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April 21, 2021 - Vol. 16 No.16

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GUYOIL GM resigns amidst fuel scandal

Former GUYOIL GM, Trevor Bassoo.

...Finance Minister calls in Auditor General to probe allegations Linden police Two pensioners 'Top-heavy' GuySuCo join relatives in charged in Management can search party for separate discourage workers missing woman forgery cases - GAWU Pres. warns

GRA nets over $44B from auditing

p.

3

large taxpayers in four-year period Heath-London stranded in Education Ministry launches new online platform Jamaica, missed second hearing of land case targetting Grade 7 teachers p.16

Despite no regulations, adequate manpower...

EPA assures safeguards in place for all chemical storage /treatment facilities within oil sector Guyanese have to pay all taxes on the books and every inch of land, while foreigners get everything free. Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @11:00am, Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The Violable Fortress

I

n her 1995 article, “Inviolability and Privacy: The Castle, the Sanctuary and the Body”, published in the Yale Journal of Law & the Humanities, Linda C. McClain explores the use of “a trilogy of terms – the castle, the sanctuary, and the body – to illuminate different loci of inviolability and to show how notions of sacredness and sanctity undergird the legal protection of inviolability.”

McClain explores the concept, including its limitations, of the human body as the central site from which emanate concepts of personhood, privacy and personal property.

Rightly so, much of McClain’s deliberations on the illusion of inviolability of the human body focuses upon the limits placed by the law on the sacred inviolability of the female body.

As she concludes, “I have argued that inviolability is a core, even sacred, value in law and jurisprudence.

I have focused upon privacy jurisprudence and used the trilogy of castle, sanctuary, and body to illustrate the idea and imagery of inviolability.

I have used these images to suggest that protecting one location of inviolability, for example, the home as castle, may have to yield to protecting another, a woman’s body.”

The glaring gap in McClain’s analysis is of course the concept of race within that theoretical framework.

The nexus between the law and the violation of the female body as citadel was of national importance just a few years before her article’s publication, during the 1991 congressional testimony of Anita Hill who had alleged sexual harassment against then Supreme Court nominee, and since then Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas.

More importantly, the glaring omission of race as point of even intersectional focus in her article is highlighted by the fact the article’s publication is bracketed by two seminal events in American history, the 1991 brutal police beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles and the 1997 police beating and sexual assault of Abner Louima in New York, both Black men.

Brutal and too often fatal police violence against Black men in America has continued relatively unabated ever since, finding eventual pushback several years ago in the now global but still US-focused Black Lives Matter movement. As Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Eugene Robinson, writes in his Washington Post column yesterday, citing more recent examples, “So many times, that simple acknowledgment of humanity has apparently been too much to ask.

The police officers who killed Philando Castile, Michael Brown, Eric Garner and so many other Black men either were acquitted of wrongdoing or never even charged.”

That column was in response to what should be, and what both is and isn’t, the central topic of this editorial, buried so many paragraphs deep, which is yesterday’s guilty verdict by jury against former Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States police officer, Derek Chauvin.

In a unanimous verdict delivered after about ten hours of deliberation, Chauvin was convicted of the murder of George Floyd, the man he – during an ‘arrest’ for something so frivolous it needs not mentioning here – murdered when he knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 15 seconds on May 25 of last year.

Almost three decades after the violations of King and Louima, the calm, casual way in which Chauvin knelt with his knee – one of the hardest parts of the human body, and the most dangerous in martial combat – on the neck of a subdued George Floyd was the perfect encapsulation of the perpetual phenomenon in America in which the Black body, the Black male body in particular has never truly enjoyed true sanctity as a personal citadel in the eyes of the state.

The Black male body in America remains what must be described in clearly self-contradictory, but indisputably accurate, terms, as a violable fortress, more particularly in its encounters with what is ironically law enforcement.

In the end, what it may take in America to arrive at a place where the casual violence and the casual violability are sufficiently mitigated is what the late Toni Morrison describes in her introduction to her 1992 collection of literary criticism, ‘Playing in the Dark’, “an attractive, fruitful and provocative critical project, unencumbered by dreams of subversion or rallying gestures at fortress walls.”

PPP/C leaders and the Environmental Protection Agency DEAR EDITOR, The new PPP has made a living discarding almost everything that the departed coalition envisioned and put in place, including good ones.

But some of the positives that the coalition introduced, PPP leaders have not jettisoned, but claimed credit. One such smartly claimed credit was for enhanced EIA regulations at the pivotal, but comatose, EPA; an EPA where Vincent Adams and the previous government laid good groundwork for the prudent shouldering of vital oil stewardship obligations.

With that shameless seizure of others work, several questions surface, which I place before Guyana’s President and Vice President.

Since His Excellency and the Vice President have made an industry of whimpering silence, no answers of any kind - honest, partial, selective - are

expected. I ask anyway.

First, why are they not taking credit for stopping the revision of the EPA Act which is 25 years old, and created since the agency’s inception, but conspicuously doesn’t address the oil & gas industry which is new to us and causing unprecedented challenges?

Second, why are they not taking credit for withdrawing the EPA court case against Exxon for refusing to pay that paltry US $500 fine?

Third, why are they not taking credit for brazenly misleading Guyanese that there was an allowance (flexible ceiling) of 14 billion cubic feet of gas flaring allowed, despite Vincent Adams’ insistence that it did not exist; but they were forced to admit was a cunning deception, only after Exxon distanced from them by asserting that the company never said so?

Why not take credit for one more patented falsehood?Fourth, why aren’t Guyana’s top two propaganda practitioners not taking credit for reverting the Agency back to non-transparency to the people and non-communication with the media?

Why are media phone calls not returned?

Why does Guyana’s Vice President hide behind a transparent veil of secrecy that fails to hide his oily nakedness?

And last, why has the President and Vice President so doggedly transformed, in such a short space, Guyana’s crucial Environmental Protection Agency into its current totally politicised state? As inquiring offshoots, why the usurping of the authority of the EPA Board and the EPA Executive Director.

Why is the current ongoing process for appointment of the Deputy Director being completely handled by

the Office of the President with no involvement of the EPA, even though the EPA Act explicitly gives such an authority to the Executive Director? Why when the EPA Act explicitly gives such an authority to the Executive Director. Part III of the Act states: (1) The Minister on the advice of the Board of Director shall appoint: (a) an Executive Director, who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency; and (2) The Executive Director shall appoint all other employees as may be necessary to discharge the functions under this Act or the regulations.

Editor, this is real governance today, and confirmation of where transparency and leadership integrity (or utter lack of both) have terminated. The EPA stands as Exhibits A to Z. Sincerely, GHK Lall

Shipping rather than piping natural gas (LNG) to shore can fast track GPL to generate 46 MW of green power DEAR EDITOR, In a letter written by Mr. Deo Phagoo, P. Eng. on the 5th April 2021 , entitled “Using Floating vessels for Liquefied Petroleum Gas could be better choice than pipeline,” proposes the option of transporting the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to shore by using LNG tankers as a more feasible and flexible solution compared to a fixed pipeline.

As highlighted in Mr. Phagoo’s letter, a comprehensive cost analysis should be done to evaluate

the economics of using chartered LNG carriers as compared to the fixed pipeline.

However, other than the economics, there are other intangibles that make this proposal an attractive alternative, namely; •Shipping LNG will spawn a complete new maritime industry that can feature a lot of local content.

This venture of shipping the gas to shore to generate 200 MW of electricity, will require at least two to three

small LNG Tankers of about 5,000 - 7,000 deadweight tonnes due to our draft limitations, especially to a site such as Wales.

Our local entrepreneurs in partnership with owners of LNG tankers in Qatar, which by the way is the number one country in LNG tanker trades, can do the chartering and ship management of these vessels.

The new maritime training school in Friendship, E.B.D, will now have the opportunity to provide the specialist training to our seamen for the different positions on these highly pressurised and technical vessels thus creating more high income employment.

Additionally, the proposed fixed high span Demerara River Bridge will allow for unrestricted movement of vessels eliminating delays now caused by the retractable bridge.

•As was pointed out by Mr. Phagoo, what happens to the pipeline after depletion of the gas in Lisa 1.

Obviously, it becomes re-

Still, America has a long way to go to get to that place.

On April 11 of this year, a little less than a year to the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, even as the Derek Chauvin trial was going on just ten miles away, another Minnesota police officer, Kim Potter, during a routine traffic stop, shot and killed 21-year-old Daunte Wright, claiming that she mistook her service pistol for her taser.

The New York Times story on Wright’s killing reveals a tragic connection between Wright and Floyd: “At a news conference outside a Minneapolis courthouse on Tuesday, his mother was joined by Courteney Ross, the girlfriend of George Floyd, who was one of Mr. Wright’s former teachers.”

As Eugene Robinson himself said in an interview immediately after the verdict was read out, “It is more of a beginning or a signpost than an end. We haven’t reached our destination on the racial reckoning we have to have in this country.”

dundant and will have a decommissioning cost.

On the other hand, using the LNG tankers affords one the flexibility due to its mobility to source the gas when Lisa 1 runs dry from other developing wells or in Suriname or Trinidad and there is no infrastructure to decommission.

This is especially crucial given the lacklustre performance of Exxon in the ongoing drama with their ephemeral saga of the unconquerable compressor, which raises the concern of their reliability as the sole supplier of the natural gas to the 200 MW plant project.

• Routing a fixed pipeline through the mouth of the Demerara River is risky business especially in light of the GPL experience with their undersea cable that is repeatedly being damaged by vessels at Anchorage.

Given that there are projections for increasing maritime traffic on the Demerara River, this in turn definitely increases the possibility of a vessel damaging the pipeline

which can be very catastrophic.

•Constructing the gas pipeline will definitely cause ecological and environmental problems to the fishing industry whereas most of the LNG tankers are powered by natural gas which will be far more environmentally friendly.

• The clincher for using LNG tankers is that the new engines for the GPL 46MW plant presently under construction at Garden- of- Eden are all dual powered in design and operates on Fuel Oil or LNG. This is the ideal opportunity as a pilot project to operationalise the 46 MW plant using tankers to transport the natural gas.

All that will be required will be the installation of the requisite storage and processing plant for the gas at Garden-of-Eden and almost immediately the journey of producing 46 MW of green power can commence.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

Three gods of Greek mythology DEAR EDITOR, Reading Freddie Kissoon’s column, as I do occasionally, I am struck by three things, his connection with his dog (not by the leash), his attachment to the music of Burt Bacharach and Julio Iglesias, and the unique style of his analysis.

One day while reflecting on his fulminations, an image of three gods of Greek mythology crossed my mind: Eros the god of Love, Apollo the god of Music and Koalemos, the god of Stupidity and Foolishness.

Yours faithfully, Rashleigh E. Jackson

Wednesday April 21, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Investing in the improvement in Issues must be addressed in and Vocational Education the interest of developing an Technical DEAR EDITOR, practices and The National being Jamaica) in order to The relevant quote in SN Accreditation Council Act achieve a five year target. effective scholarship initiative of April 07 was actually 2004.

Fortunately, it is sup-

DEAR EDITOR, The Government has announced and even advertised its 20,000-scholarship initiative. They have indicated that there are two aspects to the administration of the initiative: the administration of the scholarships, to be done by the Public Service Ministry and the management of the academic and technical aspects to be undertaken by the Ministry of Education.

Mention is also made of the establishment of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). Where that fits into the scheme of things is not clear.

A country’s growth and development are inextricably linked to the development of institutions and the institutional capacity of the state. In that regard, Guyana has years of experience in the administration of scholarships offered at local and foreign institutions.

That aspect of the initiative should not pose many challenges, if any at all.

The accessing of online programmes, like those advertised, should not be problematic since the institutions identified to deliver the programmes have a long and successful history of delivering online programmes transnationally.

