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Go for royalties, taxes; abandon - Dr. Vincent profit-sharing Adams Harbour Bridge GM to Man injured in shootout be sacked over $900K with police arrested - Minister bracelet purchase Edghill at private hospital Future generations will have to pay the price for lopsided Stabroek Block PSA - Goolsarran - says pulled Global Witness report on exploitative deal still valid

Little Diamond EPA Director Deadline pushed fire was caused should have seat back for study on by electrical fan in Cabinet- Adams Payara produced water

UK firm Westmount buys up more shares in Canje Block owner Hear about the recent development on the handling of toxic produced water from ExxonMobil’s operations @ 11:00AM on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio. (Rebroadcast)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 20, 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

Constitutional Reform, Again Last week, a parliamentary standing committee was formed, with little fanfare or announcement from either side of the divide.

That committee was the Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform, Chaired by Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, SC, and with representation by four other members from the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic and four members from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

On its part, while the PPP/C stayed away from expressly promising CR on the campaign trail, deflecting with the not unwarranted promise to focus on constitutional compliance in the wake of then President David Granger’s propensity for interpreting the Constitution so liberally as to be corrected multiple times by the courts, the December meeting of the former Presidents, all PPP/C, saw an express commitment to look at both constitutional and electoral system reform.

According to a Department of Public Information Report on the outcome of the meeting, President Irfaan Ali was quoted as saying: “Different ideas on Constitutional Reform – not only ideas but how the former presidents saw the issues of Constitutional Reform, how it should be undertaken – were discussed...”

Considering this, it is strange that the government did not take the opportunity to lay out its agenda for CR on the establishment of the Standing Committee last week.

The major parliamentary opposition itself has gone completely silent on CR, a bizarre phenomenon that has been in place for the past year, ever since Granger launched his ‘Decade of Development’ manifesto. Whereas in previous campaigns the political machinery headed by Granger was fairly detailed in its presentation of plans for reform, the APNU+AFC incumbent had three single lines in the DoD pamphlet: “* Continue The Work Of The Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission, * Continue The Allocation Of Funding For CountryWide, Community Consultations, * Commit To Contributing To A Constitution Which Reflects The Will Of The Wider Society, Country-Wide.”

Of those three lines, the first two were patently false, considering that the Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission was never in fact actually established so no work could “continue” not having ever started in the first place, and hence no allocation of funding could be continued since any such funding would require the Consultative Commission to have actually been established.

The third line is of course not only meaningless in itself, but also absolutely contrary to the Granger administration’s actions on Constitutional Reform with a Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill having created since 2017, only after tremendous pressure by the international community, but parked by the administration since then.

There is of course another element to the equation, the presence of a smaller party – or rather three smaller parties – in Parliament.

The joinder list of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), A New and United Guyana (ANUG), and The New Movement (Guyana) are currently represented in Parliament via the single seat currently occupied by LJP leader, Lenox Shuman.

More surprising than the silence of the major players when it comes to the issue of Constitutional Reform, is the silence of the smaller parties on not only reform in general but the fact that they have zero representation on the Standing Committee.

It seems therefore that there exists no champion of Constitutional Reform currently in the National Assembly, which means that yet another political administration will likely come and go without any significant progress on fixing a fundamentally flawed constitution.

Exxon on the move and with the right people DEAR EDITOR, I noticed that recent overseas news reports have been awash with favourable developments for ExxonMobil. It could not come at a better time for the struggling company, which of late has been looked upon as a budding sweetheart by the people who matter, because they influence these things so much.

Some of the bigger and more prestigious investment houses on Wall Street came out with good tidings for Exxon. According to a Bloomberg news item on January 13th, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley, among others have given the company their nod and seal of approval. It comes in the form of an upgrade to the coveted ‘Buy’ rating and recommendation from analysts attached to those banks. In Wall Street idiom, a ‘Buy’ rating is a highly favoured dispensation that is not given out casually these days, but only after meticulous analysis and assessment of a company’s prospects. For a considerable period of time, Exxon was in the doghouse with its underperformance and low

valuations, when key metrics were applied. One analyst, Phil Gresh, from JP Morgan Chase noted that this is the first time in seven years that he is upgrading the company’s stock. Seven years is a lifetime on Wall Street, which exists on the better be delivered banquet of the here and now, as in the short-term of quarterly returns.

Mr. Gresh further noted that the company’s “capital discipline is improving” after years of wasteful spending. I do not require a world of wisdom to appreciate that Guyana is on the receiving and losing side of that new “capital discipline.”

As if to confirm, Mr. Gresh went on to point out that Exxon has a substantial asset base “that ought to be dramatically whittled down as the macro improves.” Again, I direct my gaze and Exxon’s emphasis to right here.

Continuing with the JP Morgan analyst’s comments in rationalizing his upgrade he said that “This would have the dual benefit of reducing debt and accelerating XOM’s organic ROIC improvement from higher margin investments like Guyana.”

For the uninitiated, XOM is the ticker symbol for Exxon and ROIC is the much watched ‘Return on Invested Capital. I almost feel as though I am back in my old home. But closer to this home, and I revert to the lingo of this land, for there it is: mouth open, story jump out.

Guyana is key and pivotal to Exxon’s present and future, through the company’s low risk and high return environment and horizon here.

I say what is well known locally: Guyana is cheap oil, the cheapest for Exxon, when compared to its other global holdings, and those of its competitors, which gives it a heavy edge. A little probing and understanding that goes beyond the jargon reveals a lot that has hamstrung this country, and which now transforms Exxon into the darling of those that once shunned it.

Yet, even as I share this, it must be pointed out that Exxon’s expected turning the corner and long-awaited success both come at the expense of this country, and the hopes of its people.

For I interpret Exxon’s hailed “capital discipline” as some elements in the noose

with which its strangles this society. Further, “organic ROIC improvement” is on our backs and to our pain. What is good for Exxon and its shareholders is bad-really bad-for Guyana. Wall Street analysts have scant interest in host country divisions, or political conversion and corruption, or the dirty end of the stick that wounds Guyanese.

They do not waste time over which political figures sold out and collected, and that they are part of the great game that assures Exxon’s success; or that the underpinnings of possible dissension and instability have been sown.

Editor, what matters is that Exxon is poised to rush to the top, displacing Chevron in the hearts of those who count, and who have just given it a much needed and timely boost, that is priceless.

Meanwhile, Guyana pays a hard price, and Guyanese look at their government and opposition leaders, and wonder how much of a price they have been paid to go along with what pillages the prospects of this place.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Decisive prosecutorial action must be taken to stop the siphoning off of public funds DEAR EDITOR, Article 223(1) of the Constitution of Guyana states inter-alia; ‘...the Auditor General shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.’

Further on, at 223(5) the Constitution states: ‘The Public Accounts Committee may exercise general supervision over the functioning of the office of the Auditor General in accordance with the Rules, Policies and Procedures Manual for the functioning of the Office of the Auditor General as prepared by the Auditor General and approved by the Public Accounts Committee.’

These two sections, in my view, impose checks and balances between the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament and the Office of the Auditor General.

In other words, while the Auditor General is insulated from ‘the direction or control of any person or authority’ at the same time, he is no maverick, since parliament, through the Public Accounts Committee, may (not shall) ‘exercise general supervision over the functioning of the Auditor General...’

According to the Oxford

English Dictionary, the meaning of the word ‘supervision’ is ‘to superintend or oversee the execution of a task, action or work’. This is what is expected of the PAC as regards its role vis-a-vis the Auditor General.

What is more significant about this relationship, is the fact that the Public Accounts Committee must approve a manual on rules, policies and procedures prepared and submitted by the Auditor General.

I interpret this to mean that a draft manual is prepared by the Auditor General and submitted to the PAC for consideration and approval.

It could not mean that the Auditor General’s draft manual is a take it or leave it proposition.

Unlike previous Auditor General reports, this time around, because of the heightened public interest in transparency and accountability as well as the media’s persistence in exposing unaccounted public funds, this year’s Auditor General’s report has attracted greater attention.

The public’s and the media’s persistent calls for corrective follow-up actions on the part of the Auditor

General’s Office has not gone unnoticed.

In fact, there has been no shortage of questions concerning the use value of the Auditor General’s Report.

Times have changed thus the greater demand for corrective action.

But there is a missing link here. The AG’s job is to audit the Public Accounts of Guyana and to submit a report to the Speaker of the National Assembly. What happens when irregularities such as fraud, overpayments, monies unaccounted for and noncompliance with the laws are uncovered, is that the accounting officer at the government agency or department is called upon for an explanation and to take corrective action. End of story.

In other words, those who may have presided over or colluded with others to pilfer tax dollars are slapped on the wrist and told to behave themselves. But they do not, because in future reports, the same deficiencies can be found again and again.

Thus the burning question; is the manual on rules, policies and procedures outdated and, by extension, is there a need for a fresh approach to state auditing in

light of: 1) global demand for greater transparency and accountability; 2) greater demand at home for corrective action to remedy the deficiencies and 3) experiences in state auditing accumulated over the years?

