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Monday April 26, 2021
Kaieteur News
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 Public’s Interest Surrealism and Theatricality…or Illusion and Delusion. Any of those could have been an apt theme for the unheralded and uninspiring pseudo-return of former President, David Granger, to the public eye last week via the return of his branded half hour of “Hello President Lite!”, better known as ‘The Public Interest’. For those who needed reminding, ‘The Public Interest’ was the name given to the highly curated engagement he created a few months into his presidency as a way of avoiding press conferences – after a paltry few episodes, he ended even that and disappeared from press scrutiny for the rest of his single term. While his engagement with the media, or rather his refusal to do so, set an historical precedent in terms of the absence of presidential availability to the press, his disappearance after finally being toppled by increasing local and international pressure against his shameful attempt to retain power despite losing an election, was something that set its own standard of personal and political cowardice. To be clear, Granger’s most recent reappearance has been prompted by several reasons, none of them in the public’s interest, nor frankly at this point in any way interesting to the public – even his own party members have been lukewarm at best in sharing the interview on social media, the one place it has any hope of hitting a significant audience. Of these, we will deal with the primary two. The firs, is that he has finally been forced to address and fend off criticisms of his vanishing act as the, for now, mostly silent groundswell against his leadership gains momentum, particularly in the light of his party’s impending triennial congress where the leadership for the PNC is decided. From all indications, a besieged and unpopular Granger has zero intention to hold the congress, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse for the very sort of dishonest prevarication and temporizing he used to artificially extend his time as President, far beyond the No Confidence Vote of 2018. It must be cold comfort to the persons who cheered him on as he was violating the national Constitution while repeating a mantra of “I am abiding by the Constitution”, that during the interview, he said of his party members “”They know the truth about my performance and they know that I always abide by the constitution of the party.” The second function of Granger ’s miraculous reemergence has to do with the fact that today the Chief Justice will be handing down her decision in the second of two elections petition cases brought by Granger against the result of the elections he decisively lost. With the first petition already thrown out by what can only be construed as his own direct and deliberate sabotage, today will – if the paltry performance of his legal presentation is anything to go by, in addition of course to the complete lack of merits of the case – mark the final curtain on the expensive and pathetic theatre Granger has engaged in at the expense of his constituents. In brief, he is going to lose the petition. It is precisely in expectation of this reality that he said the following during his interview last week: “…it was reasonably close. We have won 31 seats according to the Guyana Elections Commission report and PPP/C got 33 and there is one independent seat.” This marks the first de facto admission by the former President – who has still refused to official concede defeat to Dr. Irfaan Ali – that he lost the elections of March 2020, and by how many seats he lost the elections. That it should come as it did in as a scripted response in an in-house interview is both darkly comical and absurd in itself. It shows an absence of integrity, of character, that there is no public, open admission that Granger not only lied about winning the election for five months but threw the country, its citizens and even his own party comrades under the bus in seeking to perpetuate that lie. Party Chair Volda Lawrence and party stalwart Carol Smith-Joseph – granted, acting in part of their own accord – are facing what could very well be jail time by their actions in support of that lie, one that Granger did not take five minutes, after hiding for almost nine months, to backpedal on in under five minutes. As covered in our reporting yesterday on part of his ‘The Public Interest’ interview, the former President is clearly suffering from some severe form of cognitive dissonance: “Granger said he is convinced as well that the people on
Our sacred duty DEAR EDITOR, Thank you for allowing us space to discuss issues that affect the lives and history of our people. I also express gratitude to Dr. Bisram for his letter (April 21st), in reply to one of the issues I raised in mine (April 20th). Dr. Bisram wrote that “The issue before the Indian community is whether to seek compensation from the government for the use and depletion of their national fund.” My suggestions are: 1. The National Culture Centre be renamed.
The new name must reflect and pay tribute to the people whose money was used to construct this building e.g. Indian Immigration Memorial Cultural Center or maybe The Jahaji Memorial Cultural Center. 2. That part of that building be used to pay tribute to our Indian ancestors. The foyer downstairs must have murals painted on its walls reflecting this. Various artifacts be placed around to also reflect this. The upstairs foyer area be converted into a sort of museum too. Many of us
have things from our ancestors that can be donated for this purpose. 3. That a suitable monument be placed outside the building to reflect on the Immigrants. I am sure the Indian Government will be willing to donate any such monument. These are my suggestion and I am sure many others will have theirs. Compensation to individuals is transient. That building was made with the money belonging to our ancestors. Nothing can change that fact. It stands there as a reminder of the
actions of a crazed despot who hijacked the money of the very people he sought to wipe out. It should forever be a reminder of the struggles of our ancestors, not only in the very past with the British; but in the latter days with a racist and racial demon. The onus is upon all of us to demand our rightful place and we must pay respect to those who have struggled and sacrificed to get us where we are today. It is our sacred duty. Yours truly, N. Sahadeo
All must oppose the creeping economic apartheid in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I reaffirm that it is the installed President and PPP policies and actions that are reckless, horrible and divisive as I note that the installed President has gone quiet since I provided evidence of PPP racism. I still await his response. A system of economic apartheid is gradually being developed in Guyana by the installed Ali/PPP regime. The PPP’s action of depriving African Guyanese and indigenous communities of the resources to develop small and medium size businesses and focusing them on handouts and the development of playing fields and sport in general, is a clear path to creating dependent and marginalised African and Indigenous communities while the PPP gets richer and dominates and control our society. While sport is important, the focus can’t be on sport and handouts. What is needed is a comprehensive approach in which all communities, based on equity, are provided with the resources to develop small and medium size businesses that will result in
economically and socially stable and sustainable communities. Afro and Indigenous communities must recognise the present strategy for what it is. It is a strategy to promote dependence and oppression. Indo and Indigenous Guyanese who are perceived as supporters of the APNU+AFC are being pressured and contracts and jobs are taken from them. The firing of Indo Guyanese and other workers who were part of CORE is a clear case in point. This attack on our people by the PPP regime must be opposed and brought to an end. The PPP is really low when it descends to the level of firing sanitation workers who are performing their duties in the interest of their communities. It is also important to note that the installed regime wants Afro Guyanese to return the land they obtained legally under the APNU+AFC government. This is a clear indication that the PPP believes that African Guyanese must be landless and continuously oppressed. The PPP knows the power and importance of land and is depriving Afro Guyanese of
the ground, particularly those he met, are desirous of having the APNU+AFC returned to office. Granger said that, emboldened by the love he received from supporters during recent outreaches, the coalition will work harder in and out of Parliament to represent the interests of the people. He said too, that he is convinced once the citizenry sees this renewed commitment, they would not drift from the coalition. The former President assured as well that the coalition will continue to do what is necessary to regain office.” In the wake of three defeats in local government elections as an incumbent, in the wake of the loss of the Presidency, in the wake of defeat of his political machinery’s attempt to rig the elections, in the wake of legal embarrassment after embarrassment, which will no doubt culminate today, the most delusional pronouncement made by Granger in that completely delusional interview was, “I am convinced we will continue to win.” Continue. Today’s loss of the final elections petition case will hopefully provide those swept up in the former President’s macabre fever dream with a harsh but necessary dose of reality. That outcome would be the best thing in the public interest.
