new COVID-19 cases recorded,

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Lusignan welding shop fire was electrical – Fire Service

Days after a welding shop at Lusignan, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) went up in flames, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) confirmed that the origin of the fire is electrical.

This information was confirmed by an official on Sunday.

The Fire Service had launched the investigation on Monday last and has now revealed their findings.

Reports are that the Fire Department was alerted about the fire at about 20:55h on the day in question and dispatched water tenders from the Alberttown, Campbellville, and Melanie Fire Stations to Lot 271 Public Road Lusignan, ECD location.

The fire at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara

At the time, the building was engulfed in fire at Lusignan, ECD

The structure, which was a wooden and concrete building of two floors, is owned by Joseph Mohammed and was occupied by Jamalodeen Mohammed as a welding shop.

As a result of the fire, the building and its contents were destroyed. One jet from the original tank supply and two jets from an open water source were used to extinguish the blaze.

Only a few days ago, an unoccupied house at Grove on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) went up in flames. The house was completely destroyed and has left residents in that neighbourhood believing it was arson.

It was reported that minutes before the house went up in flames two men were seen in close proximity. After the fire started, the men reportedly ran from the scene, jumped into a car, and sped away from the scene.

After the Fire Service’s investigation, it was reported that the fire was of electrical origin. However, residents are claiming the fire could not have been electrical because the house was without electricity for the past five years.

They are claiming that the fire was maliciously set with a flammable substance because they heard multiple explosions. (G9)

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM 10 new COVID-19 cases recorded, 7 in ICU

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD

MARCH 13, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION 10

12

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION 202

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020 7

8

34,064

29,076

63,144

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES 61,699

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED 429,287

FULLY IMMUNISED 323,031

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS 1224

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

REGION 1 2518

REGION 2 2483

REGION 3 8041

REGION 4 31,216

REGION 5 2373

REGION 6 5730

REGION 7 2422

REGION 8 887

REGION 9 4009

REGION 10 3465

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Wear a face mask.

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer

If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

The daily detection of positive COVID-19 cases has shown that 10 new cases were detected as of Sunday.

This information was provided in the Health Ministry’s dashboard which also showed deaths remaining at 1224, with 63,144 confirmed cases.

From just over 200 active cases, a total of seven patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 12 in institutional isolation, and 202 in home isolation. Another eight are in institutional quarantine.

Some 552,319 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was detected here since March 2020.

Regionally, a breakdown showed one new case in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), seven in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), one in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), and one in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

From recent statistics, first dose vaccination accounts for 435,509 doses or 84.9 per cent of the adult population; with 323,605 or 64.8 per cent of the adult population being fully vaccinated.

For children aged 12 to 17; 33,938 first doses or 46.5 per cent jabs were administered; and 24,612 or 33.7 per cent second doses. Booster shots have moved up to 54,195.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy

Globally, almost 450.2 million people have tested positive for the virus and six million have died. In the Americas, more than 148.4 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.65 million deaths. (G12)

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Berbice mason chopped to death

Dead: Alex Williams

Ayoung mason who believed that he was disrespected by his friends and went home for a weapon to “represent” himself is now dead.

Dead is 24-year-old Alex Williams of Lot 383 Rampersaud Street, Number Two Village East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). He was chopped to his neck by one of three attackers sometime between 21:30h and 22:00h on Saturday. He was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital which is about 800 metres away from where the incident occurred but was pronounced dead.

According to Williams’ father, Mohammed Ishmael, the young mason was at home consuming alcohol and left to go to a shop which is a few buildings away to purchase cigarettes and two beers.

Ishmael said Williams returned home and told him that he was disrespected by a young man.

“I was home sleeping when Alex came and told me that someone violated him on the road and he was going back to them. He asked me if I coming. I told him yes, but I have to put on my clothes but before I could finish putting on my clothes he already gone,” the dead man’s father said.

According to Ishmael, when he arrived at the location where the altercation occurred, he saw a young man called “Gully” advancing on his son with two bottles in his hands.

He said he approached the young man and spoke with him in an attempt to appease the situation but was unsuccessful.

“I said to him, you know Alex and you know me. Why are you all violating him, what is the problem? He say he don’t want to hear anything,” the 43-year-old father revealed.

“He came out with 2 bottles of Guinness and dealt Alex one pelt in his face with full power. I heard the explosion of the bottle when it hit him in his head. Alex dropped to the ground on his knees and then ‘Black Boy’ run out from the shop with a steel cutlass and dealt Alex several chops.”

Ishmael said his son was then more motivated than ever to get revenge.

“Alex get up and rushed at them but I saw the wounds and his skin and told him that he is wounded very bad let me take you to the hospital. Do not worry with them.”

He said he took his shirt and tried to cover the wound on his son’s neck as they attempted to get transportation to the hospital.

“While in the vehicle, I see his eyes start turning over and I told him, ‘Alex hold it up! We are almost at the hospital’. When I was taking him out to put him on the stretcher, I see like he was going already. By that time the nurse came out and took the stretcher and carried him inside. Not even five minutes after the nurse came back and said that he already died,” Ishmael recounted.

The now dead man’s mother, Sharron Roberts, told this publication that she understands her son was punched to his face, which led to him going home for a weapon.

According to Roberts, her son went to her and said he was cuffed to the face and ran home. Shortly after, he returned with a cutlass in his hand.

The woman said when he returned with the cutlass, she held on to it but there was a struggle and she was forced to let go.

“I loose it before the cutlass cut me and he run towards dem boys. One of them had 2 sealed Guinness…”

The dead man’s wife, Natasha Jameer, referred to him as being a very loving and hardworking man.

The couple has been together for seven months. Williams leaves to mourn his parents, seven siblings and his wife. One person has since been arrested by Police as investigations continue.

(Andrew Carmichael)

The dead man’s parents: Mohammed Ishmael and Sharron Roberts

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM Rewa Eco-Lodge wins international award

Rewa Eco-Lodge, located in the North Rupununi, Region Nine, has won second place out of 100 countries in the “Communities & Culture” category of the 2022 Green Destinations Story Awards.

The award ceremony was held virtually on March 11.

A release from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and reported by DPI stated that the “Communities & Culture” category of the award not only acknowledges local life, culture and traditions, but also addresses the negative impact of tourism on the local communities.

The GTA said while not surprised by the award, it was more than pleased by the honour bestowed on the local company.

“Through the support of the GTA, Rewa EcoLodge presented a detailed conservation story on the Arapaima species and the sustainable steps that they have implemented to mitigate the challenges faced by the community.”

GTA’s acting Director, Kamrul Baksh, in the statement noted that, “It is certainly remarkable, although not quite surprising that Rewa Eco-Lodge has been awarded such a prestigious recognition. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Green Destinations for working with us to make this a reality”.

He said the agency will continue to work with the community-led and owned tourism enterprise in the journey for sustainable tourism development.

Baksh also congratulated the team at Rewa EcoLodge.

Other award categories include: Localising and Decarbonising the Supply Chain, Environment and Climate, Nature and Ecotourism and Tourism Reset and Recover.

The Green Destinations Story Awards is an annual event staged at ITB Berlin.

Guyana, in recent years, has copped several international awards for excellence in sustainable tourism, including the Number One Best Eco Tourism Destination in 2019.

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Large turnout as Region 6 residents capitalise on farmers’ market

Hundreds of shoppers turned out to the farmers’ market at Albion in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday.

The farmers’ market was dubbed a huge success and many consumers utilised the opportunity to capitalise on the reduced prices.

Most of the vegetables offered at the farmers’ market were being sold cheaper than market prices in the region.

On Friday at one market in the region, ochro was being retailed at $160 per pound while at the farmers’ market it was $100 per pound.

At that same market, ten strings of bora were $100 while at the farmers’ market about 50 were being sold for $200. Eggplants were being retailed at three and four for $100 compared with three for $200 at another market in the region on Friday. Tomatoes were $100 per pound at the farmers’ market but elsewhere in the region the price was doubled. Plantains, which were being retailed on Friday $260 per pound, were between $160 and $180 per pound and on the bunch, it was $100 per pound at Albion.

However, there was no noticeable difference in the price of meat. Nevertheless, many of the consumers expressed appreciation for being able to have the opportunity to shop from such a wide variety. Many of the stalls also had processed food items for sale.

The event on Sunday was the second farmers’ market organised by the Agriculture Ministry following the one at Lusignan, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) last week.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha referred to the event at Albion as being a success while noting that more persons had turned out to the Region Six farmers’ market.

“People are calling for this to be a regular feature at least once per month and I am hoping that by the end of the pilot project; that is to hold one in each region, we can have this regularly on a monthly basis,” the Minister told this publication.

Farmers and producers from Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Four and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) also attended the event on Sunday at Albion.