The stage for this new approach was laid during the 2015 to 2019 period when MP Irfaan Ali chaired the Public Accounts Committee. His aggressive push for greater accountability by government agencies and departments and his call to name and shame recalcitrant public officers laid the foundation for what, with the political will, portends to be a fresh approach to public accounting laws and regulations.

The next logical question would be whether parliament, through the PAC, has the legal authority as the Auditor General’s supervisory body to request the Auditor General to submit a revised or updated manual to reflect the demands for sanctions or better yet, prosecution?

Further, since the manual treats with rules, policies and procedures for the functioning of the Office of the Auditor General, implicitly, there appears to be (Continued on page 6)

Wednesday January 20, 2021

Our inability to connect past events to the present DEAR EDITOR, A defect noticeable in some places but particularly in our Guyana is our inability to connect past events to the present and therefore allow the current generation to avoid past mistakes and give them the ability to craft a safe future.

Additionally, everywhere one lesson which we in Guyana have failed to benefit from is the importance of unity and loyalty to a cause.

Over the weekend, we learnt of the passing of Mr. C.M.L John.

Beyond the appropriate expressions of condolences his passing has reduced the survivors of the historic 1965 final Independence conference, held at Lancaster House in London in November 1965.

This conference fixed the date for Independence and the constitutional arrangements for an independent state.

The Conference was chaired by The R.t. Hon. Anthony Greenwood, M.P., Secretary of State for the Colonies (Chairman).

The Officials from Guyana were Attorney General, Hon. Sir Shridath Ramphal, Mr. L.A. Luckhoo, Commissioner for British Guiana in the UK, Hon. Sir David Rose, Defence Advisor, The political Parties were represented by Hon. L.F.S. Burnham, Q.C., Premiere, C.M.L John, Deoroop Mahraj, Mr. Hugh M.E. Cholmondeley, Mr. Hamilton Green, (General Secretary P.N.C), Mr. John Gabriel Joaquin,

The United Force Party, Peter S. D’Aguiar, Randolph E. Cheeks, Mr. Stephen Campbell (First indigenous Guyanese to enter Parliament), J.E. DeFreitas, Mr. Fielden Singh and Mr. Mohamed Kassim.

With the passing of Mr. Llewelyn John last week, it means that only two persons are alive and kicking who participated in the deliberations, which set our date for Independence among other matters are Sir. Shridath Ramphal and Hamilton Green.

One of interest and of historical notes is that in spite of efforts at home and abroad the PPP failed to attend this final conference on Independence.

Eartha Saul Research Assistant

Reflecting on our heritage DEAR EDITOR, The infrastructural plans for the Ferry system do provide an opportunity to further leverage the rich heritage of our country while elevating our level to that of a world class standard.

For example, the piers that are being refurbished, renovated and installed should incorporate features that speak to the heritage of the area.

Whether it be the Dutch Fort that is being visited, the Light House or an Amerindian area that is being newly discovered by tourists, to be able to experience the architecture of an Amerindian Benab or something from the Spanish, Dutch and English Colonial era makes travel throughout the country an adventure for the senses.

A key standard component should be a covered waiting room that is guarded and has the basic well maintained bathroom facilities. The piers should also be well maintained with rails and stairs where necessary.

The larger ports should also incorporate the artistic richness of the local population and have some historical information on display for increased awareness with informational content for tourists. Ecotourism is a

very stimulating endeavour that brings the very inquisitive to visit.

Learning about the natural habitat, the fauna, flora, animals, the inhabitants and the history of each landing point along the transport and ferry system provides a great opportunity to also incorporate the local population’s participation in the tourist industry’s development.

Art, food and guided tours within and around the major Ports help to increase the attractiveness of our Guyanese offering within the Global Tourist Industry.

It does get very competitive and we must ensure we have an appealing, attractive, safe and distinct offering for our visitors. Our competitors and target consumers should be clearly outlined.

Is it the independent adventurous traveller, a lover of horse racing or a family of environmental enthusiasts?

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Kaieteur News

Those in search of an alternative to a Safari, looking for a new and undiscovered frontier, learning about the lungs of the planet, green and environmentally conscious consumers all may be within the consumer category being pursued. It may be a mix of the aforementioned.

Therefore our tourism offering must cater to the needs of those target consumers and should also meet the needs and desires of the intended group with the needs of the core group maintaining the top priority and focus of the sector’s development.

Sculpting the beauty of Our Dear Land via the Tourism Sector and new infrastructural investment brings with it a clearer outline of that beautiful woman in a dress wearing an elegant hat made for horse racing who we lovingly call Guyana.

Best regards, Mr. Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

My encounters with late Majeed Hussein DEAR EDITOR, The late PPP activist Majeed Hussein and I were not friends. But I had several helpful encounters with him on the streets, on the campaign trail in recent elections, and in visits at Freedom House to gather data for my research. He was very simple. I found him to be a gentleman.

I happen to be in Guyana to conduct an opinion survey and I used my presence in the country to attend Majeed’s funeral.

Everyone I met lauded his role in the PPP and in helping people.

He was a people’s person.

Everyone praised his activism and honesty. His kindness and volunteerism would be missed.

Majeed was extremely resourceful. He was also a dedicated activist and loyalist to his party. He played an extremely critical role in the protection of the containers that held the ballot boxes during the five months ordeal to get the right count as the incumbent tried to steal the March 2 election.

Although I saw Majeed at Freedom House over the last several years during visits, we never conversed there, and I did not know who he was in terms of office position or title.

I visited Freedom House to meet long time friends who I knew from my decades of struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. I would see Majeed there without any interaction — just a hi or hello.

We did not know each other by name. I never told him who I was. He must have found out who I was from colleagues.

One day, some years ago, I visited a parlour on Robb Street to buy a soft drink. I was chatting with the proprietor on the politics of the country as I

normally did with people across the country during my countless visits to conduct surveys. Majeed came to the shop minutes after to buy an energy drink.

He and the proprietor had a chat and I was introduced. I said I saw him around Freedom House and on campaign trail and doing party work. But I never knew his name or role in the PPP. Surprisingly, Majeed announced he knew me through my polling and writings.

I normally don’t tell people who I am as I am bashful on that front; others would introduce me.

Before the proprietor could introduce me, Majeed s t a t e d : “ I k n o w o f M r.

Bisram. And I know of his work. I look forward for his polls and I read his many letters in the press. I don’t always agree with his views but I admire his courage”.

Majeed showered accolades on my polling and activism to help protect democracy and free and fair elections in Guyana.

We would have several brief encounters thereafter talking politics. He was

always busy with running errands or engaging in some kind of activity for his party or for the public good.

After he left the shop, the proprietor praised his down to earth character and demeanor. I learn of his generosity and kindness and of his activities to help the downtrodden and poor.

I learned that he would seek assistance to help others, not himself. In fact, he neglected his own health to take care of others. He would help people to repair or build their homes.

Just a couple days before the last elections, we talked about the expected outcome. He was very passionate about his party.

He was confident PPP would win a landslide, not less than 55 percent. He asked for my view.

I responded PPP would get about 52 percent. He said I would be proven wrong.

The PPP actually got 51 percent.

Our encounters would be missed and I am sure his party would miss his activism.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The future beckons!

DEAR EDITOR, It is significant that the transition of power in the White House is taking place in the same week as MLK Day was observed.

I have a dream, dreams will be realized and the world will breathe easily and be at peace again.

The future beckons!

Shamshun Mohamed

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Wednesday January 20, 2021

Guyana urgently needs a Govt-run health care system that can deliver quality medical care for all DEAR EDITOR, We all know that health care like anything else in Guyana is a failure. This is true for both the private and public health care which lack critical resources to effectively address the medical needs of our population. Undoubtedly, this situation has caused Guyanese to face premature mortality. Our loved ones even refuse to seek medical attention because they are afraid of the deadly health care situation. They also worry over the exorbitant cost for private health care. What can be more inhumane and heartbreaking than this?

Just recently, a 16-yearold sadly lost her life to rhabdomyosarcoma. The five-year survival rate for this type of cancer in children is about 70%. This kid probably died because she was misdiagnosed not only once but three times.

Misdiagnosis is a chronic and deadly problem in Guyana but it remains

unaddressed. Further, this kid was even forced to take a costly trip to Jamaica for a credible diagnosis. Her parents like most Guyanese were thrust into further distress to publicly beg for funds to pay her medical expenses. No one should be left in a position to beg for anything. Begging triggers, feelings of insecurity and it propels individuals into psychological pain. What can be more inhumane? Life is painful in Guyana. Even, the Dr. Dooby Medical Center begs for donations to cover dialysis treatments for patients with kidney problems. Further, a young boy and his mother were recently begging for donations for his kidney transplant. The mother gave the boy one of her kidneys and I pray that she can find enough money to continue to purchase anti-rejection drugs. We all know that healthcare is a basic human right. Our government needs to provide effective

and quality health care for all its citizens. But our government pretends that the chronic health care crisis facing Guyanese in all of our history does not exist.

Also, the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony declared that Guyana is incapable of identifying the different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus because of a lack of gene sequencing resources. Guyanese must know that gene sequencing techniques are not new at all.