land on a commercial scale. At the same time, they are allocating lands to their elite, their friends and families. PPP nepotism continues. Clearly, they are creating a system of economic apartheid with the intention of destroying African Guyanese communities and our beloved country. If you add to the foregoing, that the installed regime is clearly unwilling to deal with Rusal in the bauxite industry (which employs predominantly Afro Guyanese) and to attract an investor for bauxite their penchant for discrimination is obvious. At the same time, they are expending billions on a sugar industry that has to be subsidised and is clearly not viable. It is therefore obvious that the PPP regime is moving in the direction of economic apartheid. Please note as well
that bauxite is still viable. I note the announcement that $200 m will be made available to pay sugar workers. I believe that sugar workers need the increase since the cost of living is rising under the installed regime. But so too are the public servants. The increase in cost of living has eroded the significant increases they got under the APNU+AFC. To add salt to the wound, Region 10 is the gateway to the interior and the Lethem to Linden road will boost economic activities in Region 10. One would have expected that the regime would pursue the construction of the Lethem to Linden road that has been in the making for years. On the contrary, the regime is seeking to bring a road from Bartica area to (Continued on page 6)
Please help this pensioner acquire a house-lot DEAR EDITOR, At a ‘housing drive’ at Leonora in December last year, several persons were contacted by the Ministry of Housing and Water to attend the event and to walk with monies to ‘pay down’ on house-lots. In the case of a 63-yearold, physically challenged, La Grange woman, she was specifically told to walk with a third of the land’s cost ($36,000). She was told that the land she would be getting will cost $100,000 and $8,000 would be for miscellaneous fees (title, transportation to identify land, etc.) After she arrived at the event, she was called up to speak to one of the Ministry’s staff. She was told that the Ministry only has lands upwards of $500,000. She was told to pay “whatever she had”, which
was obviously $36,000. The pensioner was subsequently informed that she would have to complete payments equivalent to 50 percent of the land’s cost ($270,000) by the end of January 2021. She failed to meet that two-week deadline. She then wrote to the Minister requesting a cheaper house-lot. That letter was received by a woman who identified herself as the Minister’s secretary. Several weeks later, she was called in to the Ministry to meet with a Ms. Natasha to discuss the land. When she got there, she expressed her difficulty in satisfying the amount requested, and inquired about her letter requesting a cheaper house-lot. She was told that the letter could not be found and that (Continued on page 6)
Monday April 26, 2021
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Kaieteur News
100 years of lawful Trade Unionism in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, This year, 2021 is the Centenary Year for lawful trade unionism in Guyana consequent upon the enactment of the Trade Unions Act: Chapter 98:03 – No. 17 of 1921 on 18 June 1921. With Labour Day on 1 May, Trade Unions through their leaders, may reflect on this law in their statements to mark this important Centenary Year of lawful trade unionism. This Trade Unions Act provides for the Regulation and Registration of Trade Unions to enable them to function in good standing within the law. The then British Guyana Labour Union became the first Trade Union to register on the 21 July 1921. (Ashton Chase a History of Trade Unionism in Guyana) This Trade Unions Act imposes obligations on Trade Unions to enable them to carefully manage the affairs of the Trade Unions as good and faithful Union Stewards, in a transparent and public accountable manner. Some of the main provisions of the Trade Unions Act include: · The purpose of any trade union shall not be unlawful so as to invalidate any agreement (Section 5). · The Act protects trade unions against action of tort and breach of contract or agreement or trust in pursuance of a trade dispute (Sections 7 and 8). · The prohibition of trade unions from conducting union business, and to function, unless legally registered with the Registrar of Trade Unions in accordance with this Act. (Sections 11-12). · The Act also
provides for the property of the unions to be vested in trustees, (trustees cannot hold office in the same union), for legal actions by or against trustees, and limitation of responsibility of trustees (Section 16-21). On Financial Accountability, the Trade Union Act expressly requires every Treasurer or other Officers of unions to render to the Trustees, and the members of the union at a duly constituted meeting of the union, a just and true account of monies received and paid, funds remaining, and all bonds and securities of the union. The trustees are required to submit to the Auditor General for audit within 14 days of the receipt of the account from the Treasurer (Section 22). The Act further stipulates the requirements and conditions in relation to the registration with the Registrar of union rules, the registered office of the unions, withdrawal or cancellation of certificate of registration, change of union’s name, amalgamation of unions, registration of change of name and amalgamation, and dissolution of the union (Sections 25-33). Annual Return and Registrar’s Reports Section 35 of the Act imposes an obligation on every registered Trade Union to present to the Registrar a general statement of receipts, funds, effects, and expenditure before the 1st May in every year. The statement must show fully the assets and liabilities of the preceding year and must be prepared together with such
Case of the tough gets going? DEAR EDITOR, The intervention of the VP has seen monies ($200 M) found in the wages imbroglio, monies it was said was not there. The public bickering was certainly not looking good for both sides and by extension the government. So as he has done before the VP magic wand was waved and all is well, at least
for now. Was it a case of when the going gets tough, the tough gets going? Shamshun Mohamed
information and in the manner stipulated in this Act. The Registrar of Trade Unions is required to lay before the National Assembly, annual reports with respect to matters transacted by the Registrar in keeping with the requirements of the Trade Unions Act (Section 36). The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Trade Unions The International Labour Conference of the ILO at its 35th Session adopted a Resolution in 1952 concerning the independence of the trade union movement and the principles for the establishment of freedom of association and good industrial relations. The resolution affirmed that a stable, free and independent trade union movement is an essential condition for good industrial relations and should contribute to the improvements of social conditions of workers. The principles which should be laid down in this regard which are essential to protect the freedom and independence of the trade union movement and its fundamental task of advancing the social and
economic well-being of the workers. The resolution affirmed that: · the fundamental and permanent mission of the trade union movement is the economic and social advancement of the workers; · the trade unions also have an important role to perform in cooperation with Governments and Employers’ Organisations in promoting social and economic development and the advancement of the national community as a whole; · it is essential for the trade union movement in each country to preserve its freedom and independence so as to be in a position to carry forward its economic and social mission, irrespective of political changes; · a condition for such freedom and independence is that trade unions be constituted as to membership without regard to race, national origin or political affiliations and pursue their trade union objectives on the basis of the solidarity and economic and social interests of all workers.