However, the intention of the Ministry to manage the academic and technical aspects of the programme poses questions regarding the proposed roles for the Ministry

and GOAL. If the institutions are offering these online programmes as they have traditionally delivered them, why does the Ministry need to be involved?

There are many other subsidiary questions which come to mind based on the central one posed above. It may however be pre-emptive to pose them, at this time, given the paucity of details, which hopefully will be forthcoming before the delivery of the programmes commence. However, there are a few other related issues that are of concern.

1. The programmes advertised range from six months technical and vocational programmes to Master’s degrees. In advertising, it has been indicated that the awardees will be bonded and guaranteed jobs in the Public Sector.

Is the Government seriously contemplating jobs in the Public Sector for graduates of a two- month Certificate in Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming for Rural Farmers or a six-month Certificate in Motorcycle Service and Repair, to name just two?

Those seem like programmes for practitioners, who might be self-employed or in the Private Sector. In a previous dispensation, it was concluded that service to the country would have sufficed as fulfillment of the bond.

2. In the field of Education, one of the offerings is

the Certificate in Teaching of Reading for applicants ‘with any Bachelor Degree currently employed as teacher in early school grades.’ What is the plan to retain such a person as a professional teacher?

This is but one instance where what is being offered is incongruent with the professional requirements of a particular career path. There are other such instances.

3. Many of the advertised programmes at the Bachelor’s level require ‘A’ level or CAPE qualifications. Is our school system churning out a sufficient number of such persons or will the number of persons accessing those programmes be limited? It should be noted that the initiative is intended to offer 4,000 scholarships each year.

4. In future years, persons may have completed the six month Bachelor Preparatory Programme.

Will such a programme close the academic gap between ‘O’ level or CSEC and the required ‘A’ level and CAPE, for entry into Bachelor programmes?

I have identified issues that require answers and/or attention in the interest of developing an effective scholarship initiative.

It is my sincere hope that my concerns are viewed in that spirit, less the baby be thrown out with the bath water.

Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander

“…strengthen technical and vocational education...”

This in fact constitutes a tremendous developmental challenge – very likely beyond current capabilities of related institutions. In any case it assumes that a comprehensive skills needs analysis would have to be undertaken, with of course the advice and collaboration of industries, training organisations and related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Units.

There are several issues which must be addressed, including the following, taking into account of the reality of trainers having to interact more immediately with students rather than to resort to a mere “Zooming, YouTubing and Googling” environment: Currency of Trades It will be necessary to update on trades required for the foreseeable future.

In this connection, it would help to refer to the current list of titled International Standard Classification of Occupations issued by the International Labour Office (ILO).

Next, the critical issue of accessing and utilising relevant tools and equipment will have to be reviewed, along with the qualified/ skilled levels of local authorities/trainers or facilitators.

But discussions amongst the parties must necessarily be informed by the TVET Act. 2004, TVET international best

Already the implications are that among other things, new and redesigned accommodation/training facilities will have to be established, and at the most strategic locations, which will also necessitate provision of accommodation for suitably qualified leadership personnel in ‘technical and vocational education’ who will need to be identified.

Overall there is bound to be discussion about human resources gaps that will have to be filled in order to contribute to the level of ‘strengthening’ that is targetted.

TVET enjoys equal status throughout the CARICOM Region, so that it is not unreasonable that some collaboration can be forged with sister territories, (of which, incidentally, the most proactive

ported by a Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) activity, which involves most critically, amongst others: the continuous study and review of the labour market in Guyana, in order to inform on programmes and courses to be offered by TVET institutions. The latter include: Technical Institutes, Industrial Training Centres, Practical Instructional Departments, Practical Instruction Centres, and The Carnegie School of Home Economics The question is how long would it take to identify and develop the quantity and quality of human resources that would transform this objective of strengthening into reality.

Do we really have the will or willingness?

E. B. John

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Should there be compensation for Indian Immigration Fund?

DEAR EDITOR, I write to thank N. Sahadeo (KN Apr. 20) making reference to my name for my writings and in the appeal for politicians and the public to stop burying their head in the sand and to confront head on the ugly history of governance, public policy, and ethnic relations.

Sahadeo identified some critical issues that need commissions of inquiry being national service, Wismar Massacre, and the Indian Immigration (Cultural) Fund. There are many others. African and Indigenous issues must also be addressed. Successive governments since the restoration of democracy in October 1992 have not touched on these issues apparently viewing them as hot powder keg or just hoping they would go away.

They have not gone and will not go away. The sooner these troubling grievances are tackled, the sooner there would be reconciliation and healing, and the sooner we can address national development challenges. Not addressing them is a powder keg in the face of politicians.

KN and other media should be applauded for allowing the public freedom to express their views on these critical issues that have been

obstacles to improved ethnic relations and rapid development. KN is about the only media that provides absolute freedom of speech on very important subjects.

The issue of Indian Immigration Fund that was used without widespread consent and approval to build Burnham National Culture Centre has been repeatedly raised by Indian cultural organisations and rights activists. But there has not been much action on the debate with successive governments preferring to ignore the past in order to move — let the past be!

Sahadeo used very strong language penning that Burnham ‘stole the Indian cultural fund’ to build his cultural centre for his supporters. Burnham coerced the few Indians allied with him to redirect the private Indian Immigration fund for the construction of the national cultural centre.

Every Indian cultural and religious organisation, save one, and almost every prominent Indian political leader, including Dr. Jagan, opposed the move. Many felt the money should have been used to construct mini Indian cultural centres in villages around the country that would directly serve the

needs of communities. A national cultural centre in Georgetown would exclude communities that live away from town; over 90 percent of Indians have lived far distances from Georgetown and could not or would not access the national centre.

There was and is no way that communities in Essequibo or Berbice or miles from Georgetown like West Coast or West Bank or Timehri would benefit from a cultural centre in the capital city. It was, therefore, unjust and unwise to use the Indian immigration cultural fund for construction of a national centre that would not benefit Indian communities whose inherited fund built that edifice.

The issue before the Indian community is whether to seek compensation from the government for the use and depletion of their national fund, especially that which was used without their voluntary consent and approval. Of course, any compensation would have to be in equivalent current dollar value which would probably amount to hundreds of millions if not billions in current dollars when interests are added to it.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Opposition demand applauded DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the article titled, “Opposition demands urgent meeting with ExxonMobil over ‘poor performance’” (KN April 19).

Though way overdue, I applaud loudly. Other thoughts follow, which may cause some nervousness here, especially on the part of leaders of the PPP government and their Exxon partners.

The April 15 letter addressed to ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Mr. Alistair Routledge, should be the first salvo across Exxon’s bow, with many more promised as part of concerted pressures brought to bear on Exxon to do right by Guyana.

Or else…! This unacceptable state of “lingering malfunctioning of equipment” must stop.

Or stop the damn operations. I put this on the table: the management of ExxonMobil would not dare to make those continuing mis-

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

takes in America, or in other Eurocentric lands. It may get away with one or two malfunctions, but not three and four of the same thing happening monotonously. Plus who knows what else is happening out there, under Exxon’s auspices and the collaborating PPP’s protective and secrecy-driven watch.

Editor, I found it significant that Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, discovered some belated fire and spirit.

It was not subtle, but came in the blunt reminder that, “the APNU+AFC…represents almost half of the Guyanese population in the National Assembly.” I think that the Opposition Leader was being rather kind: for his umbrella group, in fact, represents almost half the breathing population of the whole of Guyana.

I am trying not to detect a veiled caution in there, but I think that is present.

Or, to put a bit more sharply, that half of the population will not sit back quietly and allow Exxon to make fools of us, or take advantage of us, or to play costly and dangerous games with our environment and prospects.

This is what I expect from the opposition, and I want to hear and see and read more along these unequivocal lines.

In view of the step taken, I think that Mr. Harmon has served notice to Mr. Routledge that he has to start earning his money. I would recommend to Mr. Joseph Harmon and the opposition coalition that should Mr. Routledge fail to respond with the courtesies due, or he is impatient and less than completely listening and receptive, then preparations be readied to marshal forces to send those exploiting, condescending, and patronising one unambiguous message: don’t mess with us!

Challenge us at your own risk. This had better not be that ‘take it or leave it’ ultimatum that the arrogant Country Manager had delivered to PPP leaders a little while back.

It is time to read him and his people the Riot Act, and that business is meant.

If Mr. Routledge and his people wish to see people come out and agitate, then he would be responsible. I stand ready to join in the exercise of that democratic and patriotic right.

It is time that this confounded nonsense stops.

We wait on Mr. Alistair Routledge, as the ball is in his court.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Culmination of the celebration of Chaitra or Vasant Navratri DEAR EDITOR, Devotees throughout the world, including Guyana, are culminating the celebration of Chaitra or Vasant Navratri, after observing nine nights/ days of prayers to Mata Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati with reverence to the Trinity form of Durga Ma. She established nine different forms of her manifestation in order to conquer evil and restore good. Ram Navami, appropriately demarcates the conclusion of the auspiciousness of the period and obeisance is paid to the Sun Deity, Surya Bhagwan, as the progenitor Lord Rama’s Dynasty have descended from the Raghukul. The importance of the Sun was much more in the higher latitudes from the place through which the Aryans have migrated into India.

Ram Navami marks the appearance of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ram Navami falls on the ninth day, the tithi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra, in March or April as per the English calendar. This year, April 21 is the date for this spring festival and the celebration takes place at noon. Maryada Purshottam Ram is particularly important to the Vaishnavism tradition in Hinduism. His manifestation is sung in the divine story of the time in the Ramayana, giving us the message of the life and teachings of Lord Rama, the word literally means, “One who is divinely blissful and who gives joy to others and one in whom the sages rejoice.”

The ocean of mercy and compassion, Lord Rama signifies the victory of goodness over evil and the establishment of the Dharma to beat Adharma. He represents the epitome of perfection for fulfilling all his duties towards both family and subjects.

King Dasarath, the King of Ayodhya in the county of Kosal, situated on the banks

of the river Sharayu, was childless and he performed a sacrifice known as “Ashvamedh,” conducted by Rishi Rishyashring. He was eventually blessed with Shri Ram from Queen Kausalya and grew up to be a powerful Prince who married Sita Ma. His story unleashed a destined saga, reflecting the portrayal of compassion, gentleness, kindness, rightness and integrity. Lord Rama encountered an adventure of various tests for his love for his siblings, challenges for the removal of demons and competition with Rawan’s rivalry for abducting Sita Ma. His 14 years exile in the forest (Vanvaas), accompanied by Sita Ma and his brother Lachman, was filled with a variety of significant incidents and situations, allowing Him to fulfill his promises of freeing the world of evil forces and doers. There, he met his ardent and humble devotee, Shri Hanuman and he also visited the pious Shabri. Seeking the blessings of Durga Ma, Lord Rama was able to truncate the evil King of Lanka, Rawan and one of his brothers, Kumbakharna.

The kingdom was restored to the righteous brother, Vivishana, who was able to rule prosperously and peacefully, much to the joy of all the citizens. His return to Ayodhya at the end of his stay in the forest is celebrated on the festive day of “Diwali”.

Although Lord Rama had all the power in the world, he still was peaceful and gentle.

Through careful examination of his life, we learn how to be a perfect son, a perfect brother, a perfect husband and most important, the perfect king, administering with the reign of perfect governance. So many lessons can be learnt from His lifestyle and they are all applicable to the political, economic and social situations unfolding in Guyana. The Divine Sage

Narad, related to Sage Valmiki, the scribe, “Shri Ram is an embodiment of all noble merits, (qualities and virtues, who betters the happiness of his mother Kausalya, in profundity. He is an unfathomable ocean, and in fortitude, he is firm and unalterable, like the kingly Himalayan Mountain.”

