43 minute read
Bandits rob P
Bandits rob teen in Sophia home invasion
Armed bandits on Friday stormed a Sophia, Greater Georgetown house and robbed a 19-year-old male of over $400,000 in items.
The robbery occurred at about 13:00h at the A Field Sophia residence.
According to Police reports, the teenager was at home in the kitchen, participating in a virtual classroom session with the top half of the door of his home left open, when two males – one armed with a handgun – entered the house and held him at gunpoint.
The suspects reportedly searched the entire house and relieved the victim of a total of $430,000 worth of jewellery, cellphones and cash before making good their escape.
The Police said several persons in the area were questioned. CCTV camera footage in the area is being reviewed by investigators. An investigation has been launched. (G9)
US Customs nab Jamaican smuggler with cocaine in sandals and body
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency said that officers at Miami International Airport apprehended a Jamaican smuggler with cocaine in a pair of sandals and in the smuggler's body.
“During a baggage inspection, CBP officers discovered a white powdery substance and a tiny drug balloon, or pellet, concealed within a pair of sandals,” said CBP, stating that the items weighed about 1.3 pounds and were “field-tested positive for cocaine”.
“Upon questioning, the Jamaican traveller admitted to swallowing cocaine and was taken to a local hospital for an X-ray examination,” CBP added. “The X-ray showed the presence of foreign objects, and the individual later passed 28 pellets testing positive for cocaine.”
Miami International Airport Acting Port Director Robert Del Toro said: “Swallowing drugs is an extremely dangerous method of concealment and CBP officers are highly skilled at thwarting smuggling attempts.
“It's important to deter this type of illegal activity which can be fatal if a pellet bursts,” he said.
CBP said more than two dozen pellets tested positive for cocaine.
It said border security mission is led at ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations.
CBP said officers screen international travellers and cargo, and search for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, “and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, US businesses, and our nation's safety and economic vitality”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Bolsonaro's nominee to run Petrobras stresses need for "balance" in fuel pricing
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s nominee to lead Staterun oil company Petrobras said on Saturday the company needs to find “balance” in fuel pricing, considering the impact on shareholders, investors, sellers and consumers.
Joaquim Silva e Luna, a retired army general and former Defence Minister overseeing the State-run Itaipu hydroelectric dam on the border with Paraguay and Argentina since 2019, was tapped on Friday to be the next chief executive of Petróleo Brasileiro SA.
Bolsonaro has criticised Roberto Castello Branco, current CEO of the State firm known formally as Petroleo Brasileiro SA, for ignoring the complaints of truckers as he hiked diesel prices 15 per cent this week, tracking global markets higher.
Petrobras shares plunged on Friday due to growing investor fears of political interference in fuel pricing, which has triggered billions of dollars in losses over the past decade.
Luna was cautious in some of his first public comments since Bolsonaro made the announcement in a late Friday social media post, seeking to allay concerns that the company would lose autonomy to set prices in Brazil, where it dominates the market.
“There is no way to have interference in the pricing policy. There’s executive management ... and we have the capacity to handle the issue. We’ll reflect on the economy as well as on the trucker who has no cargo to transport,” he told Reuters in an interview.”We need to find a balance, considering the shareholder, the market, oil prices, the currency, as well as the people, because gasoline and diesel prices have an impact on the whole chain of production. We cannot ignore this reality,” he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Queen rewards 2 Bajans for generosity to the homeless
Two Barbadians who have been providing free home-cooked meals to a homeless shelter every week for more than a decade, have been rewarded by Queen Elizabeth.
Trevor and Pamela Headley were on Friday named as winners of the 171st Commonwealth Points Of Light award in honour of their exceptional voluntary service.
A release from the British High Commission said the two purchase all of the ingredients to prepare hot meals in their own home, and have continued to deliver the meals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to support those living in the Clyde Gollop Night Shelter For Homeless Men.
The Commonwealth Points Of Light awards celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth. (Excerpt from Nation News)
Regional
Argentina Health Minister resigns over COVID vaccine scandal
Argentina’s Health Minister has resigned after reports surfaced that people in the South American nation were using connections to jump the queue and receive COVID-19 vaccines.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Friday, Gines Gonzalez Garcia said individuals were able to sidestep proper procedure for vaccinations due to “unintended confusion” in his office while he was away.
“Responding to your express request, I present my resignation from the position of Minister of Health,” Garcia wrote in a letter addressed to President Alberto Fernandez, who had sought the Minister’s resignation.
“I express my gratitude to the vast majority of the Argentine people for their commitment and support for the policies we implement to rebuild our federal health system, with greater equity, access and quality,” Garcia also tweeted.
The scandal broke after an Argentine journalist said he had received a COVID-19 jab after speaking directly to the Minister.
Garcia will be replaced by one of his deputy Ministers, Carla Vizzotti, who was responsible for securing the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, which the country has deployed since December.
Argentina's Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia stepped down
late on Friday amid a COVID-19 vaccination scandal [Matias Baglietto/Reuters]
Dominican Republic deploys thousands of troops along border with Haiti
The Dominican Armed Forces have deployed 7200 troops on the border with Haiti and so far this year have intercepted and returned more than 38,000 Haitians who illegally crossed the territorial division to the neighbouring country.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, the general commander of the Dominican Republic Army, Julio Ernesto Florian Perez, said if more soldiers are needed “we will use them so that the country is safe in this part of the territory”.
