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Thursday May 13, 2021
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
American Republicans and Guyana What have American Republican leaders been saying that reminds us right here in this Cooperative Republic of Guyana, as to how things are, and why little of substance is moving in the right direction? A couple of them have been saying a few tiny mouthfuls that cover a large amount of territory and the parallels to our local conditions are nothing less than eerie. It is because those carefully chosen words delivered by Americans to Americans are so loaded with meaning, so pointed as to what is conspicuously missing, and so insistently confirming of the wrong roads chosen, and the wrong steps taken, not only over there, but here in this country. First, there was Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) a man who laid it all on the line following the Trump-incited Capitol Hill insurrection and invasion. Sen. McConnell, at great political risk (likely personal risk also, given the jangling passions of those hours in early January) stood for his country above that of the delusional dictates of the president from his party. He led from the front and in a needed nonpartisan manner, which is one of the reasons why current President Joseph Biden’s movement into office, though held up unpardonably, finally came to fruition. McConnell led fearlessly then, and he is doing so again and right in the face of President Biden, while choosing some salty political language to register his thoughts, and that of his party, and to drive home the points. The man is no patsy, not anybody’s. Sen. McConnell has called out America’s new Chief Executive, all of four-months vintage, for pulling a progressive “bait and switch” agenda on the American people. We offer a simplified definition of “bait and switch” which we think our readers will understand. It is a conman’s game, the con games that lowlife sales people pull on the unsuspecting that fall into their grasp. And this is what the caustic senator has laid at the feet of the American president. He has gone too far with one group in America, at the expense of the rest of America at large. We at this paper think that this is precisely what the Guyana Government and its leader, President Irfaan Ali, have done right here, and in increasing leaps and bounds. The PPP government has thrown all cautions to the winds in its blind following of the selfish visions and demands of the local private sector. That would be the part of the private sector to which it is beholden for financial and spiritual support. The government’s response to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic presence in Guyana has been not in the interests of the people, with their wellbeing uppermost. And it is the same unacceptable situation, where the PPP government and leader have surrendered all sanity to the Vice President and whatever his secret ambitions are with this country’s natural resources treasures, with oil and gas at the peak of the resource mountains. Some of the inner circle people and their agendas are under consideration, while the rest of Guyana languishes in hope first strong, but now faint from constant erosion. This is what Sen. McConnell made clear in his remarks about President Biden, and the way he does things in America. And this is what we say most unambiguously about President Ali and his government in what is being done with the things that matter to Guyanese. Things like oil and gas. Things like premium resource management for areas like mining and forestry, and the environment. Things like money management and accounting in the most transparent ways for that money borrowed and how it is spent. These are the very things which His Excellency, President Ali, promised so stirringly during his inaugural address at the National Cultural Center. We believe that that was the beginning of presidential “bait and switch” Guyanese style. Then, there was Tim Scott (R-S.C) the black Republican Senator chosen by his party to deliver a stinging rebuttal to President Biden’s first joint address to Congress. Sen. Scott scorched President Biden for “empty platitudes” about
Let the law be the conscience for those who do not have a conscience Dear Editor, We have just concluded celebrations of Mother’s Day with all its glitz and glamour, we by extension salute all women for that matter and their wonderful contribution to the development of the human race. It can truly be said that women form the bedrock of our existence on the planet. They take the global role models of conscience, farmers, educators and entrepreneurs. Throughout history, the central role of women in society has ensured the stability, development and long term progress of any nation. So, on this joyous occasion we salute our womenfolk. Now amidst all the celebrations, there are mothers who are sorrowful, mourning the loss of a loved daughter, sister, mother, aunt or nenen, the list is long, all because some beast of a man has decided that he can abuse and even kill her. This is the demonic and backward behaviour blowing across this country and I must say, if drastic measures are not taken to arrest this sick attitude of some men to our women, sad would be our existence in this part of the globe. Measures have to be put in place right now to stem this pandemic. Many women have suffered at the hands of their
spouses or boyfriends, beastly men who believe that women are their personal property for them to do as they please. In fact, personal property is treated with more care and respect, than some of the women in the lives of some of these men. I am talking about a man savagely killing a woman, then in turn lead a search party to find her. It all goes to show the sadistic nature of some of these brute beasts called men. What is distressing is the fact that these men believe that they have a right to, as they put it, “control” a woman and that control comes in the form of mental and physical abuse even death. This is the psychology behind the behaviour of some male folks in our midst. So, in his mind, a woman can be cursed at, beaten, raped or murdered, all because his sadistic egocentric control mentality has to be gratified. This is the newfound demonic obscenity that has taken over our country. But while I lament this reality, I am equally appalled at the punishment these God - forsaken men get when they are caught. Far more depressing is the situation of punishment for the crimes committed against women. Very often, we find men getting some innocuous sentencing for crimes committed against a woman
that it makes you wonder what in the world was that judge thinking when sentencing was handed down. No wonder many are of the opinion that a man would get less time for the capital offence of murder, than for a few ounces of ganja, the telltale facts are there to prove my point. The empirical data is there to prove it that sentencing for crimes against women are woefully inadequate and sometimes way off target. And even if he gets “reasonable time,” after a few short years of incarceration, he appeals and those in the higher court oftentimes reduces his time considerably. Thus, he is set free man to roam among us. I believe this is the notion that is being held by these savages that has kept the statistics of female homicides constantly rising. And again, I say if this situation is not brought swiftly to a halt, we might well be on the brink of becoming the female homicide capital of the Caribbean. In my book, I believe that the punishment should fit the crime - end of discussion right now that does not appear to be the case and I am calling on the authorities in the executive as well as the judiciary to address this situation urgently. No longer must we sigh and cry while