Laboratories all around the world have been using such resources for decades but Guyana does not carry them in 2021. It remains puzzling as to why our government does not see the need to validate its PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) results by gene sequencing. At least, our government should have the ability to confirm its PCR findings. Confirmation is critical no matter how many controls (positive or negative) there are in a PCR set up. It is through gene

sequencing, that the UK, California and other places around the world picked up several different SARS-CoV2 variants. This is science.

Clearly, the Guyanese Government operates in the dark and this leads to complications with misinterpretation of results, misdiagnosis of patients and outright failure to identify the SARS-CoV-2 variants. This can’t be science. Clearly, this case highlights why misdiagnosis is common in Guyana. We simply do not have the necessary diagnostic resources. The mutated forms of the SARSCoV-2 virus could have very well crossed the border from Brazil or brought into Guyana by international travellers from our airports. Also, the virus could have even mutated right here in Guyana in producing unique variants with unique identities. This possibility is seen in places like California, the UK and elsewhere. We have no way

of tracking and knowing how the virus is changing in Guyana. We are only capable of counting the number of COVID cases.

And this has got to be inaccurate as well. Given this, any data on the SARSCoV-2 virus and its variants in Guyana are unreliable.

Government needs to invest in a gene sequencing core facility. The usefulness of this facility cannot be underestimated.

Gene sequencing has wide applications in cancer biology, mitochondrial biology, reproductive biology, microbial identification, epigenetics, genetic disorders and a lot more. The cost for this should be factored into budget 2021.

Also, political appointees should stay out of this because specific skill sets will be needed. Government needs to respect our lives Further, the PPP/C Government has recently discussed its plans to attract investments in private health

care. Such plans just do not make any sense. This is noise by the PPP/C. Very few Guyanese can afford private health care. Private health care will only work if there is insurance to pay for it.

Guyanese just do not have the money to pay for health care. Take a look at the number of Guyanese who are publicly begging in humiliating ways to fund medical care for their loved ones. Guyanese can barely afford food. These so-called politicians often find themselves in America and various developed countries for health care. Life is good for those in government.

The PPP/C must know that Guyana urgently needs a government-run health care system that can deliver quality medical care for all.

And this means that at least political appointees must stay out of it. Political appointees destroy lives in Guyana.

Sincerely, Annie Baliram

...Decisive prosecutorial action must be taken to stop the siphoning From page 4 room to review, repair and strengthen either the PAC’s mandate and/or more specifically, that of the Auditor General.

To review would mean to consider the merits and demerits of the calls for a more pro-active Auditor General’s Office.

To repair would mean to amend the rules where, and if necessary.

And to strengthen would mean, to consider giving the Auditor General’s Office, a fresh set of powers that will go beyond routine investigating and reporting and that would allow, as is the case with GRA and CANU, to legally proffer charges and prosecution where necessary.

In other words, the A c c o u n t a n t G e n e r a l ’s

Office should, in addition to its current mandate, be designated a constitutional law enforcement agency since its main function is to ensure that public monies are legally and properly accounted for in accordance with the financial regulations of Guyana.

If the Office of the Auditor General is not the suitable institution to be vested with such authority then consideration should be given to creating a new institution that would act as a law enforcement ‘Bridge’ between the Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee.

That ‘Bridging Authority’ should be vested with the power to subpoena offenders of the

Fiscal Management and Accountability Act to appear in court to answer to crimes they would have committed.

The point is that year a f t e r y e a r, t o n s o f circumstantial evidence of white collar crimes populate the Auditor G e n e r a l ’s R e p o r t s , y e t r a r e l y, n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g limb and branch investigations by the Auditor General is the Guyana Police Force called in to play their role.

The end result is the Auditor General can go no further.

That is compounded by the lack of institutional capacity by the police to take the matter further.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, h i g h w a y robberies populate the Auditor General’s reports

year after year.

From all indications, the public’s concern seems to be over the millions, if not billions of taxpayers’ dollars, that have either been frittered away by shysters paid by way of shady contracts, single/ sourced to friends and supporters who in turn provide kickbacks as a reward for favours granted.

The nature of his job, places the Auditor General objectively in the fight against corruption since his job is to ensure that payers money is accounted for in accordance with established rules and regulations.

It is in this context that the hue and cry raised in the public domain over lack of prosecution for unaccounted public funds

is not without merit.

Every publication and handing over of the Auditor General’s Annual Report is followed by routine laying in the National Assembly and the convening of the Public Accounts Committee to interrogate Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers.

Some issues that appear to be of evidential value are sexed up to make newspaper or social media headlines and that’s where the matters end.

Take for example the unauthorized collection of fuel for vehicles belonging to Government agencies a n d d e p a r t m e n t s o r, monies spent by government for the procurement of private legal services, or payments in full to contractors for unfinished or work never done, or collusion between contractors and engineers to fiddle with the e n g i n e e r ’s e s t i m a t e , o r payments in full to consultants for the design and supervision of work either incomplete or never done.

There are cases where payments to shell companies like the shady

Florida-based company for the procurement of 20,000 birth certificates as to Homestretch Development Inc. for the D’Urban Park white elephant. Nothing further has been heard about the birth certificate issue.

Questions have been justifiably raised about how many investigations conducted by the Auditor General’s Office have been successfully pursued by law enforcement.

Deficiencies remain concerning full payments for abandoned projects, overpayment of advances, frittering away of public funds, violations of financial and accountability laws and unethical behaviour of public officials who, regrettably, act as facilitators or influence peddlers.

In the final analysis, the challenge is not only to report and investigate the malpractices and illegalities, but to change the rules to ensure decisive prosecutorial action is taken to stop the siphoning off of public funds into the pockets of unscrupulous hustlers.

The rules must be changed to Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

Wednesday January 20, 2021

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Guyana will soon become the champion of dirty energy The second set of criticisms surrounding the gas-to-shore (GTS) project concerns Guyana’s international environmental commitments. Critics of the GTS project have opposed it on the grounds of its inconsistency with the commitments made under the Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement of December 2015 is the most ambitious global environmental agreement. Its objective is to limit global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels. In order to achieve this goal, countries are required to make national commitments, called nationally determined commitments, to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the United Nations, the APNU+AFC government had committed Guyana to what many saw as an unrealistic goal: 100 percent renewable energy use by 2025. As was pointed out recently on a Kaieteur Radio show, there is a caveat to this commitment. It is conditional on the availability of financing.

Financing for renewable energy development was always going to be a challenge. There are a number of facilities available to Guyana to source financing for transition towards 100 percent renewable energy use, but with Guyana’s economy, the level of financing required would have been unachievable in the timeline set by the APNU+AFC. The PPP/C government is likely to amend this nationally determined commitment. But the Irfaan Ali administration has itself committed to the reintroduction of its so-called Low-Carbon Development Strategy, something that was touted under the Jagdeo presidency.

The Low-Carbon

Development Strategy (LCDS) is a misnomer. It is not a strategy but essentially an international agreement signed between Guyana and Norway and which details how the proceeds being provided by the Norwegians are going to be spent.

Recently, in criticizing David Granger’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), Bharrat Jagdeo said it was not a development strategy because it had no projects. His misguided statement reveals his obsession with projects and his identification of a strategy with projects.

In 2017, he had sung a different tune. He had said that the then undeveloped GSDS was vague and devoid of a political plan and the means to achieve its goals. He alluded to the LCDS, which he said had projects that would allow for green outcomes and prosperity.

In 2019, he repeated the same message: that the GSDS was an environmental strategy. He committed to discontinuing it when the PPP/C returned to government.

In November last year, the Vice President said that the GSDS was loosely defined and without a project [major] to make it work. It is either Jagdeo has not read the GSDS, or if he has, he does not understand what he has read, or he is simply being ingenious. The GSDS is a much superior strategy than the project document which was developed under his tenure and which was labelled the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

Jagdeo, no doubt, wants a major project to drive the LCDS and that project appears to be the gas-to-shore (GTS) project.

But such a project is

entirely contrary to a lowcarbon path to development.

Natural gas is produced during the course of petroleum production.

Natural gas is not ‘clean.’

It is a fossil fuel source.

One commentator on a recent Kaieteur Radio show said that it is a greater source of pollution than carbon dioxide. But this is debatable.

What is certain is natural gas does not produce clean or renewable energy and adds rather than subtracts to global warming.

This is why environmentalists have been so concerned about Exxon’s ‘flaring.’ With the amount of flaring that has taken place over the past year, Guyana can no longer consider itself as a net carbon sink – that is a country which absorbs more carbon than its manmade activities produce.

The PPP/C government was used by Norway, then one of the world’s major oil polluters, to remake Norway’s environmental image as a champion of the environment.

Norway agreed to pay Guyana US$250M for environmental services, which Guyana would have provided to the world in any event. Jagdeo signed that agreement essentially as a financing measure but the socalled LCDS was essentially a source of financing which Norway controlled to such an extent that, at one time, even Jagdeo had to complain about Norway’s failure to release funds.

The PPP/C still clings to the LCDS while doing the very opposite to the aims of the LCDS. The PPP/C is now on the path of dirty energy production with its gas-toshore project. That gas-toshore project effectively dumps the commitments made by the APNU+AFC in its nationally determined commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Dem Boys Seh…

Guyana gat mo gas onshore dan offshore Dem boys seh de government nah gat fuh build no gas-to-shore plant.

