43 minute read
Anna Regina Council at P
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Anna Regina vendors, Town Council at loggerheads over street vending
Scores of vendors selling alongside the Anna Regina Public Road have staged another protest against the decision to have their wooden stalls dismantled and to order them to use collapsible tents for their vending by April.
Vendors are complaining that they could not afford collapsible tents as these were expensive, costing some $300,000.
A vegetable vendor, Sattie Persaud explained that the fee the Council was charging for vending on the roadside was $2000 per day, adding that with low sales vendors were poor and could not afford to buy such tents.
Another vendor, Satesh Mangra said that the old market at Anna Regina did not have adequate space and the infrastructure was very poor. This claim, however, has been disputed by the Anna Regina Town Council, which has since said that about 300 spots were available.
Vendor representative Nahib Shabar called on the Anna Regina Town Council to reconsider the decision and to allow long-term vendors to vend.
Shabar said that many of the persons were depending on vending as their livelihood and most could not afford to purchase the tents.
He also mentioned that they needed more time and less rental fees.
Intruding on Govt reserves
Meanwhile, Anna Regina Mayor Rajendra Prabulall said that he was concerned about vendors intruding on Government reserves and the public road, and warned that these persons must demolish all permanent stalls within the Town by April.
At a recent meeting held in the boardroom of the Anna Regina Town Council, the Mayor stated that there were more than 300 spots within the market area waiting to be occupied by vendors and, therefore, vendors should cooperate with the Council in assisting in the beautification of Anna Regina.
It was decided by the Council that the environs of the Anna Regina High Bridge and the passageway leading to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building must be cleared.
The Mayor said that the Council has invested millions of dollars in 42 solar lights, repainting and refurbishing stalls and other works to make vendors comfortable within the environment.
Additionally, he said that was done to make the market environment conducive to selling and if vendors were having difficulties in managing to vend using collapsible stalls, they should apply for stands at Bush Lot Market.
“We don’t want no wooden shabby-looking stand in the town, instead vendors can be more organised and vend using makeshift tents and by evening they can remove and the place will clear,” Prabhulall said.
The Mayor added that if at any time the market became overcrowded, the Council would make the tarmac in Cotton Field available to vendors with makeshift stalls.
Street vendors protesting in front of the Anna Regina Town Council
Eccles property fraud Wanted bulletin for “ghost fraudster”, D’Urban Street man
The wanted “ghost fraudster” allegedly known as Mohamed Wazir
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is now seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the man whose picture is on a suspected bogus identification card – which was used for the fraudulent transfer of a property situated by the public road at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Further, Police have also issued a wanted bulletin for 45-year-old Alistair Michael Mitchell of Lot NN D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown in connection with the matter.
The men are wanted for fraud committed at the Deeds Registry during the year 2017.
Reports are that the bogus ID card, which bore the name Mohamed Wazir, was used to file an application in 2008 for the transfer of a transport through the High Court.
The landowner, Rohit Lall, become aware of the fraudulent transfer when he attempted to pay his rates and taxes for his Lots B and C, Eccles property at the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). He was informed that the property had been transferred to one Mohamed Wazir of Fourth Street, Herstelling, EBD.
Following this, Lall filed a Police report.
As Police probed the matter, it was discovered that the lots after being transferred to Wazir were further sold to a company on the East Bank that manufactures toilet tissue for some $35 million.
However, that transaction was not fully processed as the original owner— Lall – intervened before the property was advertised in the Gazette for passing to the company.
Guyana Times understands that Wazir had reportedly appointed a Guyanese woman of Chinese descent as the Power of Attorney for the property and had her sell the land to the manufacturing company.
Further, a Police source close to the investigation had told this newspaper that the woman was hauled in for preliminary questioning at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Eve Leary and was scheduled to be questioned again.
Meanwhile, the Notary Public, a former Magistrate, who executed the Power of Attorney for the property to the woman, was also called in to CID headquarters for questioning.
As the Police continue to investigate the issue which initially started off as transport fraud, all angles are being looked at including whether the woman is the actual architect behind the crime or is in fact a victim as well.
The Police source indicated that the latter might be the case, since some money was paid by the woman to Wazir, who is yet to be found.
Conversely, the Legal Affairs Minister believes that there is an integrated conspiracy at work in committing these acts of fraud, noting that no one person could pull such off.
Meanwhile, initial investigations had let to the arrest of a 37-year-old former staffer of the High Court Registry who is attached to a realty firm.
However, the staffer was released from custody on March 20 on $200,000 bail after the statutory 72-hour detention period expired.
According to the Police, he was the person who took the transport in Wazir’s name to the Eccles NDC along with photocopies of Wazir’s identification card for the name change in the records there.
He told Police at the CID headquarters that the transport and photocopied ID were given to him by someone called “Max” to take to the NDC.
He was, however, unable to provide any contact information for Max.
This publication was informed that all the records pertaining to the court order transferring the land from Lall to Wazir have disappeared.
Further, Police had also made checks at the address given for Wazir, but were informed that no one by that name lived there.
Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the wanted individuals is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 2261389, 227-2128, 226-7476, 226-7065, 227-9271, 2271611, 227-1149, 227-1270, 225-6940-9, 225-3650, 2261928, or 911 or at the nearest Police Station. (G15)
Wanted: Alistair Michael Mitchell
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Husband chops pregnant wife, burns Pomeroon home
The injured woman covered in blood before being rushed to the hospital
Apregnant woman of Grant Friendship Lower Pomeroon, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) had to be airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital after she was severely chopped by her husband.
Reports are that the injured 23-year-old woman was chopped about 09:00h on Thursday during a dispute with her husband at their Pomeroon home.
Guyana Times was told that during the heated argument, the woman’s husband took a chopper and dealt several chops to her body and head with several fingers severed in the process. Police have since confirmed that the six months pregnant woman has had her right hand partially amputated. Following the incident, the perpetrator set the house on fire. However, persons in the vicinity managed to render assistance and the woman was rushed for medical attention. Her husband has since been taken into custody.
News
Smart classrooms now at Brickdam, East Ruimveldt Secondary Schools
Smart classrooms were commissioned by the Education Ministry at the Brickdam Secondary School and the East Ruimveldt Secondary School in Georgetown on Wednesday.
The commissioning of the smart classrooms at the two schools form part of the Ministry’s drive to modernise the education sector. A release from the Ministry stated that the smart classrooms are equipped with items such as an interactive board, a television that allows teachers and students to
Students of the Brickdam Secondary School enjoying a lesson on matrices inside their smart classroom
connect remotely and motion- and voice-activated cameras complete with face recognition software.
Systems Development Coordinator within the Education Ministry, Godfrey Munroe explained that the interactive board will allow the virtual student to be able to interact with the class that is being facilitated at the time and view all the content that is being shared.
He said that the smart classrooms would provide for the infusion of Information Meanwhile, at the commissioning exercises, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said that she was very pleased to be commissioning the classrooms especially in this COVID-19 period, as information and teaching could flow from one to many using the equipment installed. She promised that the effective usage of the classrooms would not be left up to the schools alone, but would be part of a managed programme to make sure the classrooms were be-
Communication Technology (ICT) for all subject areas. Munroe explained that the facilities would have a multiplier effect as they would allow for expert teachers to reach and engage with students from other schools and vice versa.
The smart classrooms will benefit the 368 students currently enrolled at the Brickdam Secondary School and the 506 students at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School. ing used effectively to benefit the students at the respective schools as well as students at other schools which do not have such classrooms.
Manickchand added, “Imagine what we can do here. We could get experienced teachers delivering content to thousands of students at the same time. This will help us to expand the reach of our human resources for the benefit of all our students regardless of where they are located.”
19 Around the World
OILNEWS
The unfortunate tanker mishap in the Suez Canal that continues to block tanker traffic is being overshadowed by another wave of coronavirus-inspired lockdowns, sending oil prices once again downward.
Oil prices slipped roughly four per cent on Thursday afternoon, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude trading down US$2.80 per barrel at US$58.88 –down 4.58 per cent on the day.
Brent crude was trading down US$2.48 per barrel at US$61.93—a slide of 3.85 per cent on the day.
Weighing heavily on oil prices are the third wave of coronavirus lockdowns in Europe. Experts suggest that Poland is in the throes of its worst point in the pandemic, reporting a record number of cases. As a result of the increase in infections, Poland has just announced a strict two-week lockdown that will close nursery schools and salons and reduce church capacity.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that Poland was “one step away from crossing the border beyond which we will not be able to properly heal our citizens”.
Additional lockdown measures in France went into effect on Saturday, and the Government has threatened to implement tougher measures still.
Germany had imposed a strict five-day lockdown over the Easter holiday, but has since rethought that strategy, which has angered its citizens.
The lockdowns will stifle oil demand in Europe, and the market is more concerned with this aspect than with the vessel that has lodged itself in the Suez Canal, creating a traffic jam that includes oil tankers, which is tightening shortterm supplies. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)
Biden pressed on child migration at 1st news conference
US President Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden was pressed on how he would address the surge in migrants at the southern border at his first official press conference.
More than 17,000 children are being kept in Government detention centres, and Biden was challenged on whether his policies could be contributing to the increase in child arrivals.
The President defended his record and vowed to be transparent.
The hour-long event also covered subjects from guns to foreign policy.
He also doubled his Administration's vaccine rollout goal, saying that he now aimed to have 200 million jabs be given before his 100th day in office.
But questions about the situation at the US-Mexico border dominated the event.
During the White House news conference, Biden blamed his predecessor Donald Trump for the growing humanitarian crisis on the southern border, and said it was normal for the US to experience an influx of migrants in cooler months. "The truth of the matter is, nothing has changed," he said, adding: "The reason they're coming is that it's the time they can travel with the least likelihood of dying on the way because of the heat in the desert." "I'd like to think it's because I'm a nice guy, but it's not," he said, calling the surge a cyclical event. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US and Britain blacklist Myanmar military-controlled companies
The United States and Britain imposed sanctions on conglomerates controlled by Myanmar’s military on Thursday, following the Generals’ February 1 coup and deadly crackdown, with Washington calling it a response to “abhorrent violence and abuses”.