“This was in the budget to organise farmers’ markets because last year when we suffered that flood we saw the price for vegetables and fruits skyrocketing and the Government had to do something.”

Through Government’s intervention, flood relief packages were issued to farmers to assist them to go back to the land. This saw a slight reduction in the cost of fruits and vegetables. However, on most occasions, the reduction was not reaching the consumer.

“The farmers are not receiving the maximum price and the consumers are not receiving the lower price. The retailers are putting the mark,” Mustapha explained.

The farmers’ market was designed to have consumers purchase items at lower cost and to allow farmers to have a better price for their produce. The objective, according to the Agriculture Minister, was achieved.

This Sunday, the farmers’ market is expected to move to Leonora in Region Three and then it is expected to move again to Region Four before going to Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). (G4)

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Only 20% customers have devices to access 5G – Digicel CEO

…says focus is to expand LTE network

While recognising that Guyana will have to eventually move to 5G, Digicel Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gregory Dean has pointed out that only about 20 per cent of customers here have the devices to efficiently access this high broadband level.

He made this disclosure after he was asked, during an interview with local reporters last week, about whether Digicel would be moving towards implementing 5G.

Dean explained that while it was a necessary journey, now might not be the best time for this type of service. He added the reality was that a lot of Guyanese did not have the devices that could facilitate 5G services – something that is also a challenge in many other countries.

“People just don’t have the 5G devices. So, I would say it’s something we have to do; we know we have to go to 5G. The time period between now and I suppose when majority of the customers have 5G phones – it’s a difficult one to predict. But I think we know in the future, we have to go to 5G and we’re working on the roadmap as to how we get there,” he indicated.

According to the CEO, a mere 20 per cent of customers in Guyana have devices with the capacity to efficiently access 5G services.

“At the moment, I would say less than 30 per cent of Guyana have 5G phones, and even the ones with the 5G phones, there might be issues with them not being able to access the 5G network as well. So, we can easily end up with 20 per cent or less persons who can actually use a 5G network [at this time]. So, I think our focus at the moment is trying to provide the best speed for the majority of the customers,” CEO Dean asserted.

On this note, the Digicel CEO said they were trying to get the company’s mobile Long-Term Evolution (LTE) services expanded throughout the country. In fact, he said that even with the primacy of the LTE network, there were still many customers who did not have LTE devices.

“So, I think it’s part of the process and it’s why we do a lot of the sales in terms of providing LTE devices. Some people still have the

Man remanded for ambushing minibus at Agricola, robbing passengers

Aman who is accused of robbing several persons including a teacher and a Police Constable while they were travelling in a minibus, was on Friday charged and remanded to prison after being slapped with six counts of robbery under arms.

Stanley Williams appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

It is alleged that on December 22, 2021, at Brutus Street, Agricola, Greater Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Kwesi Bethune, Delon Mendonca, Khyla Craig, Sharmela Thomas, Jamika Jeffery, Police Constable Leon David of the Ruimveldt Police Station and Rayon Shortt of several items including cash, cellular phones, and jewellery

Williams is accused of robbing Bethune of a gold chain valued at $1 million, a pair of gold earrings valued at $28,000 and other items; Mendonca of a brown wallet valued at $10,000 and other items; Craig of a gold and diamond finger ring valued at $150,000; Thomas of a shoulder bag valued at $15,000, and a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 valued at $120,000; Jeffery of a handbag valued at $5000, among other items; Constable David of cash and other items and Shortt of $10,000 in cash.

The Police prosecutor told the court that 44-yearold Bethune is a minibus driver of Kwakwani Park, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). On the day in question, he was transporting the persons mentioned in the charge.

According to the facts, Bethune would normally work the Kwakwani, Berbice River to Georgetown route since persons would request him to transport them and their baggage. At around 12:00h on December 22, 2021, he commenced duties transporting the persons. He had to pick up Craig and her two children in Evan Phillips Park, Agricola.

After picking up the woman and her children, Bethune was heading back to Agricola Public Road when a silver Runnix motor car for which the registration number is unknown, stopped in front of the minibus at Brutus Street, Agricola.

As such, Bethune was unable to move further. Suddenly, Williams, who was riding a blue bicycle, allegedly rode up in front of the bus, dismounted the bicycle, and pulled out a gun from the waist of his pants. He then reportedly held the passengers in the minibus at gunpoint. “Lie down hay or else I gonna shoot you,” he reportedly told them, while relieving them of their valuables.

Williams and his accomplices then made good their escape. The matter was subsequently reported and following an investigation, Williams was arrested and charged. The robbery accused was remanded to prison until March 25.

Police are hunting for the other suspects. (G1)

Remanded: Stanley Williams

old SIMS and that’s why we keep inviting persons to come forward to upgrade your SIMS, because you need the newer SIMS in order to access LTE network,” he stated.

Expanding LTE

According to Dean, billions have been invested in expanding Digicel’s LTE network.

“In terms of the mobile side of the network, we’ve invested $4.5 billion to take LTE across Guyana. Currently we have 86 per cent population coverage with the LTE. And our intention during this year, is to get to 96 per cent.

“So, throughout our network, we want to ensure we’re able to have LTE service. So, you can have the speeds and the service throughout the network and not just in Georgetown,” he explained.

However, the CEO went on to note that there were specific communities that have had recent issues, and Digicel has been doing upgrades there. These communities include Eteringbang, which has had weather-related connectivity challenges.

“We’ve had challenges with our solar system. The plan is to upgrade our solar system by the end of this month. So, I think by the end of March, persons in Eteringbang will have the benefit of that upgrade. We do have a temporary solution as well, that would also improve the service. But in terms of a long-term solution, we’re aiming to have that completed by the end of this month.

“We also have service upgrades in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. And those we’re hoping to have completed by the end of April. So, some of the communities we’re targeting are Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and also Bartica, but also many of the other communities would benefit,” he said, adding that Digicel was even working on having the upgrades expedited.

Meanwhile, the CEO provided an update as it relates to the telecommunications company’s 2000- kilometre subsea fibreoptic cable which it has been laying with the intention of linking Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and French Guiana, while also providing service to the oil and gas sector.

Last year, Digicel had partnered with French company Orange, to lay the French Guiana leg of the cable.

“Currently, that project is on track. In terms of where we’re going with that subsea fibre, we’re coming off the North Coast of Trinidad, we’re going to Guyana, Suriname and also French Guiana. Currently, we’re working with multiple partners on this project and we’re still hopeful that we’re definitely going to have it landed in Guyana and operational by early 2024.

“We’re hoping that with the arrival of the subsea fibre, both in terms of improved Internet capacity in the country and also, we’ll have redundancy. As you know, Guyana already has two subsea fibres here,” Dean noted. (G8)

Digicel CEO Gregory Dean

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM “Go out and become fair, fearless Prosecutors” – Chancellor to trainees

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards is of the firm conviction that justice is not served if a prosecutor is ill-prepared or not knowledgeable in the law. She expressed this sentiment at the recent launch of the “Certificate in Advocacy and Evidence for Summary Courts Prosecutors” programme at the University of Guyana (UG). Describing the launch as a “ground-breaking” event, she said the course will equip students with basic to intermediate skills to carry out the functions of a prosecutor competently in the Magistrates’ Courts.

Having already perused the course outline and other materials in relation to the programme, Justice Cummings-Edwards noted that it is a very comprehensive one.

The programme, according to her, is grounded in basic fundamental human rights, substantive and procedural law in criminal law, a basic understanding of constitutional principles that relate to a fair trial, sources of criminal law, the elements of an offence, no-case submissions, bail applications among other topics.

Problematic, tricky

The Chancellor said that this new programme is an investment in knowledge that would pay huge benefits. She added, “Prosecutors will benefit tremendously because they will be taught a skill and an art that is not general-

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards

ly given or taught…It comes through learning and experience”. Having presided over criminal matters for several years, Justice CummingsEdwards explained that the institution of a criminal charge as well as conducting proceedings against a person can be “problematic and tricky” at times if one is not equipped with the tools of the trade.

Leave much to be desired

When it comes to the conduct of matters in the Magistrates’ Courts, the Chancellor said that prosecutors, primarily Police ranks, are “thrown in, in the deep end”.

Justice CummingsEdwards, in reflecting on her time in the Magistrates’ Courts, said there were instances where prosecutors would tell Magistrates “Your Worship, the evidence is before you” after defence counsel would have presented a no-case submission. The Head of the Judiciary expressed that it leaves much to be desired when a Police prosecutor fumbles in court instead of being robust, well equipped, and prepared to deal with the task at hand. According to the Chancellor, in the Magistrates’ Courts, Police prosecutors are up against senior defence counsel, sometimes senior counsel who have had years of training and experience.

Justice

She reasoned, “If you are not au fait with the elements of an offence, one cannot lay a proper charge…let alone prove the essential ingredients of the offence. If you are not so aware, the case can collapse or fall to the ground as the court will uphold a nocase submission because the elements of the charge are not proven”.