our women are butchered at the hands of uncivilised men. Stiffer penalties must be administered to the criminal. At the present moment, only one judge has taken the bull by the horns and is administering judgments commensurate to the crimes committed. He has gone out on a limb in his bid to bring back sanity to society and in my view; others need to follow. As I write, I must say that I am not in the least interested in the semantics or the politics of the day; I am concerned in the wholesome and appropriate application of the law as it relates to crimes against women. Let the politicians do their dance, they have their conscience to deal with, that is, if some of them do have a conscience. However, I on the other hand is clamouring for the justness of the punishment or the fitting punishment to the crime. The point is, let the law be the conscience for those who do not have a conscience, get the sick sadistic misfits to come to terms with their actions. And the only option available to show them that way, is to have them being removed from normal society for a long time, a very long time, where he can rehabilitate himself. I rest my case. Yours truly, Neil Adams
West Demerara shore base is important for development but much remains for successful implementation Dear Editor, It has been reported in the news media that the Government has given permission to TriStar Incorporated, a US-based company, to develop a tract of land on the West Bank foreshore of the Demerara River in the vicinity of Versailles-Malgre Tout and north of the bridge to build an onshore base to service the oil and gas fields along Guyana’s north coast. The approved land for the base/port
encompasses part of the foreshore which was overgrown with mangroves and which had to be cleared for construction of the infrastructure works. Mangroves stabilise the foreshore against erosion caused by wave action and tidal currents. Its habitat is also a breeding ground for fishes, crustaceans and mosquitoes. However, the proposed base/port area is relatively sheltered and the erosive effects of wave
national unity, and that Democrats “won’t even build bridges to build bridges” and of being false on the need for police reform, since they “seem to want the issue more than they wanted a solution.” Now Senator Scott’s words were aimed at Joe Biden and the way he had led (or not) on the burning issues in America. We take them and now put this before our fellow Guyanese, partisan or neutral, but hopefully all deeply patriotic. Is this not what President Ali and the PPP have been all about? Has it not been nothing other than “empty platitudes” (on unity); and taking unhelpful stances where either “won’t even build bridges to build bridges” (the gaps between rhetoric and actions)? This is our position as seen, analysed and concluded. We invite the honest thinking and Guyanese of conscience to do the same, and determine for themselves whether they are not of the same mind.
action and tidal currents on the foreshore without the mangroves will be minimal unlike those areas along the Atlantic Coastland. The Government has to ensure that the cleared foreshore is protected with an adequately constructed river defence to protect the adjoining villages from flooding due to high tides now and in the future as global warming takes its toll in rising river levels. There are also environmental issues, which have to be addressed. Piles driven into the river for mooring purpose may cause its channel to change course and deposit sling mud into the outfall channels of the sluices upstream thus blocking the drainage of Vr e e d - e n - H o o p and adjoining residential areas. The base/port will also cause traffic increases on the roadway and bridge crossing and action has to be taken to upgrade these facilities to prevent chaos for those using them as
well as the people living in the area. This project is necessary for the economic development of Guyana and the government wisely approved its undertaking but much remains to be done for its successful implementation. Guyana’s economy is on the upswing and there is urgent need to modernise and expand port facilities to accommodate the increasing number of ocean going vessels visiting the country. G e o rg e t o w n ’s p o r t facilities are antiquated and overcrowded and do not have the capacity to expand. Therefore, areas on the West Bank of the Demerara River north of t h e bridge crossing has ample areas which can be developed for modern base/ port facilities particularly for the rapidly developing and lucrative oil and gas industries. Yours truly, Charles Sohan
Thursday May 13, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Investors and the government should balance development and maintaining mangroves Dear Editor, On commentaries and news reports of industrial development replacing mangroves, there can be a balance between the two without consequences to the environment. In fact, the environment can come out ahead if more mangroves are planted near to industrial sites. The country can’t remain underdeveloped and backward forever. It must pursue development especially that it has found natural resources that can transform Guyana. Other countries pursued development of natural resources at tremendous cost to the environment. The Western countries became developed while destroying vast swathes of the environment. Nevertheless, countries are increasingly conscious of the environment and climate change and so should Guyana to mitigate effects to the environment as it transitions into an industrialised economy. Shore bases and other projects are critical for the development of Guyana.
They create jobs and transform the economy. They come with a cost – an impact on the environment. In the case of the TriStar shore base, mangrove has been removed to make way for the project. They should not be permanently removed. Mangrove should be replanted in nearby areas. I salute Chris Persaud for his courage to invest in Guyana. I also applaud his acknowledgement of the inadvertent removal of mangrove forestry as his company, Tri-Star, carries out construction on an oil and gas shore base on the Demerara River waterfront in Versailles. Mr. Persaud courageously said the matter will be addressed, suggesting he, like me, cares for the environment and will pursue mitigating measures. The shore base is very important for transformation of West Demerara with its potential for job creation and business growth to provide affiliated services. It is the largest project in the area. It must be supported and similar projects encouraged. There are many benefits to be had
The trend of substance abuse by Amerindian youths needs more attention from leadership Dear Editor, This year marks nearly two decades of the tradition of electing Toshaos in Amerindian communities, a change which occurred to bring into perspective the village leader’s ability to play his/ her vital role in the development process. When change does come, leaders are re-elected for sure, because ultimately, in every organisation, it is the capacity of the elected leader that is crucial in bringing change in the life of the organisation. My main task in this missive, however, is to highlight a major concern that is common in a number of Amerindian communities, which I travel to once per
month. Throughout, there is a common cry: we are losing our youths through substance abuse and it appears as though, leaders are turning a blind eye to it. Never before has there been such a worrying trend taking place. There seems to be, it is felt, a don’t-care-a damn attitude out there, somewhere. Are our Amerindian leaders not reporting this ugly, gross life pattern among our youths? I wonder. There (Continued on page 6)
from the development of West Bank Demerara and other locations in Berbice where mangroves are in the way. Government destroyed mangroves in several areas for its own projects without replacements. Private developers must make every effort to protect the environment. Investors and the government should pursue a balance between development and maintaining mangroves. There are many benefits of mangrove colonies and preservation. Mangroves are extremely important for a balanced eco-system in coastal areas. They protect the coast from flooding as a natural sea defence. Their sturdy root systems protect against violent storm surges and high waves. They slow erosion. They are great for protection to coastal development, especially the kind of project being built in the area. The shore base will receive some protection with the presence of mangrove. So they must not be seen as ‘humbug’ to development. Mangroves also serve as
