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hotline P
197 domestic violence, child abuse cases reported on hotline
…reports concentrated in Regions 3, 4
Since the establishment of the 914 hotline last December, a whopping 197 reports of domestic violence and child abuse were reported to the relevant authorities.
The hotline is a toll-free number, operated on a 24hour basis for persons to raise issues on various forms of abuse and violence throughout the country. This mechanism has been supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud at a press briefing on Friday related that of the 197 reports, 158 were related to domestic violence and 38 to child abuse.
“We have been receiving a number of reports. We have actual reports totalling 197…In terms of reporting, we had one child making a report directly. In terms of the cases where child reports came in, they were done by adults, usually persons outside of the situation and that’s a good thing because it means people are being vigilant and they’re taking the issue of child abuse very seriously,” she highlighted.
From a breakdown, the highest number of calls came from Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), with 36 and 113 respectively.
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud
Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) followed with 18; Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) with 14; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), five cases; nine cases in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); three in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).
There were no reports from Regions One (BarimaWaini) and Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
The Minister further stated that in response to calls, immediate intervention is sought to assist victims in their respective situations. The children-related reports were forwarded to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) while those related to domestic violence were referred to the District Probation Offices for further intervention. According to Minister Persaud, the hotline is also open to report issues of abuse of the elderly - a common occurrence in society that is often disregarded.
“We’re bringing a lot of attention to elderly abuse because it is something that happens and many a time, it is not spoken about and so we want to say to the elderly persons out there, 914 is also for you. Don’t think it’s only for children or specific cases of violence. Elderly violence is out there and it can be anything from neglect to actual physical violence to even sexual violence that is perpetrated against elders,” she appealed to the population.
Presently, 17 officers are controlling the hotline network but the Ministry is working to increase their human resources capacity. Later this month, a gender-based violence referral app will be available for both android and iOS systems, linking people with all services offered by the Ministry. “It is taking information and using it in such a way that it is helpful to people across the country. It is also tapping into a population of young people who always are using their phones. This is our way of complimenting the movement to dealing with violence and abuse.”
16-Y-O charged for the murder of boy, 10
One week after his arrest, a 16-year-old male was on Friday charged for the murder of 10-year-old Anthony Cort of C Field Sophia, who was gunned down during a robbery.
The minor appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged under Section 100 (1) (C) (i) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01.
It is alleged that on March 11, 2021, in Sophia, Georgetown, he murdered Cort in the course or furtherance of a felony, that is robbery.
The 16-year-old murder accused was not required to plead to the charge.
He has since been remanded to the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre and the matter has been adjourned to May 12, 2021.
It was reported that 10-year-old Anthony Cort was killed by bandits during a home invasion in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.
The now dead lad and his mother were two houses away from their residence when two armed men invaded the property belonging to his aunt - a 44-yearold businesswoman.
Police said that Cort was in the upper flat of the home in C Field, Sophia, in the company of others when the bandits rushed inside the lower flat and held the occupants at gunpoint.
They were relieved of two cellphones valued $80,000 each, two gold bands valued $100,000, two gold rings valued $100,000, one gold chain valued $100,000, and $80,000 cash.
According to Police, the bandits then ordered the victims into the upper flat of the house via a northern door.
As they went into the upper flat, Anthony was about to exit a bedroom when one
Dead: 10-year-old Anthony Cort
of the bandits discharged a round, hitting the child in his left upper shoulder. The suspects then made good their escape.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) subsequently responded to reports of the tragedy and pronounced the child dead at the scene.
4-month-old baby girl died from “traumatic asphyxia”
Apost-mortem examination that was done on the body of fourmonth-old Kaylee Atkinson of Annandale, Essequibo Coast, gave her cause death as “traumatic asphyxia”.
Traumatic asphyxia, also known as crush asphyxia, occurs when there is pressure placed on the chest so that normal respiration cannot occur.
On Sunday last, Atkinson was discovered dead with her drunken father’s foot on her chest.
It was reported that the now dead baby lived with her teenage parents along with an older sibling.
However, it was reported that the father returned
Dead baby: Kaylee Atkinson
home on Saturday evening last at about 20:10h under the influence of alcohol and went into the kitchen where he fell asleep on the floor.
