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AIETEUR NEWS
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Despite March being Monday Edition deadliest month for COVID-19… March 29, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 13
Public behaviour has not changed
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Where did Jagdeo get his figures without a feasibility study? US$800M Gas-to-shore project …
…Guyanese must be concerned
- ANUG Executive
“Dangerous” COVID-19 Newcomers Samuel CARICOM ignores Kevin Singh Guyana Opposition wave still surging Medas, win coveted through Americas Soca & Chutney over electoral - PAHO Director Monarch titles disgust - Ramkarran
6 years after oil discovery, Govt. now scrambling to boost GRA’s capacity Cop in Man stabbed American Professor GDF ranks to death with urges Guyana beaten, stabbed custody scissors during to consider by civilians at after killing argument Gas Master Plan Linden party pedestrian
15 years later…
Guyana still without
robust procurement rules - Says practices continue to receive lowest scores
- IDB Report
-
Watch out Guyana, another Ponzi Scheme on its way @11am on Kaieteur Radio! 99.1 and 99.5
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL (624-6456) Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Phagwah - so much involved Yesterday, right on the heels of Palm Sunday, and in the next breath, we grasp at the essences of Phagwah, of this festival called Holi which was celebrated by over a billion Hindus. Holi has a smooth sound and fit, a perfect segue, since the Christian world also observes Holy Week at this time. Phagwah - it is more than a day, more than the time of a national holiday celebrated joyously in the unprecedented circumstances of rules about gatherings and masks and distancing. Phagwah, at its core and in its sinews, is of a season. Of the goodwill that man can extend to his fellow man through extending one or two (or as many as are required) timely olive branches. Phagwah, amidst its rollicking local nature, is of the peace that comes to individuals, who are prepared and willing to forgive and forget, to forget by forgiving. We could use a bucket full of that healing liquid in this society, many such buckets filled to the point of overflowing their brims. Phagwah also signifies that we are trying harder, despite our own pains and weaknesses, to harvest from within that which is of the good that is within each and every one of us, in ongoing efforts to banish the dark evils that also reside in us. It is not what grows overnight, or out of the thin air. We have to work at this as a place that is proud to be about of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ because we are honest about it, and so much as to mean it. That is one of the natural elements that Phagwah represents and which we must labour at in the fields that are our hearts and souls. The potential for that kind of pristine fertility is there in all 750,000 of us and counting. We just have to work harder at cultivating and tapping into that fertility, so that we can reap the rich harvest of brotherhood and fellowship that can give to Guyana what is its due; so that we can give to ourselves first, and then our children next, and with our neighbours right next in line. Our neighbours should not be fenced off by the limitations of our politics, the blights of our history, the agonies of our memory. We must toil in the social fields of this land to remove those weeds from amidst the crop that promises to come. This is what Phagwah is about, and it is not limited to Hindus or Guyanese. We have all of that within us, and much of it, for such is the rich uncultivated spaces that we have allowed to lay untouched, to lie wasted with the time always passing us by. On this occasion of Phagwah, we must resolve to be less about the evils that threaten, even as we remain on the lookout for them. We must be resolved to make it our duty to harness our energies and get down to tilling the soil that is of our souls so that we can reap the rewards. It can be harvest time for Guyana and Guyanese. It just must be, since we have the minerals in abundance in the land, we have them in the same lush quantities under the seabed, too. Whenever Phagwah is observed, we must seek to bridge the gaps that stare at us in the face, sometimes with naked hostility. The scorching sun and the battering winds do not deter us, even when great physical exposure is part of the ordeal that must be faced. And so, too, we must not shrink from hostile sun and bruising winds that are too much an elemental presence in the social graces that make us see one way and one way only when we look at one another. Amidst the profusion of colour, it is for us to be colour blind, in the rich variety of the human fruits in our national garden. That one is challenging here in the seeing of and reaching for such in all of its flavours and ripeness that we deny ourselves, when we either wall them off, or prune them in the bud from growing any further. Unless we make a sturdy effort to be otherwise, then we will always be the same, with all the heaviness and emptiness that tells us something is missing. It is one of the reasons, why the scale of our colour blindness must also be unlimited in the willingness of its receiving and accepting: open receptive hearts.
Monday March 29, 2021
Contrary to what Ashton Simon claims, the lowered, how then did it func- to caution him over his puband didn’t lose its way? lic utterances? If one were to ERC did lost its way tion Why up to now hasn’t the conclude that’s a derivative DEAR EDITOR As a Commissioner who would have publicly expressed concerns over what I believe to be ineffectiveness, a lack of consistency and timeliness by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on aspects of its functions in keeping with its mandate, it is with a sense of compulsion I offer this response to a letter from another Commissioner, Ashton Simon, captioned, “ERC functioned and never lost its way”, and which was carried in the Thursday, March 25, 2021, edition of the Stabroek News. Functioning, in my view, can generally be effective or ineffective and with regard to the Commission never losing its way as professed, I believe that public sentiments and my own letter of February 28, 2021, would suggest otherwise. In the past, I did mention publicly that the good work the Commission would have done through messaging for racial healing and numerous interactions with stakeholders across the country, would be overshadowed by what appeared a sense of partisanship by some that constituted a majority specifically regarding events pre and post the March 02, 2020, elections. The Commission’s performance or functioning, has to be viewed from a holistic standpoint. Surely, Commissioner Simon cannot be
oblivious that the Commission was heavily criticized for not meaningfully responding and for its failure to take action within its remit on constitutional transgressions and electoral fraud as declared by the courts during the period following the December 2018 no-confidence motion (NCM) and August 02, 2020. Those events led to a heightening of ethnic tensions and many Guyanese, who beseeched the Commission to act, were left woefully disappointed. The Commission and Commissioner Simon cannot claim to have been unaware of what transpired during the almost eighteen-month period following the NCM since, even internally, myself and a few other Commissioners in the minority, brought those developments to attention and urged actions/interventions within its remit. If the Commission functioned seemingly impeccably as Commissioner Simon seems to be suggesting, then why did a motion become necessary to have the said Commission merely recognize the role of CARICOM and the recount in an effort to have the political impasse resolved? With every passing day then, that impasse exacerbated racial tension. So, if the Commission had to be forced to even acknowledge (which it hasn’t) efforts to help resolve the then situation and for tensions to be
Commission submitted its report having observed the March 02, 2020, elections? With the entire Commission branded as ineffective and a complete failure with regard to a lack of action on constitutional transgression during the extended election period, each Commissioner has a right to publicly clarify and to distance him/herself if so desired in the context of integrity. If the intent is to achieve that through facts, as I did, how is that having “ulterior motives” as articulated by Commissioner Simon regarding Commissioners who wrote to the press? If, by his principle, writing to the press is having “ulterior motives”, then the same can be levelled against him. He mentioned that the current Deputy Speaker was summoned before the Commission to answer for comments made and cooperated. That’s is true, however, the Commissioner failed to state why leaders of the previous government and others involved were not summoned, as advised by the Legal Officer, to denounce statements made during the violence at West Coast Berbice following the heinous killings of the Henry cousins? Why was a vote necessary to decide on something as simple and routine of sending a letter to a current Opposition Member of Parliament
of the seeming partisanship allude to, then it could be a reflection of the Commission not functioning effectively and losing its way. Over time, the fact that every Head of Department within the Commission being of one ethnicity was discussed and, while no affirmative action was officially agreed to bring some balance, it was articulated that efforts should be explored. With such a small organization and, by extension, even smaller departments in some instances, internal advertisements for two specific vacant senior positions, attracted one and two applications respectively. Subsequent recommendations from the Human Resources Sub-Committee would have resulted in persons of the same ethnicity as the other Heads be appointed, thereby continuing the imbalance. With the sole intent of exploring mechanisms to bring ethnic balance to the senior staffing, through a motion and by vote by a majority of one, a decision was taken to advertise vacancies for those two positions externally. Monies were expended and the deadline for submission was January 28, 2021. Applications received showed diverse and very capable candidates. To date, interviews are still to be held despite the (Continued on page 5)
I was dismayed by VP Jagdeo’s gas-to-shore feasibility study comments DEAR EDITOR, I was absolutely dismayed when I read an article entitled “Financial feasibility of gas-to-shore a “no-brainer” – VP Bharrat Jagdeo” in the Kaieteur News. This article can be viewed at the following website: https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/03/21/financial-feasibility-of-gas-to-shore-a-nobrainer-jagdeo/ The newspaper quotes Mr. Jagdeo as having said the following: “The financial aspect is a no-brainer. Any sensible person with a modicum of sense, a tiny brain, even a residual brain, would understand that,” he said. Backing up his statements, Mr. Jagdeo, explained that, “If you are generating
power at $12 or $13 per kilowatt hour with the current price of fossil fuel…if you can supply power at $7 or $8 per kilowatt hour, a mad man would make the decision not to do so and that is what this opportunity offers…to cut the cost of generation by 50% from its current level.” I would like to ask Mr. Jagdeo how he arrived at the figures of $7 or $8 per kilowatt hour or, “to cut the cost of generation by 50% from its current level” as no feasibility study was done? What Is a Feasibility Study? The definition by Investopedia says: “A feasibility study is an analysis that takes all of a project’s relevant factors into account—including economic, technical, legal, and
We can only be better for Phagwah and Palm Sunday when they are lived in the manner that the teachings deliver to us. It is only in the light of our bright incorruptibility, the colour of our simple decency, and the glow of the rich harvest that we put ourselves in a position to harvest what should be ours. But those become closer and more possible when all put in the efforts at nurturing that make the national harvest possible. A healthy, peaceful, and joyful Phagwah to all our readers and all Guyanese; however today is celebrated, by whomever.
