has provided a secure base for the survival of Indian identity and culture in Guyana and Trinidad, according to Ramsarran and Lewis. The above cultural process might have occurred, but a careful reading indicates that the process is not creolisation but cultural continuity and change among Indians in Guyana and Trinidad. The misapplication of creolisation is noticed when Indian masculini-
ty is examined. In Guyana, Indian masculinity is defined and practised according to the accumulation of property, the division of labour and authoritarian structure of the household and the ability to work continuously and save, among other factors (pp 99–106). In Trinidad, Indian masculinity is labelled as the “New Indian Man” who has evolved from having a carefree lifestyle to attaining the responsibility of fatherhood brought about by new economic and educational opportunities. Women also benefitted from access to education that has eventually brought them out of the confined household to the
public spaces, competing and challenging patriarchal norms within their community as well as the larger society. The different identities of Indian masculinity in both countries are conflated and confused with creolisation or cultural mixing. What appears to be happening is that the identity of Indian masculinity is changing from negative to positive because of economic opportunities for growth and development. This is not cultural mixing. I think the argument for Indian creolisation is not convincing since the narrative is confused with Indian cultural continuity and change in Guyana
Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine and Trinidad. I do share, however, that that contribution of Caribbean Masala to the field of Caribbean identity lies in the authors’ attempt to show that creolisation or cultural mixing does not always occur according to European and African customs. Rather, creolisation can also occur in relation to ethnicity, class, gender, and identity within Indian culture. Nonetheless, these contributions from Professors Ramsaran and Lewis dovetail well insofar as inspiring others to conduct more research on Indian identity in the Caribbean (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums. edu).
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NAREI extension officers get sensitivity training –– better equipped to comfort frustrated farmers
THE government’s support to flood-affected farmers seems to be going far beyond providing tangible aid; as a matter of fact, efforts are being made to ensure that Extension Officers attached to the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute (NAREI) are properly trained to deal with farmers in a more sensitive and humane manner. According to Pooran Seeraj, Head of NAREI’s Extension Services, the agency has recognised the impact of the floods on more than just crops and livelihoods; he said that farmers have begun to rely on agricultural extension officers for hope and courage to persevere. As a result, NAREI has initiated training sessions to ensure that extension
Aaron Ramroop, Coordinator of NAREI’s Hinterland Services officers across the country are able to adjust and function effectively as psychological support systems for the communities they serve. Aaron Ramroop, Coordinator of NAREI’s Hinterland Services, attested
to the fact that these unprecedented floods have highlighted the importance of extension officers in the lives of farmers who require support that go beyond the provision of material aid. “Extension is not just transfer and technology alone,” Ramroop said during a recent interview with this newspaper. He indicated that the mere presence of extension officers in the various communities provide a critical level of comfort to farmers. “And that is really needed at this point, because what we are seeing in these times is that farmers are very much frustrated,” Ramroop added. He said that simple things such as a comforting approach and lending a listening ear could mean the world to a struggling
Pooran Seeraj, Head of NAREI’s Extension Services farmer in these devastating times. It was explained that even though most of the physical trainings are being administered along the flooded coastal regions, extension officers in the hinterland and other farflung regions are being trained virtually to provide the kind of assistance that is needed during this period. It was just recently that reports surfaced of a Corentyne, Berbice rice farmer taking his own life as a result of frustrations caused by the floods, and his inability to fulfil his debt payments as a result of the significant losses he and his family suffered. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, along with other members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, has reiterated their support for all households suffering from the floods that have so far lasted for seven weeks. In addition to providing immediate flood-relief packages and guidance, Dr. Ali has expressed his administration’s commitment towards the recovery phases and ensuring that all flood-affected households are able to recover from the ongoing disaster. “The losses you have occurred…the government will help you to get back on your feet again,” President Ali previously assured. He had indicated also that the government has
The ongoing floods have disrupted the lives of thousands, most significantly, farmers whose livelihoods, in some cases, have been crippled. In this image, a farmer uses his length to measure the depth of water covering his rice field no intentions of making empty promises and then “disappearing” when the waters recede. “That is not how we are going to operate…we care about you; we care about your losses and we intend to take action to help you,” the President emphasized. He said too that government’s support will come in the form of short-, mediumand long-term measures. Further, the government has also moved to engage various financial institutions, including banks and other lending agencies, to mobilise increased support for persons whose entire lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by the floodwaters which have exceeded 15 feet in some communities. It was only on Thursday last that Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, announced that the number of flood-affected households has progressed
to 51,578 households; this translates to approximately 25 per cent of all households in Guyana. She reminded that ever since the floods started, government officials, including the President himself, wasted no time in mobilising support for those affected. She said that in the first phase of the support, the priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Guyanese. This entails the continued provision of food, sanitary and medical hampers to all affected households and shelters. Teixeira indicated that so far, the government, with the support of several private entities, has distributed at least 62,574 food and 25,440 cleaning hampers. As it is, President Ali said that recovery initiatives are being designed, and will be rolled out once the floodwaters recede and persons can begin to rebuild.
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St. Cuthbert’s Mission receives flood-relief supplies
THROUGH a collaborative effort by Social Impact Consultancy (SIC), Pomeroon Trading and the Corum Group of Companies, residents of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), recently benefitted from a flood-relief donation of
foresee flooding in the village getting worse, he explained that the wellbeing and livelihoods of residents, especially that of the farmers and their families, were more severely affected. “They don’t know where to start from, and that’s why my heart goes
of Social Impact Consultancy, shared that the project came about after the toshao reached out to her for assistance with flood relief. “As such, through my consultancy, I was able to reach out to donors, and raise funds towards assisting the community,”
(From left) Senior representative of Social Impact Consultancy, Tana Yussuff, alongside Deputy Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Leroy Gonputh; Chief Operating Officer of Pomeroon Coconuts, Jared Kissoon; and Director of Communications and Business Development at Corum Holdings, Iman Cummings, with some of the supplies donated dry goods and supplies, to assist residents in their recovery efforts. Toshao of the village, Timothy Andrews, marked the donation as ‘timely’, noting that it came at a critical time when economic activities in the village were severely affected by flooding. “Donations like this, in these times, are exactly what my people are looking forward to, so many thanks again,” he expressed via text, later adding: “There are few words that I can find to say how grateful and thankful I am for this donation. On behalf of my people, I say many thanks to all who contributed. May the Good Lord continue to bless you all”. While Andrews stated that he did not necessarily
out to them more,” he said. While this donation has certainly assisted the village in their recovery efforts as they continue to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, the toshao drew attention to an agro-stability project which the village has started in order to save farmers’ produce, which were either damaged or lost in the floods. “Most of [the farmers] have lost everything that they had laboured for all the years, and we, as leaders, strongly believe that there is more that can be saved. So if we can have financial funding from the government, or any NGOs, we will be grateful. That is what I see that my people need right now,” Andrews shared. Tana Yussuff, founder
she said. Chief Operating Officer of Pomeroon Coconuts, Jared Kissoon, in a statement on the donation, explained: “When news of the devastating impact of flooding in St. Cuthbert’s reached the company, we felt compelled to broaden outreach efforts and provide critical supplies to those in need.” Director of Communications and Business Development at Corum Holdings, Iman Cummings, echoed this sentiment, expressing that members of Corum were saddened to learn about the devastation that occurred due to the floods, and felt compelled to support the community. Deputy Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Leroy Gonputh, who was present at the handing
over, also thanked the donation team profusely, and noted that the contribution would significantly assist the community during this time. Each team expressed their gratitude to the others for helping the outreach
to become a success, and look forward to working with other public and private sector organisations to maximise impact in the community. Nerissa Mohammed, an individual, assisted in funding some of the items,
and the Colgate Company donated toothpaste and toothbrushes towards the worthy cause. Other items donated include foodstuff like rice, flour, sugar and peas, as well as cleaning supplies.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Multi-stakeholder approach needed to increase women’s role in STEM – says PM Phillips By Jared Liddell
PRIME Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Saturday stated that a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to ensure that the status of women as a minority group in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is changed. He made this disclosure at the launch of the Industry and Innovation Unit, Office of the Prime Minister, in collaboration with the University of Guyana. He was delivering opening remarks at the first-ever virtual orientation of the Guyanese Girls Code 2021 through the government’s ‘Girls in ICT programme’ under the theme: Connected Girls, Creating Brighter Futures. The initiative will facilitate training in programming and other STEM activities for a total of 70 girls, as part of the unit’s commitment to bridge the digital divide for gender equality. Prime Minister Phillips stated that initiatives such as these create opportunities for women and girls to see themselves having a career in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He noted that despite the technological advancements rapidly taking over the world, the percentage of women in ICT-related
professions has decreased over the last 40 years, which has led to a major under-representation of women in careers relating to STEM. According to the Prime Minister, the initiative aims to be a first step in producing future Guyanese women who are software engineers, programmers, information systems managers, database administrators, information technology consultants, systems analysts, and systems designers. The Prime Minister explained that the government intends to have the gender gap filled through initiatives such as these that will provide women with a door into the ICT sector. He further noted that the government is keen on creating a level playing field for all, especially as it relates to gender equity and women empowerment. Further, he noted that there must be a greater approach taken to ensure that these opportunities and initiatives transcend into the real world and that all stakeholders play their part to ensure that women and girls feel welcome and know that their contributions will be recognised. “Women and girls must be made aware that there is no industry in which they cannot participate. They cannot only contribute, but make a difference in every
Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips
enterprise they occupy. “But achieving gender equity and empowering women is not a feat that can be realised alone. It is a joint effort that requires the input of multiple stakeholders-including men -- to ensure that the status of women as a minority group in STEM fields is changed,” the Prime Minister expressed. Further, Prime Minister Phillips highlighted the invaluable contribution of several women in the local ICT sector including Jennifer Britton, Penelope DeFreitas and Farnaz Baksh, thanking them for their invaluable