The teenage mother then retired to bed with her two children but they were later joined by the father, who slept with them.
Nevertheless, at about 01:55h on Sunday, the mother woke up to breastfeed the baby and observed her husband’s foot resting on the child’s chest and abdomen. As she looked closer, the teenager noticed a “whitish” substance oozing from the baby’s mouth and that she was not breathing.
She immediately woke up the 18-year-old father and rushed the child to the Suddie Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.
With the post-mortem results, it is not clear if charges will be laid against the father.
Guyana talks structural transformation, economy reopening at UK-Caribbean Forum
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd underscored key resilience-building steps which countries should aim to achieve in order to address global issues.
At the 10th UKCaribbean Forum earlier this week, Minister Todd highlighted that resilience-building should be at the core of international support, underscoring the need for exceptional measures to restore debt sustainability and address urgent financing gaps.
Minister Todd also referenced the need for vaccines, which he said are an immediate and fundamental step to enable early achievement of herd immunity, which will curb the pandemic, protect citizens and allow for the full reopening of economies. Moreover, he highlighted the key role of structural transformation and access to financing in building resilience over the medium to long term.
The UK-Caribbean Forum is a biennial event, which provides a platform for exchange between Foreign Ministers on bilateral, regional, and global issues. This year’s event focused specifically on climate change, economic resilience, disaster management concerning small island developing states (SIDS), COVID-19 recovery, and immigration, among other areas.
At the conclusion of the forum, the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom and Caribbean countries agreed on an Action Plan for a two-year period, up to 2023, when the next full forum meeting is currently envisaged.
This Action Plan is intended to allow for a strategic and sustained approach to the UK-Caribbean relationship, based on ambitious, yet focussed and realistic commitments. It serves as a road map for the practical implementation of the communique and sets out the enhanced commitments of both the UK and Caribbean Forum countries for a renewed and strengthened partnership.
According to a Caricom statement, it was concluded that it is important to act together for mutual benefit and the global common good, based on their many shared values, particularly around the COVID-19 global pandemic and climate change.
Additionally, this Action Plan will remain a standing agenda for review at quarterly meetings between Caribbean High Commissioners based in London and the Minister for the Caribbean at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Together, they will agree joint action in cases where specific objectives are at risk of not being met.
“The parties recognise that the value of the UKCaribbean Forum lies in concrete and practical follow-up to commitments made at its meetings. Therefore, the parties will conduct a full audit of achievements against the Action Plan goals after the first year and immediately prior to the next forum,” the statement added.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd during his presentation
2 arrested with stolen mining equipment at Arakaka Backdam
Two men are now in Police custody and are being questioned in relation to a robbery committed on a miner of Citrus Grove Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), in January.
Based on the information received, the miner, Gavin Albert, had left his employee to look over the site in January last but on Thursday of this week, he received information that several pieces of equipment from the site were missing.
As a result, the minter went to his worksite at Arakaka, NWD, to investigate and discovered that his mining hose, which was stolen, was in the possession of another miner at World Bank Backdam, Arakaka Backdam.
Albert was able to identify the item due to a mark he had placed on it. Following the discovery, the matter was reported to the Police station and based on a probe that was launched, two men were arrested
The stolen mining hose was valued at $55,000. Apart from that, the men allegedly took a magic mat worth $50,000, four mats valued at $30,000 and $135,000 in cash.
Charges are expected to be laid shortly.
Around the World
China military bans Tesla cars citing camera, sensor spy concerns
Tesla Inc cars have been banned from Chinese military complexes and housing compounds because of concerns about sensitive data being collected by cameras built into the vehicles.
The order, issued by the military, advises Tesla owners to park their cars outside of military property, according to people familiar with the directive who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The ban, relayed to residents of military housing this week, was triggered by concerns that the world’s biggest maker of electric vehicles is collecting sensitive data via the cars’ inbuilt cameras in a way the Chinese Government can’t see or control, one of the people said.
Images of what was purported to be a notice about the ban were also circulating on Chinese social media. Multi-direction cameras and ultrasonic sensors in Tesla cars may “expose locations” and the vehicles are being barred from military residences to ensure the safety of confidential military information, the notice said.
A representative for Tesla in China declined to comment on the military’s move. China’s Defense Ministry didn’t immediately respond to a fax sent after business hours.
