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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll now 190
…over 1800 persons receive 1st dose of vaccine
The Health Ministry on Monday informed of another death from the coronavirus, taking the death toll to 190.
On Sunday, a 63-yearold man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who had tested positive for COVID-19, succumbed while receiving treatment at a medical facility.
Last Tuesday, a 69-yearold female from Region Four was reported as the 189th death from COVID-19 after she died while seeking care.
Also, on Monday, there were seven new cases in one day after 633 samples were sent for analysis. According to the Ministry’s dashboard, the total number of confirmed cases recorded in Guyana is now 8427 – 4362 males and 4065 females. The data showed that 7774 patients have recovered with 465 active cases. Eight persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 415 in home isolation and 41 in institutional isolation. Another eight persons are also in institutional quarantine. To date, 60,727 persons have been tested.
New cases
From the new cases, one was detected in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 3 in Region Four and three in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The breakdown of cases which were detected in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Five (DemeraraMahaica) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) remained at 1019; 234; 226; 462; 245; 415 and 646.
Vaccine administration
It has been over one week since frontline workers started receiving their vaccines and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said on Monday they are yet to exhaust these resources. This batch from the Barbadian Government was set aside to vaccinate 1400 healthcare workers.
Thus far, over 1800 persons have been administered their first dose from all regions with the exception of Regions Eight and Nine. A team will visit these areas this week. “What we have been trying to do as much as possible is to identify those patients who are working directly with COVID-19 patients and to be able to give those persons the first preference. As of today, we have given out 1852 vaccines to different persons…We will be able to cover all the regions with healthcare workers that are directly working with COVID-19 patients.”
The subject Minister addressed an instance where a vaccine was administered to a person who is not a frontline worker, noting that an investigation is in full swing to take action and prevent any such breach in the future.
He asserted, “There had been some leakages of our vaccine and we have investigation that is ongoing to find out that how it is that that person who came in and got a vaccine, who is not a frontline worker. That is a total breach of the protocols because the first set of people that we want to get vaccines are those that are most at risk.”
The entire tranche will be used as a first dose and the incoming AstraZeneca vaccines from another batch will be used to supply the second shot. This is since the interval between the two jabs is roughly 12 weeks, allowing enough time until more vaccines arrive. It was stated that a number of strategies were undertaken to acquire vaccines for Guyana. Presently, vaccines are expected from multiple sources and this can be realised in another week.
“We have been talking to the COVAX facility and we’re expecting now that the WHO has approved the AstraZeneca vaccine, that very shortly we will be able to get vaccines from COVAX. We have also been in conversations with some other countries and those discussions are getting close to the end so once we have concluded those talks, we will start seeing vaccines coming out of those discussions or negotiations,” he informed. (G12)
Counsellor, cosmetologist, vendor charged for assault
Three persons who were involved in separate assault matters all appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday to answer to the charge.
Yvonne Charles, a 39-year-old counsellor of Charlotte Street, Georgetown, denied the charge read to her by Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs which stated that on February 7 at Camp and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, she unlawfully assaulted Clive Atwell.
She was granted $5000 bail and the case will continue on April 12.
Also appearing before Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs to answer to an assault charge was a 34-yearold cosmetologist, Latoya Clarke.
Clarke also pleaded not guilty and was released on $5000 bail.
The charge read to her stated that on February 17 at West Front Road, Georgetown, she unlawfully assaulted Mowella Forde.
The matter has since been adjourned to April 9.
Meanwhile, Andre Nedd, a 31-year-old vendor who hails from Mabaruma, Region One (BarimaWaini), was granted $10,000 bail by Magistrate Isaacs on a similar charge.
The charge stated that on February 13 at Lombard Street, Nedd unlawfully assaulted Carl Duncan so as to cause him bodily harm.
Nedd pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case will continue on April 9.
48 GDF officers promoted
Head of State and Commander-inChief Dr Irfaan Ali in accordance with Part III Section 16 of the Defence Act 15:01 of 1977 has approved the promotion of forty-eight (48) officers with effect from January 1, 2021.
The announcement was made on Monday evening, the eve of Guyana’s 51st
Republic Anniversary, by Chief of Staff (ag) Brigadier Godfrey Bess.
Heading the list of promoted Officers is acting Colonel and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who was made substantive in her rank.