The US Treasury Department said its sanctions targeted Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Ltd (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation Ltd (MEC).
Britain imposed similar sanctions on MEHL, citing the Myanmar military’s serious human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims.
Representatives for the two entities, which control big sections of the Myanmar economy, had no immediate comment on when Reuters reported on Wednesday the sanctions were expected.
Thursday’s actions were the most significant by far against the business interests of Myanmar’s military, which range from beer and cigarettes to telecommunications, tyres, mining and real estate.
Shortly after the announcement, the State
Firecrackers explode as protesters take cover behind a barricade during a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 21, 2021
Dislodging the huge ship blocking the Suez Canal could take “days to weeks”, as the traffic jam builds
Shipping experts believe it could take days or even weeks to free the 224,000-tonne vessel that is wedged across the Suez Canal, blocking one of the world's busiest waterways since Tuesday.
The Ever Given, a container ship almost as long as the Empire State Building is tall, ran aground on March 23 after being caught in 40knot winds and a sandstorm that caused low visibility and poor navigation, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said in a statement.
Authorities attempted to re-float the vessel Thursday morning, but were not successful. Another attempt was scheduled to be made later on Thursday, according to Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, the vessel's technical manager.
Meanwhile, at least 160 ships carrying vital fuel and cargo are waiting to pass through the blocked waterway, according to a senior canal pilot at the SCA.
Dislodging the vessel could take "days to weeks, depending on what you come across", according to Peter Berdowski, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Boskalis, whose sister company SMIT salvage is now working to free the ship.
Berdowski told Dutch TV on Wednesday that his company had determined it was impossible to free the ship with its current cargo on board. "The ship with the weight that it [has] now has is impossible to pull," he said. "You can forget about that." (Excerpt from CNN) Department condemned the continued use of lethal force by authorities in Myanmar over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people, including several children.
“These abhorrent and brutal acts against children, one as young as seven years old who was shot and killed in her home while sitting on her father’s lap, further demonstrate the horrific nature of the Burmese military regime’s assault on its own people,” department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
Washington’s move freezes any assets held by the entities in the United States and is the latest in a series of sanctions following the military takeover that have targeted Myanmar’s central bank as well as top Generals.
The designation prohibits American companies or citizens from trading or conducting financial transactions with those listed. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Bolsonaro under pressure as Brazil’s COVID deaths top 300,000
Brazil has topped 300,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, becoming the second country to do so amid a spike in infections that has seen the South American country report record death tolls in recent days.
On Wednesday, Brazil’s Health Ministry reported 2009 daily COVID-19 deaths, bringing its pandemic total to 300,685. On Tuesday, the country saw a single-day record of 3251 deaths.
The United States reached the grim milestone on December 14, but it has a larger population than Brazil.
According to local media reports in Brazil, the latest coronavirus figures might be affected by changes in the Government’s counting system. Newly-appointed Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said in a news conference that he was going to check whether the numbers had been artificially reduced.
With daily death tolls at pandemic highs, State Governors and Mayors in Brazil have expressed fears that April could be as bad as March for the country’s overwhelmed hospitals.
Just in the past 75 days, Brazil has registered 100,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths, a spike health experts blame on a lack of political coordination in fighting the virus, new variants that spread more easily, and a disregard for health protocols.
President Jair Bolsonaro has consistently downplayed the severity of the pandemic, insisting the economy must be kept humming to prevent worse hardship, and he has criticised health measures imposed by local leaders.
As the pandemic has worsened in recent weeks, Bolsonaro has shown signs of taking it more seriously. The return of his political nemesis, former left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, also appears to have stirred him into action. Lula’s corruption convictions have recently been annulled, allowing him to run in next year’s election. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Thousands of Venezuelans flee to Colombia amid violence on border
Tensions on the border between Colombia and Venezuela continued to escalate on Thursday, amid military operations that sent thousands of Venezuelans fleeing to Colombia from their homes located along the border.
Thousands of Venezuelans have fled to Colombia from the province of Apure in the wake of continuing military operations, the Colombian Government and some of those displaced said.
Venezuela has said its military is fighting Colombian armed groups in rural areas and has its population’s support.
“When the bombs were falling I felt so nervous,” said Niomar Diaz, 26, who arrived in Colombia by canoe told the Reuters news agency. “In one house, a grandfather died, an eightyear-old boy died, a nineyear-old girl and her mom. The situation was terrible.”
Diaz said the Venezuelan military was abusive and his family and several neighbours chose to flee.
More than 3100 people in 780 families make up the group, which began arriving in the Colombian municipality of Arauquita starting on Monday because of the military operations, Colombia’s migration agency said.
The border is currently closed due to COVID-19.