scheduling considerations— to ascertain the likelihood of completing the project successfully.” (Feasibility Study Definition – Investopedia: www.investopedia.com › Business › Business Essentials) Mr. Jagdeo has a Masters’ degree in Economics and is a very intelligent person, thus I am confused when he says there is no need for such a study. He is supposed to know and understand the vitally important reasons for conducting this type of research, especially for a project as massive and expensive as this Gas-to-Shore project. What is the importance of a feasibility study? “The importance of a feasibility study is based on organizational desire to “get it right” before committing resources, time, or budget. A feasibility study might uncover new ideas that could completely change a project’s scope. It’s best to make these determinations in advance, rather than to jump in and to learn that the project won’t work. Conducting a feasibil-
ity study is always beneficial to the project as it gives you and other stakeholders a clear picture of the proposed project.” https:// www.simplilearn.com/feasibility-study-article.The former Energy Minister of Trinidad and Tobago (TT), Kevin Ramnarine is quoted as saying, “that a rough estimate would be US$600M to US$800M for the project.” OilNOW (March 19, 2021).The gas pipeline will bring major economic, environmental and social benefits to Guyana according to Ramnarine For a project that is expected to cost Guyana between US$600M to US$800M, our Vice President and “Minister of Oil and Gas” are saying that no feasibility study is needed? This cannot be the correct manner in which our Government is expected to operate and we Guyanese should be very concerned about not having a feasibility study done for this Gas-toShore pipeline. Yours truly, Jonathan Yearwood
Monday March 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
PPP/C’s management of Covid-19 is commendable DEAR EDITOR, I quote from the BBC: “Covid-19 has shaken the world, with more than 2.5 million deaths and 115 million cases confirmed.” As can be noticed, the effect of Covid-19 is massive and global. In this regard, Guyana has done very well in stymieing any colossal spread of Covid-19, and my attempt here is to proffer a reason for this commendable management of Covid-19 over all, that is in the areas of the healthcare workers, victims and procurement/distribution of vaccines. Many studies are ongoing and many conclusions/suggestions are emanating. However, one dominant theme is the “Role of Leadership” in containing and responding to Covid-19. It is here where Guyana has excelled and is excelling under the leadership of Dr. Irfaan Ali and his PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic) Government. One major characteristic of this leadership is the consistent and prompt public dispensing of relevant information (apart from contingency operations involving financing, quarantining and offering of relief food measures). In this vein, I make reference to the timely announcement from President Ali that “Early in the new week, the vaccination programme will be expanded to all persons 40 years and older”. This of course follows on the heels of the ‘60 years and older’ vaccination campaign, which targeted Guyana’s most vulnerable age group. I hope that this kind of organized approach will not be taken for granted. I note that the president detailed that his “… aggres-
sive expansion of the (Covid19) programme…” results from the fact that the government has procured some 200,000 doses of vaccines, and currently is pursuing another 200,000 doses, “so as to be able to achieve herd immunity.” Herd immunity of course is not the panacea, but when a community or a large part of the population of any area is immune to a specific disease, it helps like ‘big time.’ The overall effect of this approach is that when enough people are resistant to the cause of a disease, such as a virus or bacteria, and in this case, Covid-19, then it has nowhere to go, even though not every single individual may be immune. Added to this is that the President, I am sure after serious and professional consultation, informed the nation that “… a number of private sector agencies have been engaged to assist with the effort.” Readers need to realise that the Covid-19 pandemic is a global threat and this entails that all be on board, especially those with even a bit of Medicare resource and expertise. I feel that this corporate approach will create a more acute awareness of the threat and repercussions of the disease. And proof that this is not some kind of ad hoc-knee jerk reaction from the PPP/C, I recall Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley gratefully saying how her “Government received 5, 000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Guyana…” and that she is expecting some 33 600 through the COVAX Facility soon. This expectation is most forthcoming (for Barbados
and Guyana) as “Guyana is (now well) set to receive its 33,600 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the COVAX facility on Monday March 29th, thereby boosting the plans to begin vaccinating persons over 40 from Wednesday March 31. Initially there were justified concerns about receiving the vaccines, as a period of silence was noted from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) COVAX facility on how much of the badly needed vaccines would be supplied to Guyana. Vigorous work then was enacted from the authorities here, and the PAHO/WHO website stated that indeed “… 33,600 doses of the AstraZeneca jab are in transit to Guyana and the shipment is expected on Monday.” On a cordial note, I remind Guyanese that Mottley promised that the vaccines given to her country would be returned when necessary. Again, I commend the PPP/C Government; they have precluded selfishness and ostracisation. Ms. Mia Mottley was one of the champions who fought for Guyana’s salvaging of democracy. On our part here as citizens, I hope we contribute to the fight to stave off the spread of the disease. We need to be Covid-19 conscious and adhere to the guidelines of using masks and observing strict hygiene and sanitation practices. Yours truly, Attiya Baksh
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Cheddi Jagan was a prosaic leader DEAR EDITOR, Clement Rohee’s depiction of the late Cheddi Jagan (KN March 23) is a pathetic analysis of his so-called ‘Father of the Nation’. With incessant reference to the qualities of the PPP’s founder, Mr. Rohee deliberately omits the nucleus around which Cheddi Jagan formulated his politics. I refer to Jagan’s Marxist and working-class regurgitation that foreshadowed his ouster from power in 1964. How ironic that he had to appeal and beg the very imperialists and capitalists whom he profusely castigated in his book ‘The West on Trial’ to ensure free and fair elections which ensured his return to office in 1992. Cheddi Jagan was full of specious talk, always pleasing and appealing to his predominantly sugar-based working class support, but his proclamations were doomed to self -destruct as evidenced by the implosion of the USSR in 1989. Today Russia, minus Marxism, stands as one of the top 10 economic and military giants of the world. It is worthwhile indicating that while the Jagans were absorbed in propagating Socialism/Marxism their son and daughter were busy enjoying the fruits of capitalism in Canada and the U.S. respectively. Dr. Jagan was a prosaic leader who incessantly harped about poverty and harbored a deep disdain for affluence, maintaining such was derived by the exploitation of the poor proletariat and sadly (for him) failed to realize his beloved and evanescent Marxism was as doomed as the Titanic. The PPP leader, especially during the 80’s
condemned apartheid in South Africa yet declined to pronounce on the same phenomenon at his doorstep, and even declared the kickdown-door rampage in the same era, (where almost always, invariably the victims were Indians) as a class struggle! I can go on and on, but I close with the Nationalization of the commanding heights of Guyana’s economy in the mid 1970’s: Bauxite and sugar. If Burnham can be accused of erecting unsound economic structures, then Jagan was the architect who called for further nationalization like the foreign Banks and came out with a most ludicrous program he labeled “Critical Support”! In conclusion I would like to state that after the 1992 PPP victory a certain minister told me that he had spoken to Dr. Jagan in regards for a post in government for me; but was rejected because he was told by the ‘Father of the Nation’ that I was an anti-Marxist person. Hard to decipher how persons like Huley Hanoman (PPP’s MP), Henry Jeffrey (Min of Labour), Laurie Lewis (Com. of Police) and company enjoyed exalted positions. For his perpetual espousal of Cheddi Jagan’s mode of thought and Marxist beliefs, Clement Rohee is now considered the last of the Marxists’ philosophy and propagandist in Guyana and should be placed on the list of forgotten souls. He remains one of the few who still believe in Marxism while being a strong capitalist. Yours truly, Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine
Contrary to what Ashton Simon claims... From page 4 urging of myself and a few other Commissioners for them to be conducted. With the life of the Commission coming to an end on April 01, 2021, more than likely those interviews will not be done. Inexcusable excuses were given for not holding the interviews, despite taxpayers’ monies spent to advertise. Myself and other Commissioners were racially attacked on social media for voting to have the vacancies advertised externally. That information could have only come from someone present at that meeting. The Commission promised an investigation over the leakage of
information. To date, I am yet to be informed on the format and status. I can question if there was an ulterior motive. Given what I have articulated now and prior in the public domain, it is my humble view that, barring measurement of impact and in spite of the commendable work the Commission would have done in public awareness, it did not function effectively as expected especially when it was most needed and lost its way at some point. To say otherwise would be a conservation in truthfulness. Yours truly, Neaz Subhan Commissioner, ERC
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Kaieteur News
Monday March 29, 2021
Family, friends hold candle light vigil as Agri. Ministry working to resuscitate rice cops track down ‘Paper Short’s’ killers production at Santa Fe Scenes last night’s candle light vigil held for “Paper Shorts” (Ricardo Fagundes).