Florian noted that the Dominican military recently caught “some people wanted” by the Haitian justice system and “some criminals” who were handed over to the Haitian National Police in the border province of Dajabon.
The former Mayor of Port-au-Prince Ralph Youry Chevry was arrested last Sunday in Dajabón together with the former official Wenson Pierre, the Haitian policeman Antonine Maquendy and the civilian Wiquenesonnt Despiene because they did not have passports or visas to enter the national territory, said the Ministry of Defence.
Chevry, against whom the Haitian Government has issued an arrest warrant, has not requested asylum in the Dominican Republic, said Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez on Friday. He also affirmed that Haiti had not asked for his extradition.
Florian assured that the surveillance by air and land would be maintained to “provide all the security” as a result of the socio-political situation that Haiti is going through.
He also warned that “the persecution against undocumented people who were doing agricultural and construction work will begin to be regularised” since the authorities granted grace for these people due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Argentina gave priority to healthcare workers in its coronavirus vaccination programme and vaccinations for people over age 70 began on Wednesday in the province of Buenos Aires.
Argentina is not the only country in Latin America facing a coronavirus vaccine scandal, fuelling public anger and resentment.
Peru’s Health and Foreign Affairs Ministers resigned this month after reports surfaced that hundreds of Government officials, including former President Martin Vizcarra, received jabs before vaccines were widely available. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Landslide win for opposition party in Turks and Caicos Islands’ general election
The main opposition Progressive National Party (PNP) secured a landslide victory when the citizens of this British Overseas territory went to the polls in a general election on Friday.
Led by businessman Charles Washington Misick the PNP obtained a landslide 14 to 1 victory over the incumbent People's Democratic Movement (PDM).
According to the territory's supervisor of elections, Dudley Lewis, the opposition party won nine of the 10 electoral district seats and all five of the At Large seats.
Misick, who is 70, is a former Chief Minister and the brother of former premier Michael Misick.
The PDM in a major defeat, saw their leader, Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, who was elected the country's first female premier in 2016, losing her seat.
The only successful PDM candidate was former Health Minister Edwin Astwood who won the Grand Turk South.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in a statement on Saturday said that the Caricom Elections Observation Mission (CEOM) that monitored the polls, said that the process was free and fair “and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands must be commended for this.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
More women seek training with guns
Defence Tactics Instructor and Range Safety Officer at AA Tactical, Joshua Lee, demonstrating the use of a firearm to Melissa Reid
More women are expressing a need for firearm training and are looking at tactical ways to protect themselves from attackers.
So said the secretary of the South Stra Shooting Sports Range in Claxton Bay. Lalchan said the Range had over 900 members out of which 38 per cent were women.
Speaking exclusively to Guardian Media, Lalchan said many women were calling the Association daily to find out how to get to the rifle range, how to apply for training and how to acquire Firearm Users Licenses (FUL).
“As the nation grows and the crime situation gets worse, these women are crying out for help. There are lots of women who feel the need to protect themselves now,” Lalchan said.
He explained that more women started acquiring firearms a decade ago but this has intensified over the past few months.
Apart from frequent training at the range, Lalchan said more women are taking part in firearm sporting activities.
Lalchan agreed with the former executive director of the National Operations Centre Garvin Heerah that more women should arm themselves.
“I am appalled and I am totally against violence against women in whatever form. These are our mothers, sisters, wives and it seems that something is wrong with the upbringing some people have in this society. We should be nurtured to be more submissive and caring and to communicate more with the women of the nation,” Lalchan said.
He said based on the number of calls he has received from women recently the membership of women may surpass that of men shortly. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
35 Around the World
OILNEWS
Russia reports 1st case of human infection with H5N8 bird flu
Big Oil to see production peak in 2028
The pandemic shock to demand and the energy transition strategies are set to bring peak crude and natural gas production for Big Oil in 2028, at a lower volume and earlier than previously expected, Rystad Energy said in an analysis this week.
The five integrated supermajors – ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, and Total – will see their combined crude oil and natural gas production peak at 18 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in 2028, compared to projections from before COVID-19 that had expected the combined production to continue rising until 2030 at over 20 million bpd.
Last year, Big Oil’s combined oil and gas production declined by close to 5 per cent, or by 900,000 boepd, compared to 2019, according to Rystad Energy. In 2020, the five supermajors also incurred a record combined US$76 billion loss due to the crash in oil prices and oil demand, the analysts said.
Over the past year, emission reduction targets and strategies have altered the long-term outlook for the supermajors’ production.
Rystad Energy now sees the majors’ net production at around 17.5 million boepd in 2025 and peaking at around 18 million boepd in 2028. Just before the pandemic, Rystad Energy had expected 2025 production to be at 19 million boepd and 20 million boepd in 2028.
Some of the European supermajors that have committed to becoming net-zero emission businesses by 2050 have already said that their oil production would gradually drop over the years.
BP, for example, said it would boost its investment in lowcarbon energy ten times to US$5 billion a year and reduce oil and gas production by 40 per cent by 2030. Earlier this month, Shell said its oil production peaked in 2019 and is set for a continual decline over the next three decades.