participants will be able to benefit from interactive sessions on contributions made by women to the ICT sector, as well as how STEM can be used resolve the address problems faced by local girls. Additionally, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr. Professor Paloma Mohammed-Martin lauded the initiative. She noted that over the years similar programmes have kick-started the careers of many girls in the ICT sector. Professor Mohammed-Martin believes that Guyana’s ICT sector has
A section of the participants during the launch of the Industry and Innovation Unit’s first-ever virtual orientation of the Guyanese Girls Code 2021 programme contributions and the role they have played in inspiring the future generation of girls and women in ICT. “Experts believe that if women and girls see more female role models in ICT-related positions, they can serve as inspirational examples of success that demonstrate the possibilities that women can achieve. These role models showcase that woman can, indeed, overcome traditional gender barriers and encourage other women to aspire to these standards,” the Prime Minister stated. Meanwhile, Director of the Industry and Innovation Unit of Office of the Prime Minister, Shahrukh Hussain, disclosed that the 70 young girls will be taught by female instructors and trainers from the University of Guyana, with lessons focusing on a number of ICT subjects. He further stated that the
major potential for growth, noting that from UG alone several ICT breakthroughs have been formulated. She highlighted, in particular, the creation of the app UnityGy, which will match people who have needs, or have a social struggle with persons or donors who want to give to those people. Further, she called on the Prime Minister to create an ICT stream in high schools, noting that currently, Guyana’s high school system does not provide for information technology as a stream option for students who will be sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. The UG Vice Chancellor noted that initiatives such as these are extremely important and that students should be allowed the opportunity to specialise in this field during high school.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
One new ‘COVID’ death, 74 new cases
EVEN as the fight against the COVID-19 virus continues, the number of COVID-19 related deaths has increased to 488 following the death of one more person. The Ministry of Health disclosed that the latest fatality is a 50-year-old female from Region Nine (Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo) who died while receiving care at a medical facility on July 2, 2021. This is the second death to be reported for
this month. Meanwhile, there are currently 1,532 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 74 new cases. Even as new cases were recorded, 110 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 18,304. The 74 newly confirmed cases were recorded in all of the ten administrative regions. Thirty-nine of the newly confirmed cases were
males with the remaining 35 being females. Region Four accounted for 36 of the new cases; Region One recorded six new cases; Region Two recorded five new cases; Region Three recorded nine new cases; and Region Five, recorded three new cases. Regions Six and Nine recorded four new cases each, while Regions Seven and 10 recorded two new cases each; and Region Nine recorded one new case. It was reported that
the 74 new cases were recorded from a total of 1,283 tests. The country has now recorded a total of 20,305 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. Eighteen persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Currently, there are 95 persons in institutional isolation; 1,410 are in
home isolation and nine persons are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from July 1, 2021, until July 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions
of the pandemic. As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes . Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew time is from 22:30 hrs to 04:00 hrs. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 2267480; or 180/181 for assistance.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Reg. 2 facing vaccine hesitancy - Dr. Mahadeo –– only 44% of adult population vaccinated
DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, has disclosed that even though Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases, persons are still hesitant to get vaccinated against the deadly virus. During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Dr.
Mahadeo pleaded with residents to get vaccinated, noting that the government has spent millions of dollars to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. Pointing out that persons can still contract the virus, Dr. Mahadeo emphasised that it will prevent people from experiencing the most severe symptoms of the dis-
ease and from hospitalisation. A person is only considered fully immunised against COVID-19 two weeks after taking his/her second dose. Dr. Mahadeo attested to the fact that people became infected after taking their first vaccine dose but emphasised that they were not hospitalised. Meanwhile, Regional
Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, said that only 44 per cent of the adult population in Region Two is currently vaccinated and according to him, that is poor. Dr. Singh said Region Two was once the second leading region in the vaccination campaign, but now the Regional Health Service has observed a declining trend in the number of people coming forward for their first dose. As such, the region is ramping up its vaccination drive and awareness campaign and has now installed vaccination sites at various supermarkets. These sites are located at Imam Bacchus and Sons at Affiance, Safe-
way supermarket at Good Hope, and G and P Jaigobin at Anna Regina. Incentives, including coupons, are also being offered to persons who take the jab. “We are on the verge of increasing the vaccination programme in our region; we are calling on leaders to play their part and encourage their followers to take the vaccine; it is deemed irresponsible if you do not take the vaccine because you will put everyone around you at risk,” Dr. Singh said. The region also has stable vaccination sites at Good hope, Huist Diren, Queenstown, Abram Zuil, Windsor Castle, Darthmouth, and
Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo Charity Health Centres. The region currently has the first dose in Sputnik-V, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm. The second dose of AstraZeneca and Sinopharm is also available.
Ultimate Imaging Inc launches nature-themed spa
WITH nature as its team, Ultimate Imaging Inc., on Saturday, launched its ‘Ultimate Renew’ beauty spa and massage parlor at its ‘Y’ Hadfield Street, Georgetown location. The proprietor, Janica Sandy, described the launch as monumental, noting that it was always her dream to establish her own business that is aligned with her love and appreciation for nature as well as beauty and therapy. According to Sandy, in conceptualising the business, she decided that she could create a space that would allow for persons to be pampered while being health and nature conscious. The business has its own line of 25 personalised skin and body care products, including soaps, skin and body scrubs, and even body oils,
that are locally made and created using only organic materials. Sandy noted that she has been part of the beauty industry for over seven years and so, she used this expertise to understand the way skin reacts to different products. “I wanted to create products that would align with the image I had for the business, and I am big on organic materials, especially in the beauty industry, because I think about how harmful to our skins non-organic materials can be. So, in creating my line, I didn’t want any of my customers to have to worry about that, I wanted them to feel safe and refreshed and relaxed,” Sandy expressed. Sandy, who is a Canadian trained make-up artist, stated that she will be using her business to ensure not just
A client receiving a massage at the Ultimate Renew’ beauty spa and massage parlour launch on Saturday (Adrian Narine photos)
Proprietor of Ultimate Imaging Inc., Janica Sandy her customers and employees at the company can benefit but also other upcoming make-up artists and persons interested in being a part of the beauty and cosmetology sector. Sandy said she has already made arrangements with the United Bridge Builders Mission to provide training opportunities to several youths who have an interest in the field. “I want to give back because I believe that there are talented Guyanese who just need an opportunity to learn and to grow and I’m willing to provide that training where I can. We have already made arrangements through an organisation to have that facilitated and am pleased to be able to let my business be a part of such an initiative,” Sandy stated.
SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Safety audit workshop hosted to create safer spaces for women
WITH the aim of creating safe spaces for women and girls through sustainable housing, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is hosting a two-day Women’s Safety Audit (WSA) Workshop. The workshop, which falls under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), began at the Parfait Harmonie Primary School, West Bank Demerara, on Saturday. Susan Rodrigues, Min-
ister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, stated that the findings of the workshop will help to guide infrastructural design and the construction of community facilities in the areas that fall under AHUAP, within West Bank Demerara. These are: Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Lust-en-Rust and Parfait Harmonie. The minister further stated that the safety of women and girls is imperative to the government and in keeping
with their manifesto commitment for women empowerment. “In order for that to happen we have to come to you the people to guide that process and help us to shape the programme in such a way that it brings real, tangible benefits and enhancement to your lives,” said the minister. The CH&PA’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Coordinator, Sunil Gopaul, noted that $US27 million ($5.4 billion) has been allotted through the
Some of the participants during the workshop
Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Inter-American Develop- contrasts and similarities Ten participants were drawn ment Bank (IDB) to execute of these experiences to from each of the five comthe programme in several men within the same areas munities. areas across the country. He are also being examined. The targeted participants stated that the project scope The workshop is being and stakeholders includincludes construction of core led by Deputy Director of ed members of the Guyhomes, and infrastructural the Community Develop- ana Police Force, Regional works such as upgrading of ment Department, Donnel Democratic Council of Reroads and drainage systems Bess-Bascom and other gion Three: Malgre Tout/ and installation of street staff members. Meer-Zorgen, Neighbourlights. As part of the work- hood Democratic Councils, Participants are given shop, the participants will community leaders, faiththe platform to detail the also conduct a WSA walk, based organisations and experiences of women in along with CH&PA officials women and girls of differing urban public spaces, and in specific areas to assess social and economic spheres. how these experiences af- these spaces and recommend The workshop will confect their daily lives. The strategies for improvement. tinue today.
Over 50 years of service to the manufacturing sector – Mohamed’s Manufacturing Enterprise going strong ADDING value to agricultural produce through processing and packaging has been the practice of Mohamed’s Manufacturing Enterprise for five decades. Known for its hallmark brand, Peppy’s, Mohamed’s Manufacturing Enterprise has made great strides and progress since opening its doors in 1971. The company, founded by Khalil Mohamed, started as a small factory at Sussex Street, Albouystown. At that time, the company was producing chowmein, and subsequently vermicelli noodles. It was the first modern noodle manufacturer to break into the Linden mar-
ket. However, due to a fire in 1976, the uninsured Sussex Street business was completely destroyed, leaving the owner to seek viable options to restart his business. Mohamed, according to his daughter Saleema Mohamed, approached several government officials at that time and was able to secure financial assistance to get his business up and running again. Through this support and assistance, Mohamed was able to begin rebuilding his business at a location at Lusignan, East Coast of Demerara (ECD). He said that the success of the company is owed to its
ability to stay abreast with changing demands and to strategically add new commodities to its production line. Saleema told the Sunday Chronicle that Peppy’s currently manufactures a wide variety of products, including sauces, spices, seasonings, flours, noodles, vinegar, and similar products. Today, the production of those items is done centrally at the company’s factory located at Triumph, ECD. The firm acquires most of its herbs and spices from its own farm, an establishment called Jaskasa Farm situated at Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara.