“The foreigners are in eight shelters in Arauquita municipality and the National Government, the Governor of Arauca, and the international community are making efforts to provide them with assistance,” the agency said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
ARCHIE
DILBERT
PEANUTS
CALVIN AND HOBBES
SUDOKU
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
ARIES (March 21April 19)
TAURUS
(April 20May 20)
Finish what you start before moving on to something more enjoyable. Choose your words wisely when dealing with a friend or relative. An argument will ruin a perfect day if you let it.
Make a change because you want to, not because you are emotional or angry. Look for a way to make your home more comfortable. A positive attitude will bring the best results. Work to improve a special relationship.
GEMINI (May 21June 20)
CANCER (June 21July 22)
Tempers will flare if you spend too much time with someone who is critical or if you focus on what’s not working instead of on what you can accomplish. Personal growth is encouraged.
Take note of what others are doing, and consider what you can do to improve your life. A chance to do things differently will help you stand out. You’ll find a loophole that will save money if you update documents.
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Pay more attention to your actions and how you present yourself, and less to what others are doing. It’s better to look for opportunities than to try to make what someone else is doing work for you.
Let your feelings dictate your decisions. If you follow your heart, you will discover the best way to use your skills to reach your objective. Refuse to let anyone goad you into an argument.
Look for safe ways to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Spending time in nature will encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle. Exercise often, eat well and spend time with someone you love.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
You’ll get a chance to change your environment, but don’t go overboard financially. Look at ways to cut corners to find ways to stay within budget. Aim to lower your stress levels.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Monitor what others do or say. Someone will misinterpret what you say if you aren’t articulate. Leave nothing to chance, and you’ll outdo anyone who tries to get in your way.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Take a different approach to the way you handle money. A possible change that interests you will cause you to question your relationship with someone. Go directly to the source if you want the truth.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20- Feb. 19)
Clear a workout space and get moving. Fitness and exercise will give you the boost you need to start new projects. Spend time doing things, not contemplating. Seek out family members.
An emotional situation will be eye-opening. Don’t get upset when something goes wrong; use your anger to motivate you to change. Let go of the past and do what’s best for you.
PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)
Dorren George slams century as BCB/Zulfikar Mustapha U-15 tournament continues
The BCB/Zulfikar Mustapha U-15 tournament continued last week in the Ancient County of Berbice with several promising players putting in outstanding performances.
The tournament is currently at the round robin stage, with 18 teams vying for a place in the quarter-finals.
Two teams would advance from Zone A (West Berbice) and three each from Zone B (New Amsterdam/Canje) and Zone C (Lower/Upper Corentyne).
Sterling batting performances were recorded by T. Conelley (52), Tulsieram Ramcharran (74) and Doren George (111); while outstanding bowling performances came from A. Khan (4 for 21), A. Bacchus (4 for 28), Ravin Budhwa (5 for 10), T. Conelley (5 for 24), Romario Ramdehol (5 for 24 and 6 for 9), D. Persaud (4 for 24), Justin Doobay (6 for 20) and Aaron Craig (4 for 19).
Scores from the latest matches played are as follows. 1. Achievers defeated Paradise by 102 runs.
Achievers: 228-5 from 35 overs; Tulsieram Ramcharran 74, Tiea Isaacs and S Ramkishun 2 for 11 from 7 overs. Paradise: 126 all out in 22.1 overs. T. Conelley 52, S. Ramkishun 26. Justin Doobay: 6 for 20 from 6 overs, and W. Hartman: 2 for 33 from 4 overs. 2.RH Canje defeated Edinburgh by 140 runs. RH Canje: 173 all out from 45.4 overs; Zadeem LaRose 36, Adrian Hetmyer 19. Wesley Castello: 3 for 32 from 10 overs, and Danish Persaud: 2 for 41 from 6.4 overs. Edinburgh: 33 all out in 14 overs. Troy David 10; Romario Ramdehol: 6 for 9 from 7 overs, and Aaron Craig: 4 for 19 from 6 overs. 3.RH Canje defeated Tucber Park by 138 runs. RH Canje: 187 all out 33.2 overs. Aaron Craig 34, Zadeem LaRose 25, Romario Ramdehol 28. Demitte Hermonstyne: 2 for 36 from 5 overs, and Gavin Kisten: 2 for 27 from 9 overs. Tucber Park: 49 all out in 14.2 overs. Gavin Kisten 15. Aaron Craig: 4 for 17 from 6 overs, Adrian Hetmyer: 3 for 4 from 1.2 overs, and Romario Ramdehol: 2 for 19 from 6 overs. 4.RH Canje defeated Kendall’s Union by 7 wickets. Kendall’s Union: 65 all out in 24.3 overs. Rahul Victor 12. Romario Ramdehol: 5 for 24 from 10 overs, and Jayden Edwards: 2 for 4 from 2.3 overs. RH Canje: 66 for 3 from 11 overs. Zadeem LaRose 24. Khemraj Permanand: 1 for 17 from 1 over, and Devindra Victor: 1 for 5 from 2 overs. 5.Edinburgh defeated Tucber Park by 6 wickets. Tucber Park: 72 all out in 20
Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
BCB delegation visits Upper Corentyne area to meet cricket clubs
– 2021 player registration season completed
BCB Treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry handing over financial donation to Mr Baksh of the Skeldon Cricket Club BCB PRO Simon Naidu handing over donation of kites to UCCA President and Vice President, Dennis D’Andrade and Syndey Jackman respectively
The longstanding problem of registration of players for participation in tournaments in the Upper Corentyne area was resolved on Tuesday last when Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster and an 8-man delegation met with clubs in that area.