“The key to success for the five majors over the next decade will be to strengthen their business in more resilient regions, restructure and resize to match the market needs, and pay back their high debt levels,” said Rahul Choudhary, upstream analyst at Rystad Energy. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)
Russia has registered the first case of a strain of bird flu virus named AH5N8 being passed to humans from birds and has reported the case to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the head of a health consumer watchdog said.
Outbreaks of the H5N8 strain have been reported in Russia, Europe, China, the Middle East and North Africa in recent months but only in poultry. Other strains – H5N1, H7N9 and H9N2 – have been known to spread to humans.
Russia reported the case to the WHO “several days ago, just as we became absolutely certain of our results,” Anna Popova, the head of health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, told Rossiya 24 state TV on Saturday. There was no sign of transmission between humans so far, she added.
The highly contagious strain is lethal for birds but has never before been reported to have spread to humans.
The majority of human bird flu infections have been associated with direct contact with infected live or dead poultry, though properly cooked food is considered to be safe.
Bird flu outbreaks often prompt poultry plants to kill their birds to prevent the virus from spreading, and avoid importing countries having to impose trade restrictions.
Seven workers at a poultry plant in Russia’s south had been infected with the H5N8 strain when there was an outbreak at the plant in December, Popova said.
The workers did not suffer any serious health consequences, she added.
Popova praised “the important scientific discovery,” saying “time will tell” if the virus can further mutate.
Siberia’s Vector Institute said on Saturday it would start developing human tests and a vaccine against H5N8, RIA news agency reported. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
The highly contagious strain is lethal for birds but has never before been reported to have spread to humans
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny loses jail appeal, is fined for slander
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny lost his appeal on Saturday against what he said was a politically motivated decision to jail him for nearly three years, and was found guilty of slander and fined in a separate case.
The double legal defeat had been anticipated by his supporters, who believe the Kremlin sees the 44-yearold opposition politician as a threat, a notion the Kremlin laughs off. It paves the way for Navalny to be moved from a Moscow jail to a prison camp outside the capital.
Navalny, in a speech to the court that referenced the Bible and the Harry Potter
Myanmar coup: At least 2 killed as Police disperse protesters
At least two people have been killed in protests in Myanmar against a military coup, the worst violence yet in more than two weeks of demonstrations.
Police used live ammunition to disperse demonstrators in Mandalay, reports from the ground said. At least 20 people were injured.
Hundreds had gathered for the rally at a shipyard in Myanmar's second-largest city.
The coup saw the overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi's elected Government.
Protesters are demanding that she be released, along with other members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party. She is under house arrest, accused of possessing illegal walkie-talkies and violating the country's Natural Disaster Law.
The military alleged the NLD's landslide election win last year was fraudulent but have not provided proof.
Clashes broke out in Mandalay when Police confronted protesters and striking shipyard workers.
Reports say some protesters flung projectiles at Police, who responded with live fire and tear gas.
Relatives of one of those killed told Reuters news agency he was a carpenter, aged 36, who was shot in the chest. The other fatality - reports say a boy under 18 - was shot in the head.
The EU said it strongly condemned the violence and the US embassy in Myanmar said it was "deeply troubled".
On Friday a young woman became the first confirmed death from the protests.
Further demonstrations took place on Saturday in several cities, including Yangon, where residents banged pots and a candle-light vigil was held outside the US embassy. The security forces mostly left the protesters alone. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Protesters have been taking to the streets ever since the coup at the start of the month
saga, said his faith in God and belief in the rightness of his cause was sustaining him.
Navalny, President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent critic, returned to Russia last month from Germany, where he had been recovering from a near-fatal poisoning in Siberia in August with what many Western nations said was a nerve agent.
He was jailed earlier this month for parole violations he said were trumped up. Western countries have condemned the case and are discussing possible sanctions on Russia.
A Moscow court swiftly rejected Navalny’s appeal on Saturday, while shortening his original jail term by six weeks. The original term was 3-1/2 years.
Navalny had earlier told the judge he was not guilty of parole violations as a previous court had found.
He said he had been unable to report to the Moscow prison service last year because he had been convalescing in Germany at the time. (Excerpt from Reuters)
3 separate Kabul explosions kill 5, wound 2 – Afghan Police
Three separate explosions in the Afghan capital Kabul killed at least five people and wounded two others amid a surge in violence in the war-torn country.
Kabul Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said the first two explosions took place 15 minutes apart and a third targeting a Police vehicle occurred two hours later.
No group immediately claimed responsibility.
It was not immediately clear what caused the blasts. The majority of attacks in the capital in recent months have been sticky bombs – explosive devices with magnets that are attached to vehicles and detonated by remote control or timer.
The second explosion targeted a car in a northwestern Kabul neighbourhood in which national army soldiers were travelling, killing two soldiers. A civilian passerby was also killed.
The third explosion destroyed a Police car in western Kabul, killing two Police officers.
Meanwhile, the first blast targeted a civilian car and wounded both travellers inside the vehicle.
Kabul Police said investigations were underway.
Afghanistan has seen a nationwide spike in bombings, targeted killings and violence on the battlefield as peace negotiations in Qatar between the Taliban and the Afghan Government have stalled.