natural fish habitat, a source of fish (as well as crabs and shellfish) for local fishermen. They are economically sustainable. They also serve as carbon storage – they breathe in carbon and expunge oxygen. When leaves fall, they are buried under water storing carbon. That is good for the environment. Mangroves are the last barriers against climate change, combating global warming, and as such, every effort must be made to conserve them. Mangrove encourage eco-tourism and therefore great for the economy. Environmentalists and ecotourists visit countries with rich mangroves, bringing important dollars to their economies. Sustainable tourism offers a stimulus to preserve existing mangrove areas, with potential to generate income for local inhabitants. Mangroves are homes to birds for nesting and breeding; they attract bird watching tourists like me. Mangroves have been disappearing in country after country, including in Guyana as they are increasingly chopped for firewood and
other uses. And now, they are being removed to make way for oil industrialisation. It is important that we preserve as much mangrove and natural habitat as possible in Guyana as the nation pursues development. The Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Bishop Juan Edghill, said at a press conference that cutting down the mangrove is necessary for industrial development. He said man-made sea defences would replace mangrove to protect against flooding. Such projects would be very costly and not as effective as natural mangrove trees. I think there can be a balance between manmade development (shore base) and mangrove preservation. New mangrove can be planted in areas just outside of the shore base. The country must proceed with development and industrialists like Mr. Krishna Persaud should be encouraged to fund shore base development. But I don’t think we have to choose between protecting the environment and pursuing development. Industrialists should try to preserve as
much of the coastal mangrove as possible. Otherwise, it would lead to disruption in fish catch of communities and pose a serious threat to livelihoods and communities on the coast. But it must be acknowledged that mangroves have limited life as seen in West Coast from Ruimzeigt to Vreed-en-Hoop and other locations where they have had to be replaced or regenerated. Engineered structures have longer life protecting coasts allowing for livelihood of people. Where mangroves have been removed, they must be replanted in a nearby area. Mr. Krishna Persaud has promised that the issue of mangrove removal will be addressed. Government should take him up on the offer. Government should provide the necessary support and encouragement towards this objective. Perhaps, government can consider planting mangrove in nearby vicinity that would not affect the onshore base as well as other areas where mangrove is being depleted. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
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Thursday May 13, 2021
Kaieteur News
Efforts to address global warming cannot be compartmentalised nor Balkanised Dear Editor, The other day, I received a copy of Bill Gates’ new book; ‘How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.’ It was sent to me compliments of a good friend of mine in the US. The book arrived the day after I read a story in mainstream media headlined, ‘Govt. has signed Letter of Intent to sell carbon credits.’ According to the newspaper story, President Ali announced that ‘Guyana recently signed a Letter of Intent with a US-based NGO to market and sell Guyana’s carbon credits to private companies around the world.’ The story went on to inform that; ‘This agreement has the potential of earning millions of US dollars annually’. For its part, the USbased NGO said it will act as an ‘intermediary between tropical-forest countries and the private sector to mobilise finance to support emissions reduction in deforestation’.
In his contribution to the launch of ‘Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest (LEAF)’ - a global finance coalition to bring together governments and private sector companies to provide finance for tropical and sub-tropical forest conservation...; Vice President Jagdeo is reported to have said, “...the ecosystems services provided by the world’s standing tropical forests ... will enable people who live in forests and forest countries to create jobs and economic opportunity from an economy that works with nature instead of today’s reality where forests are often worth more dead than alive.” Apprehensions in the newspaper’s story notwithstanding, the approach adopted by the Government of Guyana in this matter, struck me as one that any tropical forest-country, should pursue particularly in respect to global greenhouse gas emissions.
M o r e o v e r , notwithstanding the disastrous effects inherent in global warming, its shifting dynamics have resulted in opening a market that allows tropical forest countries to trade carbon credits in exchange for financial resources. Although the observation made in the newspaper story, that the initiative should have been discussed with stakeholders, and that the process used to select the USbased NGO is questionable and merits a response, the bottom line is that from a developing country’s perspective, the initiative is progressive and augers well for Guyana’s future. Reading Gates’ and the Government of Guyana’s visions together, it is not difficult to discern the contrasting views held, though the strategic objectives are the same in respect to harnessing greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding the disastrous consequences of global warming. The arguments advanced by Gates are of direct relevance to greenhouse gas emitting companies located within industrialised nations. Gates recognises that industrialised countries first bear responsibility for tackling global warming even as emissions grow. In the meanwhile, governments in
tropics forest countries have made a case to sell carbon credits to private companies in the five countries who produce the most carbon dioxide in the world. For his part, Gates suggests that a climate disaster can be avoided by encouraging companies and their CEO’s in those countries to temper their greenhouse gas emissions by putting in place internal mechanisms and by investing more in research and development and other incentives. According to Gates, incentives can help avoid a climate disaster ‘... by making carbon free things cheaper and by making carbonemitting things more expensive’. Gates further suggests that ‘by progressively increasing the price of carbon to reflect true costs, governments can nudge producers and consumers towards more efficient decisions and encourage innovations that reduce ‘Green Premiums.’ Herein lies the dialectics of climate change. Governments in tropical forest countries want to take advantage of eco-services systems provided by their tropical forests as a means to mobilising resources for rapid development. In this regard, the Government of Guyana holds that jobs and economic opportunity can be created