· When trade unions in accordance with national law and practice, and on the decision of their members decide to establish relations with a political party or to undertake constitutional political action as a means towards the advancement of their economic and social objectives, such political relations or actions should not be of such a nature as to compromise the continuance of the trade union movement or its social and economic functions irrespective of political changes in the country. · Governments in seeking the cooperation of trade unions to carry out their economic and social policies should recognise that the value of this cooperation rests to a large extent on the freedom and independence of the trade union movement as an essential factor in promoting social advancement and should not attempt to transform the trade union movement into an instrument for the
pursuance of political aims, nor should they attempt to interfere with the normal functions of a trade union movement because of its freely established relationship with a political party. On Labour Day 1 May, 2021, the Trade Unions and the Trade Union Movement and their leaders are called upon and challenged to let their membership and the Guyanese public know how accountable and faithful they have been over the last decade in meeting all their obligations and requirements under the Trade Union Act as outlined above. Similarly the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Trustees of Trade Unions, Trade Union Treasurers, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and the Auditor General, in faithful discharge and in the integrity of their responsibilities under this Trade Unions Act Chapter 98:03, must inform the concerned parties and the public on the state of affairs in relation to their statutory duties under this Act Sincerely, Samuel J. Goolsarran
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Monday April 26, 2021
Kaieteur News
Arrests and prosecutions must be based on necessary and sufficient evidence DEAR EDITOR, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Friday declared ”our global security partnerships depend upon partner countries’ adherence to human rights obligations and commitments and to ensuring security forces and the judicial system are not used for political purposes.”
In a statement on the arrest of Opposition political leaders in Benin, Secretary Blinken added ”We are monitoring the government of Benin’s actions closely……respecting and protecting fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and judicial
independence, are essential to every democracy.” I welcome this renewed commitment of the United States to play its role in ensuring that political figures and those persons legitimately opposing the policies of governments around the world, are not victimised, harassed and
falsely arrested. There is no place in genuine democracies for the false arrest and imprisonment of persons exercising their civic duty to oppose policies and practices which they feel are not in the best interest of their countries. Neither is there place for “witch hunting” of former government officials. Arrests
and prosecutions must be based on necessary and sufficient evidence to be evaluated by a competent Court of Law. And where a preponderance of evidence is found to support corruption, violence and other wrong doings, those persons must face the full force of the law. Sanctions still remain an
option for dealing with those whose actions violate the basic principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms. I know there are many who get riled up at the mention of sanctions. But, to borrow from Dominic Gaskin, who vex. vex. Regards, Wesley Kirton
I remain pessimistic about Guyana being an exception to the norm DEAR EDITOR, Many of my fellow Guyanese think now that oil is found and would be welled in Guyana, we would be a rich nation. On the other hand, there are many of us who would say ask the citizens of Iraq, Libya, Syria, Nigeria, Uganda, Sudan, Venezuela, Brazil and Trinidad how well the oil trickledown theory is working for them so far. The citizens of many of these oil-rich countries only have the results of a bomb trickle down campaign to show for it — in the form of a
bomb crater 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep, where their family homes once stood. Guyana’s oil wealth, in the view of many of us, would never trickle down to the masses. That wealth is reserved for those in power, and already rich and wanting to get richer. Just look at the culture of Guyana and you can tell what would happen to the proceeds from oil. Oil wealth trickling down to the masses is nothing but a pipe dream. It has never happened in any
Third World country, and will never happen here in my beloved land. This world is an extremely brutal place, I remain pessimistic about Guyana being an exception to the norm, as obtained in Third World countries with copious amounts of natural resources. Do we in Guyana have the metaphorical “brains and mindset” to keep the potential oil wealth in Guyana? For the time being, the jury is out on this matter! Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath
...All must oppose the creeping From page 4 Timehri area so that Region 10 and Linden can be bypassed. This is clearly an act that is discriminatory and is aimed at stifling economic development in Region 10. The PPP has a glorious opportunity to pursue policies and programmes that will contribute to the development of all Guyana. Unfortunately, the regime cannot because discriminating against Afro Guyanese, Indigenous people and Indo Guyanese who are perceived to be APNU+AFC is interwoven into the fabric of their mode of operation. The PPP approach is one of domination and control of the total society and not
democracy and development. Economic apartheid is aimed at consolidating the domination of African Guyanese and Indigenous and Indo Guyanese who are perceived to be supporters of the APNU+AFC while the PPP monopolises the benefits to be had from the resources of Guyana, especially those to be had from the oil and gas industry as they plunder the nation’s resources through corrupt practices. The installed regime policies and actions create political and social tension and are responsible for the present environment which is not conducive to the development of Guyana. Guyana needs a Government that will govern
in the interest of all Guyanese like the APNU+AFC did between 2015 and 2020. The PPP has never, and will never ever fit that bill. The people of Guyana deserve better. Let us oppose the creeping economic apartheid since it is counterproductive. Let us pave the way for a government that will treat all Guyanese equally. All Guyana knows fairness breeds stability and development. Unfair practices and discrimination breed political and ethnic tension. They retard development. It is time for inclusiveness and democracy. Let us oppose the creeping economic apartheid. Aubrey C. Norton