Where the court upholds a no-case submission or the Magistrate finds the defendant not guilty for the very fact that the evidence has not been led or the prosecutor has not been able to prove the case, Justice CummingsEdwards noted that in such an instance “we cannot say that justice is served”.

To this end, she added, “Justice is not served if a prosecutor is ill-prepared or is not knowledgeable in the law. Justice is not served if the prosecutor does not know the source of the law or the conduct of the proceedings in court, the rules of evidence or how to respond to a no-case submission, or even how to do a closing address.”

Fair, fearless prosecutors

In light of this, she said that Police prosecutors will now be able to “stand up to them [defence counsel]” after completing this training programme. With the launch of this prosecutorial training course, she expressed certainty that Police prosecutors will be able to marshal the evidence, advise the Magistrate on the salient aspects of the evidence, and even address the court on the relevant case laws that will support their case. She said that the course will enable Police prosecutors to carry out their functions with competence and diligence.

Justice CummingsEdwards encouraged those undertaking the course to go out and change the world by becoming “fair and fearless prosecutors” by playing their roles in the administration of

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

justice. She also urged those undertaking the programme and those who intend to enrol in it to “stay the course”.

As a former prosecutor herself, the Chancellor reminded them to be conscious of the critical role that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) plays in prosecuting and taking over criminal cases and to conduct themselves in a manner befitting of the office of a prosecutor. In closing, Justice Cummings-Edwards said that this certificate programme will revolutionise prosecution in Guyana and will ensure that justice is served throughout the length and breadth of the country.

About the programme

The “Certificate in Advocacy and Evidence for Summary Courts Prosecutors” is the product of a joint initiative between the Attorney General’s Chambers and Legal Affairs Ministry, the Government, and UG. It is aimed at producing professionals who are specially trained to prosecute matters in Guyana’s Magistrates’ Courts. The initiative is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as part of the Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme (SCJSP).

Thirty-five persons were granted scholarships to undertake the programme which is facilitated through UG’s Department of Law. Several Police prosecutors have enrolled in the programme. The programme, which is open to local and international students, commenced on March 7 and will run for the next few months. It is only open to persons with a Bachelor of Laws degree from UG or any other recognised university and thirdyear LLB students currently enrolled at UG.

Persons who complete this certificate will be hired by the State to serve as Summary Court Prosecutors in Guyana’s Magistrates’ Courts. Summary Court Prosecutors will prosecute persons accused of committing summary offences, or triable either way offences which are being tried summarily and may be involved in the preliminary inquiries and paper committals regarding indictable offences. (G1)

Pensioner’s body recovered from Demerara River

The body of a 69-yearold man was recovered from the Demerara River, Police said.

He has been identified as Ronald Gregory Muss of Lot 463 Oronoque Street, Retrieve, Mackenzie, Linden (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Guyana Times was informed that the man’s body was reportedly discovered floating on the eastern side of the river in the vicinity of the Courts Linden Branch on Thursday.

It was spotted by a boat captain, who was at the time offloading passengers at a landing.

Police in the division have since said that the man’s relative reported that he was near-sighted and feeble due to nerve issues.

He was last seen alive by his niece at about 09:40h on Thursday when he left home for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Linden Branch. However, some hours later, after realising that her uncle had not returned, checks were made for him without success.

When the Police arrived, the man’s body was examined, and no mark of violence was seen. He was then transported to the Linden Hospital Complex where the official pronouncement of death was done.

The remains were later escorted to the Pensioner’s Mortuary for storage awaiting post-mortem examination. An investigation has been launched.

VET-CLIENT INTERACTIONS (CONTINUED)

DOS AND DON'TS WHEN TAKING YOUR PET TO A VETERINARY CLINIC

Having made your decision on the Veterinarian you wish to have to oversee the health of your new pet, I dare say you would want to develop and nurture the relationship, which should ideally lead into a long-term friendship (yes, friendship). You are more than just a client; you and your companion animal have, from the first visit, become part of a clinic family. It is quite amazing how that little tyke can cement an emerging bond between your Vet and yourself. Both you and your Vet want what is best for your companion animal.

Having offered those opening remarks, let me make some general statements:

Visits to your veterinarian should be a pleasant experience – be it for routine check-ups, vaccinations/dewormings, or when your beloved pet may be unwell. The interactions should be positive and without hostility. You have brought your pet to the Vet because you have confidence in him or her. Your fears and even panic should dissipate as you enter the clinic.

Under no circumstance should you allow your anxiety to take control of your behaviour and have you banging on the door of the treatment room/surgery, insisting that "FIDO" is dying and must be seen before all others. Such discourtesy to other clients and the clinic staff does not augur well for the relationship you hope to build with your veterinarian.

It is not uncommon to experience a barking frenzy develop, particularly between two male patients. In my case, our own "Patrick", a Pom-Pek-Dachs (in other words, a cute mongrel), who believed he was protecting his territory, would give the symbolic bark to intimate his presence to all invaders of his compound. Then he would go to the backsteps and continue to do what he does best, namely sleep.

In the waiting area, the caterwauling (that should be dogerwauling) may, of course, continue between two or even three combatants. And just as the dogs would not back down, so, too, do their owners often become assertive (and even aggressive) towards each other. Bad scene! One (the more sensible) should take his/her barking away from the fray. The excitement engendered by the confrontation may make the diagnosis later more difficult. For example, the body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure would rise, and the Vet would not be sure if a fever and/or high blood pressure reading and an increased pulse rate are consequences of the excitement, or are due to an underlying ailment. It may therefore be more sensible to keep your excitable pet in the car/outside of the clinic until it is his/her turn to be examined. Clinic Assistants will guide you accordingly.

It is recommended that you take your dog for a walk before the drive to the clinic. During the short walk, the dog is almost sure to defecate and urinate. I do believe that Vets (and other clients) just do not wish to witness a dog pooping in the general area where the other animals are waiting. If and when it does occur, please be prepared to assist in removing the faeces/urine with utensils and cleansing products provided by the clinic.

We also need to raise concern over the unrestrained/ destructive dog, which may be a reflection of the animal’s anti-social behaviour. Some owners, on arrival at the clinic, may decide to let "FIDO" run around the place freely, urinating on plants and digging up the soil. Not a good idea! You should never bring your dog - even the most docile house dog - to the clinic without it being attached to a secured leash. Clinics usually would have well-placed signs advising pet-owners of the management of their pets in the waiting area.

I would admit that the incessant barking, defecation, and unrestrained dogs do not overly disturb me. The one thing that makes me shudder, even after 53 years in the business, is seeing a cat being brought to the clinic in its owner's arms. I have visions (born of several actual experiences) of the calm and purring "FELIX" becoming an uncontrollable monster at its first perception of intimidation, within seconds of arriving at the clinic. It is truly not easy to pacify (and hold on to) a cat that begins to snarl, hiss, scratch, and bite. So, off goes "FELIX" into the unknown beyond - with the Vet, Vet’s staff, neighbours, other waiting clients in chase.

Notice I have omitted to mention the owner. He/she remains transfixed in fear, surprise and awe at this unbelievable development. Confusion follows. And sadness. Rarely do we recover the cat, and guilt feelings and blame begin. I urge cat owners to adhere to the strategically placed instructions provided in the waiting area on management of cats prior to entry into the examination room.

All cats must be transported in a sturdy box or cage ("PetTaxi"), if for no other reason than to placate other waiting clients and your Veterinarian. If you need a "carry-cage" after you have arrived, please feel free to request one from the clinic for use during your visit.

If you know that you cannot stand the sight of a needle, or blood, or clinic smells, please let someone of a sturdier constitution accompany you.

I remember a professor telling us students that later, as Vets, we must firstly "treat" the owners, before dealing with the patients. He did not tell us, however, of the "treatment" of clients who collapse in the clinic during the treatment of the sick animal.

I often share this story of an experience with a 300-pound gentleman and his equally massive Great Dane when I was practising in Germany. As I was filling up the syringe, I noticed from the corner of my eye some sweat beads developing on his massive Germanic brow. I asked him if everything was okay, and he guffawed and explained that he was a butcher by trade, and would wade knee-deep in blood every day. As the needle touched the dog's vein, a "Braddap" shook the clinic when the ‘ten-ton Teuton’ tumbled to the tiles. Can you imagine 150-pound me (in those days) with a Great Dane on the table and a “bazodee” butcher under the table? What I did is another story. The moral here, however, is: if you know that clinics make you queasy, then have someone either take your pet or accompany you to the clinic.

Vets often deal with pet owners who would call to describe symptoms exhibited by their sick animals which require urgent attention. And often, when the owner is told to get to the clinic immediately, the response is that he/she cannot! If it were your baby that is sick, it is very unlikely that you would say, “I don’t have time/I’m working”. You have the option of sending someone with the sick animal. Fortify the person with as much salient information as possible, and make yourself available via telephone should the Vet need more details associated with the sick animal.