In a statement, the Guyana Defence Force stated that eight Substantive Majors have also been promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant Colonel. Those Substantive Majors are Mohinder Ramjag, Anson Weekes, Matthew Chichester, Andy Pompey, Dale De Mendonca, Kennard Liverpool, Earl Edghill and Miguel Benjamin.
Fourteen Substantive Captains are newly promoted Majors. Those Substantive Captains are Troy Cordis, Kirk Marlock, Esan Reid, Bernard Cunjie, Cleon Coppin, Daryl Britton, Mirza Wahid, Dawn Singh, Denolle Sankar, Jermaine Newton, Sven Douglas, Oral Thom, Dwighton Bess and Paul Castello.
The appointed Substantive Lieutenants are Samuel Klien, Steffon Cameron, Teffurn James, Pete Da Silva, Trevon Poole, Rohan Marshall, Obitre Hytmiah, Dishon Harris, Steffhon Branche, Curtlan Melville, Shaheed Zaiboon, Neil Asregadoo, Lawrence King, and Keevin Salaru have been promoted to the rank of Substantive Captain.
Leading the list of promoted Coast Guard Officers is Lieutenant Coast Guard Wayne Richmond, who was promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant Commander. Additionally, Sub Lieutenant Carlos Moore is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Coast Guard.
Meanwhile, Substantive Majors Michael Charles, Sean Welcome and Bhageshwar Murli, who serve in the Guyana People’s Militia (GPM) Reserve, have also been promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant Colonel. Substantive Captains Salim October, Lancelot Khan, Mahendra Carpen and Marlon Daniels have been promoted to the rank of Substantive Major. Substantive Lieutenants Lakshman Persaud and Patrice Jacobs have been promoted to the rank of Substantive Captain.
“Brigadier Godfrey Bess and the entire leadership of the force, warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers and other ranks extend congratulations to the newly promoted officers,” the statement from the GDF stated.
Acting Colonel and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was made substantive in her rank
Saharan dust haze increasing over Guyana
…could be hazardous – Hydromet warns
The large plume of Saharan dust that is shrouding over Guyana and the Caribbean region is increasing and will continue to hover.
The Hydromet Office on Monday warned that this will cause low visibility and poor air quality. In addition to the already dry atmosphere, the Saharan dusthaze is forecast to reduce visibility between four and six kilometres and can become progressively thicker.
“The dust can be hazardous due to lower visibility, while dust particles can exacerbate the symptoms of respiratory illnesses and allergies. The dust can cause eye, nose and throat irritation,” a statement indicated.
In light of these conditions, residents, visitors, and marine users are asked to exercise caution and be prepared to take mitigative action if necessary. Persons with respiratory issues or allergies should ensure that they travel with or have all prescribed medications in close reach. Marine users should monitor the situation closely, along with the forecast for any further deterioration.
The Sahara is said to be Earth’s major source of mineral dust and can be lifted by convection over hot desert areas, reaching high altitudes. Thereafter, it can be transported thousands of kilometres away from the source by winds.
Combined with the extremely dry air of the Sahara Desert, the dust forms an atmospheric layer called the Saharan Air Layer which has significant effects on tropical weather. It also interferes with the development of hurricanes.
NASA Earth Observatory noted a few days ago that more than 180 million tons of dust blow out from North Africa, lifted out of the Sahara Desert by strong seasonal winds each year.
“Perhaps most familiar are the huge, showy plumes that advance across the tropical Atlantic Ocean toward the Americas. But the dust goes elsewhere, too— settling back down in other parts of Africa or drifting north toward Europe.”
Last June, several Caribbean countries were severely affected by a similar occurrence. According to the BBC, islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique were suffering their worst haze for at least a decade while Cuba was warned of respiratory problems.
“Usually, the dust sparkles thousands of feet above Earth’s surface. But this plume is not only much bigger than usual; it’s much lower, too. By the time the plume made it to land near the Caribbean and southern US last week, that dust-rain was closer than it usually is to where people live and breathe,” the geography entity detailed.
If anyone requires additional information, they can visit www.hydromet.gov.gy or call the Duty Forecaster, National Weather Watch Centre 261-3065/ 4489/ 2284/ 2216.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Cop slapped with attempted murder charge after shooting reputed wife
Police Sergeant Colin Whyte on Monday appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court to answer the charge of attempted murder.