The day of Ram Navami is spent in cleansing the body, heart and mind, fasting, praying, chanting the name of Shri Ram, reading Ram Katha, visiting the Mandirs, giving charity in the form of food, clothe and money and exchange of visits to friends and relatives with the giving of gifts and sweets. It is said that the repetition of his name (Rama Nama) is the surest, fastest and easiest way to attain purity, peace, wisdom, understanding, joy, prosperity and ultimately liberation.

Lord Rama Himself said that “Repetition of My name is equal to the repeating of one thousand names of God and Goddess or repeating of mantras one thousand times.”

Lord Rama was the perfect person who embodied divinity on Earth and taught us how to live our lives in accordance to dharma and divine principles. Guyanese and other West Indians are thankful to their fore-parents for bringing such a rich culture, preserved in principles and practices for people to live a way of life as influenced by the Ramayana and Gita, the holy books which they so carefully wrapped and brought with them as part of their luggage.

Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan was, “Raghu pati raghav raja Ram, Patita pavan Sitaram.” When he died, his last word was, “Ram.” May the blessings of Lord Rama be upon each and every Guyanese with peace and bliss. Happy Ram Navami.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

A most joyous holy day on the principles that lie at the heart of His teachBaha’i calendar tual ings, signalling the arrival of a new stage in DEAR EDITOR, For 12 days at the end of April and beginning of May, i.e., April 21 to May 2, every year Baha’i communities around the world would celebrate their most holy festival Ridvan.

This annual festival marks the anniversary of the days Baha’u’llah the prophet, Founder of the Baha’i Faith, spent along the River Tigris in Baghdad. In 1863, Baha’u’llah stayed in a garden on the banks of the Tigris River for 12 days, during which His many admirers in the city came to bid Him farewell.

Baha’u’llah announced to the friends gathered with Him during those days that He was God’s Messenger for a new age, foretold in the world’s scriptures.He called the garden they were gathered in ‘Ridvan’, meaning ‘paradise’. The Ridvan period was also a time when Baha’u’llah proclaimed the foundational spiri-

the evolution of the life of humanity, characterised by peace and an end to violence.The Festival of Ridvan is observed according to the Baha’i calendar, and begins on the 32nd day of the Baha’i year, which falls on April 20 or 21. The festival properly starts at two hours before sunset on that day, which symbolises the time that Baha’u’llah entered the garden. On the first, ninth, and 12th days, which are Baha’i Holy Days, work is suspended. Currently, the three holy days are usually observed with a community gathering where prayers are shared, followed with a celebrationToday, the festival of Ridvan is the most joyous of Baha’i holy days. In villages, towns, and cities around the world, Baha’i communities celebrate these special days with gatherings open to all.

Rooplall Dudhnath

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Third suspect in former priest’s murder arrested in Mahdia

Patrol ranks save man from chopping

Arrested: Orlando Richards. Dead: George Chuck-A-Sang.

T

he third suspect wanted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in relation to the murder of former Anglican priest, George Chuck-A-Sang, was on Monday arrested in Mahdia, Region Eight.

Back in February, the police had issued a wanted bulletin for 21-yearold Orlando Orin Ormando Richards of Gibraltar Road, Corentyne, Berbice after receiving details that he was involved in the murder.

His arrest was confirmed by Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, who informed that Richards is being held at the Mahdia Police Station and is cooperating with the investigation.

Kaieteur News has reported that the former priest was found murdered in his home on December 21, 2020. Chuck-A-Sang’s partially decomposed body was discovered

with multiple stab wounds by his daughter, Renata Chuck-A-Sang and current priest, Monsell Alves.

He was found sometime around 15:00hrs in his two-storey concrete house located on Vlissengen Road, Lodge, Georgetown.

According to police reports, the deceased’s daughter reported to the police that, after not hearing from her father for some time, she grew worried and decided to check on him.

The woman reported that she was accompanied by Alves to her father’s residence and there they made the gruesome discovery.

In February, two persons, 45year-old Rawle McPherson and 43year-old Mohanie Mohabir, who were regular visitors to the former priest were remanded to prison for his killing.

Screen grab from a recorded video of the ranks’ intervention in the street fight.

Patrol ranks on Sunday were reportedly alerted to a fight between two men in the Turkeyen area and arrived promptly to save one of them from being chopped.

Kaieteur News has confirmed the incident with the Commander of the Georgetown Police District, Simon McBean. He said that the man who was about to chop the other is in custody and will appear in court to face charges. The details reaching Kaieteur News are very sketchy and did not indicate what caused them to fight; in addition, McBean confirmed that investigators have

not been able to find that out that as yet but investigations are ongoing.

The intervention by police into the fight was captured on a cellphone video which went viral after an online media house posted it on Facebook. One man armed with cutlass was seen in a scuffle with another.

As the fight intensified, he fired some chops at his opponent who dodged and tried to use what appeared to be a small wooden bench nearby to bar the cutlass.

The opponent lost his balance and fell to the ground as he hit his

jaw on the bench. It was at this point that the patrol ranks pulled up in a vehicle – the man armed with the cutlass attempted to chop his opponent who was still trying get up but when he saw the patrol ranks, he turned and ran, stumbling several times.

Two ranks stepped out car and gave chase behind him and, after a brief run, caught up with him and disarmed him; they were assisted by a few female residents of the area.

Both men were arrested and placed into the police vehicle as it drove off to the Turkeyen Police Station.

Wednesday April 21, 2021

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

‘IS THE SYSTEM THAT CHEAT!’ Back in the day when you passed your school-leaving examinations, you could count on becoming a good clerk with one of the small companies that they had around… that is if you knew somebody inside.

For back in the day, it did not matter whether you passed or you failed the school leaving, you catching your tail unless you knew somebody who was either somebody or knew somebody that could get you a good job.

They had some fellows who used to have things easy.

They weren’t rich but they came from the right family, the sort of family that knew people who could open doors, narrow as they were.

Some of these same fellows became big ones but not on merit because when they would see bright boys who used “to cut dem tail in school,” they would turn away because they knew that the bright boys deserve the job. The fellows knew that they deserve to be scrounging like so many others.

But so is life eh! Some men become real big because they were born into the right connections. Some poor guys study hard and found that whatever doors were opened for them, they had to push first with their knees.

Many poor people used this

as an excuse. They say that the system discriminates against them. They claim that they failed school leaving because the system did not want them to go and get a clerk work.

But when it comes to exams, the system is fair. They did fail. But they are ashamed to admit it. As good as they were, they were not good enough.

They failed and since they did not have the right connections, they had to start from scratch. Some of them end up at scratch. After a while, they forget their dreams. They forget that they had wanted to become a clerk in Bookers or the civil service.

They decided to settle wherever they were, hoping that the boss man remember them at Christmas and when they get old that the company will pay them a pension which will be tidy for them over their remaining days.

They didn’t cater for something called inflation and nationalisation. When the nationalisation thing started, the boss man decided that it was time to begin to ship out his money.

They kept the company going, hoping that the nationalisation thing would pass, but they kept shipping out their money. They sent their children overseas too and in the meantime, the poor

man started to find that things were getting harder and harder.

Instead of waiting for pension, the poor fellow tried to figure out whether he can live to 90 because the way the inflation going, he most likely will have to work all he life because he can’t even afford to pay for the coffin.

The poor man sitting down pining away hoping that business will pick up so that the boss man don’t have to send he home. But things didn’t pick up. Things start to go down… and fast too.

Meantime, the boss man has one foot in and one foot out.

He is living in two countries, six months outside and six months inside.

At least when he comes back, he does bring a tin a sardine, which the poor man had to hide to eat.

It was when he sat for all those hours doing nothing waiting for things to get better that he wonders about the school-leaving certificate and why he did not pass.

Up to then, he still saying that they cheat him, that he ‘make the grade’ and if they did not rob he and all the other boys, he ‘would have a big job’ like them middle class boys who used to play all day and ended up in good jobs and driving Holden motor cars.

Some of his friends encourage him to try his hand at pork-

Dem Boys Seh…

If you wrong, yuh must not play wrang and strang!

De PPP/C bin seh how two of de APNOO candidates in de 2015 elections bin get illegally appointed as technocratic Ministers. Dem bin seh how a person wah deh pon de list of candidates fuh elections can’t be appointed as Ministers.

Now, de shoe deh pon de other foot. And dem change dem tune and going against wah dem bin argue bout before.

It woulda bin much better if dem bin accept dat dem do a wrong rather dan waste de court and dem lawyers time arguing a case dat bin bound to fail.

Do de right thing PPP/C!

Show dat yuh is a changed party.

On wan other note, dem boys recall how lang ago was only dem international company wah bin use to get licence fuh import fuel. But den de PPP start fuh open de floodgates and de APNOO take it to another level by granting licences to local individuals and companies.

Do de right thing PPP and stop granting so much fuel licences. If dat bin happen, there woulda bin no need for GUYOIL to have to buy fuel.

Dem would have import dem own fuel.

Talking about fuel, de price at de pump nah going

down. It going up and soon, it gan reach where it was more dan one year ago before de massive drop in prices.

It mek dem boys remember de time when people couldn’t afford to buy petrol because de price bin prapa high. Three friends did meet up one day and de fuss one says, “I like walking in the rain so no one sees my tears.”

De second friend says “I like walking in the dark so no one sees me.”

De last friend says, “I walk all the time because petrol too expensive.”

Talk half and nah wait fuh de price fuh drop!

knocking. They say ‘it have good money’. When he sees them boys, they always have money and spending it too on liquor and women.

But that sort of life was not for him. He wanted to work in office. He settled for the storage bond but perhaps one day his children will not have to do like he did.

Only thing is that now the examinations change. It is no

longer school leaving. It has another name, and some of these children writing 14 and 15 subjects. They don’t need them big jobs that they can get with them certificate but it is them who will get it.

Not his children. This time is not the exam that cheating…‘it is the system that cheats!’ The more you try, the harder it gets. It is a good thing that he held on to his

two-cent job. It is still better than nothing, which is what he had most of his life!

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

PAGE 10

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

More potent truths in recent times In last Friday’s column, I brought out nine truths about politics in Guyana that history should record. Surely, you don’t think that list was exhaustive.

Here are more truths. But one little digression is in order.

I believe and know that the APNU+AFC was far more corrupt than in any period when the PPP was in power.

The APNU+AFC government was the most corrupt in the history of Guyana.

AFC personnel, high up, stole from their own party so imagine what they did from 2015 - 2020, when they were in charge of the resources of Guyana. We here in Guyana have not seen the tip of the iceberg.

Truth #10 - The largest foreign investor in Guyana’s history gave a certain AFC high-priest money for the 2020 election campaign. The AFC never saw a cent.

T #11 - David Patterson, Cathy Hughes and Raphael

Trotman declined to return to parliament in September 2020.

The chairman for the AFC’s regional management committee for Region Four, Amar Chinkan, told me he was part of the persuasive discussion for them to change their mind.

Why they chose that path would probably remain a secret.

Were they trying something for the gallery to ask them to remain?

T #12 – At the 2016 congress of the AFC at the St. Paul’s Church in Plaisance in 2018, the most hilarious moment in the history of party congresses in Guyana took place.

There has been no similar occurrence in any party congress like this ever. After the contest for leadership positions were announced, Raphael Trotman declined nomination for chairman and indicated he wants no leadership position.

Trotman wasn’t finished

speaking when pandemonium broke out. If you want to see people behave like jackasses you have to see the video.

Delegates began bawling, “No, Raphael, no Raphael, no.” It was from that shape of shout that the PNC parliamentarian, Jennifer Wade, got hers when at the no-confidence motion, she kept yelling, “No Charran no, no Charran, no.”