Next week, we shall discuss some more dos and don'ts pertaining to your visit to the Vet's clinic.

Regional

Bahamas orders halt to financial operations with sanctioned Russian entities

Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis

The Bahamas has ordered its financial institutions to halt all transactions with Russian entities that have been put under sanction by Western nations, the country’s financial regulators said in a statement.

The Government of the Caribbean nation has vocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but appears to remain conflicted over how aggressively it can participate in sanctions efforts without damaging its relatively small economy.

Reuters on Monday reported that oil and fuel tankers controlled by Russia’s Sovcomflot had been rerouted to The Bahamas after they had been unable to deliver cargoes due to the sanctions.

“Regulated entities, that are licensed or authorised to operate from or within The Bahamas, (are directed) not to engage in transactions with sanctioned persons, entities or business linked to Russia and Belarus,” reads the late Saturday statement signed by the central bank and four other regulatory agencies.

It was not immediately evident how much Russialinked money is held in Bahamian financial institutions.

Regulatory agencies, including the central bank, have not responded to requests for details on local banks’ exposure to Russian funds. (Reuters)

British businessman victim of executionstyle hit in Mexican tourist zone

British businessman living in Mexico was killed in front of his teenage daughter by gunmen who opened fire on his car near the popular tourist destination Playa del Carmen, according to a State Government source and local media.

The victim of the deadly attack on Saturday was Chris Cleave, 54, the source said. Cleave, a permanent resident of Mexico since 2013, was driving on a highway near Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo state when his car was approached by two gunmen who opened fire. His daughter suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

Two suspects were arrested later Saturday on suspicion of participation in the killing, the Prosecutor’s office of Quintana Roo said. A gun that may have been used was found in their possession at the time of the arrest, the office said.

The Prosecutor’s office and local Police did not respond to requests for further information or confirmation of Cleave’s identity on Sunday.

In a statement, the British Embassy said, “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Mexico and are in touch with the Mexican Police/local authorities.”

The Embassy did not confirm his identity.

Cleave was a businessman who worked in real estate and had recently been threatened by a local gang, according to local media reports. A Facebook page in his name showed dozens of messages from friends on Sunday, expressing shock at the news of his death.

Mexico’s government stationed National Guard troops in Quintana Roo late last year in response to a rise in violence linked to organised crime, including gunfights that killed two foreign tourists and a beachfront gang slaying that sent hotel guests fleeing for their lives. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Colombians vote in presidential primaries, legislative contest

Colombian President Ivan Duque waves as he arrives to cast his vote during congressional and presidential coalitions elections that will determine which candidates will head to the first round of presidential voting, in Bogota, Colombia, March 13, 2022

Colombians were voting on Sunday to elect members of congress and participate in one of three presidential primaries for candidates from right, left, and centrist coalitions.

Seats in the country’s legislature of 108 Senators and 187 Lower House representatives have in recent elections been won by myriad parties, forcing Presidents to build big tent coalitions in order to pass legislation.

“We are celebrating that we are one of the oldest and most stable democracies in this hemisphere,” President Ivan Duque, who cannot stand for re-election and whose term ends in August, said in a video message while urging citizens to vote.

Duque’s right-wing Democratic Centre party has already selected Oscar Ivan Zuluaga as its presidential candidate.

Voters participating in the primary for the rightwing coalition – ahead of a first round of presidential voting in May - -were choosing between five pre-candidates, including Federico Gutierrez, Alex Char and Enrique Penalosa, former Mayors of Medellin, Barranquilla and Bogota, respectively.

A left-wing coalition asked supporters to pick from five candidates, though polls suggest that Gustavo Petro – a former Mayor of Bogota who lost to Duque in 2018’s presidential election – will emerge victorious.

“I want us to have more work, for it to be easier to get a formal job,” unemployed Alberto Lopez, 31, told Reuters at a polling place in the south of Bogota.

“I hope these elections serve to have a good candidate for the presidency,” he said, adding he voted for Petro in the primary.

Mathematician Sergio Fajardo, also a former mayor and governor, is the favourite to win the nomination of a centrist coalition. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Professor Selwyn Ryan dies at 86

Well-known social scientist Professor Selwyn Ryan has died.

Guardian Media understands he died at his home on Saturday night, but it is yet unclear how. However, Ryan had reportedly been ailing for some time.

Ryan, 86, had a PhD in Political Science from Cornell University (1966) and a BA in History from the University of Toronto (1960) and was a Professor Emeritus at the University of the West Indies’ St Augustine Campus.

He authored over 25 books, including Race and Nationalism in Trinidad and Tobago. At the 2019 launch of his last book, Ryan Recalls, which chronicled his memoirs, Ryan described it as his best book ever.

Prior to the book launch, Ryan had developed Parkinson’s disease and had restricted eyesight. (Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaican Minister resigns

Robert Montague, a member of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has resigned from Cabinet in the wake of a damning report from the Integrity Commission on the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) in which Montague was cited for allegedly knowingly granting a firearm permit to six people with criminal traces when he was National Security Minister.

Late Friday, Montague submitted his resignation from the Cabinet as Minister without Portfolio, capping a turbulent run as a Minister of Government over the past six years.

Montague, who had responsibility for the FLA when he was National Security Minister from March 2016 to 2018 – slammed the report from the Integrity Commission, stating that it was “grossly misrepresentative and incomplete”.

In a message to the media via Whastapp, concerning his resignation, the legislator, said he has “personal matters” to deal with.

“I need the time and space to treat with these matters. I have to deal with them. I have retained a law firm,” he added, in referring to the Integrity Commission’s report.

The Office of the Prime Minister later issued a fourline statement confirming that Montague tendered his resignation with immediate effect.

“Minister Montague expressed that it ‘was a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve at the highest levels in government’,” the statement said.

Montague’s tenure in the Cabinet has not been without controversy. In January, Holness stripped Montague, of the Transport and Mining Ministry and reassigned him as a minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Montague started as the National Security Minister in 2016. (Excerpt from CMC)

Bermuda suspends Russian aircraft airworthiness certificates

Officials in Bermuda said on Sunday that Bermuda-registered planes leased to Russian airlines have had their airworthiness certificates suspended.

In an official statement, the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) said the Russian invasion of Ukraine had made a “significant impact” on the ability to maintain safety oversight on Russian-operated planes on the Bermuda aircraft registry.

The BCAA added: “The airworthiness system has been restricted to the point that the BCAA is unable to confidently approve these aircraft as being airworthy. Therefore, as of 11:59 pm on March 12, the BCAA has provisionally suspended all certificates of airworthiness of those aircraft operating under the Article 83bis Agreement between Bermuda and the Russian Federation.”

It continued: “For any aircraft airborne at 11:59 pm on March 12, the provisional suspension is effective immediately upon landing.”

Premier David Burt said earlier this month that of the about 900 aircraft on the Bermuda registry, around 740 were utilised by Russian operators – and that such aircraft would be “greatly impacted” by sanctions.

“The majority of these aircraft are owned by leasing companies based in Ireland. The leasing companies require a jurisdiction with an unquestionable rule of law and a judicial system to enable collections in the event of default. And that is why Bermuda is their jurisdiction of choice,” Burt, who is also Finance and Tourism Minister, said.

“The Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority is carefully reviewing sanctions in coordination with other stakeholders to ensure that they, and relevant entities with which it regulates, are in full compliance with the applicable sanctions while maintaining its safety and its oversight obligations,” he added. (Excerpt from CMC)

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022

19 Around the World

OILNEWS

US gasoline prices edge lower after hitting record high last week

US gasoline prices at the pump edged lower over the weekend after reaching all-time highs last week following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Retail gasoline prices fell for the second straight day on Sunday to US$4.325 per gallon, below a record of US$4.331 hit on Friday, according to American Automobile Association data. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late February has roiled energy markets worldwide since, bringing more expensive fuel costs to motorists who have also been hit by higher inflation. Oil markets have been volatile recently. Global benchmark

Brent crude futures rose to US$139.13 per barrel last Monday, the highest since 2008. They then plummeted to as low as US$105.60 per barrel on Wednesday. "It appears for now that retail prices have caught up to the rise and oil and are now falling on the big drop in oil that occurred on Wednesday and Thursday," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "However, there may be slight increases down the road if oil prices edge higher." Analysts consider US$4 a gallon to be a psychological trigger for consumers filling up at the pump that results in cost considerations for motorists. Last week, many US and Canadian motorists were already thinking of ways to cut other expenses to pay for fuel. Even with prices edging down, consumer sentiment is unlikely to rise, said Devin Gladden, AAA's manager for federal affairs. "Consumers are looking at the long-term impact, which is going to be an expensive summer." (Excerpt from Reuters) Irbil attack: Iran launches missiles at northern Iraqi city

The Kurdistan Regional Government said the "cowardly" attack targeted civilian locations in Irbil

Iran's Revolutionary Guards force said it targeted an Israeli "stratethe Syrian capital Damascus on Monday that killed two senior Iranian officers. gic centre" with missiles that struck the Iraqi Kurdish city of Irbil overnight.