The charge read that on February 12 at Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice (WCB), he attempted to commit murder, contrary to Section 103 (C) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01, on Shonetta James.
He was not required to plead to the charge and was remanded to prison. The case will continue on March 2.
Whyte allegedly shot James to the neck during a row.
James, a Special Constable, shared a fouryear relationship with Whyte and they have two children together. She underwent surgery for her injuries.
Reports are that on the day in question, the policeman went to the woman’s home at Onderneeming where they had an argument. Reports are that the woman had allegedly told the cop that their relationship was over.
During their argument, the cop reportedly whipped out a handgun and discharged a round in her direction, hitting her to the neck. He then took the woman to the Fort Wellington Hospital and left her there.
Police Sergeant Colin Whyte and Shonetta James
Region 10 Farmers’ Market deemed a success
Some of the products that were sold at the farmers’ market in Linden
Farmers and agro-processors from across Region 10 (Upper pepper, green seasoning, all-purpose sauce, achar, cake fruits, tamarind balls as is customary with some other regions. “I’m applauding them for Demerara-Berbice) came together on Friday for a farmers’ market initiative which was hosted at the Wismar Market Square in Linden.
The farmers’ market, which showcased a wide array of local products including food, craft, livestock, agricultural and value-added products, was hosted by the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Agricultural Department. The event was hosted under the theme, “Grow Local, Buy Local, Consume Local”. Farmers and agro-processors, who participated hailed the event as a successful one and made calls for it to be hosted more often. The event was hosted a few times under the previous Council, however, there are plans for it to be hosted once a month. Local food manufacturer, Diane Plowell told this publication that she was out at the farmers’ market since 06:00h. Plowell, who markets her products under the “Pleasurable Flavours” brand, said she took products such as relish, seven different flavours of among others which were all mostly sold out. “The support was really good...Lindeners are supporting. I sold a lot because I came out early. I think they should have it (the event) more often. I’m totally in agreement with it,” Plowell said. She noted, however, that more farmers should have been out to sell and showcase their products. “I think more farmers should have been involved because Linden have lots more farmers than this and lots more products. The ducks, everything that the persons bring sell out fast. A lot of persons bring out other stuff and it sell fast, poultry and other stuff, these things are selling out. The support in the sales is good, but I think more farmers - persons that selling the sweet peppers and stuff, we should get to know them more so we could liaison with them and benefit from the market,” she continued. Plowell added that while hosting the event once a month is fine, it would be better to do so once a week, the once a month, but let’s see where that goes...don’t stay there. Come down to less than once a month because you can see that it’s needed, from the support that we got. And we’re on the ground, we’re hearing the comments,” she said. She further urged the RDC to be consistent and teach farmers and agro-processors how to better market their products. Local manufacturer Ruth Esbrand also brought with her, local vegetables and fruits. She said it was quite surprising that some of the local fruits and vegetables were sold out. “I’m surprised to know that Linden people ‘starving’ for stuff,” she said. Esbrand said she would even have requests from persons out of town for vegetables like eddoe leaf, which is one of the main products that she sells. She also has her own line of soaps, body butter, body scrubs and scented candles which are all made from local, natural ingredients which are marketed under the “Esbees” brand.
Around the World
Italian ambassador to DR Congo dies after WFP convoy attacked
Italy’s ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), an Italian policeman and their Congolese driver have been killed in an ambush on a United Nations convoy in eastern DRC.
The ambush on Monday occurred as the convoy carrying Ambassador Luca Attanasio was travelling from the city of Goma to visit a World Food Programme (WFP) school feeding project in Rutshuru, according to the United Nations agency. It said several other passengers travelling with the delegation sustained injuries during the attack.
North Kivu Governor Carly Nzanzu told Al Jazeera the seven-member convoy was not escorted by any security forces when the incident happened.
The WFP said it was seeking information from local authorities as the ambush occurred on a road that had previously been cleared for travel without security escorts.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which took place at about 10:15 am (08:15 GMT).
Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio expressed his “great dismay and immense sorrow” over the attack and left a meeting in Brussels with European Union counterparts to make an early return to Rome.
Nzanzu, the North Kivu Governor, said local security forces had not been informed of the delegation’s presence in the area.
“The rebels stopped the WFP convoy with bullets, before bringing down the passengers on board including the ambassador. According to survivors, the rebels wanted money from the ambassador,” Nzanzu told Al Jazeera.