Khalil said that the firm’s ability to “control” the process from the farm to manufacturing ensures that it is aware of the quality of its products. The company’s main goal, aside from creating employment, is manufacturing quality products in order to satisfy consumers. Currently, Saleema said, Peppy’s distributes products throughout Guyana and the CARICOM Region. Their company’s focus is on constantly raising its production level and improving the quality of service delivery, as well as global health and safety standards, to attain ISO certification.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Gov’t already designing flood-recovery interventions –– ahead of final assessment report
EVEN in the absence of a final assessment report, the Government of Guyana has moved ahead to design recovery interventions for those affected by the ongoing floods. This indication was given by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who said that in addition to the work being done by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
with the preliminary findings of a Detailed Damage Sector Assessment (DDSA) on the floods. The DDSA covered assessments and analyses across seven sectors, namely health, water and sanitation, infrastructure and housing, agriculture, social services, and shelter and mining in Regions Two, Five, Six, Seven and 10. Moratorium on loans and
mobilising support for those affected. The priority, she noted, was the safety and well-being of all Guyanese. The DDSA is a result of an agreement between CDEMA and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister. The DDSA is the fourth stage in the CDEMA Damage Analysis and Needs AssessGuyana has been battling severe flooding for approximately seven weeks now needs outlined in the DDSA. “There are immediate actions that we would have already identified and would be taking to improve our response such as the improved response in the regions and community levels in areas of water contamination and
President Dr. Irfaan Ali during one of his many flood-related outreaches (CDEMA), local authorities are also executing continuous assessments of the countrywide floods. “We have had our own internal assessments ongoing; it’s devastating to say the least. We are now awaiting the final report from CDEMA…and then we are going to look at that with our local data collection and then we’ll have a full assessment,” Dr. Ali told reporters on Friday on the sidelines of an event at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. He gave the assurance that the government will not prolong the recovery process by waiting on the final report to mobilise the next phase of assistance. “We are not waiting on the report; it’s just the final numbers now that we are waiting on,” President Ali posited. CDEMA recently presented Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips
grants for farmers, the need for relocation of some communities, the establishment of septic tanks and a revision of building codes are some of the preliminary recommendations stemming from the DDSA. The need for social services such as psychosocial support, welfare to help families sustain themselves and specific infrastructure rehabilitation were also highlighted. Communities all across Guyana have been under water for approximately seven weeks now. The Level Two, and in some cases, the Level Three disaster has affected 51, 578 households; this translates to approximately 25 per cent of all households in Guyana. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira on Friday evening highlighted the fact that since the floods started, the government wasted no time in
ment (DANA) continuum for disasters. The full DDSA report is expected by July 10, and will be used to guide decision-making on the way forward in Guyana. On Wednesday last, Director-General of the CDC, Colonel Kester Craig said that following the completion of the DDSA, the information will be used to inform a Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) which is the next stage in the continuum; this will look at the socio-economic impact in a broader way. Aside from the seven sectors, the DDSA also looked at the coordination of flood response. In presenting the report, the CDEMA team commended the CDC for the work it has been doing thus far in relation to managing the response. The CDC and other necessary agencies will begin addressing certain immediate
health responses, provision of food supplies, and coordination management,” Colonel Craig said. In an earlier engagement, the Director-General said, “The intention is not only to report on it [findings], but to use this prelim report to im-
prove our responses. We will definitely be reaching out to the various agencies, ministries, regions to ensure these mechanisms are implemented to ensure improved services to our citizens. We still have work to do.”
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Remaining 12,000 Sinopharm vaccines received by Guyana
THE remaining 12,000 doses of the 100,000 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines arrived on Saturday morning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), via a Caribbean Airlines flight, according to Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Health, Shabana Shaw. The Government of China made an initial donation of 20,000 doses of this vaccine earlier in the year, as Guyana got its COVID-19 vaccination rollout campaign underway. After that donation, the government opted to procure an additional 100,000 of the Sinopharm vaccines after it was engaged by the Chinese Government. On Tuesday last, 88,000 Sinopharm vaccines out of the shipment arrived at the CJIA. Importantly,
these vaccines are being purchased for US$15 per dose. Additionally, these Sinopharm vaccines are administered in two doses and as such, a total of 50,000 people can become immunised against COVID-19 with these 100,000 doses. This vaccine, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has an efficacy of about 79 per cent against symptomatic infection from SAR-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease COVID-19. During one of his daily COVID- 19 updates last week, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony noted that the local health authorities will continue to use the existing dosing interval for the sinopharm vaccines; that is, the second dose shall be given four weeks after the first dose is administered.
ny indicated that these vaccines are suitable for distribution in remote areas that have limited cold storage facilities to facilitate easy distribution of the Sputnik V vaccine or other vaccines that require cold storage. “These vaccines are much easier to handle, because, basically, you can store down between two to eight degrees Celsius, unlike the other vaccines that we’ve been working with, which require very cool temperatures. So, in some of the more remote areas, our core chain already caters for vaccines, and therefore this will certainly help,” Minister Anthony The 12,000 Sinopharm vaccines that were received said. in Guyana on Saturday morning On Friday, the Ministry He also assured mem- dose can be given to the in- of Health reported that a bers of the public that dividuals who received the total of 234, 255 people, 50,000 of the Sinopharm first dose four weeks after or about 48 per cent of the targeted adult population, vaccines will be placed into they receive the first. storage, so that the second Importantly, Dr. Antho- received at least their first
dose of the COVID-19 vaccines so far. Meanwhile, 112,371 people, or about 23.1 per cent of the targeted population, received both doses of their COVID-19 vaccines. Two weeks after persons receive their second dose, they are considered fully immunised. The targeted population is about 500,000 adults. Meanwhile, Minister Anthony said the vaccination campaign is resuming in remote hinterland villages which were inaccessible for a few weeks due to flooding. The minister encouraged all adults to take the COVID-19 vaccine to push Guyana closer to achieving herd immunity. Herd immunity will occur, once about 80 per cent of the population is immune to the disease. Vaccination is a way of ensuring immunisation.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Young entrepreneur creates a space to market indigenous culture
COLLABORATIVE endeavours to preserve indigenous culture in the Rupununi, Region Nine, and simultaneously develop a sense of entrepreneurship in women and children, were, on Saturday, brought to life by ARMCORE VPI, the South Rupununi Con-
to notice that the culture of Guyana’s indigenous people was beginning to erode. “I did a lot of work in indigenous communities across Guyana, and I was lucky enough to be able to experience the culture, but I also realised that… there’s a lot that needs to be preserved. Small things,
Visitors observe the indigenous exhibit inside the Babe Cave servation Society, and collaborative women’s workspace, the Babe Cave. The Babe Cave, one of the only initiatives of its kind locally, features an online marketplace, Naked Closet, which is the first female-led one in Guyana. Speaking with the Sunday Chronicle at the launch, owner and founder of the Babe Cave, 24-yearold Amber Low, who made headlines in 2017 as Guyana’s youngest female commercial pilot, detailed that the idea for the project came about during her travels in the South Rupununi, among other areas where Amerindian settlements were located. In her interactions with residents and frequent travels to the region, she began
like basket weaving, making hammocks—even languages in our indigenous people are currently disappearing, because no one feels the need to preserve them anymore,” she shared. Low said she felt the desire to create a difference in the region, and display to women and children, that their work and craft have meaning. “…their education system is also a little broken, and I wanted to really create a difference, and really show the kids and women that, you know, what you’re doing right now actually has value, and it means something. So this was our way of partnering with the SRCS to really, really kind of bring that value to women and chil-
dren,” Low expressed. The Babe Cave’s South Rupununi Project aims to assist women and children in the Rupununi in making an income, by marketing the crafts and products they construct, and ensuring that they receive the funds obtained from their sale. “…everything you see here was made by women and children in the South Rupununi, and 100% of the proceeds are going directly to helping with education, buying more materials to create more crafts…” Low explained, adding: “The entire aim of this project
is to promote entrepreneurship in the women and children of South Rupununi, while conserving culture, and really promoting and adding value to the work that they’re doing.” Craft items procured from the South Rupununi are currently available in the Babe Cave for walk-in purchases, while others can be ordered upon request. “We have larger items like hammocks, which are actually double-woven and handmade, and if someone would be interested in that, they [can] order them with us, and we will send out the order and let you know
when it’s here, at the Babe Cave. But all of the items will be available for sale at the Babe Cave, as they are right now,” Low concluded. The Babe Cave is a collaborative workspace for women in small businesses. It provides an opportunity for women to have a safe place to display and sell their items in a physical location, while recovering their profits. It also serves as a safe environment for meeting clients and customer pickups, and features a studio lighting space for freelance makeup artists to work in.