...Please help this pensioner acquire a From page 4 she should write another one requesting a cheaper land. She was told that failure to pay off the cost of the land by July 2021 would result in the land being “taken back”. Editor, the pensioner applied for a house-lot in
2008. Her plan is to get the land and apply to a foundation that builds houses for the less fortunate. Now, she is required to pay for a land five times the cost she had anticipated. Shouldn’t the cost of the land to be allocated depend on the applicant’s income? This mechanism is surely lacking or nonexistent. How else can you explain the presence of multistoreyed houses outfitted with air-conditioners and
garages in low-income areas in schemes like La Parfaite Harmonie (Lust-enRust) and Tuschen? If this PPP/C is serious about fixing issues at the Housing Ministry, this would be a great place to start. Meanwhile, if the Honourable Ministers are willing to make this pensioner ’s dream come through, I have received permission to have the editors share her contact info. Your’s Truly, M. Hope
Monday April 26, 2021
Kaieteur News
CUT OUT THE MIDDLE-MEN! Problems with fuel importation began when the PPP/C started to issue licences to companies other than the Big Four – Esso, Texaco, Shell and GUYOIL – to import quantities. The oligopoly held by these four firms did not result in any of the price-scheming plans which we are witnessing being hatched today. Fuel and lubricants constitute a significant chunk of Guyana’s total imports. In 2018, fuel and lubricants imported amounted to US$513M or more than 20 percent of the country’s total imports. This was US$118M more than the previous year of which such imports was almost a quarter of total imports. In 2019, petroleum imports amounted to US$524M. High market share and high taxes tend to attract problems. In order to avoid such problems, the government in the past allowed the fuel imports to be controlled by the Big Four. However, vested interests were knocking at the doors. There were interests who wanted to import their own fuel rather than buy from local suppliers. These interests wanted the right to import and store fuel for their own use. The PPP/C originally was opposed to this. But after years of resistance, the PPP/ C allowed for the Trawlers Association of Guyana to import its own fuel. The Trawlers Association invested in its own bulk storage facilities. The PPP/C also granted an import licence to another business which operates a gas station. This set a dangerous precedent and opened the floodgates for private individuals to apply
for fuel import licences when the APNU+AFC took office. A mere five weeks after gaining office, the APNU+AFC granted a fuel licence to a company which was only registered three months prior to the May 11, 2015 general elections. The grant of another licence months later, ignited a stinging rebuke from the Mirror newspaper which pointed to the speed with which these licences were granted considering that an importer is normally required to have bulk storage tanks, obtain an environmental impact assessment and at least four other permits concerned with storage, transportation, safety and importation. Among the new entrants as fuel imports were United Petroleum Inc., Atlantic Fuels, China Zhonghao Inc., SBF Petroleum and KB Enterprise. Now the PPP/C is back and embroiled in another controversy concerning the importation of fuel, this time involving the Guyana Oil Company. Reports indicate that the Auditor General has been called in to investigate this matter which also involves a private firm which claims that it has an oral agreement to sell fuel to the state-owned entity. Another section of the media is reporting that the private company does not have a licence to import fuel. But that is irrelevant. The company is not prohibited from selling to an importing company. This means it can sell and GUYOIL can import. GUYOIL needs to explain why it was buying fuel from a middle man rather than from an established supplier. The APNU+AFC had switched to buying fuel from Trinidad
after it soured relations with Venezuela and it had experienced supply problems with Curacao. But after the Trinidad government closed PETROTRIN, Guyana had to scamper to guarantee regular supplies of petrol. This may have led it to buy from middlemen. The present controversy therefore is part of the wider issue of sourcing fuel supplies. The state-owned GUYOIL should revert to the old arrangements of buying directly from the refineries or their agents, rather than sourcing fuel through middlemen. Government cannot control who private licencees buy from. But it can certainly determine from whom the state-owned company procures its supplies. Fuel is highly competitive business. Sales tend to be high volume and low margins. If GUYOIL is to compete and act as buffer against price-fixing, it needs to be able to source the best prices. It should therefore, seek to do so directly from source rather than through middle-men. As much as attention is being paid, at present, to whether there was any demand for kickbacks in the present controversy, the wider issue should not be ignored. GUYOIL needs a reliable supplier which would allow it to compete with the many other fuel importers which have been licenced to import fuel. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dem Boys Seh…
Kickback needed fuh kick-start Before a horse move forward it gat to first kick backwards. It gat to dig it back foot heels in de ground and thrust itself forward. Kick back does provide forward thrust. What is true for de horse is also true when it comes to doing business. Yuh does gat to kickback fuh move forward. When dem boys did small dem use to do karate. One day a boy wah went in de class ask he father what is de difference between karate and politics. De father tell he, “In karate yuh does have
back kicks; in politics it does be kickbacks.” Dem boys remember de time when a man build a house pun he neighbour land and de neighbour sue he. De man went to see he lawyer fuh advice. De lawyer tell he is no use fighting de case, how he in de wrong because he build pun de neighbour land. He advise de man fuh settle out of court. De man did not like he neighbour and so he ask he lawyer, “What if I send the judge a cow as a gift?’ De lawyer told him not to try dat: “The judge is a no-
nonsense man. If you do that he will construe it as a bribe and rule against you. Settle with your neighbour and end de story.” A few weeks later, de man went back to see he lawyer. He tell de lawyer how he win de case. De lawyer was stunned, “How in heavens name did you win such as case?” De man replied, “I send the judge a cow in my neighbour’s name.” Talk half and remember grease makes the wheels of government go round and round!