from the sale of carbon credits. The solutions offered by Gates to the CEO’s of companies who keep adding green house gas to the atmosphere and who should take steps to avoid a climate disaster are to be found in a chapter of his book where he advances his ‘Plan for getting to zero.’ Whether the CEOs, their governments and other major players will accept his plan is another matter. The COP 26 Climate Change Conference scheduled for November this year in Glasgow in the UK will figure that one out. Gates’ case for avoiding a climate disaster dovetails with numerous solutions advanced by environmental economists. His suggestions, coupled with efforts of tropical forest countries can be positive within in a North/ South cooperation partnership. It is generally accepted that the perils of climate change and the avoidance of a climate disaster are global problems that require a global solution. Mr. Gates knows that. It follows therefore that mankind’s efforts to address global warming and the avoidance of a disaster cannot be compartmentalised nor Balkanised. A holistic approach is obviously the best way forward. We live in a global village, and though Gates’ arguments
as well as those advanced by the Government of Guyana follow a certain pattern, nevertheless, there is a clear divergence due to economies of scale and external policy initiatives. Gates also discusses a ‘carbon tax or cap-and-trade programme.’ According to Gates, ‘There are various ways, including a carbon tax or cap-and-trade programme, to ensure that at least some of these external costs are paid by those who are responsible for them.’ More than twenty years ago, Cheddi Jagan in advancing his appeal for a New Global Order, called for a tax on greenhouse gas emissions or a pollution tax as a means of mobilising resources that would go towards the establishment of a Development Fund whose resources would be used to fight poverty in developing countries. Jagan’s proposals have since evolved. A global market place now exists where carbon credits can be freely traded within the meaning of North/South cooperation thus facilitating a win-win situation. At the end of the day, avoiding a climate disaster and mitigating global emissions with a view to reaching carbon neutrality are mankind’s ultimate objectives. Yours truly, Clement J. Rohee
...The trend of substance abuse by Amerindian youths needs From page 5 is a belief, also, that collectively our leaders can do a lot more. There should be a common consensus to organise themselves into Regional bodies, then report to upper levels, of the common problems we face as a people. The new National Toshao Council will next take those to yet a higher level so authorities could take action. Nothing should hinder the
process of eradicating this grave social ill. Very soon, one would think, if nothing is not done quickly, that is, there will be need for rehab centres in other regions, not only in one region, alongside practical instruction centres, to gear young lads to becoming something valuable to society, not a liability to it. I shudder to think what our communities would be like, next 10 or so years, should our community leaders not
endorse a joint position on the way forward with regard to this issue or they will not be worth their salt. Hats off newly elected Toshaos! I salute you all and pray that T.E.A.M. (Together We Achieve More) effort will be your main focus for your people, particularly the young people in your communities. If we lose them, we lose our entire communities. Yours truly, Rev’d Joseph Atkinson.
Thursday May 13, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Thursday May 13, 2021
Thursday May 13, 2021
Kaieteur News
Petition submitted to Prime Minister’s Office Daily Nation - The petition against vaccine intimidation was finally submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office. Tuesday social activist Winston Clarke told the Nation that the petition garnered 3 000 signatures from a wide cross section of people with varying religious beliefs, ethnic background, health concerns and from different social classes. Clarke said the petition, along with a letter, was sent via express mail last Tuesday to Prime Minister Mia Mottley. However, he hand delivered another copy of it and the accompanying letter on Monday at her office in Bay Street, St Michael giving it to a receptionist. Clarke said that he was hoping he would be invited to a meeting where he could discuss the concerns some of the masses
had with taking the vaccine. “I was trying to reach out to her for the past four weeks to no avail so I would like her to respond soon,” he said. “We need to hear her on this issue because not coming out and talking against employers intimidating their workers to take the vaccine is just like supporting them. “People should be able to exercise their rights and they have the right not to take the vaccine because of religious and ethical reasons or health reasons. Some of us do not want to take it because it is not a vaccine in description; it doesn’t immunise and the adverse effects outweigh the advantages of taking it.” Clarke said he was in talks with the opposition party – People’s Party for Democracy
and Development (PdP) – and was told to give Mottley some time to respond. However, Clarke said if she did not respond in an appropriate time he would send a copy of the petition to the Governor General and would consider taking legal action against Government as it failed to address the prospective orders of the people. Clarke said this stance against vaccine intimidation was in no way antivaccine or anti-government but citizens had the right to safeguard their integrity, autonomy and security and therefore should not experience discrimination, prejudice, victimisation, ostracism or to be refused access to services and opportunities because of their choice not to take the jab.
...Students enraged over suspension of From page 11 be graduating next year. Between these two batches, according to the Ministry, an additional 51 nurses will be added to the staff of Region 10. The Ministry went on to note that a recent review of nursing personnel for all Regions shows that Region 10 is the only Region with an excess of 233 Registered Nurses and 106 Registered Nursing Assistants. “All other regions have deficits for trained nursing staff. Many of the regions with deficit staff have identified eligible students for training at the Charles Rosa School of Nursing. However, these students were excluded once again. Of an intake for Batch
#66, of 34 students, 24 are from Region 10. And for Registered Nursing Assistants (RNA) Class #17, which has an intake of 33 students with 21 from Region 10,” the Ministry outlined. For this reason, “These two programmes, Batch #66 and Class #17, have been temporary suspended to ensure that the intake of students reflect the Regions where the Ministry of Health (MoH) have the greatest need for nurses.” Meanwhile, the Ministry said that it is urging the APNU+AFC to stop peddling misinformation and seeking to politicise the situation. According to the Ministry, “if the APNU+AFC had addressed the
structural discrimination at the Charles Rosa School of Nursing during its tenure, then students from Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine would have had equitable access.” The Ministry assured in its statement that it would take the necessary corrective actions to ensure that all of the eligible students from the Regions will be granted access to the training programmes at the Linden nursing school. “We will review Batch #66 and Class #17 to balance the intake before classes can restart. We are confident that all right thinking and fair minded Guyanese will agree with this approach,” the Ministry added.
...Union condemns assault at mining From page 12 publication was informed. As it relates to the labour law breaches, Hamilton said that those issues were ironed out. According to the Minister, the Innovative Mining Inc. officials have admitted to not paying workers overtime. “The company pays the workers $8,000 a day and they have to work 12 hours a day. Even on weekends the pay remains at $8,000, no overtime is paid,” explained Hamilton. Moreover, the Minister said, the company binds its employees to a contractual arrangement which means that they are responsible to pay their own taxes and NIS contributions. In other words, Hamilton said, “it is not paying taxes nor NIS benefits for the employees.” The Labour Minister called the arrangement “utter nonsense” and noted that it is a clear breach of the country's labour laws.