Twelve missiles hit areas around the US consulate overnight, causing material damage and wounding one civilian, the Kurdistan Regional Government said.

The US said no Americans were hurt and that its facilities were not damaged in what it called the "outrageous attack".

But Kurdish officials accused the Revolutionary Guards of seeking to use "baseless" propaganda to justify targeting civilian locations.

Iranian state media cited a Revolutionary Guards statement as saying the force had targeted "the Zionists' strategic centre of plotting and evil" in Irbil with precision-guided missiles in response to "recent crimes".

The Revolutionary Guards had vowed to make Israel "pay" for an air strike near The Kurdistan Region's Council of Ministers said: "This cowardly attack on Irbil... allegedly under the pretext of hitting an Israeli base near the US Consulate in Irbil, targeted civilian locations and its justification is only to hide the disgracefulness of such offence." "We reiterate that the propaganda of the perpetrators of this attack is far from true." Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi also condemned the attack. "The aggression which targeted the dear city of Irbil and spread fear amongst its inhabitants is an attack on the security of our people," he tweeted. The US ambassador to Iraq, Matthew Tueller, said that Iran "must be held accountable for this flagrant violation of Iraqi sovereignty and for terrorist attacks on innocent civilian properties". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russia and Ukraine give brightest assessment yet of progress in talks on war

Russian and Ukrainian officials gave their most upbeat assessments yet on Sunday of progress in their talks on the war in Ukraine, suggesting there could be positive results within days.

Separately, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said Russia was showing signs of willingness to engage in substantive negotiations about ending a conflict in which thousands have died. More than 2.5 million people have fled.

Ukraine has said it is willing to negotiate, but not to surrender or accept any ultimatums. "We will not concede in principle on any positions. Russia now understands this. Russia is already beginning to talk constructively," Ukrainian negotiator and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said in a video posted online. "I think that we will achieve some results literally in a matter of days," he said.

RIA news agency quoted a Russian delegate, Leonid Slutsky, as saying the talks had made substantial progress.

Neither side indicated what the scope of any agreement might be.

Their public comments were issued almost at the same time. They came on day 18 of the war which began when Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Feb 24 in what the Kremlin terms a special military operation.

Three rounds of talks between the two sides in Belarus, most recently last Monday, had focused mainly on humanitarian issues and led to the limited opening of some corridors for civilians to escape fighting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday there had been some "positive shifts" in the talks, but did not elaborate. On Saturday the Kremlin said the discussions between Russian and Ukrainian officials had been continuing "in video format".

Talks between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers produced no apparent progress towards a ceasefire last Thursday but analysts said the fact they were even meeting left a window open for ending the war. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia's State Duma member Leonid Slutsky speaks to the media after the talks with Ukrainian officials in the Brest region, Belarus, March 7, 2022

China's daily cases of symptomatic COVID more than triple

Mainland China reported 1807 new local symptomatic COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the highest daily figure in two years and more than triple the caseload of the previous day, as surging infections in a northeastern province squeeze health resources.

The number of domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms reported for Saturday spiked from 476 the previous day, data from the National Health Commission showed on Sunday. The daily count included 114 people initially classified as asymptomatic who later developed symptoms.

China's case count is far lower than those of many other countries, but the growing number could complicate Beijing's "dynamic-clearance" ambition to suppress contagion as quickly as possible.

The surge prompted health authorities to allow the public to buy rapid self-test kits for the first time to help detect infections quickly, as some experts said China's earlier strategy based on nucleic acid test - requiring medical workers to take samples - had become harder with the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

The northeastern province of Jilin reported 1412 new local symptomatic cases on Saturday, accounting for 78 per cent of the national total and up from 134

Lebanese youths abandon education as crisis bites

Before Lebanon's devastating financial crisis struck, Faraj Faraj thought university could set him on a path out of a cramped family home in a poor area of Beirut and towards financial independence.

Instead, like increasing numbers of Lebanon's young people, soaring costs forced the 19-year-old to drop out of studying just over a year ago, before he had finished secondary school. "I don't have family who can help me complete my education, and there's no work," he said, adding that even though he was at a state school, the cost of transport had become hard to bear.

UN research published in January showed that 30 per cent of those aged 15-24 in Lebanon had dropped out of education. More young people are skipping meals and cutting back on health care, the survey showed.

Faraj, his parents, two unemployed brothers and two younger sisters who are still in school sleep between two rooms in a small apartment in Beirut's Borj Hammoud, a neighbourhood with narrow, crowded streets that was damaged by a massive explosion at the city's port in 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic and the port blast, which still scars Beirut's seafront, deepened what the World Bank has described as one of the worst economic collapses since the mid-19th century.

Though an elite earning salaries in dollars still throngs bars and cafes in upscale neighbourhoods, poverty has risen to 80 per cent and many struggle to afford meals and medicines. "In the past we could buy things, even though there were difficulties," said Faraj. "Now with the crisis affecting us more, it's just food and drink." (Excerpt from Reuters) a day earlier.

The increase "showed that some local areas, facing a rapid rise of the epidemic, lacked the capacity to expand medical resources, resulting in limited admission of infections to centralised facilities within a short period of time," a Jilin provincial official told a news briefing.

Authorities in Changchun, the provincial capital already under lockdown, have been conducting mass testing and working on turning an exhibition centre into a temporary hospital with 1500 beds, according to the local official and state media reports. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“Shameful”: UK’s response to Ukraine refugee crisis criticised D

uring a video address by Ukrainian

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the House of Commons on Wednesday, British politicians applauded as Zelenskyy, dressed in army khakis, invoked Winston Churchill’s wartime rhetoric and urged the UK to increase its military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

While the UK was quick to arm Ukraine, sending thousands of anti-tank missiles as early as January, and to back sweeping economic sanctions on Russia – now even targeting resident oligarch Roman Abramovich – it has not offered Ukrainian refugees the open-armed welcome they have received across the EU.

Instead, displaced Ukrainians have reported endless red tape and delays while applying for visas, sometimes requiring them to wait weeks or travel hundreds of kilometres to centres in Ukraine or neighbouring countries to submit biometric data.

The UK has signalled it will not offer refugee status to Ukrainians, but has promised to speed up family reunification.

So far, only about 1000 visas have been granted.

The UN’s refugee agency says 2.6 million Ukrainians have fled the country since it was invaded by Russia in late February. It estimates that number may reach 4 million if Russia’s military offensive, which has included widespread bombing of civilian areas, continues.

The UK’s relative lack of urgency in aiding Ukrainians has not gone unnoticed by its European allies, with French President Emmanuel Macron upbraiding the UK after an emergency EU summit on Friday.

“Despite all the grand statements… the British government continued to apply current rules that meant they did not welcome Ukrainian refugees who wanted to reach Britain,” Macron said.

The Financial Times described the UK’s refugee policy as “shameful”, while several refugee charities have slammed the government’s plans as vague and insufficient. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ARCHIE

DILBERT

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

It's what you do that matters. It's up to you to make things happen. Take action, and you'll make a statement that will cause others to take notice. Don't hide; it's time to take charge.

Work diligently to finish what you start. Talk is cheap if you don't have everything in place or fulfill your promises. Don't let emotions get in the way of business.

A physical change will draw positive attention from important people. Your time is valuable and, if appropriately spent, can make a difference to a situation that concerns you.

Be prompt and practical when taking care of money matters, shared expenses or contractual concerns. There is no use getting upset or overreacting when all that's needed are a couple of adjustments.

Sit tight and observe. Don't initiate unnecessary change. Stay calm, consider your options and share your intentions and feelings with someone you trust and love. Engage in educational pursuits.

Initiate something that boosts your morale. A pick-me-up that enriches your life or gives you a trendy look is favored. Choose to do something that expands your outlook and encourages networking.

Take the high road. Avoid joint ventures. Put your talents to work for you. It's your turn to flourish, so buckle down and do whatever it takes to position yourself for success.

Take the path less traveled. Let your inner spirit guide you to pursue something meaningful. Refuse to let petty interference ruin your plans or tamper with your temperament.

Refuse to let anyone step in and take charge when it's up to you to look out for your best interest. Concentrate on fitness and a less stressful lifestyle. Romance is featured.

Deal with domestic issues and implement changes that will make life easier. Taking a unique approach to budgeting and earning a living will allow you to have more fun.

Don't get all worked up without reason. Know enough to walk away if it comes down to it. Put your energy where it counts and strive to do your best. Don't take risks with your health.