The ISIL (ISIS) group’s local affiliate has claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, but many go unclaimed with the Government putting the blame on the Taliban. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
UN: Tigray malnutrition “very critical”, response woefully poor
Anew United Nations report has sounded the alarm over a “very critical malnutrition situation” unfolding in Ethiopia’s embattled Tigray region, citing continuing insecurity, bureaucracy and the presence of “various armed actors” as major obstructions to the efforts to deliver life-saving aid to rural areas still out of reach for humanitarian workers more than 100 days into the conflict.
“Despite some progress, the humanitarian response remains drastically inadequate compared to the sheer magnitude of needs across the region,” the report by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OHCA) said on Saturday.
“Assistance remains particularly limited in rural areas due to access constraints and security volatility, and there are acute gaps and challenges across all sectors.”
It came after the Ethiopian Red Cross warned earlier in February that without improved humanitarian access to a region where 80 per cent of the population of six million is still unreachable, tens of thousands of people could starve to death after two months.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered troops into the northern region on November 4, saying the operation was in response to alleged attacks on federal army camps by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the regional governing party that once dominated the country’s Federal Government. Abiy declared victory on November 28 after the TPLF withdrew from the regional capital, Mekelle, and major towns, but low-level fighting continues. Some senior TPLF members remain at large, though the Federal Government has captured or killed a number of former officials. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Dilbert
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
ARIES
(March 21April 19)
Research will reveal information that will help initiate a positive lifestyle change. Once you head down a path that feels comfortable, you will excel quickly. Put your plan in motion.
Pay attention to what you do, not to what others are doing. Take a moment to relax and calm down. Choose to be productive, not aggressive. Don’t let distress derail your plans.
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI
(MAY 28June 20)
CANCER (June 21July 22)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO
(Aug. 23Sept. 22)
Look at the cost involved and the logistics of what you want to pursue before you take action. It’s best to get things right the first time. Focus on self-improvement and fitness.
Test your beliefs and question what you are doing with your life. Take a walk down memory lane, and you’ll verify what you want to achieve. A change of plans will rejuvenate you.
Call in favors. You’ll discover who you can count on and who you are better off leaving behind. With the right attitude and people in your circle, good things will transpire.
Study your plan, make adjustments and take action. The changes you make based on the information you discover will help you keep up with trends. Preparation will be instrumental.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Your thirst for knowledge will grow. What you discover will spark your imagination, giving rise to a new plan. A promise you make will bring you closer to a loved one. Romance is featured.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 24Nov. 22)
Consider the possibilities. Refuse to let someone stifle your plans. Make your intentions clear, and follow the path that offers peace of mind. Think seriously about a new project.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Don’t give someone the wrong impression. Be honest about your feelings and plans to avoid future embarrassment. Protect your reputation, possessions and health. Don’t take risks.
Don’t expect to get the help you desire. Getting upset with someone who doesn’t pitch in will not help you reach your goals. Expect nothing, do the work yourself and avoid disappointment.
Explore new possibilities, make friends with someone who shares your interests and concerns, and refuse to let anyone stand between you and your happiness. Romance is in the stars.
Personal improvements will put a smile on your face. Whether you give yourself a makeover or upgrade your surroundings, the result will brighten your day.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Feb. 19)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
FIFA 2022 Qualifying Tournament
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TT chooses venue; GFF learns through TT media
There seems to be some resolution in the issue of venue and host country for the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifying game between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. However, it comes with a catch.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) on Saturday released information that indicated that a neutral venue - the Dominican Republic - was chosen to host the game billed for March 25. This announcement goes against the first neutral venue in Curacao, that was in place initially.
The decision to move the Soca Warriors’ home game to the Dominican Republic comes after the Trinidadian Health authorities fiercely refused to allow the TTFA to have a ‘hot bubble’ environment.
The statement from the TTFA read: "The TTFA has therefore taken a decision to stage the match at the Pan American Stadium, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic. The date of the match remains March 25th. The TTFA will provide further information over the coming days in relation to arrangements for the Men’s Senior Team leading up to this important opening qualifying match. "The Ministry of Health’s protocol and guidelines mandate fourteen (14) days’ quarantine for anyone entering the country. This condition is not feasible, given the FIFA international match window, and the MOH has declined the TTFA’s request of an exemption to facilitate a hot-bubble, which would allow members of both teams, including staff, to arrive within a suitable time period conducive to international football," TTFA’s statement further revealed.
While it looks like the Trinidadian authorities have chosen their desired venue, it is alleged that no formal correspondence has reached the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), under whose premise the game and qualifying tournament falls. As such, no formal indication has reached the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), who are still presumably in the dark.
A glimpse at Guyana’s ongoing local preparation
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(Ext 55) NOW!
Bryion Bowen grateful for exposure from Demerara U-19
— says hungry for more, and vows to put best foot forward
Story By timothy Jaikarran, photoS By Brandon Corlette
Demerara defeated Berbice in a low-scoring thriller in the Guyana Cricket Board/ Hand-in-Hand Under-19 InterCounty tournament’s final game one week ago to defend their title. Scoring the winning run in a typical West Indian fashion was none other than Bryion Bowen, who smashed a beautiful six to take his side home.