Tesla, like many other automakers including General Motors Co, uses several small cameras, mainly located on the outside of the vehicle, to help guide parking, autopilot and self-driving functions. Most Tesla models also have an interior camera mounted above the rearview mirror that can be used to detect whether a driver is looking at the road, looking down at their lap, wearing sunglasses, or looking at something else entirely. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
COVID: Germany warns of “exponential” rise in coronavirus cases
Coronavirus cases are rising exponentially in Germany, officials warn, as continental Europe braces for a third wave of infections.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was likely that the country would now need to apply an "emergency brake" and re-impose lockdown measures.
France, Poland and other nations are also reintroducing restrictions.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn has said that Europe lacks the vaccines needed to significantly reduce cases.
"We have to be honest about the situation - in Europe we don't have enough vaccines to stop a third wave through vaccinations alone," he told reporters.
The vaccine rollout across the EU has been hindered by delayed deliveries as well as the suspension in several countries of the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, over fears of possible side effects.
On Friday, Merkel defended Germany's decision to temporarily suspend the rollout of the vaccine and said she did not believe its reputation had been damaged.
The increase in reported cases in Germany is said to be fuelled by outbreaks among younger people.
Merkel said she had hoped lockdown measures would not need to be reintroduced so soon after easing restrictions, but that "sadly" developments meant that it was looking unavoidable.
Some 21 million people in 16 areas of France, including the capital Paris, will be placed under COVID lockdown measures from midnight on Friday as the country fears a third wave.
In Poland, coronavirus cases are continuing to surge with new daily infections reaching levels not seen since the second wave peaked in November. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The rise in cases in Germany is said to be fuelled by outbreaks among younger people
COVID-19 strikes Brazil's Congress as 3rd senator dies
Athird senator has died of COVID-19 in Brazil, raising questions around precautions taken in the country’s Congress where as many as one-in-three lawmakers has been infected with the virus devastating Latin America’s largest nation.
Senator Major Olimpio, a former policeman who backed and later fell out with far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, was declared brain dead on Thursday by doctors at a Sao Paulo hospital where he had been in intensive care for three weeks.
The two oldest Senators in Congress, aged 87 and 83, also succumbed to COVID-19. But the death of Olimpio, just 58 and the senator who won the most votes in the 2018 election, shocked Brazilians and the legislature.
The Lower Chamber, where 21 staffers have died of COVID-19, according to the employee union, tightened access on Thursday by allowing lawmakers just one staffer in their offices and declaring a return to fully remote voting.
Brazil had its second deadliest day on Thursday, with 2724 lives lost to COVID-19, just two days after a record 2841 corona-
Senator Major Olimpio attended an interview with Reuters in Brasilia, Brazil October 9, 2019
virus deaths.
Brazil has become the epicentre of the pandemic, with by far the highest current daily death toll anywhere in the world.
Many aides work in basement offices along tunnels with no windows or air circulation, Ribas said.
At least 145 of the 513 members of the Lower House have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past 12 months, along with 31 of 81 Senators, according to a survey by news portal Poder360.
While voting in both chambers has been remote since last year, measures were relaxed as the pandemic appeared to be retreating. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Antigua PM asks US President for AstraZeneca vaccines for Caricom
Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to United States President Joseph Biden requesting that Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries be given some of the AstraZeneca vaccines his Government is providing to Canada and Mexico.
The White House announced Thursday that four million doses of the vaccine would be released to the US' two neighbours, marking the first time it has directly supplied vaccines to another country.
In a letter to President Biden, Browne pointed out that the Caribbean is the third border of the US, and the same way in which that country's safety would be imperilled if the population of Canada and Mexico were not inoculated to achieve herd immunity, the US would remain at risk if Caricom countries were neglected.
He pointed out that the Caribbean region is among the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Describing the economic impact of the pandemic as “overwhelming”, Browne contended that “many Caribbean countries are in danger of collapsing from a massive economic sclerosis”.
Browne implored President Biden “to take ac-
Antigua's Prime Minister, Gaston Browne
count of the Caribbean — the third border of the US — in his plan to make the US safer by contributing to the safety of its neighbours”.
The Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister stressed to the US President that some Caricom countries have been able to inoculate a small percentage of our population only because of the kindness of the Government of India that provided 500,000 doses of vaccines.
He added that negotiations with vaccine producers are difficult because supply is limited, and prices are high.
Prime Minister Browne has advised his colleague Heads of Government of Caricom of his letter to the US President, urging them to write in a similar vein. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
OILNEWS
Oil prices rise 2%, but set for weekly loss on demand fears
Oil rose more than 2 per cent in volatile trading on Friday after a sell-off earlier in the week erased about 7 per cent from prices as a new wave of coronavirus infections across Europe dampened expectations of any imminent recovery in fuel demand.
Brent crude was up US$1.38 a barrel, or 2.1 per cent, at US$64.63 a barrel by 1:12 ET (16:12 GMT). West Texas Intermediate (WTI) U.S. crude rose US$1.42, or 2 per cent, to US$61.45. Both traded within a wide range of more than US$2 a barrel on Friday.
Oil fell about 7 per cent down on Thursday as several large European economies reimposed lockdowns and vaccination programmes were slowed by distribution issues and concerns over potential side effects.
The market turned bullish on Friday, buoyed by a sentiment that the sell-off was overdone.
“The sell-off is going to put into motion some things that could have slowed the rally,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago. “OPEC is going to be more concerned about COVID, so this increases the odds that they will extend production cuts yet again, and with the sharp drop in the price of oil, it might reduce the incentive of the US shale producers to get ahead of their skis.”
US shale production has contributed to oversupply as demand has cratered due to the coronavirus.
US drillers added nine oil rigs in this week, the biggest weekly increase since January. At 318 rigs, the count is the highest since May, oil services firm Baker Hughes said.
Meanwhile, concerns about the vaccine rollout also limited the markets gains.
Germany, France and other countries have announced the resumption of inoculations with the AstraZeneca shot after regulators declared that vaccine safe, the programme halt has made it harder to overcome resistance to vaccines among some of the population.
Britain also announced it would have to slow its COVID-19 vaccine rollout next month because of a supply delay.
Goldman Sachs said headwinds related to European Union demand and Iran supply would slow the oil market rebalancing by 750,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the second quarter, though it expects the OPEC+ grouping of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies to take action to offset that.
Iran has moved record amounts of crude oil to top client China in recent months while India’s state refiners have added Iranian oil to their annual import plans on the assumption that US sanctions on the OPEC supplier will soon ease.
Goldman expects a significant increase in global oil demand in the coming months, with its Brent forecast rising to us$80 a barrel this summer. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Bermuda records surge in COVID-19 cases
Bermuda's Health Minister Kim Wilson has expressed concern after officials reported 18 new COVID-19 cases — the highest single-day total for three months — among the latest batch of 519 test results.
Of the new cases, 15 were logged as on-island transmissions with a known contact. One case was a returning resident on the Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta on March 8, and the other two were listed as under investigation because they had no known links to existing cases or recent overseas travel.
Wilson said the latest surge — just days after the Atlanta-based US Centres for Disease Control lowered the island's COVID-19 risk assessment to “moderate” — meant there are now 48 active infections.
The island has recorded 767 infections since the pandemic hit last March, with 12 deaths.
Minister of National Security Renee Ming told the House of Assembly on Friday that prosecutors have received more than 20 files about COVID-19 breaches for review.
She said recent breaches of the COVID-19 regulations, which limit gatherings to 25 people, were similarly worrisome.
One party that Police broke up had more than 100 people in attendance.
“Through traditional news media and social media, many of us have seen the evidence of parties and gatherings that exceed the approved group gathering limits,” Ming said.
“The fact that the attendees of these events also violated the health and safety protocols by not wearing masks or practising physical distancing further compounds the recklessness of hosting these events.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
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CALVIN AND HOBBES
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SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
ARIES (March 21April 19)
TAURUS
(April 20May 20)
Do something constructive. If you find a way to use your skills in different ways, someone will make a suggestion that will help you jump from one field of employment to another.
An impulsive move will set you back. Take your time, consider your options and have a plan in place before you forge ahead. Pay attention to someone who has helped you in the past.
Don’t waste time on people who talk big and offer little. If you do something concrete, the spotlight will shine on you. Your actions, not your words, will have an impact.