Currently, the Minister said, Innovative Mining Inc. is working along with officers
of the Labour Ministry who will ensure that it complies with the law.
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Kaieteur News
In bid to secure Olympic qualification, Jamaica’s ...Kusal Perera named new sprint relay team to compete in Houston, May 25
Jamaica’s sprint relay team to compete in Houston, May 25.
Thursday May 13, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may have some trouble getting out of bed today due to a desire to let the world carry on without your help for a while. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) The day ahead should be excellent. You tend to work with an energy unparalleled by the other signs, and today you reap some rewards for your diligence. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You've been lucky for the last two months, there's no doubt about it. Lately it seems like your luck is changing. It's hard to pinpoint, but something isn't quite right in your daily life. CANCER (June 21–July 22) This is going to be a good time to get a global view of things. Take full advantage of the current planetary aspects by reading some books on spirituality or travel. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's true that having to earn a living isn't always the most agreeable thing in life, Leo. However, we all know that it's necessary. Have you thought about adding more balance to your life? VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you've had some problems in your sentimental life during the last few m o n t h s , Vi rg o , t hey're probably behind you now. It's a sure bet that you've learned something.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you aren't the most selfassured p e r s o n i n t h e world, take a look around and see all that you've done. True, you still have many unattained dreams. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may meet some new people in the next few days, Scorpio. Someone in your professional life may help you launch some unusual experiments that have never been done before. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It seems as though you're trying to live down some criticism, Sagittarius. For weeks you've taken special care to look over your work to catch any mistakes. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Smile, because the forecast is bright today. You'll be in a curious mood, just right for new encounters. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The Rolling Stones said it best, "I can't get no satisfaction," and that's how you've been feeling lately, Aquarius. Indeed, looking back on your recent activities, you may feel a bit like a character in Wonderland PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're often preoccupied by other people's lives. Your devotion to others will be appreciated today. For example, in the family circle, you may have to bandage everyone's little physical or psychological wounds.
SportsMax - The JAAA has secured at least one international race for Jamaica’s men’s 4x100m relay squad as they attempt to a secure spot at the Tokyo Olympics later this year. A Jamaican quartet will race at a World Athletics Continental Tour track and field meet to be held at Prairie View, Houston, Texas on May 25. “So far Nigeria and Canada are down to compete in the race,” said JAAA General Secretary Marie Tavares. “But we understand that I least one other team will be involved.” Jamaica is provisionally qualified in 11th position with the top 16 teams to be accepted into the relay pool at the Olympics. That qualifying time (38.15) was achieved in the semifinals of the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, 2019. The need for a race escalated after Jamaica was forced to withdraw from the IAAF World Relays which took place in Poland last weekend. This past weekend, a team of Asafa Powell, Julian Forte, Yohan Blake and Oshane Bailey posted a time of 38.33, the second-fastest in the world this year.
From page 22 younger players in Sri Lanka’s talent pool, the selectors had wanted Avishka Fernando in the squad, but he failed a fitness test which, according to the strict selection policy put in place by Arthur, ruled him out of contention. Fernando had also missed the tour of West Indies in February for the same reason. Pathum Nissanka and Ashen Bandara - both 22 - are in the squad, following decent maiden series in the Caribbean in February. But it is the batting lineup missing the big names
that will draw most attention during the three ODIs. All three matches will be played in Dhaka, on May 23, 25 and 28. Squad: Kusal Perera (capt), Kusal Mendis (vicecapt), Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Niroshan Dickwella, Dushmantha Chameera, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando
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Thursday May 13, 2021
Aliann CWI retains 13 Senior Pompey Cricket Umpires Invitational Meet cancelled
Aliann Pompey
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his year’s edition of the Aliann P o m p e y Invitational (API) Meet which was scheduled for June 19 has been cancelled due to the covid 19 pandemic. This announcement was made yesterday by Aliann P o m p e y, t h e f o r m e r Guyanese international. “The pandemic does not allow us to properly prepare to host a competition of this magnitude so it is important we make this announcement soonest,” she added. “While we can’t safely host the competition this year, the API is still working on a way to engage the Guyanese public, its sponsors and athletes. We will be making an announcement shortly as to
how we plan on doing that and while I think it wouldn’t replace the API competition I think it will be a meaningful enough compromise,” she posited. “When the event started in 2016 it was used as an Olympic qualifier for athletes around the region and with the Tokyo games postponed by a year we were hoping for a similar event this year whereby athletes can qualify for the Olympic Games. I know a lot of local athletes as well as those from the region and South America had it on their calendar as a qualifying event so this affects quiet a number of people.” “We thought that it was important to make this announcement now because the preparation of these athletes was greatly
impacted despite our efforts of completely committed to hosting the event. I must say that I am personally devastated by this news,” she stated. “I do support our athletes and wished them the best in their season and I am looking forward to seeing them at the Olympics and hopefully we will be back next year.” Pompey represented Guyana at the Summer Olympics on four separate occasions (2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012). She competed at the World Championships in Athletics eleven times. Pompey won the gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and also won a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games. She holds the South American indoor record for the 400m.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that annual retainer contracts have been offered to all thirteen (13) members of the existing Senior Panel of Umpires for the new contract period April 1st 2021- March 31st 2022. The significant reduction in regional cricket in the last contracting period, due to the impact of COVID-19, has resulted in no changes being made to the list of umpires to be offered contracts. CWI invests annually in the panel of umpires due to their fundamental role in ensuring that the spirit and integrity of cricket is preserved, and that the highest possible quality fair play is upheld on the field. Investing in a broader pool of umpires who can be rewarded for their hard work and application in developing their skills is vital for the health of cricket at all levels. C W I ’s D i r e c t o r o f Cricket Jimmy Adams said, “I am pleased that even in the midst of our financial
constraints, CWI will be reengaging our senior panel of umpires as we recognize and appreciate their important role within the game. We all hope that there will be increasing amounts of cricket within the region in the months ahead to allow our best umpires to continue their ongoing development.” The Senior Panel of Umpires being offered retainer contracts is as follows: CWI’s Senior Panel of Umpires 2021/22- Zahid Bassarath, Johnathan Blades, Gregory Brathwaite, Deighton Butler, Nigel Duguid, Patrick Gustard, Danesh Ramdhanie, Leslie Reifer, Ve r d a y n e S m i t h , Christopher Taylor, Carl Tuckett, Jacqueline Williams and Christopher Wright. During the recent International Home Series between West Indies and Sri Lanka, for the first time, all match officials were of Caribbean origin, due to the ICC temporarily permitting the appointment of locally-
Jacqueline Williams based match officials from the Emirates Elite Panel of Match Officials and the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials. This was due to the logistics challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One very positive outcome was for Barbadian and West Indies Umpire, Gregory Brathwaite to officiate in his first Test Match.