Many would remember Bowen when he was interviewed by this publication in the early part of 2020. Bowen had noted then that he had goals he wanted to achieve, and playing for Demerara U19 was one of them, as this would signal that all his hard work was paying off.
He had mentioned that while he remained focused on his goals, he would have to double down, as his focus was between work and playing cricket. Nevertheless, he worked through it all, going to work every day, maintaining his fitness and practising at his club, all during the dreadful COVID-19 pandemic.
But dreams are dreams, and for Bowen, attaining them at the highest level - playing for Guyana, and on to the West Indies - means that he would stop at nothing to achieve what he has so ardently been dreaming of.
In an interview with this publication, the young fast bowler was asked a series of questions on what he believes the future holds for him. Here is that interview
Q: How do you feel about the win?
A: How do I feel about the win? First, I just want to give thanks to God Almighty for giving me the health and strength for being there on that day. I mean, I wasn’t even expecting to bat, as the total was a small one and I thought we would have chased it pretty comfortably. But nevertheless, I am happy to be able to contribute and take my team over the line.
The win was pretty exciting. I felt overwhelmed and overjoyed. My team mates were supportive, and there was even family there, so it was really great.
Q: You hit a six to win; what prompted you into the shot?
A: Well, yes, I hit a six to win the game, as we knew we were down and had one wicket remaining; and the left arm spinner was bowling really tight, hitting his lengths, and to top it off, the pitch was spin-friendly. He was a smart bowler, even to his field setting was very strategic, but I did not want the pressure to get to me, as they were on top.
I studied what would happen if I gave my wicket away. That would put pressure on the other batsman to come, which was the number 11. But I made up my mind that, if he bowled in my zone, I was going to go after him; and his next delivery was right there, and I hit the winning run.
Q: What's next for you, what do you see yourself doing?
A: Basically, God willing, I will be selected to represent the youth side this year. I’m just looking to put my best foot forward and perform while representing our Guyana flag. I am also looking that in the future I aim to get into a franchise team and then from there go on to represent Guyana at the highest level and even go on to represent the West Indies at the test level.
Bowen also boasted that while he was only able to play one of the two games, he was able to hit the winning runs and even able to bag the wicket of West Indies Youth batsman Rampertab Ramnauth. He also noted that he was economical in his bowling as well and even managed some edges to the keeper and slips which were dropped. Bowen further reiterated that he was not satisfied with his performance as he is always hungry for more and will continue to push himself to get to the highest level.
BCB/Lewison General Store 2020 Under-15… Rampertab Ramnauth’s all-round efforts propel Port Mourant to U-15 championship
By Brandon Corlette
West Indies youth player Rampertab Ramnauth produced an impressive all-round performance to lead Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Club to a 30-run win against the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club in a match played at the Jai Hind ground at Albion.
In the final, of the Berbice Cricket Board/Lewison General Store 2020 Under-15 tourney, which was slated for last year, Ramnauth hit 61 and picked up 5-32 in 7.1 overs.
Port Mourant had earlier won the toss and elected to bat first, scoring 159-9 in 50 overs. In response, Albion were bowled out for 128 in 39.1 overs. The classy left-hander, Rampertab led the way for Port Mourant with an attacking 61 after he was dropped on multiple occasions.
He added 35 runs for the opening wicket with his brother, Rampersaud Ramnauth (06).
The solid Romesh Bharrat, batting at three dropped anchor and watched Rampertab attack the Albion bowlers. This duo added 54 runs to the tally, but Ramnuath rode his luck after he was put down on 20, 46, 50 and 52. The West Indies youth player, who scored 61, hit six fours and three sweet sixes on the small outfield.
He, however, threw his wicket away spooning one to short-mid-wicket off the bowling of Tameshwar Mangal.
Bharrat's painstaking innings ended when Port Mourant were reduced to 113-3 in 32 overs. He struck a solitary four in his 15. The Port Mourant middle-order was eventually exposed, with Salim Khan (07), Romel Budwa (07) and Vishal William (07) falling cheaply.
At 129-5, with nine overs remaining, left-hander Ganesh Seosahai opened his arm and hit boundaries off pacer Shiv Harripersaud. Batting at number seven, he slammed 17, which included three fours.
Port Mourant had pushed to 158-9 when 50 overs expired. Kumar Deopersaud claimed 2-13 in his 10 overs that included three maidens, while Devon Lalbehari had 2-15 in three overs. Mangal ended with 2-32 in his 10 overs.
In response, Damion Cecil hit a top-score of 30, but that proved insufficient for the Albion lads. Albion lost openers Mangal (04) and AriAfrizal Kadir (02) went in the hut at 22-2, but Harripersaud and Cecil added 62 runs to give Albion hope.
After Harripersaud was removed for 28, which included three fours, and Cecil was removed for (30), which was decorated with three fours, Rampertab, bowling his leg-spin, wrecked the batting order with off-spinner Romel Budwaa in tandem.
Rampertab ended with 5-32 in 7.1 overs, while Budwaa claimed 4-36 in 10 overs.
Berbice Under-15 player Salim Khan had 1-18 in nine overs as Albion lost their final seven wickets for 44 runs.