Nzanzu said Attanasio was hit by bullets fired by the attackers during an exchange of fire between the rebels and Virunga park rangers supported by the DRC’s armed forces who were alerted to the attack.
The DRC’s army said troops were searching the area in the Virunga National Park for the assailants. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Luca Attanasio, 43, represented Italy in Kinshasa since 2017
WHO agrees compensation fund for serious COVAX vaccine side effects
The World Health Organisation has agreed a no-fault compensation plan for claims of serious side effects in people in 92 poorer countries due to get COVID-19 vaccines via the COVAX sharing scheme, resolving a big concern among recipient governments.
The programme, which the WHO said was the first and only vaccine injury compensation mechanism operating on an international scale, will offer eligible people “a fast, fair, robust and transparent process”, the WHO said in a statement.
“By providing a no-fault lump-sum compensation in full and final settlement of any claims, the COVAX programme aims to significantly reduce the need for recourse to the law courts, a potentially lengthy and costly process,” the statement said.
Questions of how compensation claims would be handled in the event of any serious COVID-19 vaccine side effects, which are likely to be very rare, had been a worry for countries due to get COVID-19 shots via the COVAX plan.
Countries funding their own COVID-19 vaccine procurement also plan their own liability programmes.
The WHO-agreed plan, which has been under discussion for several months, is designed to cover serious side effects linked to any COVAX-distributed vaccines until June 30, 2022, to COVAX’s Advance Market Commitment-eligible economies - a group of 92 poorer states which includes most African and Southeast Asian countries.
Seth Berkley, chief executive of the GAVI vaccine alliance which co-leads COVAX, said the agreement on the compensation fund was “a massive boost” for COVAX, which aims to secure equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines. (Excerpt from Reuters)
A small bottle labelled with a "Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine" sticker in this illustration
Petrobras shares drop as Brazil’s Bolsonaro slams pricing policy
Petrobras shares plunged 21 per cent on Monday, wiping out 70 billion reais (US$12.6 billion) in market value, as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro again slammed the State-controlled oil company’s pricing policies after he replaced its market-friendly Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a retired Army General.
The selloff, following a series of analyst downgrades, deepened after Bolsonaro said the company’s fuel policy was only pleasing to financial markets and select groups in Brazil and should be changed as part of an effort to lower gasoline and diesel prices.
Overall, the last few days have marked a dramatic about-face for Bolsonaro, a right-wing populist whose interventionist instincts until now had been largely contained by economically conservative allies.
Shares in State electricity company Eletrobras also plunged on Monday after Bolsonaro said it would be the next sector in which the Government would “stick its finger”.
In comments to Brazil’s Radio Bandeirantes on Monday, Joaquim Silva e Luna, the General tapped by Bolsonaro on Friday to take the reins from Petrobras CEO Roberto Castello Branco, floated the idea of a Government fund, or “cushion”, to lessen the effects of fluctuating fuel prices on consumers.
Bolsonaro doubled down on his criticism of Castello Branco, mocking his decision to social distance since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the severity of which the President has repeatedly played down. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Wife of Mexico drug cartel chief "El Chapo" is arrested in Virginia – US Justice Dept
Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman
The wife of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the imprisoned former leada one-count complaint with conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine, marijuana and er of Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel, was arrested on Monday over her alleged involvement in international drug trafficking, the US Department of Justice said.
Emma Coronel Aispuro, 31, a regular attendee at her husband’s trial two years ago, was arrested at Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia, and is expected to appear in a federal court in Washington today.
Coronel was charged in methamphetamines for unlawful importation into the United States, the Justice Department said. A lawyer for Coronel could not immediately be identified. Guzman was convicted in February 2019 of trafficking tonnes of drugs and engaging in multiple murder conspiracies as a top leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s largest, most violent drug trafficking organisations. (Reuters)
OILNEWS
Oil jumps almost 4% as output slow to recover from Texas storms
Oil prices rose nearly 4 per cent on Monday, boosted by the expected slow return of US crude output after last week’s deep freeze in Texas shut in production.
US producers shut anywhere from 2 million to 4 million barrels per day of oil output due to cold weather in Texas and other oil-producing states, and the unusually cold conditions may have damaged installations that could keep output offline longer than expected.