Kaieteur News
Thursday May 13, 2021
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Minister Ramson hands over cheque to GCF for this weekend’s Independence three-stage race By Franklin Wilson
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onourbale Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. on Tuesday last at his office handed over the sponsorship cheque for the Independence three-stage cycle road race to President of the Guyana Cycle Federation (GCF), Linden Dowridge. Also part of the presentation was long serving National Sports Commission employee and Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed who has been working there for over 40 years. This event is the most prestigious race on the GCF racing calendar but was starved of funding from 2016 which resulted in the event not being held. With its resuscitation now, all the GCF members are ecstatic and riders are looking forward to
competing especially with the drought of races that has been the norm with the advent of the covid-19 pandemic. The National Covid-19 Task Force has given the green light for the event and the GCF has expressed gratitude as this is the fifth event for the season that has been green lighted to date. Minister Ramson commented after handing over the cheque: “On behalf of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport for the Government of Guyana, I am pleased to share the return of the Independence “Three Stage” cycle road race after five years. The race is the marquee event for cyclists and it attracts cycling competitors from all around the country and the region. The APNUAFC loved sport and young people so much that they stopped sponsoring the race since 2016 and as a result the race could not be held any
longer. This decision was unjustifiable and callous. Cycling fans can be assured of the Ministry’s support annually.” This weekend’s race is highly anticipated with all the big guns expected to face s t a r t e r ’s o r d e r s i n Corriverton, Berbice when the first stage pedals off on Saturday morning at 07:30hrs to end at Main Street, New Amsterdam. The second stage is also set for Saturday from the Berbice Harbour Bridge, Rosignol at 14:00hrs to end on Carifiesta Avenue in the City. The third and final stage will be contested on Sunday from Kara Kara in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden to end at Banks DIH, Thirst Park. Race time is 07:30hrs. Registration fee is $1,500 for seniors and masters while juniors and females will pay $1000 and only ride two of the three
‘Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana’
Rose Hall Town cricket team makes donation The Rose Hall Town’s Namilco Thunderbolt Flour First Division Team provided cricket gear for project “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana”. The Rose Hall Youth & Sports club is one of the top clubs in the country and one of the most outstanding charitable organizations in Berbice. The Corentyne team, one of 11 first division teams in Berbice, became the latest donor to come on board this worthy venture by presenting four pairs of batting gloves and a pair of batting pads. Gear collected so far: eleven pairs of batting pads, nine bats, eight pairs of batting gloves and two gear bags. Four pairs of batting pads and four bats were distributed so far leaving seven pairs of batting pads, five bats, eight pairs of batting gloves and two cricket gear bags. Eight young players from the Essequibo Coast benefitted from four pairs of batting pads and four bats. Other areas have already reached out to the organisers. Distribution will continue as the gear become available. The initiative is jointly between Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry and will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers across all three counties with the youths from Essequibo being the first recipients of the programme. Skill, discipline and education are important attributes of the players selected. Talent spotting will be done across the
PRO of RHTY&SC Simon Naidu proudly displays the gear. country and club leaders will also assist to identify the players. Speaking on behalf of RHT&SC, PRO Simon Naidu said that giving is the greatest joy one can have and his club is happy to be part of such a great initiative. He pledged to continue support when possible. The project will continue and anyone wishing to make a contribution can contact Beharry or Das. We would like to say thanks to Javed and Imran Khan of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Travis Simon and RHTY&SC.
Minister of CY&S Charles Ramson Jr. is flanked by GCF President Linden Dowridge (left) and the indefatigable Hassan Mohamed during the handing over of the cheque. stages. If a junior or female rider is within the top six after stage two, that individual would be allowed to compete in the third and final stage from Linden to the City. Upon registration, cyclists would be asked to indicate if they are desirous of being provided with transportation, accommodation and meals. Registration is currently ongoing and can be done in
Georgetown at the National Sports Commission Office, Homestretch Avenue by Mr. Hassan Mohamed who can be reached on tel. # 6230736. In Linden the process can be done at Hyacinth’s Bed & Breakfast situated at Manni Street, Mackenzie, tel. # is 444-6350. The feeding points for the respective stages are as follows: Stage One feeding starts at No. 51 Police
Station and ends at Guyoil, Palmyra. Stage Two feeding will commence at Fort Wellington Police Station and end at Massy Distribution Complex, Starlite Square, Montrose, East Coast Demerara. For Stage Three on Sunday, feeding will start at Mobilissa Hilltop on the Linden Soesdyke Highway and end at Providence Police Station, East Bank Demerara.