Representatives of 26 clubs were present at that meeting, which was chaired by President of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA), Dennis D’Andrade.
Members of the BCB delegation included Vice President Albert Smith, Treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry, Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman, Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu, and Competitions Committee Chairman Leslie Soloman.
Foster noted that the main problem in the area was the registration of players and the habit of players leaving clubs regularly; and, in some cases, players representing as many as three clubs in the calendar year. He disclosed that the BCB, with support of the UCCA, organised the meeting to resolve the problem, so that the packed cricket season for the area can start.
On his 81st visit to this subassociation since his election as BCB President, Foster explained that once players have been registered with a club for 2021, they would have to play out the year with that club.
No request for transfer would be accepted in 2021, while players who desire to move to another club in 2022 would have to follow the BCB guidelines and produce permission from their old club as well as acceptance from the one to which they are seeking transfer.
The BCB delegation worked along with each of the clubs on their lists of players, and apart from two minor objections, the process went smoothly. More than 400 players were registered during that two-hour session.
Further, Foster informed the clubs of the major plans for the Upper Corentyne area for 2021. Those include at least 4 cricket tournaments, a mini cricket academy, coaching clinics, assistance for clubs, and scholarship for a cricketer to attend the University of Guyana.
Clubs in the area have already benefited from donations of cricket balls, cricket gears, scorebooks, trophies and catching cribs from the BCB this year. Two weeks ago, 8 clubs in the area received $1.4M worth of gears from an overseas donor.
It was disclosed that the UCCA and the BCB would, in early April, be hosting 2 knockout tournaments: the Vishu Super Store 40-over, and the Vitality 20/20.
Teams have been encouraged to register for upcoming tournaments which would start shortly at the U-13, U-19, U-21, U-23, Intermediate, countywide second division, and female levels.
The BCB delegation also discussed UCCA participation in first division cricket, and the debarring of players. The Skeldon Community Centre Cricket Club received a financial donation from the BCB to assist in the purchase of gear, while the UCCA was presented with a huge quantity of kites for distribution to children in the area as part of their outreach programme.
Several clubs which did not attend the recent Shimron Hetmyer Trust Fund programme were still able to collect their donation of cricket balls and scorebooks.
At the end of the meeting, Foster urged the teams to remain united, disciplined, and working along with management of the UCCA.
He specially mentioned the outstanding work of the UCCA President and Vice President Sydney Jackman, who at age 80 continues to be a livewire of energy and commitment.
UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade expressed gratitude to Foster for his hard work, and the special emphasis he places on cricket in the UCCA subassociation. overs. D. Persaud: 4 for 24 from 5.3 overs, and M. Cort: 2 for 5 from 1 over. Edinburgh: 73 for 4 from 12 overs. Dorren George 17. D Hermansingh: 2 for 25 from 3 overs. 6.Edinburgh defeated Guymine by 255 runs. Edinburgh: 295 for 7 from 40 overs. Dorren George 111, W Castello 35, Troy David 30. D. Hope: 3 for 53 from 7 overs. Guymine: 44 all out in 10.5 overs. C Cort: 3 for 14 from 5 overs. 7.Achievers defeated Cotton Tree by 196 runs. Achievers: 218 all out from 40 overs. Tulsieram Ramcharran 43, E. Rogers 41. A. Khan: 4 for 21 from 8 overs, and A. Bacchus: 4 for 28 from 8 overs. Cotton Tree: 28 all out in 13 overs. A. Ramkumar 11. Tulsieram Ramcharran: 7 for 7 from 7 overs, and K. Ogle: 2 for 2 from 5 overs. 8.Port Mourant defeated UCCA ‘B’ by 10 wickets. UCCA ‘B’: 27 all out in 14 overs. A Singh 10. Romel Budwah: 5 for 10 from 5 overs, and J. Mohan: 2 for 7 from 7 overs. Port Mourant: 28 without loss from 4 overs. Rampersaud Ramnauth 11 not out. 9.Cotton Tree defeated Paradise by 12 wickets. Paradise: 81 all out from 18.5 overs. T Conelley 24. A Khan: 3 for 17 from 5 overs, and A Ramkumar: 3 for 3 from 3.5 overs. Cotton Tree: 82 for 8 from 13 overs. A Khan 21. T Conelley: 5 for 24 from 6 overs. 10.Blairmont defeated Cotton Tree by 70 runs. Blairmont: 123 all out in 23.4 overs. R Shiragon 27, N Saffar 21, S Gafoor: 4 for 28 from 9 overs, and A. Bacchus: 6 for 30 from 6.4 overs. Cotton Tree: 53 all out in 17 overs. S Shabeed 12. 11.Albion CCCC ‘A’ defeated UCCA ‘B’ by 198 runs. Albion: 264 for 6 from 30 overs. Dhanesh Prabhudiyal 61, Afraz Budhoo 48, and Devin Lalbehari 36. T Ramjit: 2 for 60 from 5 overs, and T Bissoon: 2 for 52 from 5 overs. UCCA ‘B’: 66 all out in 20 overs. O Asait 25. Afraz Budhoo: 3 for 34 from 6 overs, and Devin Lalbehari: 7 for 12 from 6 overs.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch relay finally begins in Japan
Azusa Iwashimizu, one of Japan's 2011 Women's World Cupwinning footballers, was the first to carry the torch. She was accompanied by former team-mates
Ayear later than planned, and despite an ongoing globtions, spectators have been banned from this year's launching ceremony. al pandemic, the torch relay for the delayed Tokyo Olympics finally got underway in Japan on Thursday.