GFF issues provisional suspensions to players, coaches and match officials
Several national team players, registered coaches and match officials have been provisionally suspended from all football activities with immediate effect, pending a Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Disciplinary Committee investigation following reports of an unauthorised football event having occurred in Buxton.
The individuals will be unable to participate in any international or club football until the resolution of Disciplinary Committee proceedings, and could face further disciplinary action. They will be notified of the venue, date and time of their separate hearings in due course.
The provisional suspensions apply to the following:
National team players:
Trayon Bobb, Kelsey Benjamin, Nicholas McArthur, Kevin Dundas, Sese Norville
Match officials:
Dwayne Johnson, Deon Feasall, Roydon Ramsay
Sese Norville Coaches:
Dwayne Jacobs, Philbert Moffatt, Sharon Abrams, Sherwin Neblett
This action, in line with the GFF’s constitutional mandate and responsible governance duties, has been taken following notification of an unsanctioned football event at the Buxton Community Ground.
Further GFF investigations into the participation of other individuals are ongoing and may result in similar disciplinary action in due course.
To defend the integrity of the game and protect the safety and wellbeing of its membership, the GFF Constitution – approved by FIFA – contains specific clauses related to unauthorised football activity.
Under Section 5.3 of the Constitution, registered “players may not take part in football matches that are not under the jurisdiction of the Federation and/or FIFA and /or Concacaf”.
Under Section 13.1(a), “members must comply fully with the Statutes/ Constitution, regulations, directives and decisions of FIFA, Concacaf, and the Federation at all times and to ensure by a statutory clause that these are also respected by its Affiliates”.
Under Section 13.1(h), members are obliged “not to maintain any relations of a sporting nature with entities (eg. clubs, Leagues) that are not Members or Affiliates nor with Members that have been suspended or expelled”.
Section 13.2 states that the “violation of the above-mentioned obligations by any Member may lead to sanctions”.
Furthermore, under current official COVID-19 restrictions designed to saves lives and protect communities, gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. Since the onset of the pandemic, the only football event the GFF has sanctioned with approval from the National COVID-19 Task Force has been the GFF “Bounce Back Classic”, which took place at the turn of the year behind closed doors without fans and under strict health protocols.
The GFF Disciplinary Committee is one of the three independent oversight bodies of the Federation and addresses any alleged breaches of the GFF Constitution.
Albion name training squad for upcoming Speaker’s nationwide T/20 Championship
Veerasammy Permaul
Albion Community Centre Cricket Club has named a strong 26-man squad to commence training in preparation for the Club’s participation in the upcoming National T20 Cricket Championship that is set for mid-March and will run until May 5. The squad, which includes West Indies cricketers Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo, is as follows: Kandasammy Surujnarine, Adrian Sukhwa, Rajiv Ivan, Anthony Bramble, Jonathan Foo, Sharaz Ramcharran, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Jeetendra Outar, Ramesh Kasinauth, Devendra Bishoo, Kelvin Umroa, Ritesh Umroa,Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Rayaad Karim, Inzam Shazam, Gourav Ramesh, Mahendra Chaitnarine, Antonio February, Leon Cecil, Devendra Latchman, Shiv Harripersaud, Jousha Harichand, Karan Arjpaul, Tameshwar Mahadeo and Parvesh Ganesh
All players, with the exception of those currently engaged in national duties, are asked attend an important meeting with the club’s
Devendra Bishoo
executives on Monday, February 22, at the Albion Community Centre’s Main Hall, commencing at 16:30 hours. The squad will commence training from Tuesday, February 23.
Apart from intense training and practice sessions, the squad would also be engaged in several practice matches prior to the selection of final team.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Manzoor Nadir, is hosting this tournament in collaboration with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Everest Cricket Club, that will first division clubs in Guyana that will be managed by the GCB under its T20 rules. The tournament is proposed to comprise at least 24 teams, with priority to play in the championship being given to clubs on a first-come first-play basis. There will be four zones and clubs will draw for the zone. Each first division club must be willing and able to pay the entrance fee, and manage the logistics related to its involvement in the competition. Uniforms would be provided. The entrance fee and draftnumbered fixtures with dates shall be pre-determined and communicated subsequent to the receipt of expressions of interest from the indicated first division clubs.
A club that enters the competition then withdraws therefrom shall forfeit its entrance fees. Clubs that fail to show for a match shall be fined a pre-determined fee and be investigated for match fixing by an assigned committee of the GCB.
A first division club entering this national T/20 cricket competition shall be a club with generally considered domestic first division size ground and one (a club) that is currently playing or has recently played first division cricket within its association/ committee or county, and/or such team as may be considered as a CGI Franchise, county team or association/ committee team, which can validate the use of a home ground for the duration of the tournament.
Attractive Prizes are on offer:
MVP of the competition would get $1,000,000/or a motor car (depending on sponsorship)
First Prize – $1,000,000
Runner-Up – $500,000,
Third place – $200,000
Fourth place -$100,000.
All expressions of interest must be on the club’s letter head and addressed to Chairperson of Speakers T/20 Championship, and sent by email to: admin@guyanacricketboard.org. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is Monday, 22 February 2021 at 9:00 hours or 9am.