CALI 2021 Junior Pan American Games move to November 2021
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exico City America is one of the continents that has been most affected by Covid-19, and although important vaccination processes have begun in most countries, the pandemic is still a threat and a lot of work remains to be done. Panam Sports, the Government of Colombia, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Valle del Cauca Government, the Cali Mayor’s Office and the Local Organizing Committee have all been monitoring how the situation evolves month by month, not only in the host country and city of the first Junior Pan American Games, but also in the member countries of the Pan American Sports Organization. After several meetings
and consultations with experts, the decision to modify the dates of the event that was scheduled between September 9 and 19 was finally confirmed. The CaliValle 2021 Junior Pan American Games will now take place between November 25 and December 5. “After several months of meetings with the Colombian authorities, we have adopted this measure that we believe is the best option to protect the health of our young athletes. We want to give more time for both the organizing country and the participating nations to advance in their vaccination processes. This will allow more delegations and the largest number of people to be inoculated against Covid19 when the Games begin,” said Panam Sports President,
Neven Ilic. “The decision we have made is very positive. It will be very beneficial to be able to wait a little longer given the emergency caused by Covid-19 not only in Colombia, but throughout the continent. With this new date, it gives us the possibility of having safer Games for everyone because when the time comes, we will have a higher vaccination rate in the host country,” said Cali-Valle 2021 Executive Director, Jose Luis Echeverry. The first Junior Pan American Games of Cali 2021 will bring together more than 3,800 athletes from 41 countries who will compete in 39 disciplines. The gold medalist in each sport will automatically qualify for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.
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Serena suffers shock loss in 1,000th match
Serena Williams, playing the 1,000th Tour-level match of her glittering career, suffered a shock defeat to Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska. ROME (Reuters) Serena Williams, playing the 1,000th Tour-level match of her glittering career, suffered a shock 7-6(6) 7-5 defeat by Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska in the Italian Open second round yesterday. Playing her first competitive match in nearly three months, the 23-times Grand Slam champion twice came back from a break down but struggled on her first serve as Podoroska took the opening set in the tiebreak. Podoroska, who reached the French Open semi-finals last year, produced a string of heavy topspin forehands to take control of the match with an early break in the second set. Although Podoroska was
Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska beat Serena Williams in the Italian Open second round.
broken to love on her first attempt to serve out the match, she maintained her composure to break again and secure a place in the round of 16. Defeat for Williams, who received an opening round bye in Rome, was a major blow to her preparations for the French Open, starting on May 30. It was the American’s 149th defeat in her 1,000 career WTA matches. Wo r l d n u m b e r t w o Naomi Osaka also crashed out of the tournament, losing 7-6(2) 6-2 to American Jessica Pegula. Osaka, a four-times Grand Slam winner, has often struggled on clay and her defeat in Rome followed a second-round loss at the Madrid Open this month.
Thursday May 13, 2021
NBA roundup: Heat clinch playoffs with win over Celtics
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euters - The Miami Heat clinched a spot in the playoffs for the fourth time in the past six seasons by beating the host Boston Celtics 129-121 on Tuesday night. Miami won in Boston for the second consecutive game, all but relegating the Celtics to the NBA’s play-in tournament. Miami has a three-game lead and holds the head-to-head tiebreaker on the Celtics with each team having three regular-season contests to play. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Duncan Robinson and Bam Adebayo scored 22 apiece. Kemba Walker had a season-high 36 points to lead the Celtics. Jayson Tatum amassed 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Pacers 103, 76ers 94 Caris LeVert scored 24 points and Domantas Sabonis posted a tripledouble with 16 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds to lead host Indiana to a comeback win over Philadelphia. The Pacers clinched a berth in the Eastern Conference play-in
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at TD Garden. (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
tournament with their second consecutive victory coupled with the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Tobias Harris scored a game-high 27 points for the Sixers, who were without star center Joel Embiid due to an illness not related to COVID-19 and had their season-long eight-game winning streak snapped. Lakers 101, Knicks 99 Talen Horton-Tucker hit the decisive 3-pointer with 20.3 seconds left in overtime, lifting Los Angeles over visiting New York. The 20-year-old guard scored eight of his 13 points in extra time. Kyle Kuzma paced the Lakers with 23
points. Anthony Davis added 20 points, and Andre Drummond chipped in with 16 points and 18 rebounds. Facing his former team, Julius Randle totaled a game-high 31 points for New Yo r k . D e r r i c k R o s e contributed 27 points, six rebounds and six assists off the bench. Kings 122, Thunder 106 Terence Davis came off the bench to score 27 points, leading Sacramento to a home win over Oklahoma City. With their sixth victory in seven games, the Kings kept their faint playoff hopes alive for at least another day. With three games remaining, Sacramento needs to win out
and have the San Antonio Spurs lose the rest of their games to have a chance at m a k i n g t h e We s t e r n Conference play-in tournament. Kenrich Williams led Oklahoma City with 20 points. Darius Bazley had 18 points, and Moses Brown finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds. In other scores: Warriors 122, Suns 116 Bucks 114, Magic 102 Clippers 115, Raptors 96 Nuggets 117, Hornets 112 Timberwolves 119, Pistons 100 Nets 115, Bulls 107 Grizzlies 133, Mavericks 104 (Field Level Media)
Kusal Perera named new Sri Lanka ODI captain - Karunaratne, Mathews, Chandimal dropped ESPNcricinfo - Kusal Perera has been named new ODI captain and Kusal Mendis has been recalled and made vice-captain, while Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal have been dropped in a major shake-up of Sri Lanka’s ODI team. In naming a young squad, Sri Lanka’s new selection committee headed by Pramodya Wickramasinghe - and coach Mickey Arthur have signalled they are seeking to aggressively develop a fresh set of limited-overs players with a view to the 2023 World Cup. Across the 18 players named, only 33year-old Isuru Udana is older than 31, and just three players are above 30. While the ousting of Karunaratne is something of a surprise - the team had performed better under him than they had in the 18 months leading up to his
Kusal Perera has replaced Dimuth Karunaratne as Sri Lanka’s ODI captain. (Associated Press)
captaincy - it is the dropping of Mathews that will be most controversial. Mathews’ most recent ODI outings have largely been good. He was the Player of the Match in the second-to-last match he had played - against West Indies in March last year for his four wickets. Before that, he had also been one of Sri Lanka’s best batters at the 2019 World Cup, and had averaged 52.50 with the bat in 2018, and 63.66 in 2017.