Listen to what others say and keep your intentions to yourself. Gather information that will help you examine what's possible. A steady pace and hard work will lead to positive changes.

It was so one-sided that there was talk of a third-innings declaration in the fifth session of the match. Jasprit Bumrah completed his first five-for at home, Rishabh Pant casually knocked off the fastest Test fifty by an Indian, and Shreyas Iyer scored his second half-century of the match to bury Sri Lanka under a mountainous deficit.

Five-and-a-half hours of Sri Lanka's bowling – improved but still lacking the control needed to exploit helpful conditions – were bookended by incisive half-hour spells of Indian bowling, which brought them five wickets. The first half hour took care of the four remaining Sri Lankan first-innings wickets; the last, under lights with a new pink ball, accounted for Lahiru Thirimanne in the second innings.

Sri Lanka must have started the day hoping to keep India out in the middle for some time, but they did not even last six overs. It was long enough for Bumrah to complete a five-wicket haul in a fifth different country. He preyed on the short-ball weakness of Lasith Embuldeniya before following Niroshan Dickwella with a short ball that took his glove. At the other end, R Ashwin took out two wickets with carrom balls.

Asked to bat for 35 minutes before stumps, Sri Lanka faced the wrath of Bumrah again. Thirimanne, who fell to his awayswinger in the first innings, got a full, fast inswinger this time, three balls into the innings.

They have lost 31 wickets in 167.5 overs in this series, but Sri Lanka's batting has been made to look much worse than it is by India's bowlers; their five-man attack for this Test match has 1051 wickets at a combined average of 24.13. Give them conditions where the ball is seaming and swinging in the evening session, and turning and going up and down in the afternoon, and it's your worst nightmare.

All you can hope for is for your bowlers to give you half a chance, but Sri Lanka's bowlers continued to waste the conditions. They continued to either overpitch or let the batters play risk-free shots off the back foot. So, while there were unplayable deliveries every now and then, Dimuth Karunaratne could not afford too many catching men.

India's batters did their bit with a positive approach. Rohit Sharma's counter to the conditions was the reverse-sweep to go with the sweep. He played three reverse-sweeps in this innings of 46; in the rest of his international career, he has played only seven. Hanuma Vihari was quick with his footwork in his second score in the 30s: he would press right forward, but drop back the moment the ball was even a touch short. Iyer did the same, but with the added gift of boundary-hitting at will.

And then there was Pant, who took India's attacking approach to its extreme. The fear he strikes in the hearts of bowlers and captains showed in how he walked out to a deep square leg, a deep midwicket and a long-on on this pitch. He didn't care, though. The second ball he faced, he jumped out of the crease and launched Praveen Jayawickrama over deep midwicket.

It didn't matter that Jayawickrama was in the middle of an improved display despite an injured knee. It was he who bowled the shooter to get Virat Kohli out this time. Pant was not going to wait for any such misbehaviour. Do unto others before they do unto you. Dhananjaya de Silva takes the ball away from the left-hander, but Pant still hits him for a four and a six to reach 20 off seven. The sixes took him to number eight on the six-hitters' list for India.

There was nothing frenetic about the Pant innings. A reverse-sweep here, a lap sweep there; a bowling error now, a charge to a seam bowler then. The fifty came up with a pristine cover drive all along the floor against the turn just as Jayawickrama pitched too close to him. It was the 28th ball he faced, two fewer than Kapil Dev took in setting the previous India record.

When he tried to celebrate it with a six and ended up skying one, Pant left India with a lead 327 just before the dinner break. A declaration at that point was not entirely out of question, especially knowing that the night session brought

Chelsea, hit by Abramovich sanctions, strike late to sink Newcastle

Kai Havertz scored an 89th-minute winner to give Chelsea a 1-0 Premier League victory over Newcastle United on Sunday in their first home match since Britain's Government sanctioned Russian owner Roman Abramovich with an asset freeze.

With the European champions adjusting to life under strict rules set out by the Government, the visitors frustrated them with their harrying tactics for much of the game as they sought to move further clear of the relegation area.

But with the match seemingly heading for a draw, Jorginho launched a long pass over the Newcastle defence to Havertz and the German controlled the ball with his left foot before firing past Martin Dubravka for his fourth goal in three league games.

Havertz almost had a second in added time, but Dubravka got a hand to his shot and the ball dropped onto the bar. "It was necessary to stay patient and don't lose the passion and don't lose the spirit from the game," Chelsea's German Coach Thomas Tuchel told BBC radio. "We kept on believing that we could have this one pass, this one run, this one finish that we finally had."

The action on the pitch at Stamford Bridge was secondary to the turmoil triggered by last week's decision by the Government to freeze Abramovich's assets after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying he had close ties to President Vladimir Putin over decades. Abramovich has denied having such ties.

The win left the Blues in third place in the table, 10 points behind leaders Manchester City, who play today, but on course for a topfour finish and a Champions League slot. Newcastle are 14th, nine points clear of the relegation zone.

The visitors, who had gone nine league games unbeaten, demanded a penalty in the second half when Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah appeared to tug the shirt of Jacob Murphy, but referee David Coote ignored their claims.

Newcastle fans goaded their hosts, singing "No noise for the bankrupt boys". Chelsea fans speaking before the game said they believed the Abramovich era was over, but they expressed hope that a new owner would be found soon.

Abramovich said earlier this month, before he was sanctioned, that he planned to sell the club he bought in 2003 which set Chelsea on a run of success unprecedented in their 117-year history. There has been no comment from him since the Government's asset freeze. The Government has invited bids to be made. (Reuters) Former world number one Naomi Osaka was brought to tears by a heckler during her 6-0 6-4 defeat by Veronika Kudermetova at Indian Wells.

The four-time Grand Slam winner was taunted in the first set by someone in the crowd yelling "Naomi, you suck". Osaka was playing her third event since taking a break in September.

Speaking on court after the match, an emotional Osaka said it reminded her of Venus and Serena Williams being heckled at the same tournament in 2001. While holding back tears, Japan's Osaka said: "I've been heckled before and it didn't really bother me. "But being heckled here. I've watched video of Venus and Serena get heckled here and if you've never watched it, you should watch it. And I don't know why, but it went into my head and got replayed a lot." The Williams sisters boycotted Indian Wells for 14 years over the events of 2001.

Venus had pulled out of a semi-final match against her sister with a knee injury, and when she and her father Richard took their seats to watch Serena in the final against Kim Clijsters the next day, the crowd jeered. Serena was also subjected to boos throughout the match.

Serena went on to win the title and embraced Venus and her father courtside, with Richard later saying he was the tar- get of racial abuse. In an interview in 2021, Serena said she was still traumatised by the incident two decades later.

the Indian quicks into play on the first evening too.

However, India decided to bat on. Iyer used the time to once again ease his way to within striking distance of a century, a landmark he missed in the first innings as he ran out of partners. Once Iyer got out lbw to one that did not turn as much as expected, India let Mohammed Shami have some fun with the bat before putting Sri Lanka in again.

Following that Bumrah strike in the first over, Ashwin nearly had Kusal Mendis with the last ball of the day, but the bat-pad just lobbed wide of short leg. Just one final reminder of what awaits the batters on the third afternoon. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 2ND INNINGS

Mayank Agarwal c de Silva b Embuldeniya 22 Rohit Sharma (c)c Mathews b de Silva 46 Hanuma Vihari b Jayawickrama 35 Virat Kohli lbw b Jayawickrama 13 Rishabh Pant †c & b Jayawickrama 50 Shreyas Iyer lbw b Embuldeniya 67 Ravindra Jadeja b Fernando 22 Ravichandran Ashwin c †Dickwella b Jayawickrama 13 Axar Patel b Embuldeniya 9 Mohammed Shami not out 16 Extras (b 8, lb 1, nb 1) 10 TOTAL (68.5 Ov, RR: 4.40) 303/9d Did not bat: Jasprit Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Mayank Agarwal, 10.4 ov), 2-98 (Rohit Sharma, 30.2 ov), 3-116 (Hanuma Vihari, 33.1 ov), 4-139 (Virat Kohli, 35.4 ov), 5-184 (Rishabh Pant, 41.6 ov), 6-247 (Ravindra Jadeja, 58.5 ov), 7-278 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 65.4 ov), 8-278 (Shreyas Iyer, 66.1 ov), 9-303 (Axar Patel, 68.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Suranga Lakmal 10-2-34-0 Lasith Embuldeniya 20.5-1-87-3 Vishwa Fernando 10-2-48-1 Dhananjaya de Silva 9-0-47-1 Praveen Jayawickrama 19-2-78-4

SRI LANKA 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 447 RUNS)

Lahiru Thirimanne lbw b Bumrah 0 Dimuth Karunaratne (c) not out 10 Kusal Mendis not out 16 Extras(lb 2) 2 TOTAL (7 Ov, RR: 4.00) 28/1 Yet to bat: Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Niroshan Dickwella †, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando, Praveen Jayawickrama Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 0.3 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Jasprit Bumrah 3-1-9-1 Mohammed Shami 3-0-13-0 Ravichandran Ashwin 1-0-4-0

Osaka makes early exit

Osaka's second-round exit at Indian Wells is the earliest she has been knocked out of a tournament since returning from an indefinite break that began last year after her US Open title defence ended in the third round.