Ambrose fails in bid to land England pace bowling coach job
West Indies fast bowling legend, Curtly Ambrose, has not been selected for the position of England Cricket Board (ECB) elite pace-bowling coach, despite making the shortlist of candidates interviewed.
The ECB put out an advertisement for three vacant positions, pace-bowling coach, spin-bowling coach and batting coach, in December. Interviews were conducted in recent weeks after applications closed last month.
Ambrose, who made known that he had applied for the post a few weeks ago, revealed that he had been contacted but unfortunately was not selected for the post.
“I got a call from one of the panellists yesterday [Thursday] to inform me that I was unsuccessful in my bid. The inter -
view went very well. There were four panellists and everything went according to plan and I thought I did a wonderful job, so I was pretty excited. I thought I probably would have made it but I am not going to really worry too much about it. To have made the shortlist is a step in the right direction obviously,” Ambrose told the Antigua Observer.
With the Ashes on the horizon, Ambrose, who has taken 128 wickets against Australia (fourth-best alltime, with the best economy rate among the top 5), admits that he was hoping that his previously dominant performances down under might have weighed in his favour.
“I was expecting to be part of the squad considering the World T20 coming up and, of course, the Ashes. You know that when England play Australia in the Ashes, it’s a big one and I thought that maybe because of my tremendous success in Australia that it would have, at least, given me an extra step, but it didn’t work out and I am quite happy with how everything went. In life, we get some good news and some not so good, and you learn to accept it and move on,” he said. The 57-year-old previously worked as West Indies bowling consultant between 2014 and 2016. He was replaced by Roddy Estwick. (Sportsmax)
39 5-star Khan, Mohammed and Bravo silence Guyana Jaguars
Amaiden five-wicket haul from leg-spinner Imran Khan, backed up by half-centuries from Jason Mohammed and Darren Bravo, led the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to a comfortable six-wicket win against the Guyana Jaguars at Coolidge Cricket ground in Antigua.
This win ensures the Red Force keep their unbeaten record perfect with five wins in as many matches in this CG Insurance Regional Super50 tournament.
After a great start, Jaguars were shot out for 187 in 41.5 overs, while the Red Force cruised to 189-4 in 40.2 overs.
With the likes of Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine being rested, Darren Bravo won the toss for the Red Force and opted to field first. Chandrapaul Hemraj, with Jaguars debutant Tevin Imlach, blazed away from the inception and set a solid platform. Hemraj took on the bowling while the well-organised Imlach rotated the strike and hit the bad balls.
The duo added 106 runs for the opening wicket, but Imlach was the first one to go when he missed a sweep shot and was bowled for 38 from 57 balls, including three fours and one six.
Shimron Hetmyer partnered Hemraj and the duo added 22 runs, but Hetmyer again lacked application and, after scoring 10 runs from 11 balls, hit one down the throat of longoff in only the second ball of Khan’s spell. Thereafter, things went downhill for the Jaguars, and the final eight wickets were shot out for 59 runs.
After smacking 87 runs from 84 balls, which included six thumping sixes and five fours, Hemraj attempted to cut one but found the edge, and was caught at the wicket.
Christopher Barnwell, promoted at four, made 12, while the returning Leon Johnson managed only three, as did Anthony Bramble. Romario Shepherd (12) and Kevin Sinclair (11) all bit the dust as Khan wreaked havoc on the Jaguars innings to end with magical figures of 5-32 from nine overs. He was supported by Akeal Hosein with 2-25.
In response, Red Force lost Evin Lewis for four to off-spinner Sinclair, and Kjorn Ottley went for a similar score off the bowling of Nial Smith. The first two wickets fell for 11 before senior batsmen Jason Mohammed and Darren Bravo batted the Jaguars out of the contest with a 112run partnership.
This duo took the score to 127-3 in 29.3 overs before Bravo was removed by the con sis t e n t Gudakesh Motie.
Bravo’s innings of 58 came off 77 balls and included six fours and one six.
Nicholas Pooran came and played some big hits, but was removed for a nineball 18, but Denesh Ramdin and Jason Mohammed showed their experience and ensured no further hiccups as Red Force ended on 189-4 in 40.2 overs. Mohammed’s unbeaten 82 from 116 balls included eight fours, while Ramdin was not out on 17. Jaguars will play Windward Islands Volcanoes on Monday February 22.