De amount of fart wah does come out of dem politicians’ mouth, dem gat enough gas fuh power de national grid right pun shore. Dem boys call dat natural gas.

De amount of gas wah does pass enough fuh knock de wind out of yuh and to blow de country away.

Dem boys know dat sometimes when a strong one hold yuh, yuh does gat fuh let it rip. After all happiness comes from

within.

De Vee Pee could put all dah gas from de government to use. He can mek it light every bulb in every house in Guyana.

But de specialists’ fuh gas is dem doctors. Dem gat de cure. One day a man went to see he doctor who ask he: “What seems to be the problem today?”

De man answer, “Ah passing a lot of wind, all de time.” The doctor nod and exclaimed, “Hmm.” De man seh, “Dem nah stink and yuh nah hear dem.

Is just dat it happening all de time. Since me come hay, me done leggo five times already.”

The doctor picked up he notepad and write out a prescription.

De man tun to de doctor and ask, “Will this prescription help me stop passing gas?”

“No,” said the doctor.

“The prescription is to clear your sinuses. Next week I want you back here for a hearing test.”

Talk half and check you smell and hearing regularly.

The GTS project will be a source of dirty energy, which flies in the face of Guyana’s reputation as being champion of the earth. And while the PPP/C is critical of Granger’s GSDS, it still has the temerity to copycat aspects of it by

promising to expand the LCDS to address biodiversity and water management.

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

Wednesday January 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

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Man cuffed to the Motorcycle thieves face after walking granted $150,000 bail into gang of bandits

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Paid Training. Serious Candidates. Email: sally@jwiz.com Bus driver, hire car driver Tel#225-3234, 698-7807 Experienced land dredge workers and cook. serious enquires only Call 639-2219

A screen grab from camera footage showing the man (right) moments before he is attacked.

A man was cuffed to the face on Monday after he walked into a gang of motorbike bandits at the corner of New Market and Thomas Street Georgetown.

The incident reportedly took place in the morning hours in the vicinity of Pro Care Pharmacy.

A video which surfaced on Facebook showed three motorcycles pulling up to the corner. The pillion riders hopped off and attempted to rob a nurse but the woman dodged and ran away.

The robbers attacked another individual (a woman) and grabbed her purse, while another woman approached the corner and upon seeing the robbery in process turned

back. However, it appeared the man was not aware of what was going on. He approached the corner and turned on Thomas Street, walking into a right hook to the face from one of the bandits.

He was then chucked and braced against the wall of the pharmacy where it appeared as if the bandit snatched a chain from around his neck.

The man managed to free himself from the bandit’s grip and ran backwards as another one tried to chase him, but aborted the mission and escaped together with his accomplices.

An investigation has since been launched into the incident.

Granted Bail: Travis Persaud.

Two men who robbed a teen of his motorcycle back in May last year, were on Monday each granted bail to the tune of $150,000 after they appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Esther Sam. It was alleged that on May 3, 2020, Charles Abrams, 28, of Lot 44 Henrietta Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast and Travis Persaud, 28, of Anna Regina Market Street, robbed Rudranauth Chandrika, 18, of Dry Shore, Essequibo of his motorcycle worth $220,000 at Mashaboo, Essequibo.

The duo pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on bail. The matter was adjourned to February 12.

Granted Bail: Charles Abrams.

Nineteen new cases of COVID -19 recorded - MOH There are 19 new COVID-19 cases, which were recorded yesterday. The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported fourteen new cases in Region Four, three new cases in Region Six while Regions Five and Seven recorded one new case each.

According to the updated dashboard, there are 537 patients in home isolation, 31 patients are in institutional isolation and six patients are in the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit at the Infectious Disease Hospital.

Additionally, a total of 6, 206 persons have recovered and 170 have died from the disease.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Labour Ministry revises the policy on OSH for workers Under the Decent Work Country Programme for Guyana 2017-2021, the Ministry of Labour, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department was able to revise the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health for workers.

This disclosure was made yesterday during a virtual conference the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton had with the American Chambers of Commerce (AMCHAM).

In his presentation, Minister Hamilton made mention that there is a National Policy on OSH which was developed in collaboration with the social partners and technical assistance from the International Labour Organization.

According to Hamilton, “the main task of the policy is not only to eliminate or reduce hazards and the incidence of work-related injuries, fatalities and diseases; but to promote the positive development of factors in the working environment which enhance the social, mental and physical well-being of workers and the society as a whole�.

Back in November, Kaieteur News had reported

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton. that the Ministry was looking at developing the policy that addresses workers health and safety within the mining and construction sector.

In addition, the Minister noted that a National Plan of Action is to be developed to facilitate the implementation of the policy.

Also discussed was the launch of an OSH Campaign, which will promote safe workplaces and reduce accidents in the mining and construction sectors.

This initiative was prompted by a review of the trending activities in the mining and construction sectors and the human losses suffered as a result of unsafe workplace conditions, unsafe acts of persons, unsafe working equipment and unsafe work.

The campaign would be focusing on the safety of all miners and construction workers while at work and their safe return to their families.

Wednesday January 20, 2021

Wednesday January 20, 2021

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

...‘My age won’t stop me’ Kusal Mendis dropped by Sri Lanka, Dimuth Karunaratne ruled out with injury ESPNcricinfo - Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis will not play for Sri Lanka in the second Test against England, after both were released from the squad and its biosecure bubble, along with three other players.

Karunaratne and Mendis have been let go for different reasons. Karunaratne, the regular Test captain, has not sufficiently recovered from a finger fracture suffered on the tour of South Africa, where he sustained a blow during his second-innings hundred at the Wanderers. Mendis, meanwhile, has been ommitted due to poor form he has four consecutive ducks and a 15 in his five

Kusal Mendis ended a run of ducks in Galle but could not make a significant contribution. (SLC) most-recent innings. Roshen Silva is among the batsmen vying to replace him.

Also released from the squad were fast bowlers

Lahiru Kumara and Nuwan Pradeep, as well as reserve wicketkeeper-batsman Minod Bhanuka. With Sri Lanka hoping that Suranga Lakmal

Wednesday January 20, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today, you can expect to be somewhat more enterprising in your relationships.

You may find new friends or enjoy spending quality time with some old ones.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You can interpret today's aspects in several ways, Libra. The planetary configurations correspond to a search for space, whether physical or intellectual.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Recent aspects have allowed you to affirm yourself at work and, in a more general way, cement some aspects of your personality.

Now you will be consolidating things.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) In navigating the seas of your emotional life, Scorpio, you may feel as though you've made a great effort over the past month.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today's planetary aspects herald the beginning of an especially agreeable period.

You will carry confidence, clarity, and positive influence wherever you go.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today's planetary configurations indicate that this would be a good moment to get rid of everything that's still holding you back from an impending rebirth.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) oday's planetary configurations indicate that you can expect a very profitable period coming up, Leo. You've worked hard lately, and it's only natural that you should finally arrive at this stage.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today's aspects ask you to make more of an effort. You will have to come back down to Earth and join the rest of us mere mortals. You may be cultivating your independence a bit too much.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) With today's celestial configuration, your emotional universe will once again glow with positive energy. You will be meeting more people, and your encounters are likely to be more profound.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) For you, Capricorn, the changing planetary configuration portends a period of timidity. You will probably go out less, introduce yourself to fewer new people, and be less prone to show off.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may have spent the past few weeks exploring new horizons, talking to new people, going out more frequently in the evening, when possible.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're likely to enjoy today's change of tone, Pisces. Don't you feel a need to take friendships beyond the superficial level?Perhaps you should reestablish contact with some former friends

will be fit for the second Test, no other frontline seamers may be required - the preferred strategy being to play three spinners and one quick. From the fast-bowling contingent, Asitha Fernando (who played the first Test), Vishwa Fernando, and Dushmantha Chameera remain with the squad.

The second Test against England begins in Galle on Friday. Sri Lanka lost the first match by seven wickets.

...Muneshwers Ltd supports Golden From page 31 partnership and we will continue to do much more of this because we understand the importance of football in society and the role it plays in helping our youths.”

The handover took place at GFF headquarters in Georgetown, with GFF Executive Committee member Dion Inniss receiving the essential items from Coddett and Muneshwers Secretary Priscilia Ramcharran.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the Muneshwers board and senior management – we welcome you with open arms. As Mr. Coddett mentioned in his remarks, this will not be the company’s last gesture, which is already good news,” Inniss said. “The Golden Jaguars are embarking on a very exciting journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Cognizant of the protocols and regulations that we must adhere to, we have reached out to seek assistance from corporate Guyana for sanitising products and equipment, and Muneshwers has been the first to step forward to assist us.”

“The World Cup campaign is an extremely expensive venture, if you want to be serious about it, so we are extremely grateful for this gesture and we look forward to other corporate entities coming forward to assist us,” Inniss said.

From page 31 legendary athletes facing another race, the one against time. The situation will not be an entirely new one for nine-time World champion and two-time Olympic champion Fraser-Pryce. In 2019, at the age of 32, she became the oldest female sprinter to win a 100m world title. In that event, by comparison, silver medalist, Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith was nine years her junior. Showing herself to be very much at the top of her game in 2020, however, despite the havoc the global pandemic

wrought on the international schedule, Fraser-Pryce is clearly in the mood to defy the odds yet again.