Others began banging their heads on the wall exclaiming, “Oh gawd, we leadah gaan.” They were saying this right in front of the AFC’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan.

The cries were so loud that the church’s caretaker ran into the building to find out if someone had collapsed.

The AFC’s bigwigs took Trotman into a room, closed the door and after half an hour, Trotman emerged with the identical smile that Madam Chairperson of GECOM wore when she emerged from a locked room

in the Ashmin building during the election rigging on the night of March 5.

Trotman played dead to see what the funeral would be like.

A smile can say a thousand words.

T #13- A big one in the PNC is a US citizen. But this gentleman knows that it is extremely difficult to research the issue to unearth that fact.

This needs repeating for emphasis - one of the leviathans in the PNC at the moment is a US citizen and therefore should not have been an election candidate.

T #14 - It is well known in high political circles in the APNU+AFC government that if you wanted a certain type of document, a big one’s son made the arrangement in exchange for humongous sums. This columnist knows a farmer who went through that route.

T #15 - A female mandarin in the APNU+AFC regime had her attendant opening any door in any building that she

was entering or the gate of any pathway that she was passing through.

The driver was virtually like a slave. This columnist went up to her and told her it was nonsense what she was doing and to desist. She never did. Life is funny. This fake aristocrat doesn’t have five CXC subjects to get into the public service.

T #16 - From 2015 onwards, the AFC twice tried to get a Deputy Minister in a Ministry that according to the Cummingsburg Accord was assigned to the AFC – Agriculture. On both occasions, President Granger himself denied the AFC’s requests, which according to the fine prints in the Cummingsburg Accord he had no political authority to deny because it was a coalition government and the Ministry was assigned to the AFC. What this story proved was that Khemraj Ramjattan was phenomenally precocious. He said if the AFC

Frederick Kissoon joined with the PNC it would become dead meat. Not only was the meat dead, it was stink and infected with the Ebola virus.

We end with a truth that is yet to be known. Henry Jeffrey and Ralph Ramkarran formed ANUG to contest the 2020 election. Then Jeffrey became a fierce defender of the position of the PNC in the election saga. Please tell us Ralph, why did Jeffrey leave ANUG? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 21, 2021

‘We have law and order, unity on our side’ - Minister Croal tells hinterland residents during outreach on Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

Minister Collin Croal during the outreach.

Residents.

M

inister of Hous ing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, on Monday told residents of Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima/Waini), that they should not be fearful of the ongoing territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, as Guyana has ‘law and order on its side.’

Minister Croal, who has geographic responsibility for Region One, led an outreach on the Guyana/Venezuela

border controversy to the two districts, which have several villages in close proximity to the border.

The outreach is the first of a series to be held in the region, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It is aimed at sensitising frontline communities on the decades-old issue.

The villages of Kamwatta, White Water and Yarakita in the Mabaruma district, and Canal Bank, Eclipse Falls,

Nail technician who shared explicit images of relatives on social media released on $20,000 bail

Charged, Marissa Waterman.

A nail technician was on Monday charged for allegedly sharing explicit images of her relatives on social media. She was placed on $20,000 bail for the offences.

The defendant, Marissa Waterman, 26, of 56 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

The first charge alleges that between January 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021, at Kitty, Georgetown, she used a computer system to transmit data

that was explicit to humiliate Latoya Cameron, causing her distress.

The latter charge stated that between January 30, 2021 and January 31, 2021, at the same location she used a computer system to transmit data that was explicit to humiliate Deon James, causing him distress.

Waterman was charged under the Cybercrime Act. She denied both allegations and was placed on a total of $20,000 bail for both offences.

The matter was adjourned to May 24, 2021.

Sebai and Citrus Grove in Port Kaituma district are closer to the border that separates Guyana from its Spanishspeaking neighbour.

Residents have called for increased security as the boundary remains porous.

But Minister Croal said villagers have nothing to fear, as the claims by Venezuela remain a “non-issue.” Moreover, he said, Guyana is in its right and remains steadfast in the support it has been receiving.

“We have law and order and the international community on our side. We have the recognition that we are in the right and we will continue a

path that will see us having this matter settled in a legal way,” Minister Croal told Mabaruma residents.

He said Guyana is united on this front, noting that “where there is unity, there is strength.”

“If there is anything that all of us, on every side of the political divide, that we all agree on and have a commonality with, that is that we have uniformity in our position and that is, Guyana belongs to us, the citizens of Guyana.

And so, every one of us on the different side of the political divide shares that view.

When you have a unified

country on a matter, it sends a powerful message. We have one thing on our side, as well as the common understanding that the claims by Venezuela are just claims.”

Croal noted that all Governments, including the PPP/ C, have pursued a path to bring finality to the border controversy, “We believe that there is no basis to the claim being made by Venezuela and that it infringes on our independence, our international democracy. For us, we have a belief that the boundary has been settled, so it is a nonissue.”

Venezuela, since 1962, has contended that the 1899 Ar-

bitral Award, which definitively settled the land boundary between the two countries, was null and void.

The country continues to claim most of the Essequibo region.

Providing a historical context on the controversy, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Director of Frontiers, Ms. Donnette Streete, said Guyana is confident that its case is just. She said not only has Venezuela failed to present evidence to support its claims, but Guyana has remained peaceful, even in the face of aggression by the Bolivarian Republic. She said, (Continued on page 13)

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Four motorbike bandits haul man out of slowly moving car A CCTV camera has recorded a robbery where four motorbike bandits, one armed with a gun, hauled a man out of a slowly moving car on Lying Street, Charlestown.

The robbery, according to police, took place around 10:00 hrs. on Monday. Investigators said that the man who was hauled out of the car is Derick Doodnauth, a resident of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, an employee of Health International Inc. The CCTV footage showed that he was driving his car north along Lying Street and as he approached the intersection at Princess Street it could be observed that there was a traffic buildup.

Doodnauth slowed down the car as the traffic moved slowly. Suddenly, two motorbikes rode up with four ban-

dits, two of them dressed in green reflector vests.

The two pillion riders hopped off the motorbikes and ran up beside Doodnauth’s car. One of them dressed in the reflector vest and armed with a gun approached the driver’s door and pointed the gun at the driver. It appeared as if Doodnauth might have opened the door in fear and the bandit hauled him out and flung him on to the road as the car continued to move at a slow pace with its door still opened.

Doodnauth was seen lying face down on the road with his hands behind his head.

The gunman proceeded to search his pockets while the other pillion rider chased after the moving car. He caught up with it and grabbed some-

thing from the front passenger’s seat before jumping on to one of the waiting motorbikes.

The gunman who was searching Doodnauth’s pockets ran quickly behind his accomplices and joined the other motorbike as they escaped in the western direction along Princess Street.

Doodnauth then got up off the ground and walked behind his car, which was at the time still moving at a slow pace in the northern direction.

Kaieteur News has since learnt that the four motorbike bandits carted off an envelope containing cheques and over a million dollars in cash belonging to Doodnauth’s employer.

He was at the time heading to deposit the money at a bank when the bandits pounced on him.

‘We have law and order, unity on our...

From page12 “international law will bear us out.” On January 30, 2018, the United Nations Secretary General issued a decision choosing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the means to be used for the solution of the controversy. Following that decision, on March 29, 2018, Guyana filed its application instituting proceedings against Venezuela regarding the legal validity

and binding effect of the October 3, 1899 Award, which determined the land boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela.

On December 18, 2020, the Court ruled that it had jurisdiction to entertain Guyana’s application, while Venezuela issued a public communiqué stating its non-acceptance of the Court’s jurisdiction.

Guyana’s consistent position is that as Parties to the 1966

Geneva Agreement, both countries had mutually conferred on the Secretary-General of the United Nations the authority to choose the means of settlement of the controversy. The ICJ has fixed a time limit of March 8, 2022 for the submission of Guyana’s Memorial on the merits of the case and March 8, 2023 for the submission by Venezuela of its Counter-Memorial.

Screen grab from the CCTV footage that depicted the robbery staged on the Health International Inc.’s employee.

PAGE 14

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

Linden police join relatives in search party for missing woman It is now 17 days since 21year-old Shonnette Dover has disappeared without a trace, leaving her relatives and

friends less and less hopeful for her return. During the weekend, they were joined by ranks of the Guyana Police

Force Region 10 Police Division, in a search party, where they combed several communities on the Wismar shore.

After hours of searching, they came up empty handed.

Shonnette was last seen April 3 after she left home for work at the Country Grill Bar, but never showed up.

The last family member to have reportedly last seen her was her brother on the Mackenzie shore, who gave her $2,000.00.

Her grandmother, Constance Dover, said she is more worried that despite numerous published news stories and attempts to contact her, Shonnette has not made contact with her family members. She said that all they have been receiving is fake news and several empty leads.

“Her brother and father went to Mabura because we hear she is up there and when they went, is another girl, they are on their way back empty handed,” the worried woman said. Several persons have also been calling the family with information about her whereabouts, but none has been helpful.

They sent persons as far as Lethem, after they received information that she was there, but upon arrival, she was not.

Commander of Region 10, Hugh Winter also said that the police are following leads, but none have been met with

Missing, Shonnette Dover. success. “We heard that she was in Berbice, when they turned up at the house, is a different girl,” he told Kaieteur News.

Shonnette’s cousin, Esther Dover, had said that days before she went missing, Shonnette confided in her that she wanted to move out of her boyfriend’s home and move back into her

grandmother’s, because of the issues, which she was experiencing with her partner.

Her boyfriend, Shaquan Allen, had said that he last saw his girlfriend on Saturday morning at home and they had no problem.

He said that after breakfast, he had left to drop some crutches for someone who (Continued on page 23)

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Education Ministry launches new online platform targetting Grade 7 teachers In its effort to expand online learning for teachers and students, the Ministry of Education yesterday introduced a new online learning platform using Microsoft Office 365.

This initiative is in collaboration with the Ministry, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UNICEF and teams of consultants from the United Nation.

This project is a component of the COVID-19 Accelerated Fund Project (AFP) and is a global initiative which seeks to support continuity of learning for schoolaged children in the wake of the impact, which the novel coronavirus pandemic has had on the delivery of education in Guyana.

The COVID-19 AFP also

provides hardware, infrastructure and supporting education, through capacity building that will enable educators to deliver to and for their stu-

dents, quality education inputs and experiences that are in sync with modernised delivery modes and the ability to better communicate with these technological natives.

During the virtual launch, the Director of the National Centre of Educational Resources Development (NCERD), Quenita Walrond said that the project seeks to provide an integrated online platform for teachers, principally for the delivery of the curriculum but with many other capabilities and applications.

The Ministry in its initial

phase of the project looks to target 1,000 Grade Seven teachers and their students in the four core subject areas namely; Mathematics, Science, English Language and Social Studies.

The roll out of the platform involves training for 60 master teachers on the platform, who will then train and support teachers in a cascading model, the Director explained.

According to the Director, teachers will receive laptops with the accompanied software, the Microsoft Office 365 suite.

This software will provide access to all productivity software including Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, SharePoint, Publisher, Outlook and OneDrive.

The Director of the National Centre of Education Resources (NCERD), Quenita Walrond.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

High Court rules appointment of ...

From page 3 extracted from the list of candidates they are not eligible to vote in the National Assembly,” the CJ determined.

Jones had contended that the appointments of Browne and Ramkissoon were done in violation of the Constitution since they were sitting as both elected and non-elected members of the National Assembly.

Jones had stated that as Articles 103 (3) and 186 of the Constitution paragraph (1) dictates, Parliamentary Secretaries may be appointed from among persons who are elected members of the National Assembly or are qualified to be elected as such members.Added to this, the Chief Justice pointed that the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, S.C., had held a similar position in an almost identical case where the PPP’s Desmond Morian had successfully challenged then President, David Granger’s appointment of elected APNU+AFC candidates Winston Felix and Keith Scott as ministers without voting rights.