Currently, the Babe Cave, and its online counterpart, Naked Closet, are host to over 30 female-led businesses in Guyana. “Right now we host over 30 female-led businesses. Essentially, what the aim of our space is, is to create as much of a change, as much of a difference as we can, while elevating women in business.” Either platform can be reached via Instagram @babecavegy, or @nakedclosetofficial, and the Naked Closet can also be reached via its website, ncofficial.com.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
CARICOM Heads of Government to address key development issues –– at their meeting on Monday and Tuesday
CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government have the COVID-19 pandemic and the region’s response high
on the agenda for their 42nd Regular Meeting to he held online on the 5th and 6th July 2021. The impact of recent nat-
ural disasters, including the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the widespread flooding in Guyana
and Suriname will also be examined. They are also expected to receive updates on Hurricane Elsa’s passage through several Member States. According to a release, the meeting will address several critical economic development matters including prioritising regional food production and food security; the removal of regional roaming charges to help
enhance the ICT sector; the push towards a common CARICOM Tourism policy; and revival of regional air transportation, post-COVID. It will also examine ongoing issues related to tax transparency, blacklisting and de-risking. The Heads of Government will also examine issues impacting the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and will engage representatives of the regional Private Sector, Labour and Civil Society. Community and international relations, and crime and security issues are also before the meeting. The two-day meeting will be chaired by incoming CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, who
will address the Opening Session on Monday July 5 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Caribbean Time. The opening will also hear remarks from outgoing Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. The Opening Session will be livestreamed on the CARICOM Face Book page - https://www.facebook.com/ caricom.org and the CARICOM You Tube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/ caricomorg The Chairman will host an end-of-meeting Press Conference on Tuesday afternoon which will also be livestreamed on the two platforms.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Agro-processing plant for Black Bush Polder
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha (second left); Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr . Ashni Singh (third left); Regional Chairman David Armogan (right) and Director-General for the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj (left) at the meeting with residents at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, on Saturday THE government is on track to establish an agro-processing facility in the farming community of Black Bush Polder (BBP), Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), according to Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha. They made the announcement on Saturday during a meeting with residents of the community at the Mibicuri Primary School. “We are already working with the private sector to encourage agro-processing and very shortly we will be entering a partnership that will see an agro-processing plant set up right here in Mibicuri. “So, farmers, in addition to taking the produce that they will be taking to the market, you will have a market right here in Mibicuri where you can sell your produce for processing, bottling and with a view for value-added production, better prices, larger volumes,” Dr. Singh said, as he received resounding applause from the
gathering. The Finance Minister contended that for too long Guyana has been stuck as a primary producer of fresh fruits and vegetables, while importing products that have longer shelf life and value-added processing. As such, the government has engaged an investor who is willing to commence construction of the facility shortly in BBP that will transform the lives of farmers and boost the agricultural sector overall. “What this means is that there will be a bigger market for people who are growing these crops, it means that they will get better, there is an incentive to cultivate, plant and harvest more and it means as a country, we will not just be able to sell for the domestic market, but potentially export quality products for the diaspora. “There is a big market for value-added market agricultural production in the diaspora that we want to tap into as well,” Dr. Singh said. He explained that one of the main reasons Guyana has
not been able to tap into the agro-processing market and compete with other CARICOM countries, is because of the high cost of production, specifically energy/ electricity cost. In this regard, Dr. Singh underscored the importance of the gas-to-shore project being spearheaded by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. This project, he stated, will significantly reduce energy costs for residents and the cost of manufacturing. Meanwhile, to complement the processing facility, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha stated that the government has earmarked a packaging facility for Berbice. He stated that the location is still to be decided, but plans are afoot to have it at a location where both East and West Berbice residents can benefit. These plans, Minister Mustapha stated, are part of the government’s commitment to the development of the agricultural sector and ensuring that the sector is the most viable in the country.
A section of the residents during the meeting
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Young entrepreneur launches website to connect consumers and businesses By Richard Bhainie
A 23-year-old marketing management student has created what can be described as the Amazon of Guyana; not the rainforest, but a website similar to the online e-commerce giant founded by Jeff Bezos, as it connects consumers and producers and the public at large to any product or service listed on the website; in this case, it is strictly about Guyana. Juliana Lopes is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Marketing
& Advertisements for Developing Enterprises (MADE), an online-based business listing service originating in Guyana. On this website, businesses and entrepreneurs of any size may create a listing for their business and be able to manage their own advertising, events, and other promotions. “The great thing about the platform is that you can manage your own business; usually, people have to send the information to the business and the business have [sic] to upload, but the fact that you can create your
listing and enter and manage your own information and everything, that makes us different,” Lopes told the Sunday Chronicle. “When persons list their businesses, they would also be able to access data where they can actually see how many people searched for their listing and they can also see how many people would have [sic] left reviews. So, it provides data that is necessary for any type of business that wants to be online,” she added. Lopes indicated that getting into business was
The MADE logo
Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Marketing & Advertisements for Developing Enterprises (MADE), Juliana Lopes
a business that does catering. The website is to allow clients and customers to just go on the website and search for businesses nationwide,” she said. “It’s very important to stress that this is a nationwide platform, because
Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Marketing & Advertisements for Developing Enterprises (MADE), Maria Lopes
The madeforguyana website’s homepage always her desire. She is currently awaiting the results of her Association of Business Executives (ABE) Level Six qualification in marketing management. The website MADE was founded in collaboration with her sister Maria Lopes, the chief creative officer. The sisters founded the website after reflecting on the Google search engine and other similar sites; their idea was bolstered after their dog became ill and they could not source a local vet to treat him. Lopes explained that the platform is an excellent utility for businesses as it provides a space for them to become discoverable. The website features a search bar, much like Google search, where anyone can find any listed product or service. It is also categorised on the basis of location, business nature, products and services, to name a few. “For example, let’s say you would like catering and you don’t really know a business that does catering, you can just go on the search bar, type ‘catering’ and find
many businesses tend to focus a lot of their ventures in the capital city; meanwhile, we’re trying to have businesses and entrepreneurs to register on the platform to be found,” she added. To encourage nationwide coverage, there is a designated part of the website called ‘Businesses Around Guyana,’ where businesses are categorised on the basis of their locality in the country. Persons are able to choose from businesses in Georgetown, Berbice, Linden and Lethem, to name a few. It is also categorised according to the nature of the business and the products they provide. Since their launch in April, 2021, there are now 20 business enterprises listed on the platform, and the number is rapidly increasing. There are 19 Guyanese small businesses and one international financial service which extends across 187 countries. MADE has three packages, which offers different services at commensurate costs. There is a Free Tier, a Basic Tier which costs
US$30 and a Premium Tier which costs US$100. Listers will also enjoy a three-month free-trial period with exclusive access to the services provided. The services offered include, but are not limited to, content creation; calendar layout; publishing; market research; communications strategy; product package designing; proofreading; social media management; brochures, flyers and posters design. There is also a blog and many articles listed on the website which provides a wide range of information. Lopes told this publication that feedback from the listings have been amazing so far, with many persons registering how much they enjoy the format of the website, highlighting that is it “cohesive” and “straightforward.” MADE can be accessed by typing the website’s address, madeforguyana.com, into any search engine. The business can also be contacted at email address info@madeforguyana.com or telephone number +592 639 3846.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
PSC, promotions and the President
LAST week, we heard that the Police Service Commission promoted several supervisory officers following a court case it had won defending the said promotions. Soon after, Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, stated that the promotions were not legal since President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had suspended the Commission. He said the Commissioners were now facing a tribunal to be appointed soon. He also said the police promotions were not finalised before the court ruling and move by President Ali. On the other hand, the Chairman of PSC, Paul Slowe, is holding fast to his position that the Commission must continue the work it started after it won the challenge against the promotions. He argued that the suspension issued by President Ali was without legal standing and went against all the rights of natural justice. He maintained that there was
neither a tribunal established nor due process followed before the decision. Lastly, the Attorney-General followed up by stating that nothing in court judgment halts Dr. Ali’s decision to suspend the Commission. The Attorney-General noted that the tribunal would hold hearings after the government consults with the Judicial Services Commission that is non-functional since 2017. He maintained that everything was legal. It is a fact that the Chairman of the PSC, Paul Slowe, is facing charges along with several senior members of the Guyana Police Force for alleged conspiracy to defraud the said body of $10M. Slowe also faces the allegation of sexual assault of a rank of the Police Force. Firstly, there is a battle for the soul of the Police Force taking place right before our eyes. The government rightfully wants to
have matters handled justly and fairly without the workings of the opposition cloak of invisibility guiding the Commission. That aside, how can the Commission argue that it is unbiased when it chose to join a litigation suit against the government filed by a parliamentarian of the APNU+AFC coalition? There are prominent politicians, parliamentarians, and legal authors who are representing his case. Secondly, the Commission should resign now. It is the right thing to do. Paul Slowe, more than anyone, should be the first one to go. He should turn his attention to many allegations and court cases that he has before the judicial system. The issue with the PSC would be resolved by government, unless and until
another court action. The government understandingly wants what is best for the police force. It is making sure that there is fairness and transparency. Assumingly, it wants to maintain law and order and good policing in the country. That will only occur if the PSC, its Chairman, and the government are on the same page. It cannot be by fighting the process, the presidential order, and the government. Consequently, our society cannot exist without law. It a common saying that, without law, men are beasts. It goes to reason that if you want to observe the Constitution, law, and order and generally to do the right thing, then you must be respectful, obedient, lawful, and dutiful.