GEMINI (May 21June 20)
CANCER (June 21July 22)
Use your imagination, but don’t dive into something until you have the particulars sorted out. Knowledge and research be necessary if you wish to find success. Selfimprovement is favored.
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
Associate with people who can help you in some way. Partnerships look promising. as long as you divide responsibilities equally. Be careful not to set unrealistic expectations.
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Try not to be too accommodating. Don’t be afraid to make a change if it’s in your best interest. Giving up something will not mend a relationship with a manipulative person.
Set off on a pilgrimage that will lead to information, skills and experience. Broaden your interests and friendships, and you will discover you have more options than you thought.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
A change of mind or heart will help you close doors. It’s time to pursue the people and things that make you happy and give you something to feel passionate about.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Take the high road when faced with controversy. Listen carefully to decipher what’s being said or offered before you commit to anything. Empty promises will leave you at a loss.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Take a different approach to an old problem. A change at home will make your life easier. Don’t let anger set in if someone doesn’t bend to your wishes. Selfimprovement and romance are favored.
Putter around the house and stay out of trouble. If you decide to engage in a family feud, you will risk being blamed for the afterfmath. Set a good example.
Take a moment to reflect. If you let others meddle in your affairs, you’ll regret it. A change may be difficult, but the benefits will be worth it.
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Packed cricket schedule set for Berbice this weekend CLASSIFIED ADS SERVICES
Whim celebrating Team Port Mourant
The hectic cricket season in Berbice will continue on Saturday March 20 and Sunday March 21 with a host of matches across the county.
These matches are: Jafferally T20 semi-final; Troy Halley Grassroots Cup; the Kevin Sinclair U-17 countywide tournament; T&R Construction/ Premium Asphalt T20 final; and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/ France Electrical 40-over for teams in Berbice River Cricket Association.
The fixtures are as follows Jafferally 20/20 semi-final: Blairmont vs D’Edward on Saturday. Troy Halley Grassroots Cup on Sunday at Bush Lot Ground, WCB. Teams involved are: D’ Edward, Achievers, Bush Lot United and Bush Lot Rising Stars
Kevin Sinclair Under 17 countywide: on Saturday March 20 and Sunday March 21 as per fixture. The T&R Construction /Premium Asphalt 20/20 Finals between Rose Hall Town Tigers and Chesney at the Area H Ground from 13:00h.
The BCB/France Electrical 40 overs for Berbice River Cricket Association set for Sunday March 21. Round 1 will feature Sand Hills CC vs Wiruni at Sandhills CG; Ebini CC Bye. Round 2 will bowl off on Sunday March 28. Round 2 involves Sandhills vs Ebini CC at Sandhills CG, Wiruni CC- Bye
Then, round 3 will bowl off on Sunday April 4, 2021. It will see Wiruni CC vs Ebini CC at Wirni CG, Sandhills CC- Bye. On Sunday April 21, Round 4 will see the first place team vs second place team, with the Finals at Rose Hall Town Area H Ground or Albion Cricket Ground.
Meanwhile, the BCB/ Raffik Construction 20/20 Second Division Tournament is set to bowl off on March 28. The teams are: Ramnarine Memorial, Kennard Memorial, Kildonan, Whim, Tain/Johns/ Clifton S.C, Tain Block 4, Port Mourant Cricket Club, Tamarind Root CC, Belvedere United, UG Elites, RH Tigers, Nigg Intruders, Albion Open, Albion CCCC, Chesney, Sand Reef, Kilcoy, Jai Hind, Courtland, Fyrish, No 1 Road, RHT Bakewell A, RHT Bakewell B, Guava Bush Maximum CC
The fixtures for Sunday March 28 are as follows: Whim vs UG Elites at Whim, Ramnarine Memorial vs Kildonan CC at Kildonan, RHT Bakewell A vs Courtland at Area H, Albion CCCC vs Kennard Memorial at Albion, Tain/Johns vs Jai Hind CC at Jai Hind, Sand Reef vs Fyrish at Fyrish, Albion Open vs No1 Road at Albion Open, Kilcoy CC vs RH Tigers at Kilcoy, Tamarind Root CC vs Tain Block 4 at Hampshire, Nigg Intruders vs Port Mourant at Port Mourant, Chesney vs Belvedere United at Chesney, RHT Bakewell B vs Guava Bush Maximum CC.