That break was her second of the year, after she withdrew from the French Open amid controversy over her wish not to speak to the media after matches, and revealed she has struggled with her mental health since first becoming a Grand Slam champion in 2018. The 24-yearold also missed Wimbledon before returning to the sport later in the summer at the Tokyo Olympics, where she lit the flame at the opening ceremony. (BBC Sport)

Big Apple International Indoor Hockey Championships… GBTI GCC hockey ladies suffer win and 2 losses on 1st day

The GBTI GCC Ladies

The GBTI GCC Ladies hockey team managed to pull off a victory against the highly-regarded North Eastern Premiere in a close-fought 4-3 battle on the first day of the Big Apple International Indoor Championships, being held at the WC Eagles Training Center, Philadelphia.

Captain Gabriella Xavier placed GCC in the lead in the fourth minute of the match with a powerful penalty corner flick. Dana Bozeck would equalise, however, two minutes later. This all but set the tone for an evenly-fought match that would see GCC take the lead no less than four times, only to have Premiere level the scores on three of the four.

Just before the half, GCC’s Aliyah Gordon produced a moment of brilliance by receiving a pass deep in her own team’s half, turning with a burst of speed and eliminating four Premiere defenders before slipping her pass to the open Samantha Fernandes in the scoring circle. Fernandes banked the second goal for the GBTI ladies to give them a halftime lead.

Upon resumption, Emma Bozeck would equalise with a field goal seven minutes in, but the teams would trade two more goals when Abosaide Cadogan for GCC and Emma Bozeck again for Premiere, scored penalty corners. A Sarah Klautky rebound penalty corner goal, however, with four minutes left on the clock, made the difference between the teams and gave GCC their first victory of the

Book handover at the Education Ministry, Georgetown: Students of St Stanislaus College pose with their copies along with Dr Marcel Hutson, Chief Education Officer (third from right); Mark Regis, Country Chairman, Shell (fourth from left); Amit Mohabir, Territory Manager, St Kitts and Nevis, Nagico Insurances ( second from right); Hilbert Foster, Berbice Cricket Association, representing Motorworld (far right). Inset is author-researcher Nasser Khan

The comprehensive compilation SeventyThree Test, ODI The 245-page book, an educational/youth litered cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira; former Guyanese cricketers and T20I Matches Played at Bourda, Albion and Providence 1930-2020 by author-researcher-publisher-producer Nasser Khan was recently launched.

Two hundred and fifty copies of the book were handed over at the Education Ministry in Georgetown. All high schools and libraries in Guyana will receive copies via the Ministry. Corporate sponsors Shell, Nagico Insurances and Motorworld provided support for the publishing of the book. acy initiative, follows a similar one for Trinidad and Tobago Sixty-One Test Matches played at the Queen’s Park Oval 19302020), also by Khan. In it are the scorecards and photographs associated with each of the 73 matches played in Guyana by the West Indies cricket team, both men and women. Guyanese cricket legends’ profiles are included as well as lots of statistics and photos. The book has a foreword by Education Minister Priya Manickchand; notShivnarine Chanderpaul, Roger Harper and Ramnaresh Sarwan; noted author/poet Ian McDonald; Guyana-born Chairman of Nagico Insurances and Motorworld, Imran “Mac” Amjad and the author. Next in the series will be similar publications for Kensington Oval (Barbados) and Sabina Park (Jamaica). This is Khan’s 23rd sponsored publication, all literacy-enhancing initiatives geared toward distribution in schools and libraries. competition by a 4-3 margin in their second game.

GCC had lost their opening match 7-1 against the Syracuse Sharks, which dominated possession and exposed the first-game jitters of the inexperienced GCC side. Going into their third and final match for the day, however, a more confident GCC were favoured to win over Team Reds. Despite taking the lead in the fifth minute through Aliyah Gordon, GCC squandered the match 1-2, when they appeared to be the team with greater scoring chances. The loss prevented GCC from making the semi-finals and instead, landed them in the rankings to challenge for spaces fifth to eighth in the 12team competition.

GCC were up to play a second fixture on Sunday, March 13 against East Premiere with the winners challenging in a subsequent match for fifth place.

In the men’s competition, three teams from Canada – the Toronto Lions, OKD and CFHC – seem to be dominating the men’s competition, with USA Indoor completing the list of four favourites to make the semi-finals.

Leslie Amsterdam honoured through Project “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana”

The contributions of former West Indies Senior Cricket Team Manager and long-serving Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board, the late Leslie Amsterdam, to cricket and life in general, were recognised and honoured through the “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana” Project.

Uncle Leslie, as he was fondly known, was born at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, but moved with his family to Blairmont, West Bank Berbice (WBB), where he later started his cricket career. The former Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) long-serving President was a prolific run scorer at all levels he played. The left-handed opener represented Berbice and British Gu-ana. He played eight First-Class matches, finishing with an average of 34.27 and scoring two centuries. During his term as President of the BCB, he nurtured many outstanding cricketers from the County who went on to represent Guyana and West Indies. Academically, he was qualified as an Occupational Therapist at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica.

At the time of his unfortunate passing in 1997, Amsterdam was the President of the BCB. His achievements are too many to mention, but included being conferred with one of Guyana’s highest national awards, the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA).

In commemorating his work, Peter Ramkissoon, a close relative who now lives in the USA, has contributed $90,000 to purchase cricket gear and other equipment to support the project.

Anil Beharry, a partner in the cricket gear initiative, along with Kishan Das of the USA, explained that Ramkissoon reached out to him and said that he wanted to honour Amsterdam and saw this project as a fitting way to do so. He also promised to sponsor a tournament in Amsterdam’s honour. Ramkissoon added that Uncle Leslie played a major part in his development as a youth and his life in general and he was forever grateful. Beharry responded by saying thanks and alluding to the fact that Uncle Leslie also played a role in his development as a cricketer, cricket administrator and a well-rounded person. He also said that he was offered the role of Treasurer of the BCB in 1997 by Amsterdam and never regretted accepting.

Peter Ramkissoon

Beharry, a former Berbice leftarm all-rounder, continued to serve Berbice cricket and was President in 2015 when he was transferred by his employer to Georgetown. He is currently a technocrat of the Guyana Cricket Board with responsibility for governance, marketing and finance.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $130,000 cash, two trophies, 11 cricket boots, 15 pairs of batting pads, 15 bats, nine pairs of batting gloves, 18 thigh pads, one wicketkeeping pad, one arm guard and four cricket bags.

To date, 30 young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, nine bats, seven pairs of cricket shoes, six pairs of batting pads, and seven pairs of batting gloves. In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club benefited from a pair of stumps and bails, and two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan, and Wakenaam Cricket Committees also received one box of red cricket balls each.

Skills, discipline, and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent. Beharry and Das take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket

Leslie Amsterdam

Equipment Guyana, and Peter Ramkissoon. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested in contributing to the project can contact Anil Beharry on 6236875 or Kishan Das on 1-718664-0896.

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23 John wins DDL 50-miler after tense sprint with Green and Crawford

Alex Leung finished with open arms after dominating the junior category

Story and photoS By Brandon Corlette

Guyana's premier cyclist Jamual John clinched the Demerara Distillers Limited’s Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile road race, stopping the clock at one hour, 39 minutes, 42 seconds.

A total of 42 cyclists started the contest in wet conditions in Region Three, at Schoonord, West Bank

Some 42 starters turned out in rainy conditions The winners’ row along with officials and sponsors

Demerara (Demerara Harbour Bridge’ western end) and headed towards Bushy Park at Parika, before turning back to the point of origin for the grand finish. John got the better of Berbicians Andre “Padlock” Green and Romello Crawford, who finished second and third respectively in a tense sprint home.

Team Evolutions trio Paul DeNobrega, Curtis Dey, and Christopher Griffith came in fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively to top off the senior category. Meanwhile, Alexander Leung was the top junior rider followed by Sherwin Sampson and Adjani Cutting. Kaieteur Attack's Alex Mendes was the top veteran, followed by Robin Persaud and Junior Niles in that order. Marica Dick emerged as the best female rider, while Clevicia Spencer came in second. Talim Shaw was awarded for being the oldest cyclist on show. John and Dey won two sprint prizes while Green and Adelie Hodge had one sprint prize each.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport after the race, champion rider John described the weather as decent, with constant rainfall towards the finish. "It was a nice cool race. I was excited for the finish, because I was expecting a sprint after I got a flat tyre. I was very confident in the sprint, “Padlock” jumped, and I had to go early so I catch him," John said.