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Markram, Mulder star in South Africa’s T20 series win ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – West Indies suffered at the hands of Man-ofthe-Match Aiden Markram
and red-hot opener Quinton de Kock then watched as their own batting misfired again, to crash to a 25-run defeat and their sixth Twenty20 International series loss in their last nine outings here yesterday. Entering the decisive contest at the Grenada National Stadium with the series in the balance at 2-2, West Indies failed to chase down 168, with only opener Evin Lewis putting up a resistance with 52 from 34 deliveries and Shimron Hetmyer chipping in with 33. Lungi Ngidi led the attack with three for 32 while fellow seamers Kagiso Rabada (2-24) and Wiaan Mulder (2-31) both claimed two wickets apiece to rattle West Indies, who slumped from 75 for two in the 10th over to lose seven wickets for 68 runs in the space of 59 deliveries. Not for the first time, the home side found themselves plagued by a lack of rotation of strike and conceded 50 dot balls, left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi drying up the scoring in a four-over spell that cost only 11 runs and earned him Man-of-the-Series honours. “We had three opportunities to try to chase down 160odd (during the series) and we
couldn’t get over the line,” said captain Kieron Pollard after his side’s 17th defeat in their last 28 T20 Internationals. “The most disappointing thing is that we keep making the same mistakes over and over and over and that’s the definition of insanity.” For South Africa, the series win was their first in their last seven series, leaving captain Temba Bavuma “delighted” with the result. “I think it’s been an incredible effort from the boys,” said Bavuma of his first series success as skipper. “We were put under pressure from the first game and we have to commend ourselves and our ability to bounce back. As a team we haven’t won many series away from home and we saw this as a test.” The foundation of the result was laid by Markram who top-scored with 70 off 48 deliveries, combining in a 128-run, second-wicket stand with de Kock who punched 60 off 42 balls. Bavuma perished to the third ball of the innings without a run on the board after the Proteas opted to bat first, but Markram lashed three fours and four sixes and the left-handed de Kock, four fours and a brace of sixes, to
pull the innings around. de Kock fell in the 15th over when he lofted fast bowler Fidel Edwards (2-19) to long on while Markram followed in the next over from left-arm seamer Obed McCoy, holing out to backward square. In their reply, West Indies suffered an early setback when Lendl Simmons missed a slog at deceptive left-arm spinner George Linde and was lbw, after being struck on the back leg. Lewis kept the runs flowing, however, belting five fours and three sixes to dominate a 45-run, second-wicket stand with veteran Chris Gayle who once again struggled, managing only 11 from nine deliveries, before edging a swing at Shamsi and falling to a catch at the wicket in the eighth over. West Indies then scraped ten runs from the next 15 deliveries, resulting in Lewis’s failed attempt to clear long off with Ngidi in the 10th over at 75 for three. Hetmyer, who hit one four and a brace of sixes in a 31-ball knock, came together with Pollard (13) to add 35 for the fourth wicket but the stand required 30 deliveries and by the time Pollard drilled Mulder to long off in
COVID-19, Visa challenges put Cuba out of Gold Cup
(By Rawle Toney, in Fort Lauderdale (Compliments of: Guyana Lottery Company, Shi Oil and STAG Beer)
FRENCH Guiana will advance to play Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, following the cancellation of the French-speaking South American country’s clash with Cuba. Cuba and French Guiana were scheduled to play in the second game of today’s Gold Cup preliminary triple-header at the DRV PNK Stadium, but just before the conclusion of the Guadalupe vs The Bahamas encounter, the announcement was made of the game being cancelled. In a statement, organisers, CONCACAF, said they were “in regular communication with the Cuban Football Association regarding their travel to the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup Preliminary Round (Prelims).” “Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 related travel and visa challenges, and the required COVID-19 testing regime, their match tonight against French Guiana will not take place. Given the current public health situation and the ongoing need for protocols to be adhered to, the health and safety of the participating teams cannot
be compromised,” according to CONCACAF. The Miami Herald reported that Cuba’s team spent the week in Nicaragua training, and were expected to arrive in South Florida on Thursday but were unable to make the trip. International travel has been more difficult due to COVID-19 protocols, slowing the visa process. Canal Caribe, a Cuban television station, aired an interview Friday with Oliet Rodriguez, the commissioner of the Cuban football federation, who had remained hopeful, adding that “the visa situation of the Cuban national team remains the same. Even if it is necessary to arrive and go directly to the field, we will still have the conviction that we can have a good result. We hope the situation can be resolved and we can satisfy the Cuban people who love football and who expect so much from this team that has been growing.” Cuba’s participation in this Gold Cup, according to reports, was highly anticipated because the roster includes 18 players who play professionally abroad, including forward Onel Hernandez, a Cuban-German dual national who plays for Norwich City in England. Last year, Hernandez became the first Cuban to play in the English Premier League.
Hernandez, 28, was called to the national team in March and scored two goals in World Cup qualifying matches. Only five players on the roster are based in Cuba, a major shift in Cuba’s national team selection process. In the past, the entire roster was domestic. Players who made a living elsewhere were not considered for national team duty. Over the years, several players defected during the Gold Cup tournament and other international trips. In recent months, Cuba chose to invite players who left the island with their parents as children and players who were given permission to go abroad, such as Tulsa FC defender Jorge Corrales, who is back on the national team for the first time in six years. The Soca Warriors, a team seeking redemption and a turnaround from their administrative and team woes, dumped Montserrat out of the Gold Cup Prelims, following their 6-1 drubbing on Friday evening. Meanwhile, Guadeloupe with goals from former France Youth player Matthias Phaeton (61’) and Raphael Mirval (67’), edged The Bahamas 2-0. Guadeloupe will now play the winners before Guyana and Guatemala. That match was the final of two games played yesterday.
the 15th over, West Indies needed a further 59 runs from 33 balls. However, Andre Russell (0) fell to the very next delivery, squirting a wide full-
toss to point to leave Mulder on a hat-trick, and once Hetmyer perished in the 18th, holing out to long-on off Ngidi, West Indies were facing the inevitable.
SOUTH AFRICA innings T. Bavuma c Gayle b Edwards 0 Q. de Kock c Russell b Edwards 60 A. Markram c Simmons b McCoy 70 D. Miller not out 18 R. van der Dussen c & b Bravo 1 W. Mulder not out 9 Extras: (b-1, lb-1, w-8) 10 Total: (4 wkts, 20 overs) 168 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-128, 3-144, 4-149. Bowling: Edwards 3-0-19-2 (w-1), Gayle 2-0-15-0 (w-1), Bravo 4-0-28-1 (w-3), McCoy 4-0-31-1 (w-2), Russell 3-0-32-0, Hosein 2-0-24-0, Pollard 2-0-17-0 (w-1). WEST INDIES innings L. Simmons lbw b Linde 3 E. Lewis c Markram b Ngidi 52 C. Gayle c wkp. de Kock b Shamsi 11 S. Hetmyer c Miller b Ngidi 33 K. Pollard c Markram b Mulder 13 A. Russell c Ngidi b Mulder 0 N. Pooran c wkp. de Kock b Rabada 20 D. Bravo c Bavuma b Rabada 1 A. Hosein not out 2 O. McCoy c Mulder b Ngidi 1 F. Edwards not out 0 Extras: (lb-1, w-5, nb-1) 7 Total: (9 wkts, 20 overs) 143 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-65, 3-75, 4-110, 5-110, 6-125, 7-140, 8-140, 9-142, Bowling: Fortuin 1-0-11-0, Rabada 4-0-24-2 (nb-1), Linde 3-033-1, Ngidi 4-0-32-3 (w-1), Shamsi 4-0-11-1, Mulder 4-0-31-2 (w-4). MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: AIDEN MARKRAM MAN-OF-THE-SERIES: TABRAIZ SHAMSI
England thrash Ukraine ...
play as ominous.
ENGLAND’S SHAW THING Manchester United’s Shaw has had to fight to revive his England career - having been behind Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell for some time. He missed out on a start against Croatia in the Euro 2020 opener, when Southgate used Kieran Trippier in the left-back role. It has all changed since he was brought into the side for the goalless draw against Scotland. Shaw has made a magnificent contribution to England’s run to the semi-final and will be one of the first names on the team-sheet for the game against Denmark. Shaw has been solid in defence while proving to be a potent creator of goals, setting up Sterling’s vital opening goal against Germany then setting up two more here, first with pitch-perfect delivery from a free-kick and then a perfect cross. It has not been a smooth ride for Shaw, who emerged as a teenager at Southampton before his big-money move to Manchester United in June 2014. He has suffered serious injury at United, and was never trusted by Jose Mourinho when he was their manager, but is now delivering for England in a major
FROM BACK PAGE
tournament - proof of his character, and an achievement that makes that long road even more worthwhile. ENGLAND’S SHOW OF SQUAD STRENGTH Southgate has manoeuvred his England squad with great expertise throughout Euro 2020, demonstrating the riches he has at his disposal. In Rome, he was able to give a first start in the tournament to Jadon Sancho, the 21-year-old who has just agreed a £73M move to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund. Sancho slotted in perfectly, showing huge confidence and ambition in a timely reminder of what he can offer. Chelsea’s Mount also returned the England side, with two creators in the shape of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish and Manchester City’s Phil Foden left on the bench. Henderson, the vastly experienced Liverpool captain, made his mark while Marcus Rashford was also introduced off the bench. It was proof, amid an imperious victory, that Southgate’s England squad have the sort of quality and depth that will make them confident they can finally end that 55-year wait for success. (BBC Sport)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
NBA PLAY-OFFS: Eastern Conference Finals
Milwaukee Bucks beat Atlanta Hawks to take 3-2 series lead
THE Milwaukee Bucks earned a 123-112 home win over Atlanta Hawks to take a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven NBA Eastern Conference final. The Bucks were missing star player Giannis Antetokounmpo because of a knee injury but four of their five starters scored at least 22 points. Brook Lopez scored a season-high 33 points to help Milwaukee move one win away from the NBA Finals. “I thought we just did a great job of playing together,” said Lopez. The Bucks were also helped by Khris Middleton securing 26 points 13 rebounds eight assists, while Jrue Holiday added 25 points 13 assists. “Khris, Jrue did their normal job of making plays for everyone,” added Lopez.