Family members and friends of slain gold dealer, Ricardo Fagundes better known as “Paper Shorts”, yesterday braved a slight drizzle accompanied by strong winds to hold a candle light vigil in front of Palm court.It was right in front of that popular bar that Fagundes was riddled with bullets on Sunday last by two gunmen who emerged from a white Toyota
Fielder Wagon (new model)As police continue to track down his killers, his close relatives told reporters at last night’s vigil that he was the bread winner for his family.They are still deeply overcome by grief at his tragic and untimely demise and are demanding that the cops work diligently in bringing those responsible for his death to justice.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha recently announced that his Ministry is aiming to resuscitate rice cultivation at the Santa Fe mega farm in Region Nine, as Government moves apace to double rice production within the next five years. Minister Mustapha, while visiting the farm during a recent two-day outreach to the North Rupununi Region noted that Government was able to increase its quota for rice being shipped to Brazil through Guyana’s current bilateral trade pact-Partial Scope Agreement. He added that with Santa Fe being located closer to Brazil, it would be economically viable to resume cultivation there. “Santa Fe has a rice mill and thousands of acres specifically for rice cultivation. In the past, the farm was able to produce rice which was sold to Brazil. This was done through upland rice cultivation which is a system that our neighbours in Brazil, who on similar soil, has been able to enjoy over 30 years of success in this type of cultivation,” the Minister said. With irrigation being a challenge in the area, the Minister also announced that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will soon commence work to ensure a resumption of rice cultivation and agricultural operations at the farm. The subject Minister added that apart from rice, the Ministry will also continue to give technical support to the farm to improve its crops and livestock operations, with plans discussed to embark on a large-scale corn cultivation. General Manager (GM) of the Santa Fe farm, Yolanda Vasconcellos said that the farm is currently involved in a wide range of agricultural operations. The GM said, “We currently have 29,000 acres of land being utilized for agricultural purposes. We do livestock, crops, and aquaculture. We currently have a variety of orchard crops and other fruits like watermelons, peanuts, cassava, papaw, tomatoes, ochro, and pineapples under cultivation. We also culti-
Minister Zulfikar Mustapha vate a number of vegetables and seasonings like eschalot. We also have improved pastures as well as 8000 acres for rice.” She added, “We also have a growing cattle herd. So far, we have 460 animals. We’ve imported several breeding bulls like the Texas Long Horn and so on. That is to improve the breeds within the communities here. We’ve also done that with the Arabian Horses. They breed with the local animals and have adapted well to the climatic conditions here. We can also process corn so that’s another crop that we propose to get into.” With Guyana spending almost US $25 million annually on feed for the livestock industry, government had announced that special incentives would be given for large-scale cultivation of corn and soya-bean. The budget also saw the removal of value-added tax (VAT) from agriculture machinery, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and pesticides, making it more feasible for such investments. Santa Fe was established back in 2010 and currently has 12 full-time employees. However, more villagers are employed when the farm has other projects like planting and harvesting ongoing.
Monday March 29, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Jagdeo and the tradition of Jagan T
he 2011 elections constituted a refer endum on the Bharrat Jagdeo’s 12-year rule. It is known how that ended: for the first time Guyana had a majority government. In 2015, Donald Ramotar was able to regain much of the support which the PPP/C had lost. But because the AFC had joined in a coalition with the PNC/R, the Coalition managed to narrowly scrape a victory. Nonetheless, credit must go to Ramotar for regaining significant support which the party had lost as a result of displeasure with Jagdeo’s latter tenure. The 2020 elections victory had a lot to do with the support Ramotar was able to claw back in 2015. Ironically, it was after the 2015 elections loss that Jagdeo seized full control of the PPP/C and effectively banished the party’s Old Guard. Ramotar was displaced as General Secretary and most of the Old Guards were sidelined. Jagdeo’s seizure of the party’s machinery did not substantially improve the party’s showing in the 2020 elections. The PPP/C barely scraped 50.3 percent of the total votes. Had the AFC not become a footstool of the APNU+AFC, the PPP/C may not have won the election at all. There is therefore no credibility in the contention that it was Jagdeo’s efforts which brought the PPP/C victory in 2020. The 2015 elections which the PPP/C lost, had seen the PPP/C regain ground which it had ceded to the AFC and it was the AFC which cost the Coalition the elections. The aftermath of the 2020 elections witnessed the almost total severing of the Old Guard. The only member of that Guard represented within the Cabinet is Gail Teixeira. Roger Luncheon, one of Jagan’s
most trusted lieutenants, is now employed in a mere advisory capacity, a position which he perceived as a form of charity. But if the full truth be told, what was severed was merely the remnants of the Old Guard. Janet Jagan had been effectively dissed when she was described as a private citizen. She died a bitter woman, her influence withering away as fast as communism did 30 years ago. She had created a monster which ended up turning against her. Donald Ramotar was shuttled out of the General Secretary post. He is now considered an elder statesman. Clement Rohee is no longer in the political limelight, being reduced to penning letters in the letter columns of the newspapers. For weeks after his death, the PPP/C could not send a chartered aircraft to return the remains of Komal Chand from Cuba. Nothing has been heard in public for some years from Khellewan Lall. And Indra Chanderpal has not been part of the new PPP/C makeup in the National Assembly, despite her still having solid support among the party’s base. The Old Guard has been put out to pasture. The PPP/C government is now dominated by political stragglers. This past week a letter appeared from Clement Rohee, a member of the Old Guard, eulogising Jagan. He admitted that an event to commemorate the 24th anniversary of Jagan’s death, which was held at Red House, was modestly attended. Rohee noted that “Jagan was no fake socialist nor dyein-the-wool communist as some try to paint him. Neither was he dogmatic or slavish in his analysis. He was no opportunist, racist nor publicity seeking egotistical politician. And if
there was any pragmatism in his theory and practice, it was not in pursuit of his personal interests, on the contrary, it was because for him, practice is the criterion of truth.” He ended the letter as follows: “From all indications, it is unlikely that he [Jagan] will disappear into obscurity. After all, “The traditions of all dead generations weigh like a nightmare on the brains of the living.” The New Guard is having no nightmares about their departure from the Jagan tradition. Certainly, within the PPP, Jagan has become a footnote. His party no longer embraces his ideological or political stance, however flexible these may have been. The PPP/C, under Jagdeo, has been seized by the bourgeoisie class. Even the petite-bourgeoisie and the many pretenders, within the PPP, to membership of this class, have been sidelined. The PPP is controlled from within by a cabal which represents the interest of the rich and powerful that reside outside the party. The PPP is a working class party only in memory. Its present policies are neo-liberal, backward and short-term in orientation. The party has no world outlook. It has become a receptacle for personal ambitions and aggrandizement. If there is anything which can be said about the PPP of today is Jagan’s working class sympathies have been superseded by political opportunism. The tragedy of it all is that the Old Guard does not have the will to stoke a rebellion within the PPP to restore Jagan’s legacy. The Old Guard is on its way out and with it any chance of resurrecting the ideas of Jagan. No one is prepared to take on Jagdeo. Not because he is
DEM BOYS SEH
De numbers don’t lie! It is time fuh a lockdown. Over de past month was sheer dreadness tekkin’ place with dis COVID-19. It mek dem boys wan believe dat is a more contagious variant we gat spreading in Guyana. By February 26th Guyana bin have 8,513 cases. But by yesterday, it done reach 10,168. It means dat in 30 days Guyana get 1,655 new cases which is more dan 55 cases on average wan day. Fuh March alone 30 people done dead and de month still gat three more
days. And with 13 people in de ICU, it looks as if another three more gan dead before de end of de week. One month ago things did look bright and promising. De number of active cases de drop as low as 373. Now it gone to 1,049. It nah bin so high since last October which was de deadliest month for de pandemic in Guyana. Dem boys read how a 30 year-old died yesterday. Dat is too young to die. But dem boys also reading dat in dem other country is de age group
24-45 wah getting more infected and wah causing de virus fuh spread even more. All dat is enough fuh mek dem boys hold dem head and bawl! But who yuh bawling to? De government nah kay! It operating as if we ain’t reach panic mode. Dem minister tekkin’ out picture with dem staff and dem standing close to one another. So nah expect de government fuh do nuttin. Dis COVID nah easy! Talk half and pray to God fuh live fuh see Easter.