Imran Khan bowling during his
5-wicket haul (CWI Media/Phillip Spooner Photos)
Darren Bravo contstructed a half-century
SCOREBOARD
GUYANA JAGUARS INNINGS
Chanderpaul Hemraj c Ramdin b Khan 87 Tevin Imlach b Pierre 38 Shimron Hetmyer c Pierre b Khan 10 Christopher Barnwell c Ramdin b Phillip 12 Leon Johnson c Pooran b Khan 3 Anthony Bramble st Ramdin b Khan 3 Romario Shepherd c & b Hosein 12 Kevin Sinclair c Pierre b Hosein 11 Gudakesh Motie not out 6 Nial Smith lbw b Khan 0
Total (10 wickets, 41.5) (5 extras) 187 FOW: 106/1 (20.4) Tevin Imlach 128/2 (24.2) Shimron Hetmyer 142/3 (26.1) Chanderpaul Hemraj 152/4 (30.1) Leon Johnson 156/5 (30.6) Anthony Bramble 158/6 (31.5) Christopher Barnwell 180/7 (39.3) Kevin Sinclair 181/8 (39.6) Romario Shepherd 184/9 (40.4) Nial Smith 187/10 (41.5) Keon Joseph
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO INNINGS
Evin Lewis lbw b Sinclair 4 Kjorn Ottley c Hemraj b Smith 4 Jason Mohammed not out 82 Darren Bravo c Hetmyer b Moti-Kanhai 58 Nicolas Pooran st Bramble b Moti-Kanhai 18 Denesh Ramdin not out 17
Total (4 wickets, 40.2) (6 extras) 189 FOW: 4/1 (0.5) Evin Lewis 15/2 (6.1) Kjorn Ottley 127/3 (29.3) Darren Bravo 155/4 (33.4) Nicolas Pooran
BOWLING
Kevin Sinclair (10-1-33-1) Romario Shepherd (7-1-43-0) Nial Smith (6-1-26-1) Keon Joseph (6.2-0-47-0) Gudakesh Motie (10-0-36-2) Chanderpaul Hemraj (1-0-2-0)
Chandrapaul Hemraj BOWLING
Akeal Hosein (6-1-25-2) Jayden Seales (7.5-0-40-1) Anderson Phillip (6-1-37-1) Khary Pierre (8-2-23-1) Jason Mohammed (5-0-26-0) Imran Khan (9-0-32-5)
GFF Boss urges stakeholders to reject unauthorised tournaments
All members, players, coaches, match officials and clubs that fall under the umbrella of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) are constitutionally obliged to abstain from unauthorised football events, both for the long-term benefit of football development and the safety and wellbeing of the football community, GFF President Wayne Forde said.
In the current climate, with the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing and lockdown rules still in force, Forde said any such unsanctioned events should be boycotted by the public and handled appropriately according to the law.
“We have been extremely concerned and alarmed to hear several reports of top national players and registered match officials participating in a specific unauthorised football competition in Buxton, alongside images of large crowds convening at the community ground at night to watch,” he said.
“It beggars belief that anyone would put the health of players, match officials and the public at risk at this delicate time, and that this should apparently go completely unchecked by the national authorities and the local police,” he said, urging the National COVID-19 Task Force and Government of Guyana to intervene in the interests of public health.
“Separately, we expect our national team players and registered referees to act as role models and lead by example, both by making responsible decisions for themselves and their loved ones during this health crisis and by following the rules of the GFF Constitution that they are bound by. The behaviour of some of our national players is even more baffling given that the Golden Jaguars are currently preparing for FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.”
Forde calls for collective action against all unsanctioned football activity in his column in the new monthly GFF newsletter – GFFNOW – which is published today on the GFF website at https://www.guyanafootball. org/gff-now-football-is-back/ and on its social media platforms. The GFF announced provisional suspensions for several national team players, registered coaches and match officials on Saturday, pending Disciplinary Committee hearings, based on reports of the unauthorised competition at Buxton.
“Under the GFF Constitution, all members and constituents are prohibited from taking part in any football activities that have not been authorised by the GFF. Enforcing this is the responsibility of the Federation as part of its duties within FIFA’s global governance structure.
The Constitution seeks to ensure that all football in Guyana is played to certain standards and in an orderly, structured manner – for the long-term benefit of football development and governance, and the health and safety of the entire football community,” he said.
“If the GFF does not act to defend its Constitution to avoid a state of lawlessness resulting from unregulated football, the Federation’s compliance with FIFA and Concacaf statutes will be threatened, possibly resulting in Guyana’s suspension from football governance structures, international football competitions and funding for football development projects,” he said. “This is what is at stake.”
Forde said the role that the GFF plays in the regulation of football activities is intended to: 1. Ensure that competitions are played in accordance with the Laws of the Game. 2. Ensure that competitions are organised in a manner that places the highest priority on the safety and wellbeing of players, coaches, match officials, spectators and the public. 3. Ensure that adequate medical facilities and certified first responders are on hand in the event of an injury. 4. Ensure that match fixing does not occur and that players and officials are not exposed to intimidation by criminal elements seeking to manipulate results. 5. Ensure that individuals involved in the organisation of any competitions are in good standing with the Federation, have not been convicted of any crime and have the adequate expertise and capabilities required to stage public activities. 6. Reduce the potential for money laundering, illegal gambling and other illicit fi-
nancial activities. 7. Ensure that all conflicts, sporting and otherwise, arising from a competition are adjudicated through the GFF’s FIFA-approved constitutional processes. 8. Ensure that the GFF annual football calendar of activities is respected by all. 9. Protect the image and governance of football in Guyana. 10. Support the rule of law and the orderly organization of public activities under values and regulations that have been agreed by the national football community, with the long-term support of the Government of Guyana and regional authorities.
“Without these structures in place, we risk enabling a lawless free-for-all that will not only jeopardise the sustainable development of the game and our young talent, but also open the door to criminal elements and match fixing,” he said. “Together, all legitimate stakeholders – from the GFF community to the Government of Guyana – must take a firm collective stand and act swiftly now to nip these unauthorised activities in the bud.”