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Monday April 26, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Monday April 26, 2021
Kaieteur News
COVID-19 takes lives of three more persons
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The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday reported that three persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) have died. Their deaths now bring Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll to 284. Dead are an 80-year-old man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and a 51-year-old man and a 55year-old woman both from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). According to the Ministry’s press release, all three persons died on Saturday while receiving treatment at a medical facility. The Ministry also recorded 103 new COVID19 cases, taking the total
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Home Affairs Minister hosts CARICOM meeting with US reps over firearms trafficking The Minister of Home Affairs, and current Chair of the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) of CARICOM, Robeson Benn, recently hosted a meeting between CARICOM Member States and representatives of the government of the United States on firearms trafficking. The meeting held via virtual conferencing on Wednesday was attended by Ministers and senior representatives with responsibility for National Security from CARICOM Member States, representatives of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as well as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Executive Director of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones. According to a release
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn. from the Home Affairs Ministry, during the meeting issues related to firearms trafficking in the CARICOM Region were reviewed and approaches to urgently deal with the central issue and its related manifestations were recommended. The key areas identified as part of the strategy included implementing of a regional roadmap for addressing Caribbean priority
actions on the illicit proliferation of firearms and ammunition across the Caribbean by 2030; collaboration with regional stakeholders such as CARICOM IMPACS to facilitate training and capacity building for Member States; collaboration with international stakeholders such as the ATF and HSI who deal with transnational organized crime; and optimizing the use of the Regional Integrated Ballistic Information Network (RIBIN) and E-Trace. The operationalization of the CARICOM Gun Crime Intelligence Center (CGIC)) was also given high priority during the discussion “The opportunities for training, intelligence gathering and sharing with the ATF and HSI were discussed along with the deployment of intelligence officials within the CARICOM Region,” the release added.
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Kaieteur News
Monday April 26, 2021
Monday April 26, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Tennis-Nadal outlasts Tsitsipas to claim 12th Barcelona Open title
Rafa Nadal defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim a record-extending 12th Barcelona Open title.
(Reuters) - Rafa Nadal saved a match point before defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-7(6) 7-5 to claim a recordextending 12th Barcelona Open title yesterday, ending his Greek opponent’s ninegame unbeaten start to the European claycourt swing. Having collected his first title of the 2021 season, Nadal, 34, will leapfrog Russian Daniil Medvedev to take back the world number two spot in the updated ATP rankings today. Nadal was on the brink of defeat in the 10th game of the final set but recovered to win three straight games to overcome Monte Carlo champion Tsitsipas after three hours and 38 minutes —
Monday April 26, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) It's certainly clear that you have faith in your actions, Aries! You feel no fear or doubt as you progress toward your goals, cruising along on calm seas under clear skies. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This is a moment to start being creative in your life and stop being afraid of not having any talent. Who's to say what talent is? And in the romance department, the love of your life might be right in front of you. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may be a bit unclear about your professional direction today, Gemini. Your motivation has disappeared without warning. What happened? CANCER(June21–July22) It could be that you see mirages, Cancer, most notably in the environment around you. You may have the impression that people are lying to you or hiding something from you. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Hold tight to your money, Leo, because you may have some strange {though noble) impulses to give it away or spend a large amount on something completely useless. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today isn't a good day to sign contracts or make any substantial purchases. Go to the grocery store, by all means, but buy hamburger not tenderloin. Keep your money in a safe place and save your reserves.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Are you certain that you can't modify your current situation, Libra? Are you a prisoner of a lifestyle that isn't of your own making or that may be a throwback from the past? SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The forecast for you is excellent, Scorpio. You can rely on today's aspects to restore your confidence, which has been sorely tried in the past few days. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may have some trouble communicating today. It's as though something is distorting your perception. Don't be surprised if, once evening comes, you feel like forgetting about all of your responsibilities and traveling to the other end of the world. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You're radiant and glowing with happiness today. This is a refreshing change after the gloom and doom of the past few weeks. Apparently the decisions you made worked out for the best. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your goal for the day seems to be to enchant your mate. There's no reason not to try. Indeed, today is excellent for love. But don't exaggerate your romantic wiles. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're in splendid shape today, Pisces! Did a fairy godmother conjure away all the little difficulties of the past few weeks?
making it the longest ATP Tour match of the year. Tsitsipas, who won his previous meeting with the Spaniard in the Australian Open quarter-finals in February, fought hard to stay in the match and saved two match points before winning the second-set tiebreak to force the decider. Nadal improved his unbeaten record to 12-0 in finals at one of his favourite ATP events where the main showcourt carries his name. The 20-times Grand Slam winner will be back in action at next month’s ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Madrid and Rome and will look to carry the momentum into the French Open, where he will be seeking a record-extending 14th Roland Garros title.
...Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round From page 22 batting. Maxwell first lost his leg stump by missing a slogsweep, on 22, in the ninth over and de Villiers saw the ball turn past his outside edge to knock his middle stump two overs later. Jadeja had his arms in the air, the Royal Challengers had their top six dismissed, and the Super Kings were truly on top.
Between those two big wickets, Jadeja also swooped in from cover to smash the stumps down at the wicketkeeper ’s end that found Christian short of his ground in the 10th over. Scores: Chennai Super Kings 191 for 4 (Jadeja 62*, du Plessis 50) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 122 for 9 (Padikkal 34, Jadeja 3-13) by 69 runs.
...Guyanese Ramdyhan From page 21 who loves to paint, drawn, sing, crotchet, roller skate and read. The talented young woman advised the young players, especially girls, to continue to put in the work to perfect their skill, always play each point as if it’s the last and remember to have fun doing it. “I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has sup-
ported and encouraged me on my journey thus far, especially my parents and family, Mr Bill Adams and the executives and members of the Sheltez Tennis Club. No matter where I am always representing my home,” Nicola disclosed who is striving to become a Certified Public Accountant and work in the Tax Industry.