Club cricketer Dharam Rajah laid to rest Double-birthday golf
Dharam Rajah being given a hero’s send off
The late Dharam Rajah, popularly known as “Tube”, was laid to rest on down at his home while performing construction Wednesday in Essequibo.
Rajah was the father of an only son, Suraj Rajah, who is an active player of Reliance Hustlers Sports Club.
Dharam was an honorary member of the Hustlers club and played club cricket during his youth and adult days. He represented Essequibo Under-19 at the Inter-county level.
During the funeral ceremony, at his home in Anna Regina News Housing Scheme, tributes poured in and his life was comprehensively reflected to be a man with a generous heart. Additionally, many remembered him for his joviality whenever he was around other working colleagues, friends and families.
Rajah was born on August 13, 1962 to the late Roland and Iris Boodhan. He met his demise on March 11, 2021 after suffering from a fractured skull and punctured lungs. He fell works four days before he died at Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital in Guyana’s capital, Georgetown. Trevis Simon, the leader of Hustlers, acknowledged the support received from Dharam during his time, executing various roles for the club. According to Simon at the funeral service, Dharam will be badly missed for not only his friendly presence, but also for the contributions he had made. “He always providing helping hands. We had adored his generosity, and I know he had a great passion for cricket,” Simon commented. Former Essequibo cricket captain Elroy Stephney also spoke glowingly about Rajah’s contributions to cricket on the Coast. Stephney said that cricketers and their families are obviously heartbroken at the sudden death of Rajah. He took the opportunity to reminisce on Rajah’s life, saying Rajah’s contributions were unmatched and he will be remembered for a very long time.
He considered Dharam an excellent off-spinner who made an impression with the bat as well. Dharam gave back to the community and that underlined his humanitarian contributions as well, according to Stephney.
Basil Persaud, a close friend of Dharam and a former Essequibo under-19 teammate, echoed the sentiments of Simon and Stephney, and revealed that the game has lost a great individual.
Persaud mentioned Dharam came from a cricketing family and was enormously talented. Dharam was the uncle of exEssequibo and Guyana youth players Rovendra and the late Shivnandan Mandolall.
Dharam has left to mourn his son, wife, three brothers and four sisters.
The late Dharam Rajah (L)
classic to tee-off at noon today at LGC
Lusignan Golf Club members at the launch of the Birthday Classic - From left; Paton George, Hardeo Ganpat, Pandit Ravindranauth Persaud, Robert Hanoman and Maurice Solomon
Two longstanding members of the Lusignan Golf Club gross, closest to the pin, longest drive, and best newcomer. (LGC) will have a birthday celebration to remember when the inaugural Robert Hanoman and Pandit Ravindranauth Persaud birthday classic tees off today at noon.
Hanoman, a Lifemember, and Pandit ‘Ravi’ have opted for the unique celebration among their golf buddies. A large turnout is anticipated for a full round of golf among members and newcomers, and a number of prizes will be at stake.
The tournament will utilise the Stableford points system and will award the winner, second place finisher, third place winner, fourth place winner, best In a unique twist, the birthday classic will have a strategic refreshment break at the ninth hole. This is expected to give members the drive needed for a brisk finish. A lavish trophy presentation is expected to bring the curtains down on the celebrations at Guyana’s only golf course. The LGC is reminding members of the public who are desirous of watching golf that the course is open with all COVID-19 regulations in place. The tournament is expected to be an annual fixture on the LGC’s official calendar of events.
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Speaker’s T20 Cup launched
Millions up for grabs, Nadir envisions regional club competition
In a simple ceremony held at the GCB Board Room in the top flat of the Guyana Cricket Board’s administration office, the Speaker’s T20 tournament was launched.
It will involve over 20 teams competing between themselves for the coveted championship honours, and would last from April 3 to May 5.
Delivering the feature address at the ceremony was Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, who said, “Whether it will be regarded as an assembly session, so that is the distinction. So, we want to promote most people don't do the distinction. Most people take very lightly the democratic culture which we have inherited and have grown over the decades, and sport is one of the most effective media to bring messages to people.