In terms of his future plans, John said he would be heading towards the United States of America to ply his trade for Team Foundation Cycling Club. He said he was expecting to return to Guyana in September.

This race was the 21st edition sponsored by the DDL Diamond Water brand. The sponsors were present for the presentation ceremony, and the Guyana Police Force had an allhands-on-deck approach.

12 teams to clash in GCA-Ramchand Auto Spares/Survival Group/Trophy Stall U-19 50-Over Tourney

– Survival Group to award Tournament MVP

Two years after the local sports fraternity’s activities were forced to a halt owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) on Friday evening launched its first U-19 50-Over tournament since 2019.

Local companies Ramchand Auto Spares, Survival Group of Companies and Trophy Stall have thrown their invaluable support behind the tournament, which began on Saturday, March 12.

Speaking at the launch ,which was held at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), GCA President Neil Barry expressed gratitude to the sponsors for coming onboard despite all that is going on in the world.

“It is heartening to see our local companies throwing their weight behind the GCA, especially in sponsoring this tournament at the Under-19 level, which is an important stage of our young cricketers’ development. Without these types of tournaments, we cannot produce the talent to improve Guyana’s cricket and ultimately take West Indies back to where it ought to be,” Barry posited.

Meanwhile, Ramchand Ragbeer of Ramchand Auto Spares noted that his company was pleased to be onboard and was looking forward to some exciting cricket in the coming weeks.

Speaking on behalf of the Survival Group of Companies, Mark De Freitas stated that it was an honour for the Survival Group to be accepted as a sponsor of the GCA tournament.

De Freitas pointed out, “It is our company’s first time being involved in the sponsorship of cricket, but it most definitely won’t be the last time, to the participants we wish you all the best and may the best team win.”

In addition to sponsorship of the overall tournament, the Survival Group of Companies, through its Travel Agency, has put up a Most Valuable Player (MVP) incentive in the form of a trip for two to the Kaieteur Falls.

The competition will see over 170 youths from in and around Georgetown (registered with Georgetown clubs under the GCA) showcase their skillsets over the coming weeks. Twelve teams will compete for top honours within two zones with the top two from each zone securing a berth in the semi-finals. The 12 teams are Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC); Demerara Cricket Club (DCC); GNIC, Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO); Queen’s College (QC); Everest Cricket Club (ECC); Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC); Transport Cricket Club; 4R Lions; Bel Air Rubis; Agricola and Georgetown XI.

Zone A comprises GNIC, GCC, 4R Lions, GT XI, DCC and Malteenoes while Zone B will pit MYO, Transport, Bel Air Rubis, Agricola, QC and Everest against each other.

The competition got underway on Saturday with two matches: 4R Lions took on GCC at the latter’s home ground while QC hosted Agricola. Matches will be played at venues across Georgetown.

GCA President Neil Barry

BCB Tenelec U-15... Cotton Tree thump Rose Hall Town, Tucber Park beat Achievers

– Kisten, Khan top performers

Story and photoS By Brandon Corlette

Cotton Tree “Die Hard” Under-15 team produced a memorable win against Berbice giants Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes in their quarter-final encounter at Cotton Tree Ground, West Berbice. In the other quarter-final fixture, Tucber Park dominated Achievers by 142 runs at Rose Hall Canje.

In the heated contest at Cotton Tree, the home team humbled Rose Hall Town by 61 runs, on the back of Arif Khan's brilliant 5-18 from seven testing overs. Batting first, Cotton Tree posted 126, with Shoaib Gafoor scoring 18. Rose Hall Town leaked 77 extras, which propelled Cotton Tree to 126 all out in 47.5 overs. Akash Sooklall picked up 2-18 from 10 overs for Rose Hall Town, while Dave Prettipaul (2-33) and Roshan Crandon (220) supported.

In response, the Rose Hall boys struggled to cope with the brilliance of the steaming Khan. The right-arm speedster, bowling from the northern end, ripped the heart out of Rose Hall Town’s batting line-up, as they were rocked to 65 all out in 24 overs. All of the Rose Hall batsmen failed to reach double figures in a poor display.

This is the first Under-15 tournament played by Cotton Tree, and this win has booked them a spot in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Gavin Kisten starred with bat and ball in the Tucber Park versus Achievers game, scoring a cracking 85 and picking up 5-11 from six top overs.

Batting first against Achievers, Tucber Park posted 185 all out in 31 overs. Kisten's innings included one six, but he would have run two-shots on 12 instances. He was sup-

Arif Khan in full flow

ported by Gilbert Griffith, who made 25. In reply, Kisten's 5-11 from six overs bundled out Achievers for 43 to give Tucber Park a big 142run win. Tucber Park and Cotton Tree are the first teams to qualify for the semi-finals of the BCB Tenelec U-15 tournament.

Guyana will know CPL finals’ fate by month-end – Ramson Jr

Guyana will be aware, by this month’s end, whether or not the country will witness its first Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final on local shores, according to Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.

Ramson Jr made this revelation during an interview on the sidelines of the launch of the Athletics Academy (Nursery) Programme on Sunday on the West Coast of Demerara.

When asked for an up-

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr (Jemima Holmes photo)

date on the status of negotiations with CPL for hosting rights for the 2022 final and semi-finals, Ramson Jr shared that it would be a matter of days before the country learned the outcome.

“It’s in the final stages now, and you’re going to get an announcement before the end of the month. So, today is the 13th, so in about 15 days’ time you’ll know. Either one way or the other, you’ll get an announcement whether we succeed on hosting the CPL final and semi-finals,” the Sport Minister shared.

Commenting on the motivation behind the Ministry’s persistence on hosting the marquee Hero CPL event, Ramson Jr stated, “We think this is a big deal for us as a country and as a people. This is the President’s baby, he’s been working very, very hard on this. The Ministry obviously sees how important that is and we want to see that it’s successful.

The Sport Minister also hinted at a more jubilant celebration, when the time comes, if Guyana is to be given hosting rights for the CPL final and semi-finals.

“And it’s not just for us to host the CPL finals, there’re a lot of things that will go in that, should we succeed in that being awarded to us.”

According to Hero CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell, the 2022 edition of the regional franchise tournament is scheduled to commence late August and last into September of this year.

Athletics Nursery Programme gets underway

Story and photoS by Jemima holmeS

Track and field is the latest sport in Guyana to have an official Academy programme, with the nursery being launched on Sunday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, in the past few weeks and months, has launched a number of nursery programmes for the respective academies across several sport disciplines, which include table tennis, badminton, squash, and volleyball.

Addressing more than 150 athletes on Sunday, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson

Jr emphasised the importance of athletics, as part of Guyana’s 12 core sports. “Athletics is a firm part of all of the sports that we do in the country and it’s the foundation for all sports. And it’s a foundation for all sports – how

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr interacts with members of the Athletics Nursery on Sunday

about the fuel that is driving the Academy, “I’d like to take the opportunity, as well, here to let

you know that this is being done in collaboration with the National Sports Commission [NSC]. In fact, the National Sports Commission has been given a directive of taking lead on the implementation for the National Sports Academy.”

“The Ministry is giving the support, the Ministry is giving the direction, but the National Sports Commission is the one that is taking the lead on behalf of the Government of Guyana.”

Citing the number of young talents seen during his current tenure as Sport Minister, Ramson Jr highlighted the need for the Academy programme, so as to create an avenue for the fostering of Guyana’s potential in sports.

He explained, “The reason why that’s important is because sport needs to aggressively transform. It needs to aggressively transform, because we have a lot of talent in the country; it has the potential for taking young people, all of you, to be internationally competitive.”

He went on to add, “But without having this vehicle to streamline the talent, provide this support and the platform to take you to that level of being able to compete with international athletes, we’re never going to have this structured environment that creates that pool of talent, from which we can choose from.”

“That’s why I’m happy that we’re starting so young.”

On the other hand, NSC Board Member and President of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA), Cristy Campbell touched on the continuity that the NSC intended to uphold with regard to the Academy.

“I hope you’re prepared for the long haul, because this Academy does not stop here. And what makes it even better is that the athletes just have to show up, everything is funded by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and by extension, the Government of Guyana,” Campbell told the Athletics Academy’s participants.

“Your only job is to show up and train and it puts you in a position to transition to the elite programme which is also part of this academy,” she further stated.

Following the opening ceremony, the budding athletes in the Athletics Academy were split into groups where they were introduced to various aspects of track and field, specifically javelin, long jump, and track.

Another youngster takes a leap at the long jump under the watchful eyes of Coach Julian Edmonds

fast you are, how high you can jump, it forms part of all sport disciplines,” Ramson Jr shared with the children.

He went on to add,

A young man works on his javelin throw after the commencement of the Academy