Brook Lopez put in an impressive performance to help the Bucks to victory
“When everyone is scoring, everyone is doing his thing, that’s tough for a defence. It’s tough for them to make a decision and a commitment.” Atlanta, missing key player Trae Young with a foot injury, went 30-10 behind early on and, de-
spite reducing the deficit to 65-59, saw Bucks pull away for victory. Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 28 points for Hawks, while John Collins and Danilo Gallinari added 19 points each. “ T h e y w e re m o re physical. They hit us in the mouth and we just
did not recover from that,” said Hawks coach Nate McMillan. Game six of the series is in Atlanta today at 01:30 BST. One more win will see Bucks secure a place in the NBA Finals, where they would meet the Phoenix Suns. (BBC Sport)
Mendoza: WBA, simply the pioneers! By Gilberto Jesús Mendoza A HUNDRED years ago, on July 2, 1921 Jack Dempsey and Georges Carpentier, along with us, became pioneers when, under the name of the National Boxing Association (NBA), we sanctioned the first world title fight in the history of boxing. It was, undoubtedly, a firm step in the evolution of this sport that, from that moment on, was modernised to become one of the most relevant disciplines on the planet. But since life is changing and constantly evolving, in 1962 we felt we had to face a new challenge. It was time to go global and we decided to call ourselves the World Boxing Association (WBA) to promote the development of pugilism in all countries and support more athletes.
more than 11 national federations, more than 100 athletes, including Olympic, European, World and Pan-American medalists. We live the same passion. A passion that runs through my veins, because boxing is in my blood! That is why I feel an even greater commitment to lead the most important organisation - the pioneer, which today reaches its centennial. This celebration reaffirms the reason for which we were born: to give our best for the boxers, the trainers, and the fans, fundamental pillars of our sport. We will keep on giving our heart and soul to ensure that boxing continues to evolve with our work. We have taken on new challenges, while maintaining our values and daily effort. A group of passionate people sanctioned the first world title fight, and
Growth continued and thus the ranking system was created, devised by my father Gilberto Mendoza and praised by Bob Arum. We also reduced the number of rounds from 15 to 12, changed the weigh-in ceremony to 24 hours before the fight, and have worked in the constant defence of the boxer. In 100 years we have changed a lot - always in search of excellence. Today everything is much faster and adapting is mandatory. Just as the rules have evolved, we, always the pioneers, took a step forward with the “Boxing is One” campaign, and opened our doors to Olympic boxing, an initiative capitalised with the Future WBA Champions programme that has helped
that was the seed that harvested and turned into the formation of athletes, officials, and trainers who have learned through the WBA-Academy, the first institution to provide formal training in boxing; and our KO Drugs programme that accompanies the athletes to not take the wrong path and give them the opportunity to choose this sport. We are here to work for the systematic development of boxing, the facts prove it. Time goes by, and it has been 100 years, but our actions and changes have reaffirmed that we are the pioneers. We will continue growing, we will continue evolving, and we will continue being the first ones. WBA, simply the pioneers! ( )
Dravid in line to replace Shastri – former Indian cricket Sodhi FOR the first time in history, two different Indian cricket teams will be playing at two different parts of the world simultaneously. While the one side under Virat Kohli’s leadership will cross swords with hosts England in a five-match Test series, Shikhar Dhawan will marshal the limited-overs team in three ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka. Notably, the BCCI has named Rahul Dravid as the interim coach of the Sri Lanka tour with Ravi Shastri being in England. Dravid, hailed as one of the greatest batsmen ever, has enjoyed a sensational run as coach. During his tenure with India Under-19 and India A, the former Indian skipper groomed many youngsters
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who went on to make a mark at the highest level. Many even reckoned that Dravid should have been the head coach of the national team ahead of Shastri, in the first place. However, his appointment
Rahul Dravid coached the India Under-19 team and India A with success
as the interim coach might be an indication for the future. At least, former Indian cricketer Reetinder Singh Sodhi thinks so. Notably, Shastri’s current contract with BCCI will expire after the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup later this year. Connecting the dots, Sodhi opined that Dravid is clearly in line to replace Shastri after the gala tournament. “First of all, we have to acknowledge that Ravi Shastri has done a great job as coach. And yes, his contract is coming to an end. But let’s think about it… a temporary arrangement and that too Rahul Dravid?” Sodhi told India News Sports. “I think it’s virtually impossible. If he is going to
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Sri Lanka as the head coach, somewhere it’s a clear indication that he is in line. If there’s anyone that can replace Ravi Shastri as coach, that person is Rahul Dravid,” he added. Meanwhile, Shastri, who has been holding the position at the helm since 2017, has been pretty impressive in his tenure. Under him, Team India defeated Australia twice in Test series Down Under and reached the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup and the WTC final, but lost both the knockout games to New Zealand. Hence, it would be interesting to see if his contract gets renewed or Sodhi’s predictions prove to be true. (CricTracker)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
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UEFA EURO 2020 CHAMPIONSHIP
Denmark beat Czechs to reach Euro 2020 last four DENMARK’S impressive and emotional Euro 2020 campaign continued as they marched on to the semi-finals, courtesy of a victory over the Czech Republic in Baku. The Danes have gone from strength to strength in the tournament since the trauma of their opening game, in which midfielder Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest. Having hammered Wales in the last 16, they impressively dealt with a dangerous and physical Czech side in a competitive last-eight tie played in a red-hot temperature in Azerbaijan. They led from the fifth minute, when Thomas Delaney evaded his marker to head in from a corner. A continual threat on the break, they made it 2-0 just before half-time, with Kasper Dolberg volleying in a superb cross from Joakim Maehle to add to the two goals he scored against Wales. Their momentum was
checked early in the second half as Patrick Schick coolly volleyed in his fifth goal of the tournament, taking him level with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Golden Boot. But Denmark were able
to recompose themselves and dig in to ensure the victory and a semi-final at Wembley on Wednesday. Their opponents will be either England or Ukraine, who play each other in Rome on Saturday evening.
Denmark players celebrate another Euro 2020 victory
Gauff in fourth round again, but no surprise this time
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Seventeen-year-old American Coco Gauff matched her dream Wimbledon debut, as she again reached the fourth round with a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Kaja Juvan yesterday. Gauff, the 23rd seed, stormed through the opening games with a barrage of power serves on Centre Court but was asked some awkward questions by 102nd-ranked Juvan. As she often does, Gauff had all the answers as she reached the second week and a last-16 clash with Germany’s former Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber. “It’s a good feeling to be on this court and I’m super honoured that the tournament allows me to play on it. It’s not often a 17-year-old gets to play here!” Gauff, who has become a darling of the Wimbledon crowds, said on court. “I wasn’t as nervous as in my second round match - the fans always bring the energy on Centre Court.” When Gauff reached the fourth round as a 15-yearold qualifier in 2019, beating one of her idols, Venus
DENMARK PLOT ANOTHER FAIRYTALE It is nearly three decades since Denmark shocked the continent with their victory at Euro ‘92, taking advantage of a late call-up to the finals, to produce their country’s great-
Williams, en route, it was something of a sensation. Two years later, despite her age and playing in only her seventh Grand Slam tournament, Gauff’s progress is far less of a surprise and she is now a serious title contender.
two games with a few errors creeping in. After winning the opening set she had to fend off break points at the start of the second before establishing a lead. Slovenian Juvan fought tenaciously to try and throw
est sporting moment. They are currently in the process of writing yet another fairytale in the competition. Their campaign was only 41 minutes old when Eriksen collapsed before receiving CPR on the pitch as his visibly-distressed team-mates surrounded him and fans around the world watched in shock. Now those players are just 90 minutes from the final after another brilliant team display that stands as a testament not only to their ability and tactical intelligence but the renewed bond between them, forged in adversity. They were brilliant in the first half, compact and composed at the back and ruthless and rapid on the counter-attack. They fully deserved their two-goal lead and could have had more, with Delaney wasting the best of their other chances by fluffing an effort wide with his knee. A much-improved Czech side knocked them out of their comfort zone after the break, but in goalkeeper Kasper
Smith ready to sacrifice T20 World Cup spot to eye fitness for Ashes ALL the Australian cricket fans are praying for Steve Smith’s speedy recovery with the ICC T20 World Cup and Ashes taking place later this year.
Speaking of his plans, Smith didn’t rule out his chances of participating in the T20 World Cup. However, the talismanic batsman also made it crystal
Australia top batsman Steve Smith Coco Gauff of the U.S. celebrates winning her third round match against Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan (REUTERS/Toby Melville)
She reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final at Roland Garros last month and has played with supreme confidence and calmness to claim three straight-sets wins here so far. Gauff raced into a 5-1 lead against Juvan in 18 minutes but briefly went off the boil as she lost the next
Gauff off her stride, but it was a hopeless task against a player who already plays with the maturity of a seasoned pro. Gauff went 40-0 ahead as she served at 5-3 and although Juvan saved a couple of match points she whacked a forehand long on the third one to hand Gauff victory.