“Yes, I’m 33, but if I can come back from having my son and be able to stand on the podium, my age is not going to stop me. I’m still going to work hard. I’m still going to be committed and I’m grateful for the years of experience I’ve had,” FraserPryce told the BBC. “I’m probably older than most of the women in the race but so what? I’m just focusing on getting the job done and being happy.”

...Johnson to lead Guyana From page 28 between which players will be allowed to practice as a group.

The squad reads; Chandrapaul Hemraj, Trevon Griffith, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson, Shimron Hetmyer, Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin

Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, A k s h a y a P e r s aud and Tevin Imlach.

Esuan Crandon is the coach, while the Manager/ Assistant Coach is Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the Physiotherapist is Ernesto Campo Gonzalez.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Kohli, Hardik, Ishant return to India’s 18-member squad for first two England Tests ESPNcricinfo - Hardik Pandya has been included in India’s 18-man squad for the first two Tests of the home series against England, starting next month.

ESPNcricinfo understands the national selectors, who met today, have also handed a call-up to left-arm spinner Axar Patel to strengthen the spin department.

The squad was finalised by the newly assembled Indian selection committee headed by former India fast bowler Chetan Sharma.

Attending the meeting virtually was India captain Virat Kohli, who had returned home in December from the Australia tour to attend the birth of his first child. Also present at the meeting, which took place hours after India’s epic triumph in the Gabba Test, were the four other selectors: Sunil Joshi, Abey Kuruvilla, Debashish Mohanty and Harvinder Singh, who is in Brisbane.

Apart from Kohli, also making a return was Ishant Sharma.He was forced to miss the Test series in Australia as the selectors wanted him to regain complete match fitness despite him recovering completely by midNovember from the injury he picked up during the IPL. Ishant, who is three matches away from becoming only the second India fast bowler after Kapil Dev to play in 100 Tests, proved his match fitness while turning up for Delhi during the group stage of ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Along with Ishant, the Indian fast bowling attack will comprise Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Both Siraj and Thakur were part of India’s historic series win against Australia.

Pandya picked as specialist batsman Pandya - who lost his father last week - has played 11 Tests, the last one being the final match of the 2018 England tour. In 2019 Pandya underwent back surgery, which limited his role to primarily as a batsman. Even in the 2020 IPL, where he played for defending champions Mumbai Indians, Pandya did not bowl. Apart from a stray spell in the second ODI against Australia, Pandya only played as a specialist batsman in the series.

In November, after

Ishant Sharma is three short of 100 Tests. (Getty Images) ending as Player of the Series in the T20 leg of the Australia tour, Pandya, during a media conference, conveyed in jest he would be ready to stay back for the Test series if the selectors would ask him. However, Kohli said Pandya would need to start bowling to make a Test comeback.

However, at Tuesday’s meeting, it is understood Kohli agreed with the selectors that Pandya was good enough to feature as a specialist batsman at the moment with an eye on working his way back as an allrounder by the time India land in England for the fivematch Test series in July.

Patel the allrounder pips Nadeem to take Jadeja’s role The absence of Ravindra Jadeja, who had a finger surgery recently after the Sydney Test, meant the selectors were on a lookout for an able replacement.

With India likely to play three spinners in order to d o m i n a t e J o e R o o t ’s England on spinner-friendly pitches, the selectors wanted a third option in addition to R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav.

Both Shahbaz Nadeem and Patel were the lead contenders based on their experience and success in first-class cricket including at India A. Nadeem, who has played a solitary Test, against South Africa in 2019, has 443 first-class wickets, 83 of which have come for India A at an average of under 30.

It is understood the selectors preferred Patel, who has played white-ball cricket for India, due to his lower-order batting prowess with which he had made an impact in the white-ball segment.

Even in first-class cricket, Patel, who plays for Gujarat (the last two Tests are scheduled in Ahmedabad).has decent numbers as a bowling allrounder: 134 wickets and 1665 runs in 39 first-class

games including a century and 13 half-centuries.

Nadeem, the selectors found, had a weaker bowling form in the last two years in first-class cricket compared to Patel, who played a pivotal role in Gujarat making the Ranji semi-finals in the 2019-20 season.

Rahul to return from second Test Rahul, who has not played in the longer format since 2019 tour of West Indies, sprained his wrist midway into the Test series in Australia. However, he is on the mend and based on his fitness status, the selectors have drafted him for the England series from the second Test.

The selectors are set to meet once again during or immediately after the second Test to pick to update the squad for the final two matches of the series including the day-night Tests, which will be played in newly built ground in Motera.

It is expected the panel will at the time assess the fitness status of the fast bowling pair of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav along with Jadeja, who all picked different injures in Australia. While Shami had an elbow fracture, Yadav pulled his calf and Jadeja had a dislocated finger.

Natarajan rested T Natarajan, who has had a fairy tale few months since the 2020 IPL, followed by successful debut for India in all three formats on the Australian tour, has been rested by the selectors.

The idea being Natarajan, who travelled to Australia directly from the IPL and also missed the birth of his daughter, would be ready for the white-ball segment of the homes series against England, which comprises of five T20Is and three ODIs. Nadeem among standbys The selectors have also named four standbys, who

will be inducted into the squad in case anyone from the main squad needed to be replaced. These standbys, essentially back-ups, will not be travelling with the India squad, but will be pulled out of the second domestic tournament, which the BCCI will announce shortly, if there is a requirement.

Among the standbys, all of whom have featured in India A, are India and Jharkhand left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, Andhra wicket-keeper KS Bharat, Bengal opening batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran, Gujarat batsman Priyank Panchal and Rajasthan legspinner Rahul Chahar.

Also part of the enhanced squad, which has become a norm due to the pandemic, will be five net bowlers comprising: the fast bowling trio of Ankit Rajpoot (Uttar Pradesh), Avesh Khan (Madhya Pradesh) and Sandeep Warrier (Kerala).

There are also two spinners among the net bowlers: Karnataka spin-bowling allrounder K Gowtham and Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar.

Main squad: Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal Middle-order: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul (subject to fitness after first Test) Fast bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur Spinners: R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel Standbyes: KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar, Priyank Panchal Net bowlers: Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, S a n d e e p Wa r r i e r , K Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar

Wednesday January 20, 2021

JFF slashes massive debt but financial challenges loom with coming World Cup qualifiers SportsMax - The Jamaica Football Federation has managed to slash a sizeable portion of its JMD$300m debt as of the end of 2020, President Michael Ricketts announced at the federation’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

According to the beleaguered president, the JFF has managed to slash its debt to JMD$238 million. “ We h a v e w o r k e d diligently to cut costs wherever we can even with limited sponsorship,” he said. “This year will be particularly challenging as we have the World Cup qualifiers to fund.”

Ricketts pointed to some of the positives that have taken place recently under his watch and explained why the country’s football is headed in the right direction, even in the face of a pandemic. He was particularly happy that the wheels are in motion to get local players on the field of play.

“We are very happy that just Wednesday of this week the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Sports announced that arising out of discussions with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Technical teams from both ministries will begin a series of meetings with the sporting associations regarding the resumption of some of their activities,” Ricketts said.

“I, therefore, use the opportunity to advise you that as per this communication, all requests for training and competitions or events must be submitted to the Ministry of Sports.

He reiterated that clubs, affiliates and event organisers must submit any request through the JFF. “The JFF has been very deliberate in working positively with the ministries and meeting the requirements to ensure that football returns as soon as it is possible to do so,” he said. ”We intend in these discussions to not only discuss the Premier League but all competitions at the parish level including youth and women’s football.”

The football president

Michael Ricketts JFF President. was happy with the progress made by the Premier League Interim Committee (PLJIC), a body which he commissioned at the start of 2020.

“We asked the President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Mr Christopher Samuda to chair this committee and we invited members of the Premier L e a g u e c l u b s ; representatives of the JFF board and some independent persons to sit on this committee. The mandate was to review the existing commercial, operational and governance structures, policies and arrangements of the National Premier League (NPL) and recommend proposals for the improvement of these structures, policies and arrangements and prepare a three-year business plan covering 2020/21 through 2022/23 seasons.”

This body represents the single most fundamental game-changer in the sports and we are already seeing the outcomes.

He pointed to the formation of the new entity called Professional Football Jamaica Limited which was formed to initially drive the commercialization of the league and overtime all professional competitions.

Over $100 million dollars in sponsorships and partnerships have been garnered over the last three months.

Ricketts pointed out that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the PFJL and the JFF which outlines the relationships between the two bodies and clearly states the responsibility between both. Under the MOU, the JFF retains responsibility for operations and regulations of the league.

Wednesday January 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

Lionel Messi banned for two Carrie Russell says preparation, matches after historic Barca red self-confidence behind Sunday bobsleigh success

A

FP - Lionel Messi was banned for two m a t c h e s yesterday following his first ever sending off for Barcelona.

The Argentine forward was shown a red card at the end of Sunday’s 3-2 extratime defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final after lashing out at Asier Villalibre.