Brent crude settled at US$65.24 a barrel, rising US$2.33, or 3.7 per cent, while US oil settled at US$61.49 a barrel, jumping US$2.25, or 3.8 per cent. The US benchmark crude contract for March delivery expires on Monday, and the more widely-traded April contract was up US$2.44, or 4.1 per cent, at US$61.70 a barrel.
Shale oil producers in the region could take at least two weeks to fully restart normal output, sources said, as damage assessments and power disruptions slow their recovery.
“The significant loss of both crude and gasoline production suggests more upside and likelihood of new highs possibly within a one-week time frame,” said Jim Ritterbusch of consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates. But he cautioned that with limited refining capacity, the price could come under pressure if refiners take weeks to return to normal.
“The market is behaving as if the refiners are going to come online quicker than the headlines would lead you to believe,” said Yawger. Gasoline crackspreads, an indicator of refiners’ margins have dropped by 5 per cent.
For the first time since November, US drilling companies cut the number of oil rigs operating due to the cold and snow enveloping Texas, New Mexico and other energy-producing centres, signalling even tighter supplies ahead.
OPEC+ oil producers are set to meet on March 4, with sources saying the group is likely to ease curbs on supply after April given a recovery in prices, although any increase in output will likely be modest given lingering uncertainty over the pandemic.
“Saudi Arabia is eager to pursue yet higher prices in order to cover its social break-even expenses at around $80 a barrel while Russia is strongly focused on unwinding current cuts and getting back to normal production,” said SEB chief commodity analyst Bjarne Schieldrop. (Excerpt from Reuters)
EU imposes sanctions on 19 officials in Venezuela
The Council of the European Union (EU) on Monday imposed sanctions on 19 leading Venezuelan officials, including Generals, politicians and Judges from President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, whom it accused of undermining democracy in Caracas.
“The individuals added to the list are responsible, notably, for undermining the Opposition’s electoral rights and the democratic functioning of the National Assembly, and for serious violations of human rights and restrictions of fundamental freedoms,” the Council said in a statement.
The individuals include the Governor of oil-producing Zulia state, Oman Prieto; top military commander Remigio Ceballos; and members of the “non-democratically elected National Assembly”, Jose Brito and Jose Bernabe Gutierrez.
The total number of Venezuelan officials subject to sanctions – which include an embargo on arms and on equipment for internal repression, and the imposition of travel bans and asset freezes on listed individuals – now stands at 55.
The Council of the EU said its targeted measures were not designed to have adverse humanitarian effects or unintended consequences for the Venezuelan population, and could be reversed.
“The EU will continue to engage and work with all stakeholders in Venezuela to promote peaceful dialogue and a democratic and sustainable solution to the crises in the country,” it said.
The EU introduced restrictive measures on Venezuela in November 2017. (CMC)
LGC hosts successful Agro ServicesAmazon Planx Golf Tournament
– Mahendra Harry carts off top prize
The winners with their trophies and fresh vegetable hampers from Agro Services
By TimoThy Jaikarran
Agro Services and Amazon Planx generously sponsored the second golf tournament for the year in which several prizes and trophies were awarded.
The tournament, which was held on Sunday, February 21, saw a turnout of 32 players who observed the COVID-19 guidelines throughout the day.
The competition was played under the medal play format. Coming in first was Mahendra Harry with a gross 78 Hc (Handicap) 14 net 64, while in second Anand Persaud had a gross 92 Hc 26 net 66, third Rakesh Harry with gross 84 Hc 13
net 71 and fourth Guillermo Escaraga gross 88 Hc 17 net 71. The lowest gross prize went to Harry, the Nearest to Pin, Mike Mangal and the Longest Drive, Tom Watkins. Sharing his sentiments at the end of the competition was Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) Secretary Chet Bowling, who said, “Well, in terms of what it feels like to host another tournament, I feel excited. We see more companies coming forward and we are actively looking to engage various business associations to partner with, to bring golf to their members. What’s next for us is that next Saturday we will be hosting a tournament sponsored by Suresh JagMohan Construction Services. The COVID situation is still a concern, but we see things moving forward, the executive is actively discussing the Guyana Open, which usually sees a lot of overseas players – from the USA, Suriname and other Caribbean countries.”
LGC President Patanjilee Persaud also thanked the sponsors and players for their continued support. He noted that the sponsors were striving for excellence, and showered them with praise for their prizes of high quality to the winners.