Schmeichel and defensive trio Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer and Jannick Versergaard Denmark found the stubbornness and leadership they needed to see the game out. It is the Danes’ first victory over the Czechs at a Euros finals and gives them some revenge for the quarter-final loss in 2004, when Milan Baros’ two goals helped his country to a comfortable 3-0 win. Baros ended that tournament with five goals, a tally now matched by Schick, who departs having done his own career no end of good with his displays for his country this summer. The Danes, though, continue their remarkable journey, with London the next destination. Credit also to the 1 000 or so Danish fans who travelled the 2 000 miles to Baku, knowing that COVID-19 quarantine rules mean they now cannot attend either the semi-final or final, should their country get there. (BBC Sport)
The right-handed batsman has been a cornerstone of the Aussie team across formats in the last few years, and the team management would not want to miss his services in crucial events. However, the unfortunate can happen as Smith might take a while to heal completely. For the unversed, Smith has been suffering from an elbow injury which even forced him to pull out from Australia’s upcoming tours of West Indies and Bangladesh.
clear that he’s ready to withdraw from the global event to be entirely fit for Ashes Down Under. “There’s still a bit of time between now and (the T20 World Cup), and I’m tracking okay at the moment – it’s slow, but I’m going okay. I’d love to be part of the World Cup, for sure, but from my point of view, Test cricket, that’s my main goal – to be right for the Ashes and try to emulate what I’ve done in the last few Ashes
series I’ve been involved in,” Steve Smith told cricket. com.au. “I want to put myself in a position where I can have that kind of impact. If that means not participating in the World Cup, then we’ll have to go down that path, but hopefully, we don’t have to go there,” the second-ranked Test batsman added. Meanwhile, Smith was last seen in the now-postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 where he played for Delhi Capitals. While the Rishabh Pantled side were on a roll in the tournament, the former Aussie skipper didn’t look at his prime. He amassed just 104 runs in six games at a mediocre strike rate of 111.82. Smith revealed that the elbow issues troubled him in that tournament as well. Moreover, the 32-yearold had to eat painkillers every time he went to bat. “I still wasn’t quite 100 percent (during the IPL), it was still bothering me a bit, and I was playing over there medicated – taking some painkillers and anti-inflammatories every time I batted,” Smith mentioned. (CricTracker)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
Brazil, Peru set up Copa America Brazil, semi--final after drama semi drama--filled wins
BRAZIL had striker Gabriel Jesus sent off in their Copa America quarter-final against Chile but held on for a 1-0 win to set up a semi-final against Peru. Lucas Paqueta put Brazil ahead in the second half before Manchester City’s Jesus was sent off within two minutes for a high challenge on Eugenio Mena. Chile piled on pressure but the closest they came to an equaliser was Ben Brereton’s header hitting the bar. Peru advanced after beating Paraguay 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Brazil and Peru will now meet in a repeat of the 2019 final, which the former won 3-1. “Jesus was just bad luck,” said Brazil forward Neymar after the win against Chile. “He had his eye on the ball, not on the man, and unfortunately, he was sent off. “Every day that goes by we have tests to make us stronger, to prove that we can play under all kinds of
circumstances. “Chile are a good team, they have great players and it is very difficult with a man less. Everyone deserves praise - the defence, the midfield, the forwards.
EIGHT-time champion Roger Federer needed all of his quality and resilience to dash British number two Cameron Norrie’s hopes of causing a big upset in the Wimbledon third round. Federer, 39, has had little court time over the past 16 months, but played well enough to win 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. One of the form players in 2021, Norrie could not find a sustained high level against the 20-time major champion. The Swiss goes on to face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the last 16. Sonego, seeded 23rd, had never won a main-draw match at Wimbledon until this year, but reached the fourth round by beating unseeded Australian James Duckworth in straight sets.
Following exits for Andy Murray and Dan Evans on Friday, Norrie’s defeat means there will be no British players in the second week of the men’s singles. The home nation’s last remaining hope in the singles is 18-year-old wildcard
action-packed game against Paraguay, who took the lead through captain Gustavo Gomez early on. However, two goals from Gianluca Lapadula put Peru in front and, de-
Peru’s lead but, after they went down to 10 men when Andre Carillo was sent off in the 84th minute, Gabriel Avalos scored a last-minute leveller to send the tie to penalties.
Luis Paqueta (left) celebrates with team-mates after scoring for Brazil
“We managed to withstand something that rarely happens to this team. It was a big test for us.” Peru came through an
spite Paraguay having Gomez dismissed just before half-time, they equalised through Junior Alonso. Yoshimar Yotun restored
Paraguay missed with three of their spot-kicks before Miguel Trauco scored the decisive penalty for Peru. (BBC Sport)
Emma Raducanu, who continued her dream run by beating Romania’s Sorana Cirstea. While much of Federer’s legacy of greatness has been built at the All England Club, there was a suspicion among many that this year could be
second round was a major improvement and he built on that in the opening set against Norrie. Federer rolled back the years with his imperious serving, easing through his holds to take the opener and then dominating the second set. There was little drop-off from Federer in the third but Norrie is one of the most determined - and fittest - players on the ATP Tour. Characteristically, the Briton refused to give in and pinched the third before Federer kept his nerve in the key moments of the fourth to seal victory. Federer took his first match point when Norrie batted a first serve back into the net and his celebration showed what he had to do to earn the victory. Knees bent and clenched fist driving towards the court, the usually reserved Swiss roared his relief at going through. “I’m very pleased to get through, I’m super relieved. It was a tough battle,” said Federer, who reached the Wimbledon last 16 for a men’s record 18th time. “He deserved that third set; I thought he played excellent today and for me I felt I was able to keep a very high level of play. “He got the good break at the end of the third but overall I can be very happy with how I played.” (BBC Sport)
Federer beats Norrie to reach Wimbledon last 16
Eight-time champion Roger Federer
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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S:
Ramnaresh Sarwan-261* (Jamaica, 2004) Mahmudullah-136 (Dhaka, 2018)
TODAY’S QUIZ:
Which WI bowler has captured most Test wickets against BANG to date? Which BANG player has claimed most Test wickets against the WI to date?
ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE
the one where time could catch up with him. The Swiss turns 40 next month and has only played five tournaments over the past 16 months following two knee surgeries. In his first-round match, Federer looked ponderous as Adrian Mannarino threatened a major upset. Federer had trailed by two sets to one, but led in the fourth when the Frenchman was cruelly forced to quit after slipping and injuring his knee. A routine win against Richard Gasquet in the
Raj leads India to tense four-wicket win in third ODI CAPTAIN Mithali Raj led India to a thrilling four-wicket win in the third one-day international against England in Worcester to keep the tourists alive in the multi-format series. India were struggling in their chase of 220 as the runrate climbed on a slow pitch, with the hosts needing 46 runs from the final 36 balls. However, on the day that she became the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket, Raj anchored the innings with 75 from 86 balls and Sneh Rana’s quick-fire 22 put India on top, leaving them needing just six runs from the final over. It was fitting that it was Raj who pushed Katherine Brunt’s third delivery to the boundary to secure an entertaining win and two points for her side, reducing the series’ point deficit to 6-4. Watched by the liveliest crowd of the series, India put themselves in a good position with the ball and then thrilled with the unlikely run chase. The series now switches to three T20 internationals, with the first in Northampton on Friday. RAJ PROVES SHE KNOWS BEST While Raj has made half-centuries in all three of the ODIs, only this one has come in a winning cause. The 38-year-old has attracted criticism for scoring too slowly and putting unfair pressure on the batters at the other end. An international veteran of 21 years, Raj knows her game better than anyone, and she knows if she can stay until the end, as she did here at New Road, she has enough power and skill to push India to victory. And so she did. It seemed at first she would be more aggressive, twice advancing down the pitch to strike the bowlers back down the ground for four, shots which moved her past Charlotte Edwards’ all-time record. She is not quick between the wickets but she was able to absorb the pressure and then unleash as England faded in the field. A pull to mid-wicket off Kate Cross to bring her 50 was good; the lofted drive off Sciver in the 43rd over to pull India back into the chase was exquisite. Smriti Mandhana had laid the platform for India at the top of the order with 49, but until the final seven overs, England bowled well to restrict
the tourists. However, slips in the field and a poor final two overs from Brunt, who lost her line, helped India over the line.
HOSTS STRUGGLE ON SLUGGISH PITCH This was the first time England have batted first in the ODI series and they struggled to come to grips with the pace of the pitch and the timing of their innings. The pitch was slow due to the morning’s persistent rain and had very little bounce, most notably when Tammy Beaumont tried to pull a Jhulan Goswami delivery and was pinned lbw for a duck. Sciver and Knight were the only two players to spend any length of time at the crease and even they struggled to find the boundary, with a better Indian fielding effort stopping them from rotating the strike. Batters fell trying to accelerate the rate. Knight swept Harmanpreet Kaur to deep mid-wicket, Amy Jones came down the pitch and lofted Deepti into the deep while Sciver, one run away from her half-century, went big and was well held by a diving, sliding Mandhana. England’s lower order also struggled, losing three wickets in seven balls to find themselves 197-9 with two overs remaining. However, a late thrash from Cross at number 11, which saw her hit the sole six of the innings, helped them beyond the 200 mark - a total which was almost enough. ‘I NEVER GIVE UP’ - WHAT THEY SAID England captain Heather Knight: “There’s a bit of disappointment but it was a great game and made even better by the crowd. “We haven’t been tested like that for a while so it was a good experience to get a tight finish.” India captain Mithali Raj: “I never give up in the middle, I knew I just needed one good partnership. “I knew in the middle of the innings I could manage the game. We have younger players so I have to guide them, and I have to be there in the middle. You can’t win games seated in the dug-out.” Player-of-the-series Sophie Ecclestone: “It was a disappointing end but getting the two wins up first was great and sets us up nicely for the T20s. “Mithali batted really well today. She was hard to bowl at on that pitch because it’s probably more of the pitch they’re used to playing on.
SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 4, 2021
31
Wells hat-trick fires Bermuda as T&T, Haiti also win big MIAMI, Florida (CMC) – Bermuda’s 8-1 humiliation of Barbados headlined three lopsided victories, as Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti joined in making bold statements in the opening round of the qualifying phase of the CONCACAF Gold Cup here Friday evening. Playing at the DRV PNK Stadium, Bermuda’s England-based marquee forward Nakhi Wells lashed in a hattrick in his return to the squad, to fire his side into the next round. They will now meet Haiti after the French Caribbean outfit clobbered SVG 6-1 at the same venue, with experienced Belgium-based striker Duckens Nazon on target twice. Embattled Trinidad and Tobago also flexed their muscle when they thrashed Montserrat 6-1, home-based midfielder Reon Moore capping his side’s dominant performance with a second-half double, after coming on as a substitute. T&T will now clash with the winners of yesterday’s contest between Cuba and French Guiana, in the second round. Yesterday’s other fixtures saw Guyana taking on Guate-
mala and The Bahamas mixing it up with Guadeloupe, with the winners meeting in the second round of qualifiers. All second-round matches will be played Tuesday, with the winners all advancing to the group stage of the Gold Cup, which gets underway July 10.
Nahki Wells scored a brilliant hat-trick
The return of Bristol City striker Wells following a year’s absence seemed to inspire Bermuda and they were 2-0 up inside the first quarter of an hour, thanks to strikes by the 31-year-old. His first goal was the fastest ever in Gold Cup history, coming after just 17 seconds
with the first attack of the game when he stormed down the right unmarked to sweep home from six yards, after the United States-based Zeiko Lewis had raced down the left and squared a pass from inside the 18-yard box. The goal was initially chalked off for off-side but overturned by VAR. Wells doubled his tally again from close range after finding himself again unmarked in the box before strikes from Reggie Lambe (29th) and Dante Leverock (39th) fired Bermuda to a 4-0 lead. Hadan Holligan scrambled one in off the post in first-half injury time to get Barbados on the scoresheet but the one-way traffic continued after the break. With Barbados in disarray at the back, United Kingdom-based Krystian Pearce stuck Lewis’s left-sided cross into the back of his own net on the hour mark, and Kane Crichlow (66th) and Lewis (67th) scored in quick succession to bury the Eastern Caribbean unit. Fittingly, captain Wells rounded off his side’s display with his third goal three minutes from the end, when he converted from the spot.
Fraser-Pryce leads strong 61-member Jamaica track and field team to Tokyo Olympics `SHELLY-Ann Fraser-Pryce leads a strong 61-member Jamaica team to the Olympic Games this summer. The Pocket Rocket leads a strong female contingent that includes 2016 Olympic sprint double champion Elaine Thompson-Herah as well as ‘surprise’ elite sprinter Shericka Jackson. In-form Stephenie-Ann McPherson and rising talent Candice McLeod are also included as well as rising sprint hurdlers Megan Tapper and Britany Anderson. Briana Williams, the 2018 World U-20 sprint double champion makes her first Olympic team as a reserve for the 100m and a member of the 4x100m relay squad. Yohan Blake, the 2012 double Olympic silver medallist also makes the team along with Demish Gaye and the proven 110m hurdles trio of Ronald Levy, the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Damion Thomas and Hansle Parchment. The full team comprises 100m Men: Tyquendo Tracey, Yohan Blake, Oblique Seville, Julian Forte (R) 100m Women: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Briana Williams (R) 4x100m Relay Men: Jevaughn Minzie, Nigel Ellis 4x100m Women: Remona
Burchell, Natasha Morrison 200m Men: Rasheed Dwyer, Yohan Blake, Julian Forte 200m Women: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah. Natasha Morrison (R) 400m Men: Demish Gaye, Christopher Taylor, Sean Bailey. Nathon Allen (R) 400m Women: Stephenie Ann McPherson, Candice McLeod, Roneisha McGregor. Stacey Ann Williams (R) 4x400m Men: Nathon Allen, Karayme Bartley, Rusheen McDonald. Nathon Allen (R) 4x400M Women: Stacey Ann Williams, Tovea Jenkins, Junelle Bromfield. 4×400 Men: Karayme Bartley, Rusheen McDonald. 800m: Natoya Goule 110m hurdles: Ronald Levy, Damion Thomas, Hansle Parchment. Phillip Lemonious (R) 100m hurdles: Megan Tapper, Yanique Thompson, Britany Anderson. Danielle Williams (R) 400m hurdles Men: Jaheel Hyde, Kemar Mowatt, Shawn Rowe. Leonardo Ledgister (R) 400m hurdles Women: Janieve Russell, Ronda Whyte, Leah Nugent. Shian Salmon (R) 1500m: Aisha Praught Long jump Men: Tajay Gayle, Carey McLeod. Long jump Women: Tissanna Hickling, Chanice Porter Triple jump Men: Carey
McLeod Tr i p l e j u m p w o m e n : Shanieka Ricketts, Kimberly Williams Shot Put Women: Danniel Thomas-Dodd, Lloydricka Cameron Discus Men: Fedrick Dacres, Chad Wright, Traves Smikle Discus Women: Shadae Lawrence 4x400m Mixed Relays: Javier Brown, Keeno Burrell, Davonte Burnett, Tiffany James, Charokee Young, Kemba Nelson. (Sportsmax)
T&T, meanwhile, got their scoring underway through fit-again MLS-based winger Kevin Molino when he netted a 21st minute penalty, and Marcus Joseph doubled the lead with a brilliant long range effort in the 35th minute after spotting goalkeeper Corrin Brooks off his line. Canada-based Ryan Telfer ensured T&T’s 3-0 lead at the break when he scored in injury time before Lyle Taylor, who plays for Nottingham Forest in England, pulled a goal back in the 55th minute. There was no resurgence for the minnows however, as Judah Garcia added his side’s fourth in the 57th before Moore came off the bench to provide the finishing touches. Haiti’s win came when Nazon netted in the 26th and 59th minutes, first opening the scoring before getting his side’s fourth, after Frantzdy Pierrot (33rd) and Derrick Etienne Jr (37th) had found the mark in the space of five minutes. Kyle Edwards grabbed the lone goal for the Vincentians in the 42nd minute but Jahvin Sutherland’s 72nd minute own goal and Carnejy Antoine’s 90th minute strike further condemned minnows.
NOTED photographer and former NATION newspaper director, Gordon Brooks, died in hospital last Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 81.
Gordon Brooks
Randy, the younger of his two sons, who has helped to carry on his father’s legacy, especially in cricket photography, remembered his father for his compassion and loyalty. “He enjoyed life to the fullest,” the younger Brooks said. “Work-wise, he was very professional and dedicated and he instilled in us to always make sure that the job is always
completed, at all costs.” Brooks was an apprentice to his father, Clarence, and the late Cyprian La Touche Sr at the Barbados Advocate as a photoengraver in the late 1960s. In 1971, he established the Brooks La Touche Photography Agency with Cyprian Jr with whom he had done many photographic assignments for the Advocate. Brooks soon began taking photos for the NATION newspaper, which he helped to found two years later. He was fortunate to work alongside outstanding journalists such as Al Gilkes and the late Charles Harding in covering several high-profile overseas assignments, but he grew an interest in cricket photography and developed into an internationally recognised cricket photographer. Brooks is survived by his wife, Ira, and his three children, Enrico, Randy and Dr Makeeba Brooks. (NationNews)
From left: Elaine Thompson-Herah, Yohan Blake and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Markram, Mulder star in South Africa’s T20 series win
Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock struck aggressive half-centuries (AFP/Getty Images)
SEE PAGE 27
… Batting malfunction sends Windies to 3-2 series defeat
England thrash Ukraine 4-0 to set up first Euros semi-final in 25 years
COVID-19, SEE PAGE 27
Visa challenges put Cuba out of Gold Cup
Onel Hernandez (#11) scored his first goal for the Cuban national team in their World Cup qualifier against Curacao
SEE PAGE 31
ENGLAND produced a magnificent display successive clean sheet to maintain their record as they thrashed Ukraine in Rome to set up of not conceding a goal at Euro 2020. a Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark at They will now meet Denmark in the last Wembley. four at Wembley on Wednesday (20:00hrs Manager Gareth Southgate’s side followed BST kick-off). up the landmark victory over Germany in the last 16 by producing a performance of composure LIFT-OFF FOR KANE and the highest quality to continue their impresEngland manager Southgate never wavered sive progress in this tournament. for a second in his belief that captain Kane Harry Kane was back to his predatory would have a significant impact on Euro 2020, best after struggling in the group stage, even when he looked off the pace and out of sorts following up his goal against Germany by when failing to score in group games against poking home a superb pass from Raheem Croatia, Scotland and the Czech Republic. Sterling after only four minutes. Southgate’s faith was rewarded when Kane Ukraine barely threatened and England - got off the mark with England’s crucial second having reached the last four at the 2018 World in the 2-0 win over Germany. It was the catalyst Cup - were on their way to a second successive for the real Kane to come alive in the tournament semi-final when Harry Maguire powered home - and he punished Ukraine in trademark style. a header from Luke Shaw’s free-kick seconds Kane pounced for his first, rose to power after the break. in a second for his 47th England goal and And the outstanding Shaw was the cre- almost completed a hat-trick in spectacular ator once more four minutes later with a fashion with a left-foot volley that was perfect cross that was headed in from six turned on to the post by Ukraine yards by Kane. keeper Georgi Bushchan. England were so impressive as they simply He was a constant overpowered Ukraine, with subthreat, his link with stitute Jordan HenSterling increasderson getting the ingly impressive, fourth - his first inand has timed his return ternational goal, to peak form perin his 62nd fectly as Enappearance gland now - when he stand only arrived 90 minwith perutes away fect timing from their to head first major fiin Mason nal since they M o u n t ’s won the World corner. Cup in 1966. To add Kane is the to England man defence playand Southers fear - and even gate’s satthe in-form Danes isfaction, will regard this disthey kept England were superb in reaching TURN TO PAGE 27 their fifth the semi-finals (Getty (Getty Image) Image)
Photographer Gordon Brooks dies at 81
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, JULY 4, 2021