Messi had twice been sent off playing for Argentina, including at the 2019 Copa America, but never in 16 years and 753 matches with Barcelona’s first team. The six time Ballon d’Or winner’s ban was announced by the Spanish Football Federation with Barca later revealing their intention to appeal the sanction on their star player.

Messi shook off a thigh problem to start in Seville and was required to play all 120 minutes as Barca attempted to take the game to penalties.

Instead, the 33-year-old lost his temper at the end of a

Carrie Russell won in the Women’s Monobob Bobsleigh World Series event in Utah Sunday.

Rare Messi red earns Argentine star two-match ban.

S

combative contest, reacting to a late challenge from Villalibre by swiping his hands across the back of his opponent.

Messi was red-carded 15 years ago for Barca but it was with the reserves in a third

division match, according to Spanish statistician Alexis Martin-Tamayo.

Messi would miss games against third-tier Cornella away in the Copa del Rey tomorrow and Elche on Sunday in La Liga.

‘You have to have belief’ - WI skipper Mohammed says team inspired

by India shock win over Australia SportsMax - West Indies captain for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, Jason Mohammed, says the team will draw inspiration from India’s surprise triumph over Australia, at the muchvaunted Gabba fortress, on Monday.

The relatively inexperienced India team ended a 32-year unbeaten run for the Aussies on the

Jason Mohammed

back of a stellar innings from Rishabh Pant. The team’s performance broke Australian hearts, and records as well, with the mammoth target of 328 runs representing the highest ever successful runs chase at the venue. It was achieved with 3 wickets remaining.

Heading into the series as huge underdogs, the team owed a large part of the victory to resilience, Shubman Gill’s crucial 91

and the dogged determination of Cheteshwar Pujara who faced 211 deliveries and 10 body blows to defend the Border-Gavaskar trophy on a dramatic final day.

For, Mohammed, who will lead a hastily assembled and likewise inexperienced squad against Bangladesh, starting on Wednesday, there is plenty about the India performance to draw encouragement from.

“It’s obviously something we will look to.

It depends on the day and how you play,” Mohammed told members of the media via a press conference call on Tuesday.

“A lot of the guys will be making their debut, but once you have that belief and belief within the team that you can do well and that you can win games then these things are achievable and it showed in the India versus Australia series,” he added.

“We have the same mindset.

We are just looking to play some good cricket starting tomorrow and hopefully, the results will be on our side as well.”

portsMax - A plan in the offseason to get stronger and faster and a healthy dose of self-belief are the foundation to Jamaican Carrie Russell’s w i n i n t h e Wo m e n ’s Monobob Bobsleigh World Series event in Park City, Utah on Sunday.

Russell, 30, a 100m gold medalist at the World University Games in 2011 and 2013 World Championship 4x100m relay champion, produced a combined time of 1:49.08 to defeat American Nicole Vogt (1:49.27) and Brazil’s Marina Silva (1:49.83), who took silver and bronze, respectively.

She said a lot of hard work went into making her season debut a success.

“Well, I created a plan which involved doing some track training at the MVP track club with Coach Stephen Francis and my push coach Wayne Thomas, to

ensure my speed and strength are up, and its working,” Russell told Sportsmax.TV shortly after clearing doping control Sunday night.

On her first run on Saturday, Russell attained a top speed of 120.47km/h over the 1.335m course, which saw her post a time of 5 4 . 9 5 s . H o w e v e r, o n Sunday, she managed to improve her speed to 121.45, which meant an improvement of 0.82s on the time she produced on Saturday.

She explained that it simply came down to using her natural talents to get a better start. On Sunday, she was only 0.03s better than the 5.79s she managed the day before but it translated into a massive difference.

On Saturday she was at the first interval in 21.60s.

On Sunday, she was 0.11 quicker at 21.49 and let to the massive improvement in

time over the course.

“Well, it’s reviewing the videos and seeing the progress,” she explained.

“And then I got more comfortable trying new stuff. Audra Segree (compatriot bobsledder) and I sat and talked with Coach Wayne about the start.

He explained that in order to be ahead and have room to make mistakes you have to get ahead from the beginning which means I need to start fast.

“I understood, so I told myself that I have to run deeper and I know the faster the sleigh is the easier it is to drive.

So, I told myself that I am the fastest out there, stronger, and that’s what matters. It’s all in God’s hands after that.”

Russell has three twowoman races coming up from January 21-23 but she is still unsure who will be racing with her.

Diego Armando Maradona Cup: Boca Juniors win inaugural tournament

B

BC Sport - Boca Juniors have won the inaugural Diego Armando Maradona Cup by beating Banfield 5-3 on penalties.

Maradona died in November and Argentina renamed its League Cup in honour of the great, who was

a former Boca player.

Boca led through Edwin C a r m o n a ’s s t r i k e b u t Luciano Lollo equalised in stoppage time for Banfield, moments after Boca had Emmanuel Mas sent off.

Boca converted all five of their penalty kicks with Jorge Rodriguez missing the

decisive kick for Banfield.

“This cup is a tribute to Diego, and he’ll surely be accompanying our celebrations,” said Boca’s Ramon Abila.

The win came after Boca were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores by Santos in midweek.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Wednesday January 20, 2021

NBA roundup: Another big night for new Net James Harden

J

ames Harden collected 34 points and 12 assists, Kevin Durant added 30 points, including the goahead 3-pointer with 36.8 s econds left, and the Brooklyn Nets outlasted the Milwaukee Bucks for a 125123 victory Monday night in New York.

Harden became the first Net to score at least 30 points in each of his first two games with the team. He also grabbed a key rebound with 38 seconds left when he missed a 3-pointer and got the offensive board.

He quickly found Durant, who calmly knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give Brooklyn the lead for good at 125-123.

Durant surpassed 30 points for the fourth time in five games since returning from missing three games due to health and safety protocols. His trey helped Brooklyn win its fourth straight and end an eightgame home losing streak to Milwaukee.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points for Milwaukee, which saw a four-game winning streak stopped. He also grabbed 12 rebounds while shooting 13 of 26 from the floor. Khris Middleton added 25 and Jrue Holiday contributed 22 as

Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Milwaukee Bucks point guard Jrue Holiday (21) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) Milwaukee shot 43.8 percent and misfired on 26 of 37 3point tries.

Golden State Warriors 115 - Los Angeles Lakers 113 Stephen Curry bombed in Golden State’s final points on a 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining and the Warriors forced LeBron James into an errant 3-pointer at the horn, completing a shocking victory over Los Angeles.

Curry finished with 26 points, the last three giving Golden State a 115-110 lead.

Oubre had 23 points, Eric Paschall 19 and Andrew Wiggins 18 to back Curry for the Warriors.

Draymond Green complemented seven points with team highs in rebounds (eight) and assists (nine) for the Warriors, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

Dennis Schroder had 25

points to pace the Lakers, who are 7-0 on the road this season but just 4-4 at home.

James finished with 19 points, Anthony Davis and Montrezl Harrell 17 apiece and Kyle Kuzma 15 for the Lakers. Davis also grabbed 17 rebounds.

New York Knicks 91 Orlando Magic 84 Julius Randle hit the tiebreaking layup with 56.8

seconds left as host New York posted a rare back-toback sweep by beating Orlando.

Randle (21 points, 17 rebounds) and RJ Barrett (22 points, 10 rebounds) each had double-doubles for the second straight game.

Reggie Bullock scored 13 points, Elfrid Payton added 12 points and Immanuel Quickley added 11 points off the bench.

Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 14 rebounds and Aaron Gordon (18 points, 17 rebounds, nine assists) just missed a triple-double for the Magic, who have lost six straight since Markelle Fultz sustained a season-ending knee injury. Terrence Ross had 19 points off the bench.

Chicago Bulls 125 Houston Rockets 120 Zach LaVine scored a game-high 33 points, Lauri Markkanen added 18 points and five different Bulls swished at least three 3pointers to boost host Chicago to a victory against Houston.

Making his team debut after being acquired from Indiana as part of last week’s blockbuster trade that sent former Houston star James Harden to Brooklyn, Victor Oladipo paced the Rockets with 32 points.

Seven players scored in

double figures for the Bulls as Denzel Valentine (13 points, eight rebounds), Thaddeus Young (12 points, nine rebounds) and Wendell Carter Jr. (10 points, eight rebounds) each flirted with double-doubles.

San Antonio Spurs 125 Portland Trail Blazers 104 Patty Mills and Rudy Gay combined for 42 points and helped San Antonio’s bench dominate in the late third and early fourth quarters as the Spurs swamped host Portland.

LaMarcus Aldridge led San Antonio with 22 points but never saw the court in the final period as Mills and Gay, who scored 21 points each, keyed the rout.

DeMar DeRozan added 20 points and 11 assists for the Spurs, who won their second straight game and third of their past four outings. Damian Lillard scored 35 points and Rodney Hood added 21 for the Trail Blazers.

In other results: Miami Heat 113 - Detroit Pistons 107 Atlanta Hawks 108 Minnesota Timberwolves 97 Memphis Grizzlies 108 Phoenix Suns 104 Toronto Raptors 116 Dallas Mavericks 93 (Field Level Media)

Letter to the Sports Editor

Johnson to lead Guyana in CWI Come clean Mr. Sports Minister Regional Super 50 Leon Johnson will lead Guyana Jaguars in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional CG Insurance Super 50 tournament which is set to be played next month in Antigua and Barbuda.