The 121-day relay signals the start of the buildup to this summer's Games, which were postponed from 2020 by coronavirus.
The torch was lit during a ceremony in Fukushima, and will be carried by 10,000 runners across Japan before the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the Games' opening ceremony on 23 July.
But, as expected, this year's torch relay will be one with a difference. Thousands of people have lined the streets for the event in previous years, but because of virus restricA small number of fans were allowed to watch the relay's second section, but face masks were compulsory, and cheering was banned in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19. It was announced last week that international fans would not be allowed to travel to the Games. Chief of Tokyo 2020, Seiko Hashimoto, has said she hopes the Olympic flame would serve as "a ray of light at the end of the darkness". "This little flame never lost hope, and it waited for this day like a cherry blossom bud just about to bloom," she said in speaking at the launch ceremony. (BBC Sport)
RHTY&SC cricket teams "Let’s fly high at Easter" programmes distribute 1000 kites
BCB Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu handing over donation to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost
The 11 cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) continue to make a positive impact on the lives of others in the county of Berbice.
Under the supervision of BCB Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu, the teams created and distributed 1000 kites under their "Let’s Fly High at Easter" programme for 2021.
This programme, brainchild of the 21-year-old Simon Naidu, has as its main objective to provide a kite to each child whose parents cannot afford to purchase one for them.
RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster has hailed the hard work of Naidu and members of the club over the last two weeks. That work has resulted in them obtaining
Donation being handed over to a representative of the We Care Foundation of Tuschen, EBE
the kites for distribution.
The kites were distributed across the county of Berbice, and 260 kites have also been donated to the We Care Foundation at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.
Donations have also been made to the Black Bush Polder, Corriverton and Port Mourant Roman Catholic parishes, and to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Berbice Cricket Board, and the Deeper Life Ministries church, among other places while the teams would also be sharing out kites to less fortunate children. Naidu explained that each year, management of the RHTY&SC, MS, mandates the teams to undertake a wide range of activities under the sub-headings of health, sports, education, community development, youth development, religion, culture, anti-drugs, anti-crime and anti-suicide. Additionally, each member is expected to be a positive role model to their peers.
The teams have also donated a water dispenser, a solar light, and some special gifts to the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Saturday last as part of their “Say Yes to Religion” programme.
The church’s youth club had, in 1990, played a major role in the formation of the RHTY&SC, which has since gone on to become Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation.
The teams of the RHTY&SC are: Poonai Under 12 and 13; Farfan and Mendes Under 15; Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division; Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate; Vitality Under 23; Metro Females; NAMILCO Under 21 and First Division.
The teams are hereby acknowledging their gratitude to the following donors for making the donations possible: Rickey Itwaru, Arjune Nandu, Kumar Joseph, Therbhuwan Jagdeo, Kevin Ramnarain, Surendra Ramcharitar, Doorsammy Mahadeo, Mahendra Gopilall, Chanderpaul Govindhan, Surendra Kissoonlall, Christopher Deroop, Shawn Pereira, Sunil Marimoothoo, Ryan Tillakram, Prettipaul, Rabindranauth Kissoonlall, Kris Baromasi, Randolph Lewis and Shimron and Nirvani Hetmyer.
Permaul eyeing the target at Pan Am Championships
Devin Permaul eyeing his target
More than a year ago, Archery Guyana reported on two members, Devin Persaud Permaul and Wayne De Abreu, who had been participating in the Olympic Qualification process. Then, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit globally.
Right now, however, in the world of Archery, there is some glimmer of hope as things return to a new ‘normalcy”, and Guyana is once again back on track to seek to secure spots for Archery in the Tokyo Games.
This week, in Monterrey, Mexico, 20 countries sent representatives to shoot at the Pan American Championships under strict pandemic regulations set out by World Archery and the local health authorities.
And present there in Monterrey, Mexico is Guyana’s very own Devin Permaul, flying the Golden Arrowhead amidst fierce competition for the quota places.
T h e r e are, in these Pan American Championships, three quota places which are reserved for countries in the Americas, and those can be won only by countries who have not already secured a place. Each nation can collect a maximum of only one quota place per gender in Monterrey, Mexico.