“Having argued otherwise, I have concluded that Mr. Nandlall is now trapped by his previous successful submissions and now seeks to say that the result of Morian is wrong,” the Chief Justice said.

The declaration of the CJ has paved the way for Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, to remove Ramkissoon and Browne as Parliamentary Secretaries, even as Nandlall swiftly moved to issue a notice to appeal the decision just a few hours after it was handed down yesterday.

In his appeal, Nandlall argued that the Chief Justice misinterpreted and misconstrued provisions of Guyana’s Constitution and in the case of Desmond Morian, the challenge was over the appointment of two elected members of the House as technocratic ministers.

“The decision of the learned Judge does not accord with the clear and unambiguous binding language of the Constitution of Guyana,” he said.In his application filed last December, Jones had

sought several declarations that, inter alia, the two Parliamentary Secretaries are not lawful members of the National Assembly; that they were not lawfully appointed to the position of Parliamentary Secretary of the Government of Guyana.In the application, Jones contended that Parliamentary Secretaries shall be appointed by the President from among persons who are qualified to be elected as members of the National Assembly.The Opposition Chief Whip noted that Browne and Ramkissoon were not elected members of the National Assembly as Articles 60 (2), 160 (1) and (3) (a) and 232 provides that, subject to the provisions of Article 160 (2), the number of members of the National Assembly shall be elected in accordance with the system of proportional representation prescribed in Article 160 (1). The case was presented by attorneys-atlaw, Roysdale Forde S.C., Mayo Robertson, Raphael Trotman, Geeta ChandanEdmond, Amanza WaltonDesir, Olayne Joseph and Darren Wade.

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Two more COVID-19 fatalities The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday reported that two persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. Their deaths now bring Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll to 273.

Dead is a 60-year-old man from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and a 56-year-old man from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). According to the Ministry’s Press Release, both persons died while receiving

treatment at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, the MoH also recorded 71 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 11,972.

The dashboard shows that 13 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 73 persons are in institutional isolation, 1,315 in home isolation and 11 persons are in institutional quarantine. To date, 10,297 recoveries have been recorded.

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

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Kaieteur News

WANTED Male seeks female to live with 18 to 38yrs light house work Salary- $80,000 Call 603-9085 or 695-0331 One trainee AC refridgeration washing machine technician Visa Application: U.S.A, part time Call 683-8734 Canada & UK; Graphics Wanted land to buy in Parfaite design, advertisements, Harmonie, Winstor Forest or Wedding arch rentals. Tel: anywhere on the West Coast 626-7040 # 697-6311 SERVICES

Male & Female, one cook for interior location. One live in Classes in Designing and domestic for Georgetown. sewing. Canadian trained tu- Tel#674-1767, 687-7638 tor. also, clothes made to order. Call Sharmie Tel#657- Career Opportunity waitress & waiter, porter & kitchen as4578 sistant Contact 623-4097/ 6479555 DRESS MAKING

One land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie paying in cash contact 689-5259 Porters apply with written application at Best Buy Food FOR RENT Supplies, Dennis & Luxury apartment 2 or 3 bed- Middleton Sts. Campbeville room fully furnished for rent Wanted puri/ roti cooks apply properties, apartments @Shanta's 225 Camp St Tel#664-8641, 682-2585, ofMini bus and taxi drivers Confice 219- 2815 tact 628-1183 & 225-3234 PROPERTY FOR SALE Live in domestic must know Commercial property for sale to cook, live in waitress salary or rent Providence old road $20,000 - $25,000 Montly Tel#610-3974 Call 623-3440 / 233-5600 Technical assistant for LAND FOR SALE internet location. Application Land for sale, Berbice, must have mechanical training Georgetown, East Coast, and valid driver's license. Call East Bank Tel#664-8641, 682- 231-2250 2585, office 219- 2815 Wanted experience Lorry #04 mining property driver Tel#626-4691, 627-1835 Kurupung River and the Umbambaru Creek Area 1 female sale clerk Tel#2252313, 226-1497 Contact 681-3512 Female friend wanted under 35 EDUCATION for loving, generous foreign Qualify yourself in Cosme- man, whatsapp 1-246-835-6908 tology & Nail technology pakages starting from $25,000 classes commence: April 12,2021 Call Abby 6176751

VACANCY

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Female cleaner for office Call 642-9823

Room attendant supervisor Female white 12 weeks pup 35-55 yrs old 233 South Road $85,000 Contact 664-4666 Lacytown Tel#225-0198 Pure breed Greman Shephard Vacancy for 1 secretary Call pups, 2 weeks old, fully vac- or whatsapp 683-8734 cinated Contact 626-6953/ Experienced pit, jet and 650-9998 marrack men wanted. Call 6821176 or 697-2533 Auto Electrical apprentice Age 19-25yrs apply in person Lot 120 Forth Street Albertown G/ Town or Call 610-0340 WANTED

Atlas Security Services Inc One male able bodied clerk. vacancy for visiting officers Call 231-2029/, 225-2313,616- and security officers Tel#2269905,231-4962 or 653-1265 5954

VACANCY Vacancy 1 experience plumbers, 2 mechanical supervisor interested person please send application to email mrkmendonca@gmail.com, Call 662-6127, 626-8622 Security officers male and female 18 years and above Contact 223-4172 , 632-0101 or 6320909 Vacancies Bettencourt parttime. domestic bakery table operator (male) bakery assistant (male) kitchen assistant Tel#231-1368, 223-1938 Vacancy exists for one female cashier to work @ Del Ice Co. Tel#231-1408/ 642-9191 Maid to cook and clean for the East Bank area Call 615-9132 Pump attenant Shifts (6am2pm & 2pm - 10pm) Shell Service Station Providence E.B.D Email:Shellramsburg@gmail.com One clerk for Eccles office English & Mathematics, grade 1 or 2 Email application to techserigy@yahoo.com

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Venezuelans want more contact with new National Security Minister NEWSDAY - Venezuelans in TT commented on Monday on social media that they hope the new Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, will have a better approach to the immigrant community here.Hinds is assuming the portfolio of National Security, replacing Stuart Young.Young is the new Minister of Energy and Energy Industries. He will replace Franklin Khan, who died on Saturday morning.

The news generated reaction in the WhatsApp and Facebook groups of Venezuelans in TT.About the new minister, Luis Gonzalez said: “I hope the change will be

positive for migrants here.

With Young we achieved some important things such as the amnesty, but there is more to do.”Gonzalez, who has a work permit granted by the government in June 2019, said Venezuelans need more approaches from the local authorities.

“I have only seen Young in newspaper photos. I would like Hinds to get closer to the

Venezuelan community so he knows our problems and tries to help us,” he said.Camila Santiago also said the change in the National Security Ministry should help to improve communication with the Latin American community.She said: “Immigrants in TT find out about things when the newspapers write something about us, but the authorities give very little information

Bus driver runs policeman...

From page 18 decided to pursue the bus and managed to stop him again on Sherriff Street. Other reports suggested that Connelly had crashed into the back of the

minibus causing the driver to stop. It is also touted that it was the “crash into the back of the minibus” which started the argument between the two men.

Linden police join relatives in search...

From page 14 was involved in an accident.

From there, he went to his aunt’s house where he spent time with his family.

He then went home where his girlfriend’s little sister relayed to him that Shonnette had left for work.

He then dropped that sis-

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

ter to another sister’s residence before going to a party in Blueberry Hill with his friends, after which he said

he returned home and realised that Shonnette was not there.

Commander Winter said that further questioning was conducted with Allen

and he is required to report to the police station every morning. Persons with any infor-

mation about the whereabouts of Shonnette Dover can contact the police or her grandmother, Constance Dover on the following numbers 442-1616, 670-6846 or 671-6455.

COURT AWAITS CONTRACT FOR NEW...

From page 17 SOCU in relation to Patterson’s role in sole-sourcing the Dutch company that was selected to conduct the feasibility study.After the contract was made public in 2017, the then Opposition, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), had called for a thorough investigation by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) into the awarding of the contract to the

Dutch firm, this later triggered an investigation by SOCU. The PPC in its investigation found that Patterson’s request to Cabinet for approval of the contract was not forwarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). As a result, the PPC had asked for the tender to be reset.

NPTAB had given approval for the project to be

retendered, but it was not.

The PPP/C was adamant that the bypassing of the procurement process was illegal, but SOCU later stated that it had sought legal advice, and that there is no evidence that a criminal offence was committed.Earlier this year, SOCU reopened the case and Patterson and Adams were later called in for questioning

by SOCU and the charge was later instituted.

Heath-London stranded in Jamaica, missed...

From page 16 Kaieteur News had reported that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government, which came to office last August after a five-month impasse following the March 2, 2020, elections, had insisted that it found a significant number of irregular land transactions involving State properties, including former sugar lands worth billions of dollars.

A number of companies have already returned lands, which were supposed to be developed. In these instances, investigators found that NICIL, as the representative of the

people of Guyana for the transactions, did not even collect all the money when it transferred lands into the recipients’ names.

The police and its Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are involved in the investigations. SOCU’s role may involve investigating whether crimes relating to money laundering were committed.

The land transactions, which spans from Wales, Peter’s Hall and Ogle, have seen attention coming down on a number of former ministers within the Coalition Government of David Granger, now in Opposition.

PAGE 24

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

CDC uses social media platforms for disaster relief

T

he Civil Defence Commission has been playing an important role in assisting neighbouring countries to receive supplies after disaster events. In doing so, CDC has turned to social media platforms in order to receive and distribute much needed information.

The CDC has sent over 275 tons of relief supplies via the merchant vessel, Lady Fazeela, to Saint Vincent yesterday.

This is now its third trip to the volcano affected country. With this, the CDC has resorted to the use of different social media platforms to

spread awareness efficiently and gain a feedback from the affected country.

Kaieteur News made contact with the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Patrice Wishart, to inquire about how the platforms aid in providing the necessary relief for disaster struck countries.

Mr. Wishart stated that this approach to the matter is much more efficient than traditional methods and has given the CDC tremendous results.

He further mentioned that taking the electronic approach is more reliable and faster than any other method, which

the CDC could have taken.

Mr. Wishart also relayed that the platforms are a better way to obtain information from affected countries because of how popular and easily accessible they are.

CDC has been using these platforms and their effectiveness by creating a ‘Needs list’ on Facebook, where persons can see what is needed to be donated at the current time and lend a helping hand. CDC uses Facebook, Twitter and also their website page to relay information to the public.

The needs list is checked on a daily basis and then acted upon accordingly by the CDC.

Lady Fazeela is said to arrive in Saint Vincent with the

necessities by this coming Saturday after stopping in

Barbados to drop off supplies also.

The needs list on CDC’s Facebook Page.

Wednesday April 21, 2021

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Fifa boss Gianni Infantino ‘strongly disapproves’ of breakaway...

From page 30 new league was needed to “save football” The proposed tournament would see teams play one another in midweek games in an attempt to have more matches between big-name clubs.

The other clubs involved are AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid.

“It is our task to protect the European sport model. If some elect to go their own way, they must live with the consequences of their choices,” said Infantino, head of world football’s governing body.

“They are responsible for their choice completely. This means you are either in or you are out. You cannot be half in and half out.”

What have managers &

players said?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he is “uncomfortable” talking about the competition, which he only found out about on Sunday.

“It is not a sport if success is guaranteed or if it doesn’t matter when you lose,” he told a news conference.

“I have said many times I want a successful Premier League, not just one team at the top.

“Sport is not sport when the relationship between effort and reward does not exist.”

The ESL would guarantee a spot for the founding teams, meaning there would be no relegation or uncertainty over big names qualifying for the competition.

Leicester City and former

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says the competition shows football is prioritising business over sport.