Amazon Planx is a complete wood-processing facility, whose products range from logs to moulded items such as base boards, tongueand-groove, lap-edge crown mouldings, deck boards, and
a wide variety of lumber, as it also has facilities for kilndried lumber.
Agro Services Inc is one of Guyana’s leading quality suppliers of bulk whole and processed fresh fruits and vegetables. It was recently acknowledged by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) for “Emerging Entrepreneurship” with products of a consistent quality. Agro Services Inc also specialises in a number of agricultural development specialisations.
LGC Secretary Chet Bowling Winner of the Longest Drive prize, Tom Watkins
Winner of the tournament, Mahendra Harry
The LGC again expressed thanks to Agro Services and Amazon Planx for their contribution to the development of golf in Guyana.
Grave: Super50 tournament key to WI preparation for Sri Lanka series
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Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave
Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive Johnny Grave says the successful staging of the Super50 Cup in Antigua will have positive repercussions for the West Indies team, especially being hosted just prior to the three-match One-Day series against Sri Lanka next month.
The Super50, which bowled off on February 7 and concludes on Saturday, is the first domestic regional tournament to be staged by CWI since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Caribbean last March.
“The Super50 Cup is a really important tournament for us. It will lead in nicely to the One-Day International series against Sri Lanka which obviously forms part of the World Cup qualifiers for 2023,” Grave explained.
“So it’s really important for the players that they’ve been given this opportunity to play some cricket for the selectors to get to see them up close and personal.
“Hopefully, we can take those matches as preparation into the ODI series, because it’s really important on the back of losing all three in Bangladesh that we can bounce back and get up that Super League table, so that we don’t have to go through the qualification for the next World Cup.”
The First-Class championship was the last tournament to be staged by CWI and that was aborted last March with two rounds remaining, due to the threat of the coronavirus.
And while the Caribbean Premier League went ahead in August and September in Trinidad, the Super50 Cup remained off the table .
This year, the tournament has attracted a plethora of senior West Indies players with the likes of Test Captain Jason Holder, white-ball skipper Kieron Pollard, along with Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran, and Shimron Hetmyer all available for their respective franchises.
And Grave said the presence of these elite players had given the tournament an added dimension, and also strengthened the cricket culture.
“We always said we wanted to create a strong and vibrant domestic game and that involves having established, experienced players available and wanting to play, either for their regional team or West Indies, as well as having that crop of youngsters coming through creating that pressure for places,” the Englishman pointed out.
“And I think the Super50 embodies that and it’s great to see all the teams here and some of the best and biggest names in West Indies cricket wanting to win games, and that’s exactly the environment and culture we wanted to re-establish in West Indies cricket.”
The Super50 Cup has been played mainly at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, with 13 matches including the semi-finals and final carded for the venue, and the remaining fixtures staged at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound.
Formerly the Stanford Cricket Ground, CWI recently acquired the facility as part of its development strategy, and Grave said plans were in the pipeline to fully commercialise it.
“We’re not just trying to establish it as a world-class cricket venue, but also to have commercial activities which would help to fund and maintain those facilities,” Grave said.
“We’ve completed the acquisition of this fantastic facility – 16 acres right next to the airport with already, as we can see, great First-Class facilities.
“We want to take those to the next level and we’ve got really ambitious plans to invest millions of dollars and to create a genuinely worldclass cricket facility for our best players and our future stars.” (CMC)
Harden leads Nets to 6th straight win, Pelicans complete largest comeback in franchise history
The high-flying Brooklyn Nets made it six straight wins in the NBA with a 112-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Brooklyn were missing star Kevin Durant (hamstring) once again, but James Harden (37 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists) and Kyrie Irving (28 points and eight assists) stepped up in his absence.
The Nets held a 10-point lead at the final break, but roared on by billionaire owner Steve Ballmer in the front row, the Clippers pushed hard in the last.
With the Nets leading 110-108 with 10 seconds to play, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard (29 points and 13 rebounds) was called for a tough offensive foul on former MVP Harden, spurning their final chance at victory.
The Nets have beaten all five Pacific Division teams on the road over their last five games. According to Stats Perform, Brooklyn are the first NBA team to beat an entire division on the road in consecutive games, since the Milwaukee Bucks did so against the Pacific Division over their last five games of the 1972-73 season.
Brooklyn wrapped up a 5-0 road trip – their longest undefeated single trip in franchise history.