After these continental championships, there is only one last qualification tournament, which will take place in Paris in June. It will be open to all countries. However, with travel plans uncertain and the global pandemic still of great concern, this competition in Monterrey might be the last chance for some of the athletes - and especially for Guyana - to qualify for the Games. The pressure on our Archer and countryman is high, and the battle for these quota places will be intense.
The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana are extending best wishes to Devin Permaul, and are urging all of Guyana to rally around him and send positive energy across the miles for Guyana’s sake.
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23 Bonner stars with ton as West Indies eke out draw
Nkrumah Bonner spent as many as eight balls on 99. There was a threat of rain, with a drizzle going around, too. The ground staff prepared themselves to run in with covers. In that short phase, there were various delays on the field, and it looked like Bonner would have to wait longer than he wanted for that maiden hundred.
He drove an overpitched delivery through covers soon after, to get to his maiden Test century in just his third Test. Bonner's innings headlined West Indies' defiance in Antigua as they managed to pull off a stoic draw in the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Beginning the day with 341 to get, and having lost a wicket late on Day 4, West Indies made a steady start. Between going for a win or playing out for a draw, the first session made apparent which way West Indies were leaning.
Kraigg Brathwaite and Bonner shared a fifty-run stand and kept Sri Lanka's bowlers at bay, making an excellent start. Although they weren't particularly going after the runs, they frustrated Sri Lanka's pacers, who bowled tight lengths and lines, but failed to make any inroads on the docile surface.
Brathwaite was watchful and very conservative in approach, but Bonner, in stark contrast, was fluent and went for his strokes from time to time, going after anything short.
West Indies scored 31 runs in the first hour of play. It looked like they would see through the session with all wickets intact, until Lasith Embuldeniya changed ends and struck immediately. The left-arm spinner knocked over Brathwaite, who stepped out of his crease and was done in by the variation of pace, breaking the 66-run stand.
Embuldeniya attacked the stumps, and with two spinners operating from either end, Sri Lanka bowled four maidens on the trot in a session that was because of a slight drizzle.
West Indies carried on after lunch in what was a much more fluid session for them, wherein runs flowed rather fluently. In 27 overs, they scored 90 runs, much in contrast with the opening session, which was a slow one.
Runs were not an issue for Sri Lanka, who tried everything they could and received no assistance at all, with deliveries keeping low. Nor did West Indies' batsmen err too much, but were fortunate that their edges landed in between slip fielders or where it was safe.
Nkumrah Bonner stroked an unbeaten century (Randy Brooks/ Getty Images)
extended by 15 minutes due to the delayed start upfront
Bonner, who had just reached his fifty when
D’Edward humble Blairmont to advance to final of the BCB/Faizal Jafferally 20/20 tournament
The winning D’Edward CC
D’Edward Cricket Club have advanced to the final of the BCB/Faizal Jafferally 20/20 tournament by defeating a determined Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club by 16 runs in a match played at the Cotton Tree Ground.
In the presence of BCB President Hilbert Foster, the lone semi-final was played under very strict COVID-19 regulations. D’Edward CC batted first after winning the toss, and soon found themselves in trouble when Deonauth Persaud was bowled for nought by Javed Karim, and then the ultra-aggressive Altaf Khan was caught off left arm spinner Nigel Deodat for a duck to leave D’Edward reeling at 5 for 2 in the second over. It soon became 12 for 3 when Deo Persaud trapped Devindra Lalsa lbw for 07.
However, the veteran duo of Heralall Bridgelall and skipper Jaipaul Heralall joined forces at 68 for 5 in the 14th over, and added 52 in 4 overs to rescue their team. Bridgelall ended on 74 not out (7x4, 2x6) and received support from Heralall (15) and Kevon Jawahir (21) as D’Edward ended on 141 for 6 from their allotted 20 overs.
National youth players Nigel Deodat (2 for 22) and Javed Karim (4 for 30) bowled well for Blairmont.
In reply, the youthful Blairmont team were restricted to 125 for 7 when their 20 overs had expired.
Deodat returned with the bat to score a delightful 54, which included 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. Karim also completed a fine all-round performance to register 41 (2x6, 3x4). Veteran medium pacer Keith Fraser bowled well to take 2 for 28 from 4 overs, while Bridgelall returned incredible figures of 2 for 3.
Faizal Jafferally, MP Kraigg Brathwaite is bowled all ends up
lunch was taken, found the boundaries more frequently after the break. It was a stellar second session for West Indies, wherein they lost no wickets while Bonner and Mayers kept Sri Lanka at bay for the entirety of the second one, with their unbroken century stand going to the break at 181 for 2.
However, in the first over after the break, Embuldeniya forced Mayers into the drive. He went after one that was wide of off, edged it to slip, and was out for 52.