“We must never lose the fact it is a sport and is a game for supporters and players.

That always has to be at the forefront of any decision,” he said.

“The six teams who are there can never forget the brand of the Premier League is based around all the teams.

“The roots of their success are based around the other teams because of the competition: the bottom team can beat the top team.”

Fans, Uefa, German FA and other European sides react There have been protests outside the grounds of the Premier League clubs who have signed up to the league.

Leeds players also wore

Wednesday April 21, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) It might take an extra few minutes to get out of bed today, Aries, but it will be worth it when you do. You will find that the more honest you've been with people, the more payoffs you will receive.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Don't try to fit into a mold you simply don't belong in, Taurus. You may have gone through a major transformation lately in which you went from being a square peg to a round peg.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) There may be subtle messages in people's words today that you need to attend to, Gemini. Other people could be trying to send you hints in order to push your buttons.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't keep playing along with the games if you no longer want to repeat the same drama, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is excellent for you, Leo. You should be encouraged to take action in any artistic realm. Cook a scrumptious dinner and share it with a loved one.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Go weed the garden, Virgo.

If you don't have a garden, start one.

It's important for you to get into the Earth today, so roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There's great opportunity for romance today, Libra.

Love the people you're with, but don't smother them. The more you loosen your grip on a situation, the more you will gain control of it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The active and receptive natures of your being are coming together, Scorpio.

There's a balance between these two aspects.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today is a fantastic day for you. Your sensual, caring nature will be appreciated, Sagittarius.

Whether you actively pursue it or sit back and relax, you will receive the love and good fortune you desire.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Being married to someone for many years takes work, Capricorn. No one said it was going to be easy. Hollywood promotes a fantasyland that can make your life look drab and boring by comparison.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today is a great day to make your big move, Aquarius.

If there's something in the love and romance department that you feel you need to act on, this is the day to do it.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Take your focus off you and concentrate on someone else for a day, Pisces.

This doesn't mean focusing so the person will stop and pay attention to you.

T-shirts saying ‘Earn it’ next to the Champions League logo and ‘Football is for the fans’ before their 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Monday.

On Tuesday, Ceferin called on the English clubs to “come to your senses”.

Directly addressing the owners of the six Premier League clubs, he said: “Gentlemen, you made a huge mistake. There is time to change your mind.

“Come to your senses.

Not out of love for football - I don’t imagine you have much of that - but out of respect for the people who bleed for the team, out of respect for the home of football.

I know we are right and they are wrong. It is a match we cannot lose.”

The president of the German Football Association (DFB) said the 12 clubs

should be banned from all competitions.

No German club has signed up to the ESL. “Football is open and it is there for everyone. A closed Super League on the other hand is only for the super rich and the super ruthless,” Fritz Keller said.

Current European champions Bayern Munich rejected the notion of a Super League and expressed their solidarity with the Bundesliga.

“On behalf of the board I can expressly state that FC Bayern does not take part in the Super League,” said chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

“For FC Bayern, the Champions League is the best club competition in the world.”

French Ligue 1 champions Paris St-Germain have also not joined the Super

League, saying the club is “a family and a community whose fabric is our fans”.

PSG chairman and chief executive Nasser Al-Khelaifi added: “We believe any proposal without the support of Uefa - an organisation that has been working to progress the interests of European football for nearly 70 years does not resolve the issues currently facing the football community, but is instead driven by self-interest.”

Cricket gears for young & promising cricketers in ...

From page 31 of Khan siblings.

Beharry, a Technocrat with responsibility for Good Governance, Marketing and Finance of the GCB provided a brief background of the “Cricket gears for young and promising cricketers in Guyana Project”.

“With my recent role on the GCB, I feel compelled to further the cause of cricket in Guyana, young cricketers in particular. This project is done in collaboration with Kishan Das of the USA and will target young talented cricketers in need of assistance with cricket gears. I will go around the length and breadth of Guyana to do talent spotting and will also be guided by Cricket Club leaders to identify young interested talent.

Persons who wish to contribute new and used cricket gears are free to make contact with me and Kishan of the USA on +1-718-664-0896 to make your donation. I can assure you that accountability will be at the highest level.

Let’s join together to provide opportunities to our young cricketers and keep them away from idleness, drugs and crime.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Wednesday April 21, 2021

30 Million $$$ boost for four grounds in the Cinderella County MCY&S Ground Enhancement Programme motors on As Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. continues his pathway to ensuring sports facilities within communities are in proper shape to develop Guyana’s athletes as well as create safe spaces for exercising, he has revealed that four more grounds in the Cinderella County would enhanced with some $30 Million dollars allocated.

As he has done since assuming office, being on the ground to interact and have an intimate view of things, Minister Ramson visited the Essequibo Coast on Sunday last to see how works are progressing.

He has informed that half of the allocated amount have been disbursed to the grounds indentified, Affiance, Reliance, Queenstown and Lima, the latter to benefit from lights.

Further, Ramson informed that the works at each ground would be different and is expecting that when the works are completed, the

Minister Ramson (right) being advised on the progress of works at one of the grounds on the Essequibo Coast.

A hands on approach has been the modus operandi of Minister Ramson since taking up the post. He is seen here during a visit to one of the grounds in Essequibo. various communities would be proud of the finished product.

The very proactive Minister has already stated that he is unwavering with regards to facilities being totally utilised by members of the communities and has received the full backing of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. When facilities are fully

made use of, they last longer as well as service the needs of athletes and members of communities.

Some $915.5 Million of MCY&S 1.5 Billion has been allocated in the recent National Budget, the largest ever, towards the enhancement of community grounds nationwide.

This would allow the

grounds, in some instances to be expanded to be used as parks.

It is also the intention of the MCY&S to establish first-class, multi-purpose sporting facilities in Regions Two, Six and Ten.

It is also the intention of Minister Ramson to work collectively with the relevant Sports Associations/Federation s to ensure maximum utilisation of the facilities when completed.

Meanwhile, during his visit on Sunday last, Minister Ramson also inspected venues that had benefitted from funds allocated in the previous budget to have a first-hand view on the progress of works.

From left, Rajan Tiwari, Executive member of the GCOS, Ronda Munizes and Shaquille Adonis of the KMPA at the presentation.

GFF President weighs in on breakaway European Super League Even as a tsunami of condemnation erupted with the announcement of the breakaway European Super League; Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde has offered his take on this development which is anticipated to fall through due to the heavy backlash it has been receiving from stakeholders around the world.

Forde posited that based on the information in his possession, the Super League would be a grave tipping point for the order and structure of global f o o t b a l l . ”While football as an entertainment product has been skillfully commercialised over the past decades - I would argue strongly that the commercial side of the game is not a reflection of the true spirit of football. Until the number of

paid persons across the globe over takes the number of volunteers sacrificing each day and night to develop the beautiful game - then football must remain a game of the ordinary man whose passion has fueled its continued existence for centuries.

If the authors of this sinister plot to erode the foundation of the game were to succeed in launching this aberration, I am convinced that their success will be short lived. The fans will have the final say...!”

A number of the big clubs have already announced that they plan to quit the breakaway European Super League, Man City being handed a UEFA reprieve following their withdrawal.

Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid were all set to follow suit after backlash

from the football world.

Fourteen of the 20 Premier League clubs in expressing their disgust of the move, excluded the ‘Big 6’ from an emergency meeting yesterday where remaining 14 club rejected the plans and threatened sanctions for owners for breaking rule about joining competition with prior permission.

This move hit home so hard that it even drew the ire of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby who warned against the plan saying: ‘A lot of football clubs were founded by churches, it happens, including Liverpool.

And we want to preserve c o m m u n i t y ’ .

And, Facebook and Amazon said they will NOT bid to screen the European Super League, leaving just Sky and Disney to announce whether they will bid for the rights.

GCOS continues running shoes project The Guyana Committee of Services has (GCOS) proudly announced that their running shoes project is successfully in its second phrase.

The GCOS to date has already distributed close to 200 pairs of running shoes to athletes in New Amsterdam, Linden, and three clubs in Georgetown with athletes on the East Coast of Demerara soon to benefit.

On Saturday last, 17 pairs were handed over to Miss Ronda Munizes, for athletes on the East Coast of Demerara. Munizes expressed sincere gratitude and vowed that she will do whatever she can to help support the GCOS in their mandate which is to support Guyanese sportspersons and the arts.

Munizes further shared during the simple presentation at the Payless Variety Store on Wellington Streets that she will encourage

everyone she meets to purchase an ‘I LOVE GUYANA’ sticker.As part of the GCOS fundraising activities for this running shoes project, they are selling ‘I LOVE YOU GUYANA’ stickers at the cost of $250.

However, with the purchase of every sticker you will get a duplicate ticket to write your name and contact on one and keep the other half. The ticket will allow a lucky person the chance to win a 32" FLAT SCREEN TV, an ELECTRONIC TABLET, and a SMART PHONE, to be drawn live on TV at a date to be announced no later than June.

The GCOS is aiming to conclude the project in August and in a correspondence to Kaieteur Sport, they are soliciting the support of all the media entities and any organisation/agency that will be willing to help in any way possible.

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

Amit Mishra four-for leads Delhi Capitals to jinx-breaking win over Mumbai Indians ESPNcricinfo - Amit Mishra fizzed and whizzed the ball with the skill of old, as the Delhi Capitals shook off their history of defeats to the Mumbai Indians to record a six-wicket win on a tough pitch in Chennai.

Mishra had given up ten runs in his opening over, the last of the powerplay, but then came back to break the game open and tear through Mumbai’s big-hitting lineup. He took out a freeflowing Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in his second over, came back to outfox Kieron Pollard with a googly, and in his final over, bowled Ishan Kishan with a yorker. Mishra’s 4 for 24 was the best bowling figures for a Capitals bowler against Mumbai in IPL history, and he ran rings around a line-up that had been 67 for 1, going at nearly ten per over.

Mumbai eventually ended with just 137 for 9, w i t h M i s h r a ’s s t r i k e s ensuring the Capitals stifled the defending champions.

Shikhar Dhawan then rode some good fortune and a large helping of good form to steer the chase. He fell with the game still balanced, but Mumbai didn’t have enough on the board to apply the squeeze like they had done in previous low-total defences in Chennai, and the Capitals didn’t choke at the final hurdle.

Rohit starts with a bang Both sides had loaded up on spin keeping the conditions in mind, and the Capitals sprung a further surprise by opening the bowling with Marcus Stoinis and R Ashwin, a move that seemed to succeed initially. But in Ashwin’s second over, with Quinton de Kock having already fallen, Sharma took flight. There was a slogswept four and a one-handed six over extra cover, and Kagiso Rabada was greeted with an imperiously disdainful straight drive over t h e b o w l e r ’s h e a d .

Suryakumar Yadav was matching Sharma shot for shot at that stage, but was caught behind off Avesh Khan for a 15-ball 24.

However, Mumbai still seemed steadily on course with Sharma in great ballstriking form.

Mishra breaks the g a m e o p e n Two balls into his second over, Mishra had already given up 16 runs. But he

would go on to give up just eight more runs in his entire spell, and it began with Sharma’s wicket. Spotting Sharma advancing down the track, he hung the ball further away from off, slowing it up too, and for once, Sharma didn’t get the timing on his drive right.

Two balls later, Pandya attempted to whack his first ball over long-on, and the fielder there was in business for the second time in the over as Mumbai went from strong to uncertain.

Mishra wasn’t done yet, and in his third over, he pitched a googly on the perfect length for Pollard’s back-foot play, getting it to turn into the batter sharply to strike him plumb in front.

From looking like they could target anything in the region of 180, Mumbai found themselves 84 for 6 in 12 overs, struggling to survive the full innings.