Six teams will contest the 47th edition of the tournament– Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, the Leeward Islands, Trinidad a n d To b a g o , a n d t h e Windward Islands.

West Indies’ batsman Shimron Hetymer will serve as Johnson’s deputy. The Guyana Jaguars is scheduled to depart Guyana on January 30 for Antigua, where they will continue to engage in the prescribed COVID 19 safety measures leading up to their first match on February 8.

All-rounder Keemo Paul will sit out of the tournament in order to facilitate adequate recovery from an injury, whereas, Sherfane

Leon Johnson cuts during a Regional Super50 game.

Rutherford who was considered for selection, has opted to play T/10 and T/20 cricket in Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively, which collectively coincide with his time demands to play for the Guyana Jaguars during the Regional Super 50.

In keeping with the COVID-19 Protocols, members of the Guyana Jaguars will undergo a series of tests prior to their

departure and arrival in Antigua. On January 23, the team will undergo the first of two tests after which they will be required to isolate before their second test on January 27.

Upon Arrival in Antigua, a two-day room isolation is required after which they will undergo the third test on February 2 with the fourth test schedule for February 6, (Continued on page 25)

Dear Sports Editor, After the dust settles, we usually must get down to the real reason for the issues surrounding the usage of the providence stadium for football on a rainy day and how this affects the future of cricket and other sports discipline on the green outfield.

The public was made aware of this tournament only about one week before it was actually held, so we assume that while background planning may have happened, it was not planned long in advance.

A few days before the tournament it was observed that some sponsors came on board.

This writer would like the minister to make public how much money his ministry spent on this football tournament outside of providing the stadium free of cost and paying for television production broadcast and live streaming. It was reported

about in John Public that the minister paid all expenses.

Kudos to the GFF and Kashif and Shanghai organization for pulling this off; we need more of it. Just find a solution on your venue as I would never agree to play football on a cricket pitch-it is wrong.

I hold no brief for the Guyana Cricket Board but they have a right to make their positions known.

Banning them from the Stadium is childish and illegal, maybe they should add another lawsuit to their challenge to the Cricket Administration Act; they have my support this time.

It would be an understatement to say that this issue is a live one but if Minister Ramson wants to hold the moral high ground, he should make public how much he spent on the football tournament and at the same time, tell us how much he intends to spend on other sport disciplines making similar requests.

Is it because this minister set out to prove that those before him were wrong and he will change that? Was he advised not to do it?

Attacking the cricket board does not answer the core issues. The previous government built athletic tracks in Leonora, Linden and New Amsterdam, they all have football pitches at the middle. In fact, in Linden, the only cricket ground (Bayroc) was converted to a football field.

While we are at it, the minister can also tell us how much revenue the cricket matches have earned for the government coffers as opposed to other sports. My understanding is that cricket contributed 90% of all earnings for the Guyana National Stadium from 2007 to date.

WHY should cricket pay fantastic amounts to use the stadium??

Over to you, Minister.

Concerned citizen, Rafzia Shaheed.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 20, 2021

PAGE 29

‘Miracle’ at the Gabba as record-breaking India stun Australia

Shubman Gill went after the short ball at every opportunity © Getty Images

A

FP - India pulled off a record runchase in a thrilling final session to hand Australia their first defeat at Brisbane’s Gabba ground since 1988 and clinch the f o u r - Te s t s e r i e s 2 - 1 yesterday.

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant starred with a swashbuckling 89 not out as the injury-depleted visitors overhauled the 328-run target with three overs to go, winning by three wickets.

Australia had not been beaten at the Gabba since

falling to Viv Richards’ allconquering West Indies side by nine wickets in November 1988.

India’s 329 for seven also smashed the 69-year-old record for the biggest runchase at the ground, set by Australia who scored 236 for seven to beat the West Indies in 1951.

The Border-Gavaskar series win was a stunning turnaround after India were bowled out for their lowest Test score of 36 to lose the first Test in Adelaide, before bouncing back to win the

India team members celebrate after their dramatic triumph over Australia. second in Melbourne.

The visitors, ravaged by injuries and captain Virat Kohli’s absence for paternity leave, then bravely batted throughout the final day to draw the third Test in Sydney.

Australian media called the win a “miracle”, while former England captain Michael Vaughan said it was “one of the greatest if not the greatest Test victory of all time”.

“It really means a lot to us. I don’t know how to describe this victory but I’m really proud of all the boys,” said India’s interim skipper Ajinkya Rahane.

“They showed character, attitude, especially after the Adelaide Test match. We decided we’re going to fight really hard... and we just wanted to give our best.”

Man-of-the-match Pant,

GABF to commence training for FIBA WC pre-qualifiers this weekend

By Calvin Chapman The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) is set to begin their historic journey towards qualifying for their first ever appearance at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup (WC) this weekend when 27 shortlisted players will commence training at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue.

Guyana will contest in the FIBA men’s WC prequalifiers that are slated to bounce off in El Salvador from April 7-11 after being rescheduled from its initial February 17-21 date. This became a reality after the senior national men’s side captured the John Yates Trophy in 2018 for winning t h e C a r i b b e a n m e n ’s basketball championship and with play being suspended in 2020 where

they would’ve had to defend their title, the team remains number 1.

In an invited comment to Kaieteur Sport, head coach of national men’s team; Junior Hercules, shared that due to the fact that there has been a prolonged period of inactivity by GABF and its associations due to several reasons including the pandemic, he has sought out the help of local club coaches in putting forward their best player to be part of the training squad.

This publication was informed that all of the players will not train at the same time and small groups will be alternated for safety.

Head of the GABF, Michael Singh, explained that he has received blessings from the Sport Ministry and he is optimistic that an official approval from the National Covid-19 task force will come shortly.

The shortlisted players

include: 1. Harold Adams 2. Travis Belgrave 3. Travis Burnett 4. Akeem Crandon 5. Orlan Glasgow 6. Delroy James 7. Anthony Moe 8. S t a n t o n R o s e (Capt.)

9. Nikkoloi Smith 10. Gordon James 11. T i m o t h y Thompson 12. Ray Victor 13. Shaine Webster 14. Tyron Welch 15. Kevon Wiggins 16. Jamal Gilkes 17. Israel Yaw 18. Shelroy Thomas 19. Richard Semple 20. D o m i n i q u e Vincente 21. Jason Ramrattan 22. Nathan Saul 23. Shamar France 24. Ryan Short 25. Emanuel Atherly 26. Linden Adams 27. Jonathan Browne

who played a similarly explosive innings in the drawn Sydney Test, blasted his 89 from 138 balls with nine fours and a six.

His innings followed an equally impressive knock from 21-year-old Shubman Gill, who made 91 at the top of the order earlier in the day.

- ‘Completely outplayed’ Cheteshwar Pujara’s 56 was also vital, the gritty number three hit 10 times by Australia’s quicks, taking blows to the fingers, arm, ribs and head as he was subjected to a searching examination by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

Cummins with 4-55 was easily the pick of the Australian attack, but the rest of the bowlers looked fatigued after bowling all day in Sydney just eight days ago.

“I’m absolutely disappointed, no doubt about that,” said Australia captain Tim Paine.

“It’s probably a little bit of a trend the whole series –I think in the key moments we were found wanting and completely outplayed by a really disciplined, really tough Indian side who fully deserved the series win.”

D e s p i t e A u s t r a l i a ’s fearsome record at the Gabba, the Indian batsmen showed no fear and never looked interested in playing for a draw, even after losing the wickets of Pujara and Mayank Agarwal after tea.

Pant took advantage of any loose ball, but also played some outrageous strokes, showing the influence of T20 cricket.

- High injury toll India started the day on four for none after bowling Australia out for 294 late on the fourth day.

Australia raised hopes of a series-clinching Rohit Sharma edged Cummins to wicketkeeper Paine, who took a fine diving catch.

But as India have shown since their capitulation in

Adelaide, they are never out of the contest.

Their effort in the fourth Test is even more admirable considering the high injury toll on tour.

Their bowling attack was led by Mohammad Siraj, who debuted in Melbourne, supported by Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur, T. Natarajan and Washington Sundar, who had two Tests between them.

After just one wicket in the first session, Australia could only manage two after lunch, with Gill falling for his superb 91 and skipper Rahane a quickfire 24.

Gill was magnificent on a fifth-day wicket, smashing the Australian bowlers to all corners.

He hit eight fours and

two towering sixes in his 146-ball innings before he became Nathan Lyon’s 398th Test victim, edging an arm ball to first slip where Steve Smith took a sharp catch.

With Pujara putting down the anchor at one end, Rahane raced to 24 from just 22 balls before he edged Cummins to Paine to leave India 167 for three.

India looked in control through the final session and despite losing three wickets in the last hour, they got home with three overs to spare when Pant hit the winning four off Hazlewood.

Scores: India 329 for 7 (Gill 91, Pant 89*, Pujara 56, Cummins 4-55) and 336 beat Australia 369 and 294 by three wickets.