all-powerful. But because many of those who followed Cheddi were no different from the present bunch which dominates the PPP/C.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Monday March 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Monday March 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Friendship, Pomeroon residents have told Kaieteur News that last Thursday’s chopping of a pregnant woman allegedly by her husband has left them in a state of shock. Not only did he chop her up but he also set their home ablaze. The pregnant woman Marissa Cameron, 23, was chopped several times by her reputed husband Richard Mohamed, after he reportedly went berserk. The incident occurred during the morning hours at the couple’s Grant Friendship home, which is located on the Eastern Bank, along the Pomeroon River, Region Two. Based on reports reaching Kaieteur News, the man attacked his pregnant wife with a cutlass, and dealt her several severe chops about her body. A Police report detailed that the woman was chopped several times to the head and other parts of the body. She reportedly had several fingers severed as well. Afterwards, according to reports, Mohamed used a flammable substance to set their house on fire. According to neighbours it was probably the smoke that emanated from the burning house that
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The man who allegedly chopped his pregnant wife, Richard Mohamed saved Cameron’s life. They related to this newspaper that it was the thick black smoke which alerted them that something was wrong causing them to rush over. One of them said, “In the area where it happened is mostly family live there; (Continued on page 18)
A severely chopped, Marissa Cameron minutes after being rescued
Cop in custody after killing pedestrian A 27-year-old police constable is now under close arrest after he reportedly struck down a pedestrian who allegedly ran into the path of his vehicle in an attempt to cross the road. According to the police, the dead man has been identified as 23-year-old Charles Williams of Timehri Pubic Road, East Bank Demerara. The rank involved in the accident is presently at Timehri Police Station assisting with the investigation into the matter. The accident occurred last Saturday around 20:20hrs on the Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara in the vicinity of
Bounty Farm Limited. According to a police report, the rank was proceeding south along the eastern side of Timehri Public Road in a white Toyota Allion, motorcar PMM 4120, while Williams was walking in the northern direction on the western side of the said road. The rank told investigators that while proceeding Williams suddenly ran from west to east across the road, into the path of the vehicle. He further alleged that he applied brakes and swerved into a south-westerly direction to avoid colliding with Williams, but due to the short distance, the front left side of the vehicle collided with Williams
who fell onto the bonnet, then onto the windscreen, before landing onto the road. The report further stated that Williams was picked up by the rank and public spirited persons in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead. As a result of the collision, Williams received injuries to his head and about his body. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the rank and no trace of alcohol was found in his system.
Newcomers Samuel Medas, Kevin Singh steal ... From page 12 to make it in the top four, copped third place with a total of 247 points with her song “Meh Dulaha”. While no stranger to the competition and a former winner of the Chutney Monarch, Roger ‘Young Bill Rogers’ Hinds placed fourth with a total of 244 points. As for the 592 Soca Monarch competition, this saw each performer doing their best to transport the virtual audience into the preCOVID-19 Mashramani celebration mood. First up on stage, in an eye-catching construction worker outfit was Roger Hassel better known by his stage name ‘Tropical’. His song “Work attire” was groovy and entertaining. His performance was followed by Obsert ‘Vintage’ Cain, then Marlon Webster aka ‘Malo’, first timer performer Samuel Medas, last year’s winner Jumo Primo aka ‘Rubber
Waist’, Melissa Roberts aka ‘Vanila’, Diana Chapman, Wilbur Levans aka ‘B52’, Tennica DeFreitas aka ‘Nikeita’ then Linder Branding Harding. Amidst all of the energizing performances, it was Gospel artiste, Samuel Medas, who copped the ‘Best New contestant’ title and dethroned Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo for first place. Medas wowed the judges with his epic performance of his song “Stadium” which scored a total of 282. Second place was awarded to Diana Chapman with her entry “Stage”. She managed to score a total of 275 points. Tennica ‘Nikeita’ DeFreitas with her song “Vibez again” placed third place with a total of 273 points, while defending champion Jumo Primo placed fourth place with a total of 266 for his song “In mi House”.
American Professor urges Guyana to... From page 14 significant development is made with the project. Concerns have been mounting over the past two months since government is moving at a fast pace, with none of the critical studies being conducted prior, chief among which is a Financial Feasibility Study. That study, according to Guyana’s Vice President and local oil boss, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is a “no-brainer” as the benefit of having significant reduction in electricity costs is
enough to give the project the stamp of approval. Several local stakeholders disagree with him. Info Box: A Gas Master plan contains projections of the country’s demand and supply as much as the infrastructure requirements that are needed to realize the country’s projections in regards to gas exploitation. Gas Master Plans (GMPs) are meant to address two issues: Design Optimization and Operational Optimization.
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Man stabbed to death with scissors during argument A wife was forced to witness her husband being stab to death yesterday with a scissors during an argument with his friend. Killed by a single stab wound to his abdomen is Floyd McGarrell, 34, of Wrong Turn Squatting Area, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). McGarrell was reportedly slain around 04:45hrs, by a fisherman, 41, also of the same area. He has since been arrested and placed in the lock-ups as the cops investigate McGarrell’s murder. According to police reports, McGarrell was enjoying a drinking session not far from his home with the fisherman and two other friends when an argument erupted. Investigators were told that he started drinking with the men around 02:00hrs. The officers said that McGarrell subsequently went home for a while but returned to the location and continued the drinking session. His wife, Natasha Dass, 36, said that around 04:00 hrs, she heard McGarrell was involved in a heated argument with his friends. Hearing the commotion, Dass told the cops that she rushed over to see what was going on.She recalled that McGarrell was in a verbal confrontation with the fisherman which turned physical quickly.Dass stated that the fisherman hit McGarrell to his face and then stabbed him in the “belly” with the scissors. The fisherman then fled the scene as Dass rushed to
Stabbed to death with a scissors, Floyd McGarrell assist her husband. Single-handedly, according to police, Dass helped her wounded husband home, and placed him to lie down while she ran over to a next door nieghbour seeking help to get him to the hospital. When she returned McGarrell was motionless. Realizing that he might be dead, Dass raised an alarm, and contacted the police who arrived shortly after. The ranks took his body to Leonora Cottage Hospital where it was further examined and officially pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. Cops then launched a manhunt for McGarrell’s alleged killer, and captured him later in the day.
Minister Mustapha discusses efforts to resuscitate Agri. sector with IIAC - As IICA launches ‘AgriExtApp’ to modernize extension services During a virtual meeting with the Director General for Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and other Ministers of Agriculture from across the region, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha discussed Guyana’s efforts to resuscitate the agriculture sector amid the current global pandemic, COVID-19. The Agriculture Minister said that COVID-19 has impacted Guyana’s agri-food system in several ways. Expounding on this, he explained that Guyana saw a reduction in the income for farmers, loss of jobs for some, and increased prices of agriculture inputs and supplies, just to name a few. To this end, Mustapha explained, “One major lesson that COVID-19 has highlighted is the need for more resilient agriculture sectors in the Region. In providing continued support to our farmers, it is necessary to facilitate continued access to and diversification of sources for agriculture inputs such as seeds and other planting materials, feeds for poultry, livestock, and other small ruminant animals, and fertilizers.” The Agriculture Minister explained that the country is exploring alternative sources of feeds to reduce the nation’s dependency on external supply and reduce this cost for farmers. Towards this end, the government is providing special incentives for investment in corn and soya, Minister
Monday March 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
Mustapha added. Furthermore, Agriculture Ministers from across the region spoke of the challenges faced in the sector as a result of the global pandemic and vowed to collectively work to enhance regional integration as they seek to rebuild their respective productive sectors. The subject Minister also said that Caribbean nations needed to work together to transform the way agriculture is done across the Region. He also encouraged the Ministers to use the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit as a launching point to present actions and implement solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He said, “It is imperative that the Caribbean Region work together to transform the way we produce, consume and think about food, ensuring our countries are not left behind. We should use the UN Food Systems Summit as a launching point to take concrete actions and implement solutions that will put us on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our national food systems should be aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. All actors in the agri-food system and partners such as IICA will undoubtedly have a vital role to play.” AGRIEXTAPP During the session yesterday, IICA’s Director General,
Dr. Manuel Otero also officially launched the ‘AgriExtApp, a platform developed to foster governmentto-government intra-regional trade, as well as share, produce information across the region. The platform is created to allow residents of CARICOM member states to communicate in real-time, the level of production in the region. The launch of the app is said to be congruent with CARICOM’s mandate to transform the region’s agriculture and agri-food system. Dr. Manuel said that the application will be used by Caribbean farmers and countries that need help with promoting new technologies and best practices. Minister Mustapha said, Guyana was grateful for the role of IICA in providing support for the development of an online trade App that will benefit our agroprocessors. “It is our vision to shift agriculture from primary producer to value-added, as such developing our agro- processing industry and enhancing our marketing services is a priority. The AgriExtApp developed by IICA and CARICOM will support the modernization of the Extension service, especially since my government has allocated funds in this year’s budget to purchase tablets for our extension staff, to engage in real-time those involved in this very important sector,” Minister Mustapha said.