Jermaine Blackwood was knocked over by Vishwa Fernando for the second time in the game. There was a hint of swing, and the incoming
angle to Blackwood did him in as Sri Lanka sniffed a chance. Bonner, however, was as resolute as they come. On 95, Sri Lanka reviewed a legbefore call against him, but were on the wrong side of the decision, as it stayed with the umpire's call. Bonner soon got to his maiden Test ton, becoming the 87th West Indian to score a Test century. Jason Holder kept Bonner company, unbeaten on 18, after the teams had entered into the final hour of play. The Sri Lankan bowlers gave it everything, but ran out of steam, resulting in handshakes being taken 45 minutes prior to closing time. (cricbuzz) SCOREBOARD
West Indies 2nd Innings
Kraigg Brathwaite (c) b Embuldeniya 23 John Campbell c †Dickwella b MVT Fernando 11 Nkrumah Bonner not out 113 Kyle Mayers c Thirimanne b Embuldeniya 52 Jermaine Blackwood b MVT Fernando 4 Jason Holder not out 18 Extras (b 4, lb 8, nb 3) 15 TOTAL (100 Ov, RR: 2.36) 236/4 Did not bat: Joshua Da Silva †, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-12 (John Campbell, 5.6 ov), 2-78 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 39.3 ov), 3-183 (Kyle Mayers, 75.4 ov), 4-204 (Jermaine Blackwood, 85.2 ov)
BOWLING O-M-R-W
Suranga Lakmal 25-10-33-0 Vishwa Fernando 19-0-73-2 Lasith Embuldeniya 28-9-62-2 Dushmantha Chameera 18-3-44-0 Dhananjaya de Silva 10-5-12-0
Golden Jags miss several chances as TT win 3-0
20 seconds! 20 seconds was all it took to break the Golden Jaguars’ momentum and handicap another 90 minutes of play. That’s the way it went on Thursday night when the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team took on their counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago in the qualifier match.
For the starting XI, Head Coach Marcio Maximo opted for Sam Cox (C), Trayon Bobb, Keanu Marsh-Browne, Matthew Briggs, Miguel Scarlett, Akel Clarke (G), Emery Welshman, Daniel Wilson, Kadell Daniel and Callum Harriott.
The opposition TT side consisted of Michel poonAngeron, Neveal Hackshaw, Nicklas Frenderup, Sheldon Bateau, Khaleem Hyland, Daniel Phillips, Robert Primus, Ryan Tefler, Aubrey David, Levi Garcia and Joevin Jones. They got the first run.
By the 20th second of the first session, Trinidad’s intentions were clear as day, and the tempo was set for the remaining 44 minutes and 40 seconds. T&T’s Joevin Jones charged at the Guyanese goal with lethal determination, but fate spared Guyana the immediate disappointment, with Jones missing the goal by inches.
Guyana, however, would not get the courtesy of two spares, as first goal game in the 7th minute. Two Guyanese defenders were charged with being Levi Garcia’s security detail, and they did quite a messy job of it, thereby allowing the Trinidadian international player to escape on the line adjacent to the goal. Garcia took his best shot from the adjacent position, and a poised Akel Clarke could not get a finger on the lightning-fast shot.
Between the moments of the Soca Warriors’ first and second goals, the Golden Jaguars missed what could have been the equaliser and the leading goal in the space of minutes. A free kick just outside the box was on mark, but went awry at the final moments, and a diving kick from Trayon Bobb off of an Emery Welshman assist missed the corner of the goal.
The four-man defense appeared incomparable to the Trinidadian front runners, indicative of their second goal coming in only the 15th. Sheldon Bateau was the man directing the free kick, and Kadell Daniel candidly moved out of the way, giving the ball a clear passage to the goal. All it took was the hip of Ryan Tefler to guide it home for the Twin Island Republic’s second and Tefler’s first.
Akel Clarke finally showed up for the game in the 30th, following a controversial penalty awarded to the ‘Trinis’. Trayon Bobb, hunting possession, reached between the legs of Jones in pursuit of the ball, but was unlucky, as his opposition writhed in pain in the box.
The penalty was unsuccessful for Trinidad, however, as Jones missed three opportunities to find the back of the net.
Guyana’s custodian, Clarke, pulled off the save of the night when he stopped the penalty with a right dive, a second attempt with a left dive, and a third with a fist upwards.
The euphoria of Clarke’s heroics vanished fleetingly as he attempted a forward pursuit to stop a try at the goal. Clarke dived and missed as Tefler safely led the ball to the goal in a few jogs in the 44th minute.
The woes banked up on the Golden Jags as two more goal opportunities went abegging in the 27th and 38th.
With three goals on the board, the Soca Warriors didn’t seem too keen on pushing any urgency in the second half, making for a lackluster set of plays.
The visibly worn-out Soca Warriors held their nerve still, blocking any attempts that the Guyanese may have had at the nets. The closest the Golden Jaguars came in the second to registering a goal was Callum Harriot’s stray shot following up on a Welshman assist.
On a positive note, 4 of Guyana’s 5 substitutes (Omari Glasgow, Job Caesar, Kelsey Benjamin and Pernell Schultz) were locals. The homebred boys, in spite of not scoring, had a commendable run, lending a hand in restricting Trinidad to just three goals.
Thus far, Trinidad and Tobago sit on top of Group F, while St Kitts and Nevis have a similar three points after defeating Puerto Rico 1-0 on Wednesday. (Jemima Holmes)