Pat Cummins was the Player of the Series, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Brisbane, 5th day, January 19, 2021 © Getty Images

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Wednesday January 20, 2021

Players warm up to strict quarantine at Australian Open

M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said most players supported being locked down in hard quarantine with the local government reporting three new cases of COVID-19 linked to participants of the Grand Slam yesterday.

Victoria health officials said two previous cases have been classified as prior infections taking the total positive cases associated with the tournament to seven.

“The new positive cases linked to the Australian Open involve two players and one non-playing participant,” said a statement from the health department.

Tiley said athletes who tested positive were not considered contagious and

Tennis balls are pictured in front of the Australian Open logo before the tennis tournament.

(REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo)

were still at their regular accommodation.

More than 70 players and their entourage are confined to their hotel rooms for 14 days and unable to train for the Feb. 8-21 Australian

Tyrone Theophile back home in Dominica after emergency surgery in Martinique Tyrone Theophile

Open after passengers on three charter flights returned positive tests for the novel coronavirus.

The two cases reclassified would, however, not change the status of the players yet and they will continue to serve the rest of their strict isolation.

Some players have complained about the conditions, and men’s world number one Novak Djokovic suggested governing body Tennis Australia to ease quarantine restrictions, drawing a backlash from Australians.

Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said no changes would be made and the measures were essential to contain the virus.

Detailing the quarantine measures on a media

conference call, Tiley said one of the seven infected people associated with the Grand Slam was a flight attendant.

“For the 1,270 (that arrived), having six positives is a low percentage so that’s a percentage to manage,” Tiley said, refuting some players’ claims that they were not made aware of the protocols before travelling to Australia.

Tiley said he had a call with 500 players to address concerns and the “vast majority” had been supportive of Australia’s strict protocols.

“The vast majority, most of them have been fantastic and been supportive,” Tiley earlier told the Nine Network, adding that the negative reactions came

FIFA Club World Cup

S

portsMax Dominican cricketer Tyrone Theophile is reportedly back home in Dominica following recent emergency surgery in Martinique.

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper suffered a fractured skull in an accident that occurred in Roseau on December 25, 2020.

He was flown into Dominica yesterday via air ambulance and is in quarantine at the Princess Margaret Hospital where he continues his recovery, according to media reports.

According to his girlfriend Sherma

Dyrample, Theophile is glad to be back home.

“He is in high spirits and looking forward to having a 100 per cent recovery,” she said. “He is indeed thankful to God and the Government of Dominica and the general public who supported him through this.”

Theophile made his debut for the Windward Islands against Jamaica in Spanish Town in January 2010. Incidentally, his last first-class match before his horrific accident was also against Jamaica at St George’s in January 2019.

In his 68 first-class matches he scored 3055 runs at an average of 25.88. He has a top score of 160.

from “initial shock” due to the strict measures. “(They) know that this is the contribution that they have to make in order to get the privilege of when they do come out to compete for A$80 million ($61.46 million) in prize money.

“So we will turn the corner on those few that don’t have the right approach to this. But the rest have been really good.”

TOKYO BOOST Tiley hoped a successful Australian Open can provide a boost for organisers of the Tokyo Olympics later in 2021.

“I hope it gives the Olympic Games confidence that it can be done,” he said about the quadrennial multisport event, which was postponed in 2020 to this year.

“I think we can provide a lot of intelligence; if we pull this off I’m a lot more confident that the Olympic Games will be able to happen too.”

Ti l e y, h o w e v e r, conceded that the 72 players in hard quarantine were at a disadvantage to rivals who arrived on other flights and can train up to five hours a day.

“Yes, it’s not an even playing field as far as preparation goes but we’re going to play our part to try to even it up as much as possible,” he said.

Tiley ruled out

shortening the Australian Open or any change of schedule or format but said organisers were considering pushing back the warmup events by a few days.

Players are scheduled to play leadup events at Melbourne Park from Jan. 31 at the conclusion of their isolation.

TA found support from former world number one Victoria Azarenka, who urged her fellow players to “accept and adapt” to the health regulations in Melbourne and show empathy towards the local community.

Former French Open champion Albert Costa said it was not easy for the players to be stuck in their rooms ahead of a major but they have no option but to stay strong and get through it.

“I think that at least the Australian Open are making the effort to give the opportunity to the players to compete,” Spaniard Costa, who is the tournament director for the Davis Cup Finals, told Reuters.

C o s t a ’s c o m p a t r i o t Roberto Bautista Agut, however, described the situation as being in a “jail but with wifi” only to apologise later.

“I thank all the people who are making playing tennis again possible,” Bautista Agut, ranked 13th in the world, said in an Instagram post.

Club World Cup Draw © Getty Images

Draw lays out path to FIFA Club World Cup glory

Y

esterday’s official draw at the Home of FIFA in Zurich mapped out the road to global glory for the six clubs competing at the FIFA Club World Cup

Qatar 2020.

Tigres UANL and Ulsan Hyundai FC will face each other in the first game scheduled for 4 February at 17:00 local time (15:00 CET) at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, while Al Duhail SC and Al Ahly SC will face off at 20:30 (18:30 CET) on the same

day at Education City.

The Tigres-Ulsan winners will move on to play the Copa Libertadores champions – Palmeiras and Santos will contest the final on 30 January – in the semi-finals, while Al Duhail or Al Ahly will take on FC Bayern München.

The Qatar 2020 champions will be crowned following the final at Education City Stadium on 11 February, with kick-off at 21:00 (19:00 CET).

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 20, 2021

PAGE 31

GRFU meets Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Charles Ramson The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) yesterday met with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue.

Representatives of the Union and the Minister engaged in fruitful discussions on the way forward for the sport. It is the first meeting between the two since Ramson became the subject Minister back in August, 2020.

The Minister told the delegation of the GRFU, led by its President Ryan Dey, that Rugby has been listed as a “core sport.” He said core sports are his ministry’s priority and will receive financial assistance.

President Dey informed the Minister of the current state of the rugby pitch in the National Park and requested that it be properly fitted to accommodate rugby once again. The ground was earmarked for rehabilitation by the former Director of Sport, but was neglected, after heaps of mud was dumped on the ground in 2016. Minister Ramson promised to conduct a site visit with the aim of reforming the rugby pitch.

He also requested a Memorandum of

Understanding between the GRFU and the National Parks Commission, for use of the ground.

Dey also underscored the intention of the GRFU to decentralize Rugby from Georgetown, stating that plans are in the pipeline to establish rugby clubs in Linden and Berbice.

Minister Ramson reminded of the construction of the multi-purpose complex in Linden, saying it “may be of use” to the GRFU. Ramson insisted that there be a nursery in every sport association/union in the country. The GRFU president noted that there is a current system of youth training in rugby, but revealed that funding hinders exponential expansion.

He assured the union that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport intends to forge a partnership to elevate Rugby in Guyana. To this end, he urged for there to be a “National Tournament” to showcase the sport.

The GRFU team included, President, Ryan Dey; Senior Vice President, Joshua Griffith; Secretary, Terrence Grant; Sevens Coach, Theodore Henry and Female Coach, Kenneth Grant-Stuart.

‘My age won’t stop me’

- Fraser-Pryce targets familiar spot atop medal podium for Olympics Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

SportsMax - Jamaica track and field star, ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce, does not anticipate that age will be a barrier to achieving success when the 2021 Olympics finally rolls around.

At 34, Fraser-Pryce will be one of the oldest women lined up to face the starter’s gun, should the event eventually be staged in

Tokyo later this year. The 32nd Olympiad was initially slated to be staged last summer but was postponed due to the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The postponement of the quadrennial event has meant another year of training and preparation for some (Continued on page 25)

GRFU officials take time out for a photo with Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr. (3rd left) after their meeting.

Muneshwers Ltd supports Golden Jaguars’ World Cup journey with health products Muneshwers Limited yesterday donated a range of health and sanitation products to the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team as players and staff begin preparations for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.

Following approval from the National COVID-19 Task Force, the Golden Jaguars commenced training this month at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence with strict hygiene and health protocols in place, including COVID19 tests, mask wearing and the regular sanitisation of equipment.

To support the team, Muneshwers has provided high-quality masks, hand sanitiser, soap and paper towels to ensure that players and staff can remain as safe as possible while in training.

“On behalf of the management of Muneshwers Limited, we are very pleased

From Right: GFF Exco Member Dion Inniss, Muneshwers Ltd Secretary Ms Priscilia Ramcharran and Mr Richard Coddett, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Manager. to partner with the Guyana Football Federation and to donate these items that we hope will go a very long way in

assisting the organisation,” said Richard Coddett, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Manager at Muneshwers.

“Muneshwers, as part of its corporate social responsibility, is very pleased to be part of this (Continued on page 25)

rt Spo

Rishabh Pant is all smiles after guiding India home © Getty Images

‘Miracle’ at the Gabba as record-breaking India stun Australia National men to begin training for FIBA WC pre-qualifiers this weekend.

Johnson to lead Guyana in CWI Regional Super 50 Leon Johnson (flickr.com)

GABF to commence training for FIBA WC pre-qualifiers this weekend Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.