Despite March being deadliest month… Public behaviour has not changed- Emergency Medicine Specialist Despite March being one of the deadliest months since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana one year ago, public behaviour has not changed. This is according to Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, as he referred to the situation as “alarming” in his Sunday Kaieteur News column yesterday. He stated, “Two weeks ago, I highlighted the situation in Brazil and my concerns for us in Guyana. Since then, our case numbers and death rates have surged and we are now in one of the deadliest and (most) infectious months since the pandemic started. What is more alarming is the fact that this has not changed public behaviour much.” There are still large gatherings, improper mask-wearing and no mask-wearing at all and the case toll is also on the increase, he said. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported two more COVID-19 deaths; a 30-year-old woman and a 78year-old man, both from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). Notably, Region Four has the highest number of infections and a high number of COVID-19 deaths as well. With the two new deaths, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll now stands at 227. Kaieteur News had reported a surge in deaths and new infections last week, with an average of 60 new cases per day and two deaths per day. The MOH also reported 96 new cases yesterday via its daily dashboard update which shows Guyana’s case toll increased to 10,168. The dashboard also shows that 13 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, another 12 in institutional quarantine, 54 in institutional isolation and 995 in home isolation. With 995 persons currently in home isolation, Guyana may soon have over 1,000 patients in home isolation. Additionally, a total of 8,879 persons have recovered to date with 32 new recoveries recorded yesterday. Speaking to the surge in new infections, Dr. Bux said, “Whether this is from the Bra-
Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr. Zulfikar Bux
zil variant or is from an excess in irresponsible behaviour, is yet to be determined. My concern is that it may be the former and the latter is responsible for its rapid spread.” He lamented that common sense would dictate that Guyanese should not wait to find out which of the two is responsible for the increasing case toll but should be responsible by taking heed of the preventative measures before the situation gets out of control. The doctor noted that recently Guyana has seen more deaths of younger persons than in any other period during this pandemic. “The
young adults here are getting hit harder with the disease than previously” and given what is occurring in Brazil which has a rapidly spreading variant, “we should presume that a similar situation is evolving here and start to behave responsibly by adhering to preventative measures,” he outlined. In light of the government’s indication that there will be sufficient vaccines to cover Guyana’s population in 2021, Dr. Bux has stressed that citizens need to survive until then, and what is done during the next eight weeks will determine everyone’s fate.
Neighbours shocked after husband chops... From page 16 family for the girl side, and unlike most part of the Pomeroon they ain’t live far apart. So, when people see the smoke and fire they go over to see what happen and that is how they discover the girl.” The nieghbours recounted that when they arrived, Cameron was severely wounded and bleeding. She reportedly told them that her husband went berserk and attacked her. Additional information reaching Kaieteur News revealed that it was those neighbours who apprehended her attacker and handed
him over to police. They too were the ones who rushed Cameron to the Charity Hospital. Medical professionals there referred her to the Suddie Public Hospital. However, due to the severity of her wounds, Cameron was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she underwent surgery. Police when contacted yesterday, told this Publication that they are yet to ascertain the motive behind the brutal attack. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect, who is still in custody, is yet to be charged.
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Kaieteur News
Moneychanger and daughter murder PI continues April 7
Dead, Arianna Latchman.
Dead, Aaron Latchman.
The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Better Hope moneychanger, Aaron Latchman and his 18-year-old daughter Arianna Latchman is expected to continue on April 7, 2021. The murder PI is being conducted in the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Alisha George. The five persons accused of the double murder are: Mark Rufino called ‘Mark,’ 25, a labourer, of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo; Paul Chan called ‘Long Hair’ or ‘Anthony,’ 37, a conductor, of 10 Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Troy Abrams called ‘Troy’ or ‘Rasta Man,’ 44, a vendor, of 34 Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Lloyd Sadloo, 37, self-employed, of 220 Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara; and Sean Thomas called ‘Yankee,’ 41, an electrician, of 59 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown. On the defendants’ first court appearance, they were not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on July 4, 2019, at Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, they murdered the moneychanger and his daughter during a robbery.
Demand for land surveyors to increase over next decade- President Ali
The newly sworn-in land surveyors, President Ali and other officials Still at large, Mark Rufino.
Last month, it was reported that the prosecution is expected to call its final six witnesses to testify. With that process coming to an end, the prosecution is expected to close its case in the near future. According to the facts of the charge, on the day in question, Aaron Latchman arrived home around 15:15hrs and was attempting to park his car in his yard, when two gunmen struck. One of the gunmen reportedly entered the house and shot Latchman’s daughter. The other then attacked the father. The two men got into a scuffle, which resulted in a bag ending up in a neighbour’s yard. The gunman, who had shot Latchman’s daughter, then exited the house and came to his accomplice’s aid, shooting Latchman as well. After Latchman fell to the ground, the attackers snatched a bag of cash and fled. The killers escaped in a car. The moneychanger and his daughter were taken to the Georgetown Public Corporation, where they were both pronounced dead on arrival. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. The five accused were later arrested and subsequently, they were jointly charged for murder.
Labourer feared dead as boat found drifting in Corentyne River A 58-year-old has gone missing and is feared dead after he left in a boat to “pick up seine” in the Corentyne River, some 15 miles from Orealla.Missing is Nazim Shamshudeen called “Nosey” a Labourer of Springlands, John Culvert, Upper Corentyne, Berbice. Shamshudeen who is employed with John Domond at the Global Tex Farm located some 10 miles from Orealla reportedly left the location about 00:30 hrs. yesterday with a 25 feet long paddle boat
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to “pick up seine” has not been seen since. His employer, Domond, said that when he realized that Shamshudeen had not returned hours later, he and a few other employees went in search of him. As they made their way out, they spotted the boat Shamshudeen left with but there was no sign of him. The boat was drifting in the Corentyne River, Domond told police. A report has since been filed and a probe launched.
GDF ranks beaten, stabbed by civilians at Linden party Police are investigating the circumstances which led to two ranks of the Guyana Defence Force being stabbed and beaten by civilians at a party in Block 22, Wismar, Linden. Speaking with Kaieteur News, Commander of Region 10, Hugh Winter, related that the incident occurred on Saturday evening and the two ranks, Corporal Selwyn Cummerbatch, age 30, and Terrence Collins, age 27, were involved in a fight. Cummerbatch was stabbed several times with a bottle about his body. He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where he remains as a patient. His condition is listed as stable but serious.Collins on the other hand was treated and sent away. No arrest has been made as yet. Investigations are ongoing.
Corporal Selwyn Cummerbatch
Guyana’s demand for land surveyors will increase over the next 10 years says President Irfaan Ali. Ali made this assertion during an event at the State House on Friday, which saw the swearing-in of 17 new land surveyors. The President told the newly sworn-in surveyors that as the country opens up more land for investment opportunities, their services would be greatly needed. He added, “Our economy is expanding, economic development will skyrocket over the next 10 years and beyond. Mega projects are planned for the energy and transport sectors. The tourism sector will experience economic take-off.” Furthermore, Ali outlined that over 50,000 house lots will be developed over the next five years and private sector development will also intensify, creating a booming economy that will generate the high demand for more surveying services. As there is national development, Ali said that there will be major gaps created as the need for surveying increases, adding that he hopes the accomplishments of the newly sworn-in group of surveyors will inspire oth-
ers to aim for excellence in training. This, Ali said will prompt further advancement of new professionals. “There is a mismatch between the demand for land surveyors and the availability of qualified land surveyors, and there is a greater gap for qualified, experienced land surveyors,” the President lamented. As he pointed to the dynamics of surveying, he stressed that there will be many variations of surveying in demand. This includes marine surveys, with the emergence of the blue economy (exploration and preservation of the marine environment). Opportunities will also be fostered particularly for educated, highly skilled, and talented young people and the new group of surveyors is a “pacesetter” in producing quality skills needed for Guyana’s national development, expressed Ali. The 17 newly sworn in surveyors are; Colin Henry, Kelwin Gittens, Akeem Benjamin, Amanda Bobb-Semple, Terrence Griffith, Tearra Fredericks, Lisa Allicock, Ashton Blair, Alex Lord, Aclint Weeks, Dahron Hopkinson, Anop Chetram, Natasha Rameswar, Alex Pearson, Alejandro Latchman and Dale Fraser.