Dhawan guides the c h a s e In the last two years, Dhawan has become one of

the IPL’s best openers - best batters, in fact - and has done it by scoring heavily and quickly. In this game, he showed he could adapt too, and went into the pre-2019 Dhawan mode. Given the

ball of the first over popped up off a leading edge, and Pandya at short cover launched himself horizontally forward to seemingly pluck the ball with his fingertips. It was

The third umpire was called on and ruled that Dhawan was not out. He went on to have steady partnerships with No. 3 Steven Smith and the promoted No. 4 Lalit Yadav.

The stand between Steven Smith and Shikhar Dhawan ensured the Capitals stayed ahead of the asking rate. (BCCI) small target, a tough pitch and a great attack to contend with, Dhawan’s was the right approach to keep the Capitals steady. He had a bit of good fortune when the last

one of those did-it-touchthe-ground-did-it-not catches that, when rendered in 2D television images, mostly turn out unfavourably for the fielder.

The dew didn’t make life easy for Mumbai’s bowlers, with visible evidence of how wet it was making the ball.

Pollard, captaining the side in the field with Sharma off

it, pleaded for a ball change and finally got it. Rahul Chahar began to make the ball spit up from a length, and with the required rate creeping ever so slightly up, Dhawan decided to attack.

He did hit Chahar for a six and a four, but fell in that same over when going for another boundary, caught at deep square-leg.

Capitals complete h o m e s t r e t c h Dhawan’s wicket left things a tad uncertain, but with the dew around in fairly heavy quantities and the target within reach, all the Capitals needed to do was knock the ball around. They still had a bit of a jitter when Rishabh Pant fell to Jasprit Bumrah, but Lalit stuck around while Shimron Hetmyer played the kind of cameo required to soothe nerves and seal victory.

Scores: Delhi Capitals 138 for 4 (Dhawan 45, Smith 33, Pollard 1-9) beat Mumbai Indians 137 for 9 (Rohit 44, Mishra 4-24, Avesh 2-15) by six wickets.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Wednesday April 21, 2021

GCA President taking cricket to non-traditional areas in GT

By Sean Devers

F

o r m e r Malteenoes, Demerara and National batsman Neil Barry heads the new Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Executive which will serve for a two-year term after being elected on January 28.

The 54-year-old Barry served as Vice President to former West Indies allrounder and present chairman of the West Indies Selectors Roger Harper and can seek re-election for five two-year terms.

The GSA President aims to attract more females to cricket and wants to revive the game in non-traditional areas.

“Getting more teams, especially at the lower levels is a challenge in an area like Georgetown, since there are so many activities that compete for the attention of the young people. Access to opportunity as well.

In Georgetown there are

several clubs, however, a lot of the players do not reside in close proximity to those clubs which I think is contributing to the lack of attendance which is a reason the clubs are struggling to produce teams.

So one of the things we are trying to do is engage the school system to get the human resources which are in the schools to take the game to them. Therefore, to achieve that objective, the GCA will have to work with the clubs to promote youth programmes that can attract youths especially to those clubs that are in close proximity to schools,” said Barry who attended Queen’s College and represented Guyana at U-19 level in 1985 when Carl Hooper singlehandedly helped Guyana to win the title at home and also played in 1986 in Trinidad.

“I think there are a lot of unserved areas…low income areas in the City which has not been served well in Cricket over the

years, so it’s our intentions to take the game into those areas,” said Barry, a guest on last Wednesday night’s Sean Devers Sports Watch on Kaieteur Radio.

Barry takes the helm at a difficult time for Georgetown’s cricket after the covid-19 pandemic has halted the game in the City after a brief resumption after no cricket was played in Georgetown since last March, while many of the First Division cricket grounds are unavailable due to non-cricketing activities and softball tournaments which provide much needed funds for clubs.

“Georgetown starts in the South of Agricola and we have launched a cricket programme there in conjunction with the NGO in the Village and we intend to take that all the way to North Eastern part of Georgetown which is Cummings Lodge and areas like Sophia and South Ruimveldt, North, West and East Ruimveldt

GCB development committee members to meet Friday, Board adds new sponsor The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will on Friday April 23, 2021, meet with the selectees of the Cricket Development Committee (CDC) under the stewardship of Mr. Hilbert Foster, GCB Vice-President. The meeting is scheduled for 1:30 pm at the board office of the Guyana Cricket Board on Regent road.

The objective of this meeting is to establish several sub-committees within the CDC to propel the growth of Guyana’s cricket. These sub-committees will include, but are not limited to, school cricket, female cricket, youth cricket, senior cricket, cricket education, social development and facility development.

The Board’s office is in the process of contacting the above listed persons.

Members are kindly asked to be present by 1:25 pm to facilitate a punctual start.

Meanwhile, GCB has added a new sponsor to its roster. Popular businessman Ramesh Sunich will be collaborating with the Guyana Cricket Board as efforts continue to expand cricket in Guyana. The Proprietor of ‘The Trophy Stall’ has agreed to donate the necessary trophies for all GCB-organised Inter-County tournaments, including the winner, runner up and man of the finals for each tournament.

The increasing public confidence and goodwill generated by the reconstituted GCB, has resulted in a new pharmacy offering to donate medical supplies for firstaid kits for the three County boards. The name of this newest member of the GCB fraternity will be unveiled at the launch on

Friday April 23, 2021 of the GCB/ Dave Narine Educational Trust Fund.

The newly-elected executives of the GCB will continue to engage the corporate community as they continue to promote and develop Guyana’s cricket.

Attendees are reminded to that there will be strict adherence to the covid-19 protocols at the meeting.

Selected to serve on the CDC are: ·Azeemul Haniff ·Mark Grenville ·Ravindranauth Seeram ·Reon King ·Clyde Butts ·Mark Harper ·Colin Alfred ·Ava Baker ·Bishram Seepersaud · Neil Barry ·Ryan Hercules ·Romario Samaroo ·Sean Devers ·Esuan Crandon ·Leon Johnson ·Mark Papannah ·Simon Naidu ·Anthony D’Andrade ·Vemen Walters ·Orvin Mangru ·Ramnaresh Sarwan ·Shivnarine Chanderpaul ·Roger Harper ·Andre Percival ·Emily Dodson ·Anil Beharry ·Tremayne Smartt.

President of GCA Neil Barry. because there are many youths who would love to play the game but are not getting the opportunity since they are no clubs there to really monitor them,” said Barry who got into Sports Administration as a 19-yearold.

Talking about facilities for cricket in south Georgetown, Barry, who once lived in Laing Avenue, said he had some talks with the East Ruimveldt based Ace Warriors officials, but the ground at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre no longer has a pitch, while Football, the most popular sport in South of City, is the dominant sport played there. “ We l l w e a r e i n preparatory stages and analysing what we can do best to strengthen those lesser clubs, especially those in South Georgetown as part of our plans to decentralise the Sport.

But the challenge with that ground and most others in that area are that they are multi-sports facilities and Football is played a lot on that East Ruimveldt

Community Centre ground so that might not be the best ground to build a pitch.

But there are other grounds that can be used for Cricket in the Ruimveldt area like the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School ground and a ground just behind the South Ruimveldt Park area where Football is not played on,” said Barry, who played seven First-Class matches for Guyana between 1992 and 1996, making 244 runs with a highest score of 71 at an Average of 22.18.

“We are also looking at an all-weather pitch with a batting cage at one corner of the ground where practice and coaching sessions can be held and once Football is not being played we could use the ground so we can attract kids to cricket in those areas.

It’s a lot different in areas where there is cricket dominated environment,” informed Barry.

Barry, who scored 87 runs in 12 Regional 50-overs games for Guyana, informed that the immediate plans for 2021 are to expand the game into schools and low income areas and engaging all the stakeholders in an effort to attract young females to the sport in addition to promoting inclusivity among all clubs and ensuring the prioritization of hardball cricket tournaments at their grounds.

The former Malteenoes Captain, who scored the most first division centuries for Malteenoes, said that to attract youths to cricket or any other sports depends on how attractive is the sport and the environment that it is played in.

On his thoughts on the return of the senior inter-

county tournament, which was halted in 2015 to host the Franchise league the next year, Barry said he felt it was a good idea.

“Of course I support the return of inter-county! An inter-county tournament aids in preparation of the firstclass players, and promotes o w n e r s h i p a n d representation; meaning players representing their county will understand what it is to represent their county fans.

It’s important we get back to promoting that representation at the local level,” noted the former Malteenoes Captain who made his First -Class Debut for Demerara against Berbice in 1987.

Barry, who played two First-Class matches at the Inter-County level, with the last one being in 1989, admitted that sponsorship is always difficult and depends on economic environment that obtains at the time of request.

“However, the GCA has been able to work with our partners in the various economic sectors to maintain their sponsorship of our two major two-day competitions,” added Barry, the father of West Indies’ physiotherapist and fitness trainer Neil Barry junior.

“We do envisage the continuance of our development programmes across all cricket processes and also a focus will be made on establishing a data base to capture all scores and records that will enhance the selection process.

We have also planned a computer scoring workshop for Scores in GCA tournaments,” concluded Barry.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 21, 2021

PAGE 29

Super League nightmare is OVER as Big Six all announce they have pulled out following furious backlash Daily Mail - The European Super League project lies in tatters last night after all six English clubs that originally signed up to the concept turned their back on it amid a furious public backlash.

The Premier League ‘Big Six’ of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham had signed up to the project, announced on S u n d a y, a l o n g s i d e Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Inter and Juventus.

However, amid growing fan unrest at the proposal, City became the first club to announce their decision to remove themselves from the process early yesterday evening.

A short statement released by the club read: ‘Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League.’

Chelsea supporters celebrated outside Stamford Bridge after a protest involving hundreds of their fans was ended by the news that Chelsea would also be looking to vacate their spot in the competition.

The other four clubs, each having their hands forced, released statements at 10.55pm confirming the end of their participation.

It followed the revelation that Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward had resigned from his role.

United were one of the main drivers behind the Super League concept.

It’s understood that Woodward was planning to go at the end of the year – and will stay in his role until then – but the announcement has been brought forward. The club confirmed the news following the closing of the New York stock exchange last night.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision, having listened to fan protests and opted to withdraw from the new European league plans.

Abramovich’s motivations are thought never to have been about money, and the Blues are now understood to be preparing documents to withdraw formally from the competition.

Stamford Bridge chiefs were only thought to have signed up as a founder member of the Super League in order not to be left behind by the rogue breakaway.

But after resounding condemnation from across the political and sporting

the fans for making their case, and the quicker we get back to playing for points the better. We were a little bit delayed but the supporters are the most important thing.’

Sportsmail understands that Chelsea had set the

top and cannot be qualified because it is just for a few teams.

‘The right people have the obligation, the duty, to clarify as soon as possible, clarify all around the world why these teams play and the others not. Ajax - with four

quoting Guardiola’s views.

Ay m e r i c L a p o r t e , Benjamin Mendy, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez were among the City stars who retweeted and liked the post, though the retweets were later deleted from their accounts.

Champions Leagues - why they are not there?

‘Everyone makes (decisions for their) own interest. The Premier League looks at his interest, UEFA looks at his. To arrive in that point, Uefa have failed. They have to communicate and be in touch before.’

A number of Manchester City players appeared to signal their opposition to the European Super League by retweeting a post from the club’s official account

Ye s t e r d a y e v e n i n g , midfielder Kevin De Bruyne put out his own post on social media attacking the proposals.

‘This man comes man comes out a little town out of Belgium dreaming of playing at the highest stage possible. I represented the Belgium, German and English league. And also proudly represented my country,’ De Bruyne wrote on his Twitter page.

He continued: ‘I have

Many supporters chose to sit in protest with a group singing: ‘If you love football, sit down’, a move that prevented the two team coaches from reaching the ground. (Reuters)

spectrum, Chelsea appear to have now decided to pull out of the competition - less than 48 hours after it was announced.