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Monday April 26, 2021
Powerlifting returns with a bang as GAPLF host Novices/Junior C/ships Keisha Abrigo (Novices), Angel Chappelle (Junior); Romeo Hunter (Classic-Novice & Junior), Faraud Mohamed (Equipped-Novice & Junior) are Best Lifters
Romeo Hunter Squats. (Franklin Wilson photo) By Franklin Wilson
P
owerlifting action returned with a bang yesterday following a hiatus of more than 14-months owing to the Covid-19 pandemic when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) hosted its Novices and Junior Championships at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium. I n u n u s u a l circumstances, unusual decisions are made which resulted in the weigh-in commencing at 06:00hrs and competition just over two hours later. The response of the athletes was excellent as they made the extra sacrifice to be present whilst following all covid-19 guidelines and protocols as recommended by the National Covid-19 Task Force which had given the thumbs-up for the event; deemed a success. No spectators being allowed at the venue as a prerequisite for permission did not deter the new kids on the block from putting on a great show as they all exhibited admirable stamina and determination on the platform. It was the culmination of months of committed and disciplined training to bring their bodies to this level and they were all rewarded
accordingly for their exploits by the judges. The Best Lifter accolade among the Female Novices competitors went to 29 yearold Keisha Abrigo who represented Exodus Gym with the Junior top spot went t o 1 4 y e a r- o l d A n g e l Chappelle who flawless display also saw her setting four new national records. Abrigo competing in the 69kg Women’s Open Raw Class achieved a best Squat of 125kg, Benchpress 50kg, Deadlift 160kg for a Total of 337.5kg. Chappelle contesting the 52kg Women’s Sb-Jr Raw and Women’s Open Raw Classes recorded a best Squat of 65.0kg, Benchpress 30.0kg and Deadlift of 75.0kg to Total 170.0kg. The confident Chappelle inked her name into the record books with new marks in the Women’s Sb-Jr Raw Squat 65kg-143.300lb; Women’s Open Raw Squat 65kg143.300lb; Women’s Sb-Jr R a w To t a l o f 7 5 k g 165.347lb and Women’s Open Raw Total 75kg165.347lb. In the male contests, the Best Lifter Equipped Novice trophy went to 16 year-old Faraud Mohamed (74kg Class) of Space Gym who was also named the Best Junior Lifter on show. Mohamed like Chappelle, set four new national
records. Equally impressive was 14 year-old Romeo Hunter of Mon Repos Fitness Gym competing in the 66kg Class. His performances earned him the Best Lifter Classic in both the Novice and Junior categories. Additionally, Hunter set a new Benchpress record. Mohamed’s Total of 465.0kg was made up of a Best Squat of 170.0kg, Benchpress 100.0kg and Deadlift of 195.0kg. He set new records in the Men’s Sub-Jr Equipped Squat of 170.0kg-374.786lb; Men’s Sub-Jr Equipped Benchpress 100.0kg220.462lb; Men’s Sub-Jr Equipped Total of 195.0kg429.901lb and Men’s Sub-Jr Equipped Deadlift of 195.0kg-429.901lb. Hunter recorded a Best Squat of 170.0kg, Benchpress 110.0kg and Deadlift of 160.0kg for a Total of 440.0kg. He set a new Men’s Sub-Jr Raw Bench Press record of 110.0kg-242.509lb.
Keisha Abrigo Deadlifts 160.0kg. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Faraud Mohamed (74kg Class-Space Gym) sets Men’s Sub-Jr Equipped Total record with this Deadlift of 195.0kg-429.9lb. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Kaieteur News
Monday April 26, 2021
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Guyanese Ramdyhan graduates with Bachelor’s degree next month - On Tennis, Academic Scholarship in Atlanta, USA By Sean Devers Nicola Ramdyhan is presently attending of foury e a r A c a d e m i c - Te n n i s Scholarship at the Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, USA. However, because she has an extra year’s eligibility she plans to take advantage of a fifth year during which time she will read for her Master’s degree. Nicola, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree next month, spoke about her experiences at the US University, her life growing up and gave her views on what is needed for Guyana’s tennis to really thrive. “At present the pandemic is not as bad as when it first hit. I am coping well with online classes and I am still taking precautionary measures,” informed Nicola who began the scholarship in 2017. Nicola informed that she was able to secure the scholarship with the help of Guyanese Bill Adams who has a Tennis Academy in Florida. “Not only was I training under his care but he helped me with contacting the
Nicola (left) & her Mom and coach.
Coach and preparing the Video for the recruiting process. The biggest benefits I will take from this scholarship is definitely my degree and the experience of playing at the Collegiate level and improving my game and connecting with a lot of people during my time here,” explained Nicola, one of three Guyanese Tennis players on Scholarships in
Ashleigh Barty rallies to win Stuttgart title
R
euters - Top seed and World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty of Australia rallied to beat No. 5 seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 to claim the title at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. For Barty, who turned 25 Saturday, it was the third straight match in which she lost the first set. Barty was facing a top-10 player in the world rankings in each of those matches. It is Barty’s third title of 2021 and 11th of her career. She is also the first reigning No. 1 to win the title at Stuttgart since Justine Henin
the USA; the others being Afruka Gentle and Hemraj Resaul. Nicola said the Culture and climate in Atlanta is very different from that of Guyana. “It’s definitely different but I have learned and grown to enjoy the South Culture, particularly knowing that some of the key civil rights Movement events happened
here. There are lots of tourist attractions in Atlanta as well… and in terms of the food, I love the soul food but there are cuisines from different cultures too. The climate is usually chilly, even during the warm months and I miss the tropical weather back home. I live on Campus and I mainly prepare my own meals. I am a sucker for curry and split peas cook-up and fried fish,” disclosed Nicola. “My most memorable moment on the court was my very first singles at the Collegiate level. It was against the University of West Georgia and it came down to my match being the decider. I was so tired but I managed to pull it off in three sets and my school won,” remembered Nicola proudly. Nicola’s name was also featured on a billboard in addition to her being honoured with a cash award. “It was so exciting to be featured on a billboard, especially during Black history month. It was a chance to highlight students from Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and I was honoured to be selected. I was also happy to be one of the recipients of the cash award and I plan to put it towards my books for Grad school,” Nicola added. Born on January 9 in Guyana’s Capital City to Andre Ramdyhan and Shelly
Australia’s Ashleigh Barty poses with the trophy and car after winning the Final against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka. (Pool via REUTERS/Marijan Murat) of Belgium in 2007. TEB BNP Paribas Tennis Championship Istanbul Romania’s Sorana Cirstea stunned topseeded Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-1, 7-6 (3) to win the title in Istanbul. Cirstea, 31, broke Mertens three times in racing through the first set, then battled back to win the second set after falling behind 4-1. It’s the second career title and first since 2008 (Tashkent) for Cirstea, who improved to 3-0 against Mertens. (Field Level Media)
Nicola Ramdyhan at a training session in the USA.