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Monday March 29, 2021
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Cricket West Indies board election postponed to April 11 due to ‘lack of quorum’ Reps from Guyana and Barbados cricket boards failed to show up at the virtual AGM ESPNcricinfo - In a dramatic turn of events, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) board elections have been adjourned till April 11 after representatives from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) failed to show up for the virtual annual general meeting. CWI subsequently said that the AGM had to be postponed as per the constitution due to the “lack of a quorum”. For quorum, at least nine out of 12 voters had to be present, but with the GCB and BCA representatives not showing up, the CWI had to call off the election. In a media release yesterday, CWI said representatives from the
rest of the four territorial boards - the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB), Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), Windwards Islands Cricket Board (WICB) - were present. “The meeting therefore could not proceed to business as the CWI Articles of Association stipulate that nine (9) representatives of the Full Members need to be present in person to constitute a quorum,” the CWI statement said. “Despite having previously authorized their representatives to attend, when the roll was called there were no representatives present from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) nor the
Barbados Cricket Association (BCA).” The Articles of Association provide that if there is no quorum within 30 minutes from the time appointed for the meeting (in this case, 10am Eastern Caribbean time), it shall stand adjourned to the next business day or to such other time and place as the Board of Directors may determine, and that at the adjourned meeting no other business may be transacted. Attempts to reach the representatives from the BCA and GCB were unsuccessful, with the meeting eventually getting adjourned at 10.50am. Yesterday’s elections were meant to elect the president and the vice-president
Monday March 29, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The good news is this - it gets better. There could be some trying times in store, Aries. If you're a parent, the children will ask for something every five minutes, and you may feel pressure from all sides.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The results of the recent planetary influence are coming home to roost, Libra. If everything went according to plan, you gained some insight into your ego. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today rethink all the social values you take at face value. Like the rest of us, you learned them at an early age and accepted them unthinkingly. GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Today is an ideal day to shop for a new wardrobe. You may find your usual style too conventional or uncomfortably trendy. CANCER(June21–July22) The topic of the day is knowledge and learning. Did you study the field you really wanted to? Do you feel bad about not having attended such-and-such school or program? LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The planetary alignment is favorable, and you're in the process of reaping the benefits, Leo. It was only a matter of becoming aware of and settling certain matters related to your need for social recognition. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may feel hemmed in by the role models society currently offers. As you struggle to reach your own definition of the truly innovative achiever, other people sometimes criticize your rather liberated attitude.
A small crisis is still a crisis, isn't it, Scorpio? You can expect one in your personal life today. Since you aren't the kind of person who lets issues go unresolved, you won't be able to put off dealing with your problems any longer. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Something has to change. You knew it as soon as you woke up this morning. Your mirror provides the impetus for important resolutions today. Is it time to begin a diet, commit to exercising more, or strengthen your resolve to quit smoking? CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The only good thing about being on an emotional roller coaster is that you never feel the same way for long. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You might want to check your alarm clock to be sure it really woke you up this morning. Your tendency today will be to stay in the cocoon of your little dream world, deep in your own thoughts. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There's something in the air pushing you toward change or renewal. Is it time to change your wardrobe or redecorate your home? If so, today's the day.
with two candidates in the fray. Incumbent Ricky Skerritt and his deputy Kishore Shallow were contesting for a second two-year term against the pair of Anand Sanasie and Calvin Hope. Incidentally, Sanasie is the GCB secretary while Hope is the BCA vicepresident, and both boards had nominated the pair for the CWI board elections. ESPNcricinfo understands that both Sanasie and Hope were not present at the AGM but later Hope attended the emergency CWI meeting where the decision to postpone the elections was taken. It is understood that Hope opposed the new date of the elections, too, but was outvoted. Each of the six territorial boards have two votes each, which can be cast by two representatives nominated by each of these boards. Both Skerrit and Shallow were nominated by the TTCB and the LICB. The pair also had support of WICB, where Shallow is board president. As per the CWI constitution, the voting process is normally a show of hands unless any of the board members wants a secret ballot. It is understood that the CWI corporate secretary had created an electronic version of
a ballot, as this was the first time the elections were being held virtually. In 2019, Skerritt had defeated Dave Cameron, who had been the president for six years, through a secret ballot with an 8-4 margin. Why did Sanasie and Hope not turn up? Skerritt and Shallow received a boost yesterday when, along with the TTCB and the WICB, the JCA’s vice-president Donovan Bennett said that his board would be backing the pair. Incidentally, in the 2019 election the JCA had nominated Cameron. According to Bennett, the JCA’s choice to back Skerritt was “unanimous” as he was impressive during his presentation of his manifesto recently. “When he made his presentation to the [JCA] board, we were surprised as to what he had achieved, it was a lot more than what we had expected taking into consideration the amount of time he had and restrictions that had impeded a lot of stuff that he wanted to do and so based on that, we thought that he deserved another term in office,” Bennett told the Sunday Gleaner. The fate of the CWI elections carried a lot of importance for Sanasie because the GCB polls were also sched-
uled for March 29. However, it could not be confirmed if that was the key reason for the no-show.
GTTA & Department... From page 25 revitalising of a structured national Table Tennis in schools programme. As such he outlined that this workshop will ensure the equipment is put to use with the implementation of structured national table tennis for schools and Physical Education programmes in the participating schools, which forms part of the GTTA’s strategic and developmental plan Nicholas Fraser, Head of the Physical Education Department in the Unit of Allied Arts was on hand to support to Johnson in the execution of the workshop. Fraser provided teachers with a measurement tools to be used nationally to assess the skills of candidates in Table Tennis and will form the basis for a Skills Challenge and competitions that will be executed in the upcoming school term. Osafa Dos Santos, Head of Department (Allied Arts) of the Berbice Educational Institute, was the local coordinator for the workshops. He expressed his interest in assisting with the promotion of sports that schools could safely implement in the Region during the COVID pandemic with Golf and Table Tennis bein easy to learn and safe to do once properly managed. He stated that he was sure that the teachers in the region would be able to safely execute the programmes in their respective schools. Special thanks are extended to the Regional Education Officer Ms Bhagmattie La Cruz and the District Education Officer (Secondary) Mr Satish Odit for their steadfast support in executing the Physical Education and Sports w orkshops.Meanwhile, the GTTA President stated that he is pleased with this collaboration which provides the impetus for the Association’s developmental thrust. He was quoted saying, “As these programmes become successful it would require champions within the regions
and the GTTA has been making an effort to provide the structures necessary to ensure that the sport is developed nationally in a holistic and sustainable manner and it’s great to have the region teachers and Ministry’s support.”Similar programmes in other regions are will soon be conducted.
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Monday March 29, 2021
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
‘Golden Jaguars’ intent on taking full points against Bahamas to stay in the qualifying race By Franklin Wilson in the Dominican Republic, compliments of Secure Innovations & Concepts, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc., Fazia’s Motor Spares and GFF As intense training continued yesterday afternoon ahead of a crucial clash with Bahamas tomorrow afternoon, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ are intent on bringing their quest for second round qualification in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign back on track by taking full points.
Like the Guyanese, the Bahamas, playing their first ever WCQ competition lost their opening match against Saint Kitts and Nevis by a 04 margin, Guyana lost to T&T 0-3. It was the Saint Kitts’ second win as they also took care of Puerto Rico 1-0 when the two sides clashed in the Dominican Republic last Wednesday to get Group F action underway. Bahamas lost at home to St. Kitts, while yesterday, Puerto Rico playing at home Mayaguez Athletics Stadium held Trinidad and Tobago to a 1-1
draw. After a goalless first half, the T&T side took the lead in the 54th minute when Joevin Jones found the back of the nets to break the deadlock. Second half substitute Ricardo Rivera responded in like manner in the 72nd minute, ten minutes after he was introduced to the game. St. Kitts now leads the group with 6 points from two matches with T&T on 4 from their two and Puerto Rico 1 a l s o f r o m t w o . Attention will now be focused on tomorrow’s match that’ll be played from
15:00hrs at the Olympico Felix Sanchez Stadium, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ are expected to train at the match v e n u e t o d a y . Head Coach Márcio Máximo speaking with Kaieteur Sport following yesterday’s intense session informed that the training went well as it has gone since they arrived in the Dominican Republic almost two weeks ago. He has complimented the players for the commitment shown on and off the field of play, noting that in these challenging times it is not easy having to be locked in, since it’s the safest way to stay safe. The session focused on making the team more potent in the various thirds taking into consideration the areas that they lapsed in against the Twin Island Republic. As Máximo has informed before, the Guyanese team would be playing a fast
paced game and aim to be very coordinated in their attack and defending. ”We should see more ball movement in the midfield to create more options as we move the ball around.” He noted that the fact the group is not together for much time brings its own challenges but the players have all been responding v e r y w e l l . ”But it’s part of our challenge to do, and I repeat, I am very satisfied with the commitment of the players in the training, especially outside the pitch. Everybody is trying to do their best.” Whilst noting that all opponents should be respected, the lead tactician however stated that after taking full points against Bahamas tomorrow, they’ll be back on track in the race as the ‘Golden Jaguars’ are intent on fighting for the nine remaining points. ”And with nine points,
according to the other results, we can qualify. I would encourage Guyanese not to lose hope but to support their team all the w a y . ” Meanwhile, a quick analysis of the stats from the T&T game as compiled by scooerpunter.com shows Guyana putting together 497 passes to T&T’s 325, accurate passes for the Guyanese was 409 to 238; attacks 92 for Guyana and 97 for T&T; dangerous attacks 42 for Guyana and 52 for T & T . Guyana had 5 corners to T&T’s 2, shots inside the box Guyana 9 T&T 5; shots outside the box Guyana 6 T&T 7; shots on goal Guyana 1 T&T 7; shots off goal Guyana 4 T&T 7; shots blocked Guyana 5 T&T 3; possession time Guyana 62% T&T 38%; saves Guyana 3 T&T 5. Guyana’s custodian Akel Clarke also saved a penalty.