“So, isn't the connection. And we want to see that work more amongst sporting personalities. Why I use this is because our sports persons do more to promote the good name locally and internationally than many other persons. We have Shahrukh Khan came here and he asked for Chanderpaul. Yes, you know, this competition we have a lot of local heroes that people look up to. And this is going to be an opportunity for the National Assembly to use the good work of cricketers to promote this democratic culture.
“I see a regional club competition evolving in the Caribbean.”
Also sharing his sentiments at the launching
Banks DIH Pro Troy Peters GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir
was GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie, who noted that it has been some time since a national competition has been planned.
Sanasie said sponsorship has been one of the greatest issues, but he reiterated that the Guyana Cricket Board is always ready to partner with anyone to take the game across the country.
The GCB Secretary also stated that with the launching of a tournament of this kind, many can expect it to be a yearly event. “As the tournament grow, I guess clubs will understand that, as you develop players, you can also get benefits back in the future. I enjoy seeing the juggling between clubs as to who would lay claim on players, especially those that have already made their names nationally. It goes to show that there is great interest, there will be great competition. And I would hope that we play in a safe environment.
“As we know, we will not be having large crowds at any of these venues. Once we get started, we have to adhere to the provisions of our core mission: to play by the COVID rules.” Sanasie said.
Banks DIH PRO Troy Peters related that the beverage giant, through its Banks beer brand, is proud to be on board. He also said the beverage giant has always had a special place in its heart for cricket, and hopes that everyone remains safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the best team comes out successful.
Fully registered 1st Division teams from Berbice include Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (Albion), Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS (RHTY&SCMS), Tucber Park Cricket Club, and West Berbice CC. Among the teams from the East Coast Demerara are the Lusignan Sports Club. In Georgetown, the teams expected to participate include the University of Guyana Trojans Cricket Team, Everest Cricket Club, Police Sports Club, Malteenoes Sports Club, Gandhi Youth Organization Sports Club (Regal), Demerara Cricket Club and Georgetown Cricket Clubs. West Demerara will have participating teams such as Rising Stars Cricket Club, Canal No. 2, New Wales Superstars, Mc Gill Super Stars Sports Club, Belle Vue Sports Club, Cornelia Ida. Bacchus Sports will be the main representative team from Essequibo.
The championship offers teams the opportunity to vie for Gy$1M worth of prizes. That is, in attaining the championship title and securing the team with player that will be awarded as the most valuable player of the tournament. Apart from the main prize attractions, teams have the opportunity to win other consolation prizes, inclusive of a valuable $500,000 2nd place prize, $200,000 3rd place prize, and $ 100,000 4th place prize, among other prizes.
Seaton betters time in final event of South American Swimming Championships
Leon Seaton
GCB election date set at March 29
Having just concluded the required consultation with Cricket West Indies (CWI) (formerly West Indies Cricket Board), the public is hereby advised that the date for the Guyana Cricket Board election is hereby appointed to be the 29th March, 2021 pursuant to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act.
The public will note that the GCB election, previously appointed to be the 26th February 2021, did not occur because of concerns raised with the duly appoint-
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr
ed Cricket Ombudsman by one of the three stakeholders for the election. A meeting was convened and held with the Cricket Ombudsman, the attorneys-at-law for the stakeholders and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.
The Ministry maintains its confidence in the Cricket Ombudsman, Mr. Kamal Ramkarran, Attorney-at-Law, as a professional and as someone with the highest integrity, who is capable of executing his function thereunder.
The Guyana Cricket Board election must be held as required by the Guyana Cricket Administration Act and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport holds firm to this position. (MCY&S Release) Following a dismal start on Tuesday in the CONSANAT South American Swimming Championships, Leon Seaton attained some sort of redemption on Friday in his final outing in the pool.
Competing in Buenos Aires Argentina, the teenager and Olympic hopeful improved his timing in the 50m freestyle to signal a great close to the competition for himself.
Conversely, his Guyanese teammate Andrew Fowler was not quite as fortunate.
Their final event came on Friday when the pair ventured into the pool for the Men’s 50m Freestyle which was won in a time of 22.38s by Venezuelan Vivas Mestre. He finished ahead of Brazilians Martins Peixoto (22.68s) and Guimarae Alcara (22.70s).