Nicola Ramdyhan points to her name on the building. Daly, 23-year-old National Lawn Tennis player Nicola has seven siblings. Nicola, who developed an interest in Tennis from her Mom who was a National Tennis player, attended the St Joseph High and Bishops High schools. “I lived in North East Lapenatence then moved to Lodge. It was a great life growing up because it was mainly my two sisters and mom. Even though she is strict, especially about our education, it was always fun to hang out with each other,” informed Nicola who dabbled a bit in cricket and track during her schooldays. Nicola, who represents the Park Players (now Sheltez Tennis Club) has played in Suriname, French Guiana and Caribbean Countries like St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, St Lucia, Curacao and the Dominican Republic and first represented Guyana at eight, playing in the U-10s. Nicola played in mostly ITF Junior tournaments and disclosed that the biggest challenge playing the sport in Guyana is not having the facilities that were up to the standard compared to the
other countries. “But that did not stop my mom from training us though. She made sure that we used what we had and she was still able to produce high level players,” continued Nicola, who beat her mom and coach Shelly, to take the Assuria Ladies Singles Open Championship in 2015. “The standard of tennis in Guyana is getting better and it’s evident that the players have been doing well in tournaments … preCovid. There are several others that compete and have competed in the Collegiate level as well. However, to really take Guyana’s Tennis forward we need more facilities so that we can accommodate Regional and International tournaments in the future. I think we need more financial support from the Government and GOA so players can have more opportunities to be provided with top level training and to compete at International tournaments. Lack of funding usually prevents us from getting as much Regional and International experience as we should be getting,” revealed Nicola (Continued on page 19)
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Monday April 26, 2021
Man City win record-equalling fourth straight League Cup Reuters - Manchester City claimed a recordequalling fourth successive League Cup triumph as Aymeric Laporte’s late header sealed a deserved 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. Spurs had soaked up intense City pressure for most of the game to somehow stay in contention at Wembley Stadium. But City finally made the breakthrough in the 82nd minute from an unlikely source as defender Laporte met Kevin de Bruyne’s free kick and headed past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. A combination of Lloris, last-ditch defending and some poor City finishing had kept the 8,000 crowd on tenterhooks but in the end Pep Guardiola’s side got their reward. They have now matched Liverpool’s feat of winning the competition for four seasons in a row, and also join Liverpool with the most League Cup wins on eight. Tottenham, who had rookie manager Ryan Mason
on the touchline after Jose Mourinho’s sacking last week, produced a disappointing performance and their wait for a first trophy since winning the 2008 League Cup continues. After City’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea last weekend, they chalked off the first part of what they hope will be a treble, with the Premier League title almost in the bag and a Champions League semi-final to come against Paris St Germain. GUARDIOLA’S JOY While the League Cup is lower down Guardiola’s priorities there was no disguising his joy as he became the first manager to win the League Cup in four successive seasons. It had added significance as the final was played in front of the biggest crowd since Britain went into a first COVID-19 lockdown last March — one of the government’s test events to get fans safely back into venues as restrictions ease. “It’s not full, but it was a great noise,” said Guardiola,
who now has won 30 trophies as a manager since taking over at Barcelona in 2008. “Today we are incredibly happy that we have four in a row in this competition. We tried to win the game, created a lot of chances. They had some chances on the counter but in general we had a good game.” City’s permitted 2,000 fans serenaded their team at the end with the club’s Blue Moon anthem although they would have had a more relaxing afternoon in the sunshine had their team turned their overwhelming first-half dominance into goals. How the final reached halftime still at 0-0 was mystifying with Phil Foden shooting wide from close range and then seeing another effort deflected onto the post. Raheem Sterling tormented Tottenham’s defence and he was denied when his goalbound shot was stopped by Toby Alderweireld’s desperate
Manchester City players pose with the trophy as they celebrate after winning the Carabao Cup. (Pool via REUTERS/Carl Recine) block. Riyad Mahrez sent a superb angled drive agonisingly wide although it was not until first-half stoppage time that Lloris made his first save, diving to claw away Joao Cancelo’s curler. Tottenham improved marginally after the break with England striker Harry Kane, declared ready to start after an ankle injury put his place in doubt, finally getting into the game. Giovani Lo Celso almost
gave Spurs an unlikely lead when he picked his spot but City’s Zack Steffen was equal to his effort, pushing the ball around the post. The zip went out of City’s attacks slightly but Lloris was still a busy man, keeping out efforts from City skipper Fernandinho and Mahrez and skipper Fernandinho. To t t e n h a m ’s r o o k i e manager Mason sent on Gareth Bale with around 25 minutes remaining and the stage looked set for the
Welshman to produce an unlikely twist. But justice was served in the end as Laporte found space to head De Bruyne’s perfect delivery into the net for only his second goal of the season. Tottenham’s only gripe was that Laporte was perhaps a little fortunate to escape punishment for a first-half tackle and was then booked in the second half. In truth, though, they were second best by a long way.