These ‘Golden Jaguars’ engaged in a game of foot tennis ahead of yesterday afternoon’s training session at the Santa Fe Futbol Club. (Franklin Wilson photo)
MotoGP: Maverick Vinales wins season opener in Qatar BBC Sport - Spaniard Maverick Vinales won the opening race of the MotoGP season in Qatar. Vinales overtook Francesco Bagnaia, who started on pole, to move into the lead with eight laps left before securing his ninth win in the premier class.Johann Zarco was second as he and thirdplaced Bagnaia passed reigning champion Joan Mir down the final straight on the last lap. “Overall, it was so good. It was a fantastic weekend,” said Vinales. “I felt unbelievable. The start didn’t go so well but after that I felt the potential. “I tried to be very smart and calm, and took the right
place to push. Finally, I opened a gap and I was trying to control the tyres and manage the power.” Meanwhile, Sam Lowes was victorious in the Moto2 race in Qatar, becoming the first Briton to win a season opener since 1979. He finished in a time of 40 minutes 3.123 seconds, with Australian Remy Gardner second and Italian Fabio di Giannantonio third. Qatar Grand Prix 1 Maverick Vinales (Spa) Yamaha 42mins 28.663sec 2 Johann Zarco (Fra) Pramac +1.092sec 3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ita) Ducati +1.129 4 Joan Mir (Spa) Suzuki +1.222
5 Fabio Quartararo (Fra) Yamaha +3.030 6 Alex Rins (Spa) Suzuki +3.357 7 Aleix Espargaro (Spa) Aprilia Racing +5.934 8 Pol Espargaro (Spa) Honda +5.990 9 Jack Miller (Aus) Ducati +7.058 10 Enea Bastianini (Ita) +9.288 World Championship standings 1 Maverick Vinales (Spa) Yamaha 25 pts 2 Johann Zarco (Fra) Pramac 20 3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ita) Ducati 16 4 Joan Mir (Spa) Suzuki 13 5 Fabio Quartararo (Fra) Yamaha 11
Monday March 29, 2021
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NY Tri State U-15 Skipper hopes be a professional cricketer Has to abort Guyana tour Top order batsman Nayan Elamurugan is the Captain and most accomplished batsman in the New York Tri State U-15 side which arrived from the USA last Thursday for an 11match tour to Guyana which concludes on April 11.The tourists’ opening game on Friday at Bourda was washed out as was their game scheduled for Saturday in the City.However, the USA team, coached by Guyanese Linden Fraser, had a net season Saturday afternoon at a private facility in Campbellville in Georgetown. The Team travelled to Albion in Berbice yesterday for what is hoped to be their first match. Nayan said he was defiantly looking forward to this trip which he been waiting on for over a year and was very disappointed that there are no games as yet due to the adverse weather in the City. The stylish batsman disclosed that the most important thing he wanted to take away from the tour was the experience of batting on different pitches.The talented youngster has been selected for the National U-19 trails and has had abort the Guyana tour to head back to States on April 3. “It was a pleasant surprise to be selected for US U-19 zonal Event. I will be leaving for the trials on either April 2nd or 3rdNayan was born in 2005 in New Jersey to parents who migrated to America from the sub-Continent of India and attends the Watchung Hills Regional High School where cricket is not played although he plays Ultimate Frisbee for the school.The youngster who bats right handed and bowls off-spin developed an early interest in cricket from watching the game on TV. While his main goal is to play cricket professionally, he is also doing well academically and wants work in the Medical field. “I have always wanted to be a part of the Medical Community and work to save lives and I don’t really have any hobbies as I mostly focus on Cricket and education. My highest score is 64 and my best bowling performance was in London when I took 5-17 in seven overs including two maidens,” posited Nayan who is on his
Nayan Elamurugan
The NY Tri State U-15 Skipper drives for four in the States.
second trip to the West Indies.Four years ago his U-13 side from the USA toured Trinidad and he has also played in his homeland of India and in England where he had the opportunity to bat on turf pitches unlike many of the others in this team who play on Matting pitches in the US.“Cricket is growing in the US and more clubs and facilities being developed and the standard moving toward to becoming one of the main cricketing Nations so we push everyone to get better,” informed the young Captain. “My most memorable match would be a National Finals which was played in Hutson when I was 14. I dismissed two National U-19 players,” added Nayan before thanking his entire family…his Dad, Mom and brother and his Coaches Ashok Patel and Linden Fraser for helping and inspiring him so far in his fledging career. (Sean Devers)
CWI Attorney argues for members to... From page 24 on the rulings of the Court previously issued, and despite the pendency of the aforementioned actions i.e. the appeal and the action to determine the legitimacy of the January 2020 GCB election, the election held by the GCB in January, 2020 is void and unlawful and of no effect. Moreover, the Court has ruled that there is no continuity of GCB office bearers under the Act, and accordingly, given the reinstatement of the Act, there can be no current GCB executive.” It must be noted that several players in the equation have been functioning to administer cricket in Guyana and whether their functioning is valid is a question for the court of law and its legal minds. However, Vice President of the GCB, Drubahadur late yesterday issued a statement giving reasons for their no-show at the scheduled AGM and alluded to efforts being made as was earlier pointed to in this article to have them barred from voting. Drubahadur stated in the release: “As the Vice President of Guyana Cricket Board and an appointed representative of the GCB, at all CWI General Meetings, it is unacceptable to
due to National U-19 Trials
condone the numerous breaches of the CWI articles of association on financial matters and governance issues.” “The GCB has written to CWI corporate secretary on numerous occasions regarding the conduct of the AGM of 28th March especially as it relates to the financial matters, and the responses were unacceptable with adversarial views as we maintain that only shareholders can alter the Articles of Association. I am aware of all the required standards for financial accountability and would endeavor to adhere to them.” “The GCB is also reliably informed that plans are being formulated to attempt to debar the GCB of its voting rights as a CWI shareholder. We were made aware of a legal opinion sought by CWI without board approval from a source that is compromised on the matter of Guyana’s situation regarding the Cricket Administration Act. We are prepared to stand our ground until there is full compliance with the CWI articles,” the release concluded. The GCB election is set for today, whether they will be held or not is anyone’s guess.
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Guyana needs a big win tomorrow night - Coach Dover Wayne Dover, Former coach of the Golden Jaguars; Guyana senior men’s football team, believes that a big win tomorrow night against the Bahamas in their second group game of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers first stage will lift the team’s spirit after losing to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) and give them a fighting chance of advancing to the next round. The Guyana National Senior Men’s Football Team played its first World Cup Qualifier Game last Thursday where they lost 3-0 to T&T and Coach Dover shared his thoughts on the g me with Kaieteur Sport. WD: “The game started with two teams being very cautious trying to establish control. In the first ten minutes Guyana looked purposeful and threatening. As the game progressed, Trinidad looked good largely due to us (Guyana) not being intense as we usually do. We played direct from defence to the front players, the midfielders were largely bypassed. Was that the game strategy by coach Maximo or an absence of the midfields? That could only be answered by the coach and not the fans who would be speculative in that regard. In my opinion as a coach, despite Guyana not playing to their true potential, we still showed good team organisation and created a couple of good chances that if we had scored one it would’ve changed the complex of the game. For me, despite the defeat, the positive take away from the game was the introduction of a couple of the young players
Former National men’s senior coach, Wayne Dover.
the likes of Omari Glasgow, Jobe Caesar and Kelsey Benjamin, who all who went in and maintained the team shape. Those players are a combination from the 2018/20 National Men’s U-20 Team, which represents growth. We will play again tomorrow and a positive result is much needed to keep our hopes alive. The game of football is riddled with lots of uncertainty, and a big win for Guyana would certainly make things in the group interesting again. I think that the Wayne Forde led administration’s vision for Guyana Football Development is evident by the good showing of the teams from the senior to junior level, infrastructure development, training centers, the acquisition of a fleet of vehicles, CONCACAF D and C License Coaches etc. All that in just five years.” Guyana plays Bahamas tomorrow at 15:00hrs.