Mathews’ fielding and fitness standards had appeared to have improved substantially by the start of 2020 as well. K a r u n a r a t n e , meanwhile, had not been quite as good with the bat averaging 36.06 since he took over, and striking at just 76.52. But under his captaincy, Sri Lanka had won ten and lost seven matches. Perera has never led Sri
Lanka in any format, but his ODI batting had achieved some level of consistency in 2019, when he averaged 43.06 with a strike rate of almost 100. He is set to become Sri Lanka’s ninth ODI captain in the last five years - Chandimal, Mathews, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, and Chamara Kapugedara having held the post, in addition to Karunaratne. The return of Mendis, particularly to a position of leadership, is also significant. He has been out of all of Sri Lanka’s squads since completing a sequence of four consecutive ducks through the course of Test series against South Africa and England. But he had been good in the only ODIs he had played in 2020, hitting 20, 119 and 55 at home against West Indies. From among the (Continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
Thursday May 13, 2021
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Coach Ince remembers mentor Malcolm Willstrop - Legendary English Squash Coach loses battle with Cancer By Sean Devers he Squash fraternity was thrown into mourning last week Monday at the passing of legendary English Squash Coach Malcolm Willstrop who guided Guyanese Junior National Squash Coach Carl Ince in mastering the skill of successfully ‘coaching from the balcony’. According to Ince, Willstrop 83, who lost his battle with Cancer, was known not to spend very much time on court with the players, rather coaching from outside on the balcony; hence the documentary made about him was aptly entitled “The View from Above”. The success of his son and student- former world number one James Willstop is testament to his coaching ability, but his reach was m u c h w i d e r, a n d h i s outstanding contribution to the sport has been honoured by many tributes over the past days. His unusual but effective method of coaching and his record of accomplishments became of interest to Ince, who is always thinking ahead, during a visit to the UK in 2004 to prepare for his Level 4 England Coaching Certification.
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Pondering the prospect of the changes age, undoubtedly, would bring to his physical capabilities. With Ince as National Coach, Guyana won the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships title for 12 consecutive years, but the hosts failed in their bid for a 13th title in the 2017 tournament which was won by Barbados. “Coaching is a huge part of my life and has been for some time, despite starting late in squash. I couldn’t imagine a time I would want to stop but I knew it wouldn’t be possible for me to continue the rigorous and physical demands of pressure feeding and being so active on court with my students,” said Ince who, who resides on the highway on his farm at Loo Creek with his wife. Not long after Ince achieved his Level 4 status he decided another trip was necessary if he was to explore ways he could stay effective in his later years. So he returned to Pontefract in the UK, to spend some time with his old friend. Ince stated that Malcom was slightly confused at the request, wondering what Ince as an elite coach was
Ince coaching his grandson Samuel.
Malcolm Willstrop coaching from the balcony.
hoping to gain from their sessions. Ince remembered how comfortable and empowering those sessions turned out to be as the coaches sat side by side on the balcony and Willstrop shared his wisdom and teaching methods, and the two exchanged experiences. “It was so good when I realised the ticking of the clock did not need to signal an early end to my coaching. I had found a method I could develop in my own way before my body would do the inevitable and slow down!” said Ince who has produced a galaxy of starts including Caribbean Squash Queen
Nicolette Fernandes. Further reflecting on those sessions, Ince links the success of the players he has coached who have excelled. “I think one of the most important things I got from our sessions was the importance of creating an environment for the student where they are anxious for what comes next. Malcolm highlighted that and it has been something that, with the right student, has exceptional effects,” continued Ince. Willstrop’s passing hit Ince hard despite the time that had passed since they were last in contact.
As Ince increasingly employed the ‘coaching from the balcony’ method over the years, and utilized the strong, young and fitter assistant coaches for on the court training, the 77 yearold often thinks back to the influence of Willstop and the significance of that short time on Ince’s ability to continue coaching at his age. “I will be forever grateful to Malcom for sharing his time and knowledge with me, and the squash community will be forever grateful for the amazing, unique man he was; for what he gave to squash and for the legacy he has left that no doubt reaches around the
world,” disclosed Ince. During this period of the Covid-19 pandemic other Coaches might be forced to adopt a similar approach in an effort to maintain the social distancing protocol. After more than a year of suspending the junior squash programme in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines, Ince is eager to get back to coaching. “It is such a shame that the players have missed so much training, competitions and the social side of being a part of the sport. Our athletes have a lot of ground to cover when we get back, but the talent is strong enough as long as they are willing to work for us to get back on our game,” lamented Ince sadly. The Guyana Squash Association extends its condolences to the Willstrop family and recognizes his outstanding contribution to the sport.
Bheemraj Ramkelawan returned as Enmore CCC Chairman Members of the newly elected Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club.
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h e e m r a j Ramkelawan has returned as Chairman of the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) for his third consecutive term when the club held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday last at its pavilion. Others elected to serve are; Secretary and Club Captain– Suresh Jainarine; Treasurer– Vivikanand Ishwardin; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer — Tahal Ganesh and Committee members: Ramdeo Ramkissoon, Kenon Ramascindo, Ryan Ganesh and Shameer Shahib. Ramkelawan told the media he will continue to work collectively with his executive to promote the game in the area. Ramkelewan was elected unopposed and thanked members of the club for showing confidence in him and his team. The Chairman outlined a
series of programmes that remained incomplete due to the pandemic and promised to facilitate their completion. High on the agenda is a tour to Barbados. The club members were also encouraged to “up their level of discipline in keeping with the club’s motto”. In addition, four youth players were recognised for their outstanding cricket progress thus far while the major sponsors during the past year: Banks DIH Ltd, Rajin Auto Paint, Cricketzone USA, Motor Trend Auto Spares, D&E Tent Rental and R. Kisson Construction Services were all applauded. The Jainarine brothers were also praised for their contribution towards the building of the youth teams at the club. Internally, the Chairman was also recognised for his contributions towards the development of cricket on the East Coast.