Guyana's Leon Seaton clocked 24.84s to finish 21st but improved by -0.49s on his speed of 25.33s.
His country mate Andrew Fowler wrapped up his performance with a time of 25.70s in that event, to place 24th overall.
The Olympic selection time for the Men’s 50m Freestyle is 22.67s while the Olympic Qualification time is set at 22.01s.
On the penultimate day of the competition, Seaton and Fowler competed in Men’s 50m Butterfly which was won by Argentine Roberto Strelkov in a time of 24.39s, while Brazilians Melo Baganha (25.54s) and Dias Perseguin (24.55s) were second and third. Fowler and Seaton clocked 27.48s and 28.62s in that event to end in 20th and 21st positions.
It is important to note that the 50m butterfly is not an Olympic event. However, the event’s world record is overseen and ratified by FINA, the world governing body for the sport of competitive swimming. The 50 fly WR is one of the youngest on the books, as it is among the stroke 50s which have only been tracked since the 1990s.
Meanwhile, on the opening day of the event, the Guyanese pair tested their mettle against the South American contingent in the Men’s 100m Freestyle. Seaton turned in a time of 56.05s while Fowler stopped the clock at 56.33s.
Prior to the race, Seaton entered with a time of 55.27s while Fowler’s speed was 54.10s. However, neither time was sufficient to compare with the Olympic Standard of 48.57s.
With the deadline for the Tokyo Olympic - July 23 to August 8 - set at May 30, it is presumed that the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will look to other avenues to provide their hopefuls: Leon Seaton, Andrew Fowler and Jamila Sanmoogan, with opportunities to qualify for this year’s games.
Govts should not meddle in sport administration spats – Pres Ali
– Sanasie complains to CWI Ethics Committee
President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday said his Government supports the proper functioning of sport bodies in Guyana, and would not be induced into controversies within administrations.
President Ali, in a comment to News Room Sport, said: “the Government has no intentions of being dragged into issues of controversies within sporting bodies and administrations. I have communicated this to the relevant Ministers, Agencies and Ministries. We are not in the business of satisfying or responding to egos.”
President Ali added: “We support the proper functioning of sporting bodies, but will not get involved in any high-handed manner in determining outcomes. Cricket administration is no different. In relation to the CWI election, no official or government must exercise seeming bias for any contestants, as this will be unethical.”
Recently, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Anand Sanasie lodged a formal written complaint with CWI Corporate Secretary Alanna Medford-Singh regarding CWI President Ricky Skerritt’s meeting with Guyana’s Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. Sanasie is contending that the full CWI board was not informed of the meeting, and the decisions flowing from the meeting are designed to create an unfair advantage for Skerritt’s bid to be re-elected.
Meanwhile, Skerritt has acknowledged meeting Guyanese Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr, although the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) was not invited. In an interview with Newsday on Tuesday, Skerritt, who is seeking re-election on March 28, said this meeting took place with Guyana cricket’s best interest at heart.
Skerritt’s meeting with the Guyana minister has been criticised by some members of the GCB, including Anand Sanasie, who is challenging Skerritt for the CWI presidency. Sanasie has reported Skerritt to the CWI Ethics Committee.
Skerritt told Newsday, “There are a lot of issues at stake in Guyana (in) which we are hopeful for a peaceful and legitimate conclusion so Guyana can be well served by a GCB that is properly put together.”
Of the current board, he said, “I have nothing against the GCB. I’ve been to the GCB to meet with them. But I’ve also met with the other cricket officials elsewhere, who are unhappy with what is happening.
“We want the best for Guyana cricket. They’re giving the impression that I’m hostile to GCB, but I’m only hostile to illegitimacy. I’m friendly with cricket. Some of my favourite people are Guyanese. How can you stand up and say you represent cricket when the court says differently, or you are challenging the court?”
The Cricket West Indies election is set for March 28, with the incumbent Ricky Skerritt and Vice President Dr. Kishore Shallow facing a challenge from Guyana Cricket Board Secretary Anand Sanasie and his running-mate, Vice President of the Barbados Cricket Association, Calvin Hope. The Guyana Cricket Board election, as announced by Minister Ramson Jr., is now fixed for March 29. (Newsroom and Newsday)
President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie CWI President Ricky Skerritt
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