Monday March 29, 2021
CWI Attorney argues for members to consider barring GCB from voting at CWI elections GCB President sites non-compliance to correct financial procedure for aborting AGM A n A t t o r n e y representing Cricket West Indies (CWI) here in Guyana has put together a document which has been circulated to members of the regional board looking in-depth into the cricket administration here. In the document seen by Kaieteur Sport, the conclusion of the missive calls for Guyana to be barred from voting at the CWI election due to what the attorney cites as the status of the GCB and those representing it currently. “We are of the firm view that there is currently no lawfully appointed Guyana Cricket Board. The impact of this state of affairs ought to be considered by the Board, especially to consider whether the GCB can vote in the upcoming elections. Additionally, consideration ought to made as to whether any person who unlawfully holds themselves out to be a Board member of Cricket West Indies offends any other law outside of Guyana. This opinion ought to be
circulated to all member boards for their information and action if needed.” This very impacting conclusion was preceded by a lengthy description of the issues surrounding the problems affecting the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the various legal challenges and moves by the Government of Guyana to bring some semblance of normalcy through the Cricket Administration Act and the appointment of a Cricket Ombudsman to get the problems fixed for election to be held. In making his case the Legal Counsel asked the question: “What is the status of the GCB and its executives?” In a response surmised: “The GCB is a non-profit statutory body corporate, established by the Guyana Cricket Administration Act (the “Act”). The Guyana High Court ruled that the election of the executive body of the GCB at the Annual General Meeting held on January 28, 2018 was unlawful, null, void and
Drubahadur of no effect and has ordered that the first elections of the GCB must be held in accordance with the Act, ruling that there are no validly elected executive members of the GCB. This order has not been stayed. Subsequently, the Court of Appeal in a parallel matter to reinstate the Executive of the Guyana Cricket Board on consent by the Attorney General on an interim basis pending the determination of the Guyana High Court’s ruling, which was subsequently discharged. During the pendency of those proceedings, the GCB purported to have elections to renew its term. There is currently a court proceeding seeking to challenge the legitimacy of those elections.It is our view based (Continued on page 23)
Lewis Hamilton Outduels Max Verstappen, wins 2021 opener From Road & Track - Formula 1’s 2021 season is off to a memorable start. Max Verstappen, a sudden favorite after strong testing and practice pace turned into a rare pole for Red Bull Racing, had to wait out three starts before the race finally got going. First, a standing start was called off for a mechanical issue suffered by his own teammate. Verstappen got away with an early lead after the official start, but the race was stopped again when Haas rookie Nikita Mazepin spun on his own in the opening corners. Finally, after a restart from the safety car, he got going with a narrow lead over Lewis Hamilton. It would be the only stint he would lead outright. Verstappen pulled away from the rest of the field, but Hamilton stuck within two seconds the entire first stint. Seeing an opportunity, Hamilton’s Mercedes crew chose to undercut Verstappen’s strategy, stopping their reigning World Champion for hard tires a few laps before Verstappen’s scheduled stop and building a quick gap that became a narrow lead after the Red Bull stopped. Verstappen led again after Hamilton’s next stop, but the gap made it clear that he would
come out at least five seconds behind the Mercedes. The gap was significant after their final stops, but the Red Bull was faster and the Mercedes was starting to lose its tires. Verstappen charged all the way up to DRS
spot back to Hamilton. Suddenly, the situation had reversed. Verstappen still had laps left to catch the leader, but now he was the one skidding through corners with what seemed to be a cooked set of Pirelli tires. He
Lewis Hamilton celebrates his season opening win. (Dan Istitene - Formula 1 - Getty Images) range relatively quickly, and DRS range became striking distance when Hamilton went wide on a corner exit with five to go. Verstappen had plenty of time to make his move and a faster car to do it with. Two laps later, he struck under braking. Verstappen darted into the lead, but he slid out on corner exit and went past the track limits. To avoid a time penalty, he gave the
caught back up to Hamilton’s rear wing by the end of the race, but he had no time to make a move and did not seem to have the grip to grab the position, anyway. Lewis Hamilton had won the opening race of the season. It was a masterful first strike in what is shaping up to be a war of a season. The Red Bull was visibly faster on a few occasions, but Hamilton put down consistent laps
and found the one-lap speed to build gaps while he and Verstappen were on different strategies. When he was behind Verstappen on track, he stayed within striking distance and never let up. When he was ahead, he kept the faster Verstappen behind until he had no choice but to make what he felt was a necessary risky pass that ended with Hamilton getting the spot back. Whether or not Mercedes really is faster than Red B u l l , t h e r e i g n i n g Wo r l d Champions are winners together again. And Lewis Hamilton is just five wins from being the first 100 race winner in Formula 1 history. Behind the leaders, Valtteri Bottas finished a quiet third. He never had the pace of his teammate in the other Mercedes, but he was able to steal a point from Red Bull and Verstappen by using his considerable gap on fourth to stop, put on fresh tires, and snatch fast lap of the race away in the waning seconds. Behind him, a battle for fourth between what seems to be a very competitive group of mid-pack teams was a highlight in a strong race. Lando Norris got ahead of his teammate Daniel Ricciardo early
and came in fourth for McLaren, while Sergio Perez recovered to fifth in his debut drive for Red Bull after a disastrous pre-race electrical issue forced him to start from the pit lane. Charles Leclerc, Daniel Ricciardo, and Carlos Sainz completed respective first races of the season for both Ferrari and McLaren, two teams that look to have improved on their 2020 form. Notably, Yuki Tsunoda finished ninth, scoring points in his Formula 1 and AlphaTauri debut. He was well behind the top eight on track, but he held the position despite pressure from Lance Stroll and Kimi Raikkonen in the closing laps. Nikita Mazepin retired after his early crash, and he was joined in retirement by Fernando Alonso after his return to the team now known as Alpine was cut short by a brake issue. Both Nicholas Latifi and Pierre Gasly finished the race, but they were many laps down after on-track issues of their own. Formula 1 returns to action at Imola in three weeks. After three races and two test weekends in Bahrain dating back to the secondto-last round of last season, it will mark the first on-track running at another track in many, many months.
Kaieteur News
Monday March 29, 2021
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GTTA & Department of Education conducts supervisory level training
O
n Tuesday March 23, the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in collaboration with the Unit of Allied Arts and the Regional Education Department of Region 6 conducted a Table Tennis Workshop at the Berbice Educational Institute with Physical Education Teachers from across the region. This was the second of two workshops geared towards providing schools with COVID-compliant sporting activities for CSEC and CAPE and for the region’s Physical Education programme in general and is geared towards laying the foundation for the establishment of structured table tennis in schools. The workshops attracted more than twenty (20) Physical Education and Sport teachers from a total of twelve (12) schools in region 6. A key initial output is the monitoring and preparation for the students currently preparing for CSEC and CAPE examinations. These
students will be undergoing assessment for skills, competition orientation, knowledge of the rules and other the fundamental aspects of the sport. Linden Johnson, an ITTF certified coach instructor and Table Tennis Coach attached to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and General Secretary of the G T TA , w a s t h e m a i n facilitator of the Table Tennis Workshop. Johnson iterated that the GTTA has already provided the region with a number of Table Tennis tables, racquets and balls acquired through the GTTA partnership and memorandum of understanding with the government and Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and other stakeholders. This agreement allowed for the implementation of a key strategic and developmental plan of the GTTA which entails: the provision of equipment to schools across the country; training of teachers; orientation of students; formation of
Rockaway Legends presents laptop to Mahaica student Rockaway Legends softball team has donated a laptop to a 15 year old high school student, Menika Persaud. The presentation was made by owner of the Rockaway Legends team and CEO of Rockaway Group of Companies, Hafeez Ali. Ali encouraged the
student to remain focused on her education, while Persaud was thankful for the gesture. Ali attended school in Mahaica and said he will continue to assist students in the area. Rockaway Legends recently won the over 50 category of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial softball competition at Lusignan.
Menika Persaud accepts the laptop from Hafeez Ail.
school teams and clubs; and orientation in inter-house, inter-schools, district and regional competitions with the goal of creating a robust, mass-participation, developmental feeder programme through the (Continued on page 21)
Participants engaged in technical aspects on day one.
Vinales overcame a slow start to take victory in Qatar. (Getty Images)
MotoGP: Maverick Vinales wins season opener in Qatar
Lewis Hamilton Outduels Max Verstappen, wins 2021 opener Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car followed by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands during the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Sunday, March 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
t r o Sp
‘Golden Jaguars’ intent on taking full points against Bahamas to stay in the qualifying race FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
‘Golden Jaguar’ Assistant Coach, Charles Pollard (2nd right) working with his charges during one of the drills at yesterday afternoon’s training session. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Cricket West Indies board election - Reps from Guyana postponed to April 11 and Barbados cricket boards failed to show due to ‘lack of quorum’up at the virtual AGM 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.