Reacting to the news ahead of his side’s clash at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea last night, Brighton boss Graham Potter told Sky Sports: ‘We’re very pleased.

‘We feel it stands against everything we know as football. It would be wrong to create something where there is no threat of relegation and you want the chance to compete to play in Europe.

‘If we are in a place where it is stopping, that is fantastic news. Sometimes a fan can be thought of as a consumer and we are in danger if that is the case.’

C h e l s e a f a n s congregated outside Stamford Bridge last night ahead of their Premier League game against Brighton to protest against the breakaway league.

Blues fans unfurled banners criticising the club for their decision to join the controversial Super League and called on Abramovich to ‘do the right thing’.

Scores of fans chanted, let off blue smoke bombs and marched around the west London ground, with police attempting to control the crowds.

Potter added: ‘Credit to

wheels in motion to withdraw earlier yesterday, and that their decision to leave was not a response to the mass protests outside the ground. Chelsea’s technical and performance director, Petr Cech, visibly shocked by the protests, went out to speak to some of the fans.

Cech was reported as responding to fans, saying: ‘Give everybody time.’

The former Chelsea goalkeeper was also seen urging supporters to allow the team bus through the crowds and to the ground.

The news comes after Sportsmail’s Oliver Holt first reported on Monday night that two unnamed Premier League clubs were beginning to get cold feet over the plans to form a breakaway league, such was the extent of the backlash from fans and pundits.

City boss Pep Guardiola revealed concern over the new competition yesterday, insisting that it ‘is not sport’ in response to the protection afforded to the 12 clubs plus three newcomers from relegation.

‘It is not a sport where the relation between effort and success does not exist,’ he said. ‘It is not a sport where success is already guaranteed or it doesn’t matter where you lose.

‘It is not fair when one team fight, fight, fight at the

worked and competed against everybody trying to win the ultimate. But the most important word in this is COMPETING. ‘With all events that have been happening the last few days maybe this is the good moment for everybody to come together and try and work for a solution.

‘We know this is a big business and I know I am a part of this business. But still I am a little boy who just loves to play football. It’s not about a certain entity in this case, it’s about the football over the whole world. Let’s keep inspiring the next generation of footballers and keep the fans dreaming.’

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been the driving force behind the new competition, alongside Arsenal’s Stan Kroenke, United’s Joel Glazer and Liverpool’s John W Henry.

H o w e v e r, P e r e z ’s counterpart Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, said that his club would not join until it was approved by their fans.

‘Barcelona will not join the Super League until our fans vote for it. It’s their club, so it’s their decision,’ Laporta said via Transfer News Live.

Perez had claimed that all twelve clubs have signed contracts to join the league that would ‘save football’, w i t h U E FA p r e s i d e n t Aleksander Ceferin left aghast by the scheme to dramatically change the football landscape forever.

Pomeroon and E’bo Coast XI face off today at Jacklow in U19 fixture

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omeroon and E’bo Coast XI will face off today at Jacklow in an U19 limited overs fixture. The game which is being sponsored by Devon Ramnauth is expected to commence at 10:00hrs.

Teams; Pomeroon U19- Babetta Holder, Ryan Ramdeen, Floyd Thornhill, Bryan Narine, Kevin Benjamin, Reveldo Edwards, Harlod Demettos, Devon Roberts, Danzel Roberts, Ronaldinho Rajcoomer, Zamas Boyal Renaldo Baharally and Andrew Desantos.

Essequibo Coast U19- Azizi Christiani, Abdool Nadir, Benny Persaud, Carl Gilgeous, Sheldon Charles, Lance Roberts, Jarrad Allicock, Mahendra Basdeo, Romal Hubbard, Danny Corbin, Ramraj Bhopaul, Shaziff Mohammed, Imtiyaaz Ally, Govinda Tulsie and Kishan Lall.

Andrew DeSantos

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Emanuel Archibald leaps into the Long Jump pitch at the NTFC.

Friends of Adams/Team Daniels South Essequibo T20 underway

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he Friends of A d a m s / Te a m Daniels South Essequibo Cricket Development tournament got underway with several matches recently.

Matches in Group A, Jaguars SC got the better of Golden Fleece Under19 by 49 runs. Batting first Jaguars SC scored 121 for 3 off their allotted 12 overs.

Orin Gibson struck 66 with four fours and three sixes, while Rayon Da Costa made 20 and Omar Khan 16. Bowling for Golden Fleece, I. Ally had 1 for 23 and R. Seeram 1 – 35. Golden Fleece under 19 responded with 72 – 8.

Rohan Persaud made 19, Jared Allicock 17 and S. Muniram 13.

In Group B, Scheme Gunners batted first and scored 110 for 3 with former Guyana under 19 player Norman Fredericks scoring

Richie Looknauth 79 not out with tow fours and seven sixes and Royan Fredericks 16. Bowling for NOC SC Keon Davis took 2 for 18, A. Azim 1 for 10 and J. Paul 1 for 30.

NOC SC replied with 111-3 to win by seven wickets. Mark Gonsalves made 42 and Reyad

Mohamed 35 not out.

Bowling for Scheme Gunners Matthew Pellew took 2 for 26 and Ryan Fredericks 1 for 20.

In another fixture, Venom batted first scored 136 for 5.

Richie Looknauth slammed 61 with three fours and five sixes, Romario Mohabir scored 43 and D a v i d Wi l l i a m s 2 2 .

Bowling for Crown, M. Raj took 2 for 15 and R. Tagebally 2 for 21. In reply, Crown made 76 all out.

Besham Dasrat got 21 and Shannon Jagmohan 16.

Bowling for Venom, Richie Looknauth claimed 3 for 16, Sachin Persaud 3 for 8, Ramkissoon Seeram 3 for 8 Anthony Adams 1 for 4.

All matches were played at Golden Fleece Ground under strict COVID-19 guidelines with no spectators.

Fifa boss Gianni Infantino ‘strongly disapproves’ of breakaway league BBC Sport - Fifa president Gianni Infantino “strongly disapproves” of the breakaway European Super League and says the 12 clubs will have to “live with the consequences” of their decision to join.

Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are part of the proposed league.

“There is a lot to throw away for maybe a short-term financial gain for some,” said Infantino.

“Either you are in or you are out.”

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with the Football Association, Premier League officials and fans’ representatives yesterday, after which the government

Alan Shearer says the proposed European Super League is “plain and simply wrong” said it will take “whatever action necessary”, including legislative options, to ensure the proposals were stopped.

Johnson’s stance is supported by Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

A statement released after a meeting between the

Premier League and the 14 clubs not involved said they “unanimously and vigorously” rejected plans for the competition.It added that it is considering “all actions available” to stop the competition and asked the six teams to end their involvement immediately.

The Football Supporters’ Association has met with the government and the Labour Party to discuss the impact of the breakaway league.

In other developments on Tuesday: ? Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin called on the English clubs to “come to your senses” ? Everton criticised the “preposterous arrogance” of the clubs involved ? Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said the (Continued on page 25)

4th Development Meet this Sunday - Archibald to depart for Jamaica this weekend

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he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is coming good on their promise of having a developmental meet in the place of the scheduled National Senior Athletics Championships that was scheduled to get underway this weekend with a one-day meet set for Sunday at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara.

The AAG had made a concerted decision to postpone the highly anticipated National Senior Championships which was scheduled for the weekend of April 17-18 at the NTFC to give themselves time to host the event to the best of their a b i l i t y, w h i l e a l s o accommodating athletes to ensure that they are running at 100% which will give them a better chance to record their best performances with the ultimate goal being qualification for the Tokyo Olympics from July 23.

Hutson had shared with Kaieteur Sport that, “The season is now heating up and our athletes should be at their peak in about six to eight weeks.”

H o w e v e r, t h e administrator was adamant that he will not allow his athletes to miss out on competition due to the postponement of the National Championships and he has noted that the AAG will host a fourth development meet on Sunday April 18th instead.

The AAG boss explained that in terms of accumulating ranking points that will help qualification chances for the Tokyo Games, the National Championships offers the highest possible points an athlete can get from a single meet with the South American Championships being second on that list, hence why the AAG is intent on having their athletes going at full steam for the National Championships.

However, the National Championships was initially

are r you e e h t i E r ‘ you a in or efa and U out’ - sses react o b ls.

Fifa oposa r p L to ES

AAG 4th development meet on this Sunday.

set to be used as the gauge to determine which athletes will represent Guyana at the South American Championships, which will be contested in Argentina next month, but instead, the Executive of the AAG may have to consult with the various coaches and assess who will make the cut.

Some of the athletes that may make the cut for the South American Championships would include, Arinze Chance, Emanuel Archibald, Aaliyah Abrams, Chantoba Bright, Natricia Hooper and Joanna Archer.

Archibald, Guyana’s long jump record-holder, has shared with the media that he will be leaving for Jamaica this weekend where he will be exposed to a much higher level of competition as his bid to qualify for his first Olympics intensifies.

The University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) student divulged that he will be unable to participate at Sunday’s development meet.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 21, 2021

Team Guyana at the 2019 Carifta Games.

PAGE 31

Cricket gears for young & promising cricketers in Guyana project endorsed by GCB West Indies Sports Complex 1st to donate to gears project to young cricketers

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49th Carifta Games in Limbo with covid-19 spike in Bermuda

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ue to recent spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases in Bermuda, a final decision on the fate of the 2021 49th Carifta Games will be announced in May. The May date for a final decision was arrived at during a North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) meeting on Saturday which was attended Virtually by member federations as well as chairs of NACAC commissions and working groups.

This year’s edition of the Carifta Games is scheduled for August 13-15, in Bermuda.

The regional junior meet was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bermuda transferred its

hosting responsibilities to 2021.

The pandemic eliminated the possibility of staging the Games on Easter weekend. NACAC had chosen July 2, 3 and 4 as the new dates, but was forced to postpone again because of the scheduling of Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) external exams.

The August dates, however, are now under threat because Bermuda is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases.

During Saturday’s meeting, Carifta 2021 Local Organising Committee (LOC) member Mia Bean spoke about a nonnegotiable requirement that any unvaccinated visitor to Bermuda must be quarantined for 14 days.

Since the vaccination requirement would impact

all Under-17 athletes as well as some of the Under-20s, it is a major stumbling block.

Other potential challenges were put on the table, including the impact of positive COVID-19 tests during the Games, available hotel rooms, and timelines for booking charters and making payments.

Following extensive discussions, the Carifta 2021 LOC was given until April 30 to report to the NACAC Council on the latest situation with all the issues raised at the information session.

The LOC is expected to meet with Bermuda Government officials before the month-end deadline.

Following receipt of the Bermuda LOC report, the NACAC Council will make a decision and communicate it to member federations.

ocated at 43 Robb Street between Wellington and Camp Streets, the West Indies Sports Complex has been in existence for over four decades and Monday became to first entity to make a contribution to the ‘Cricket gears for young and promising cricketers in Guyana project’ which has been endorsed by GCB and organised Anil Beharry and Kishan Das of the USA. Owned by the late Feroze Khan, a former Everest FirstDivision cricketer and now run by his two sons Imran and Javeed, the popular Sports Store donated four junior bats and four pairs of junior batting pads to the project.

The donation was organised by former Berbice and Guyana off-spinner Sean Devers who is now a cricket commentator and Sports Journalist with Kaieteur News.

The donation was made by the WISC’s cashier Rafeena Ganie to Beharry, a former BCB president and Berbice cricketer on behalf (Continued on page 25)

The presentation was made by West Indies Sports complex Cashier Rafeena Ganie to GCB official Anil Beharry as Sales Representative Renaldo Forinha shares the moment.