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance lifts CSK to top of table ESPNcricinfo - A stunning assault of 36 runs off his bat in the final over, the prize wickets of Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers, and a spectacular direct hit to run out Dan Christian made Ravindra Jadeja the star as the Chennai Super Kings handed the Royal Challengers Bangalore their first loss of IPL 2021. With their fourth straight win in five games, the Super Kings also snatched the top table position with a 69-run win in Mumbai. Jadeja first launched five sixes in the Super Kings’ final over to lift them from 154 to 191 and then bowled Maxwell and de Villiers in consecutive overs to reduce the Royal Challengers to 83 for 6 that effectively ended the chase with Virat Kohli already back in the pavilion for 8. Devdutt Padikkal threatened to take control of the chase with an attacking 34 off 15 that gave the Royal Challengers a powerful score of 65 in the powerplay, but the loss of four wickets in four overs after that did irreparable damage to their pursuit. Jadeja also dismissed No. 3 Washington Sundar for 7 in his matchwinning figures of 3 for 13
Ravindra Jadeja drives through the covers, Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2021, Mumbai, April 25, 2021 © BCCI/IPL
and Imran Tahir’s double blow before the Royal Challengers could reach 100 effectively sealed the Super Kings’ win. Another du Plessis fifty lays platform Fa du Plessis struck his second consecutive fifty and gave the Super Kings, who opted to bat, a solid start by clearing the in-field with
ease against the fast bowlers. He caressed the first ball he faced through the covers and then lofted Mohmmed Siraj over long-on and Kyle Jamieson twice on the off side to set the tone for his team-mates. Ruturaj Gaikwad played second fiddle for the first four overs before attacking Yuzvendra Chahal and
Navdeep Saini to give the Super Kings a powerplay score of 51 for 0. Patel takes the pace off the ball and CSK Kohli had said at the toss they brought in Saini to “go hard at the batsman in the middle overs” with his pace but the exact opposite happened. Saini got only two overs for leaking 27 runs as
his pace helped the Super Kings batters clear the short boundaries with ease. Becoming only the second team to opt to bat at Wankhede in the IPL since 2018, the Super Kings cruised to 83 for 1 at the halfway mark after Gaikwad fell for 33. Suresh Raina, promoted to No. 3 in the absence of the injured Moeen Ali, had already smashed three sixes in the first 15 balls he faced and the Super Kings were ready to launch from 110 for 1 after 12 overs. Patel soon put the brakes on them by dismissing the well-set du Plessis and Raina off consecutive balls. With both batters offered back-oflength cutters, Raina found deep midwicket and du Plessis holed out to long-on. The Super Kings could have even been 112 for 4 had Christian not dropped a sitter at deep midwicket when Jadeja was on 0. The next ball also saw a misfield from Padikkal - and Jadeja made the Royal Challengers pay for it. The Jadeja death over On 154 for 4 after 19 overs, Jadeja heaved Patel, this season’s highest-wicket taker, for four merciless
sixes on the trot on the leg side. Whether it was a slower ball, a cutter or an attempted yorker, Jadeja kept smashing them towards the deep midwicket boundary. The third ball of the over was a no-ball for being a high full toss, and after Jadeja retained strike with a double o ff t h e o v e r ’s f o u r t h legitimate ball, he went on to smoke a fifth six, over longon, before finishing the over with a one-bounce four behind square on the leg side to take the over’s tally to 37. The Jadeja show continues Until Padikkal was batting, it looked like he would run away with the chase like he did against the Rajasthan Royals three days ago. With a combination of flourishing drives, pick-up shots and fluent strokes he tore into Deepak Chahar and Sam Curran to race to 34 off 14 before handing a catch to deep backward square leg off Shardul Thakur’s short ball in the fifth over. Kohli had already edged Curran behind two overs ago and the chase now rested on Maxwell and de Villiers. And Jadeja hit the stumps when both were (Continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
Monday April 26, 2021
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‘The Showstopper’ powerful on his return - Carlos Petterson-Griffith to the competitive stage sets three new records S By Franklin Wilson
tating loudly that it was good to be b a c k i n competition, Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ PettersonGriffith blurting out his usual words, “Records are meant to be broken” did just that on three occasions yesterday when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) held qualifiers for the 18th Annual North American Regional P o w e r l i f t i n g Championships (NAPF) set for Orlando, Florida, USA from August 17 – 21. Some six athletes competed, PettersonGriffith, Nadina Taharally, Askhay Goukaran, Paul Adams, Wazim Mohamed and Roger Rogers sought to make the required weights in the three lifts in order to make the Guyana team. After achieving the required benchmarks on their first or second attempts, mostly first attempt, some of the athletes opted to allow the clock to run out as they passed up their next attempt. More details on their performances in tomorrow’s
Carlos Petterson-Griffith 93kg Class (MonRepos Fitness Gym-27 years old) sets a new squat record of 307.5kg-677.9lb. (Franklin Wilson photo) edition. However, like he has been doing whenever competing, PettersonG r i ff i t h ( 9 3 k g C l a s s ) welcomed his return after serving a one year suspension for competing in
an unsanctioned competition in Barbados in May of 2019 with some scintillating performances. ‘The Showstopper’ set three new records even as he has his sights set on representing his nation at the
World Championships after throwing that opportunity two years ago owing to the suspension. He has since declared that he has learnt his lesson and is now focused on doing his nation proud at the World level.
New marks were set in the Men’s Open Raw - Squat 307.5kg- 677.922lb; Men’s Open Raw - Total 350kg771.618lb and Men’s Open Raw - Deadlift 350kg771.618lb. Petterson-Griffith
acknowledged that even while he achieved some new records, he still has some more ground to cover in order to be the best at the world level, his Benchpress being one area he has to improve in.
Avinash Persaud cops Ansa McAl Caribe Open golf title Gavin Todd, nearest to the pin winner.
Respective prize winners with their accolades.
Av i n a s h P e r s a u d emerged champion of the Ansa McAl Caribe Tropical Hard Cider open golf tournament which was contested on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course. Competing with a field of 37 golfers, Persaud scored 68 gross and 67 net to win ahead of Patanjilee Persaud with a 81 gross and 67 net. Richard Haniff chalked up 77 gross and 68 net to finish third. Persaud also took the longest drive title, while Gavin Todd
won the Nearest to the pin prize. The Best net front nine title was taken by Patanjilee Persaud, while the Best net back nine was won by Eureka Giddings. LGC President Patanjilee Persaud thanked Ansa McAl for their continued support. Persaud also thanked the club’s membership for their excellent support and congratulated the winners. Nelson of Ansa McAl said it was pleasing for his company to see a sporting
event being played during the (Covid-19) pandemic and since the members of LGC were compliant to the regulations to stay safe his company is pleased to be associated with the event. He noted that a physically healthy lifestyle helps to fight the virus. The event was deemed a success and Nelson said they (Ansa McAl) are committed to continuing their sponsorship for years to come.
Patanjilee Persaud, 2nd overall and President of LGC in action.