The Nets improved to 20-12 in the Eastern Conference – a halfgame adrift of leaders the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Clippers slipped to 2210. (Sportsmax) LEARN TO DRIVE
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Transport, Transport Youths bag wins over the weekend
Akeem Redman also led the charge with a quick-fire 67
Following strict COVID-19 protocols, Transport Sports Club (TSC) battled Queen’s College in a one-sided affair on Saturday at the Queen’s College Ground.
The result from this warm-up match favoured Transport, who were able to win by a whopping 146 runs
thanks to the batting efforts of Ewert Samuels and Akeem Redman and the bowling class of Kevin Ross. Then, on Sunday, the team comprising Transport youths and two seniors beat Diplomats in a friendly 25- over fixture played at Transport Ground. chipped in with quick-fire cameos. Samuel's innings was the one that set the tone for the encounter as he blasted his fifty in just 15 balls as he smoked bowlers to every part of the ground. Redman also did his part, as he played his natural game and tormented his opponents. Samuels and Redman contributed a total of 14 sixes between them. Bowling for QC were Nathan Sukhanandan 3-50 and Nasire 2-70.
In reply, QC's batting failed them as they were bundled out for 110 all out in 20.5 overs. The only player to score big for them was Brandon Jaikaran with 57 (2x6 6x4). QC struggled to
Ewert Samuels remained unbeaten on 67 and brought up his 50 in 15 balls Kevin Ross bagged 5-32
read the line and length of the bowling. Ross and Singh were able to tangle them in their webs, resulting in the small total. Bowling for TSC were Kevin Ross 5-32 and Rafael Singh 3-15 in sterling contributions to TSC's mammoth win.
While on Sunday after overnight rain and early-morning showers coupled
John Persaud (left) and Nehemiah Hohenkirk (right)
In Saturday’s encounter, TSC won the toss and chose to bat as they looked to post a mammoth total in their 35 overs. In the end, they were able to rack up 256-7 in 35 overs. Top-scoring were Samuels with 67 not out (8x6 2x4), while Redman made 67 (6x6 4x4) and Lorrex Evans 39 not out (1x6 6x4) and Rafael Singh 37 (2x6 3x4) with the Saharan dust and hazy sunshine, Transport won the toss and asked Diplomats to bat on a pitch with some moisture.
Diplomats got off to a flying start with Jeffrey Blair hitting 4 fours and a six in a quick-fire 37; he was removed by the lively fast bowler Nehemiah Hoenkirk, who ended with figures of 4-16 and got support from John Persaud 4-17 while Stephon Sankar, the off-spinner, picked up 2 for 14 to bowl out Diplomats for 100 in 19.4 overs.
In reply, Transport were cruising at 47 for 1 in the ninth over when the elegant Jerimiah Hoenkirk (26) and the sound and compact Ryan Latif (14) held the innings together with a partnership of 44 runs. Gabriel Rookhum chipped in with a quick 17 while Wayne Yansen and John Persaud helped to get Transport over the line in the 24th over. Bowling his left-arm spin for Diplomats, Michael (one name only) ended with 4-4 as he brought the game to an exciting nail-biting finish.
Joseph 4 for 24, Hetmyer smashes 67 as Guyana cruise to victory
Acomplete all-round performance from Guyana Jaguars with bat and ball propelled them to a comfortable victory over the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the final group game of CG Insurance Super50 Cup. With this result, the two teams will now meet in the second semi-final on Thursday at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
Guyana Jaguars were always in complete control of this encounter after CG Insurance Man of the Match Keon Joseph took two wickets in the first over as the Windwards were routed for 153 in 45 overs. The strongly-built fast bowler, operating from the Sir Curtly Ambrose end, produced a fantastic spell of 8-2-24-4. This was a career best for List A in just his fifth game at this level, after making his debut back in 2009.
Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 67, his second half-century of the competition and ninth in the List A format, led the charge towards a comfortable victory. He featured in an unbroken 93-run second-wicket alliance with opener Tevin Imlach (37 not out), as the Jaguars reached their target in the 29th over. The innings started in rollicking fashion when left-hander Chandrapaul Hemraj smashed 41 off 32 balls, before he was slow bowled by Alick Athanaze.
Reacting to the win as Guyana Jaguars continue their quest to win their first regional 50-over title since 2005 when the tournament was called the KFC Cup, Captain Leon Johnson said:
“Yes, we are (thinking of title). We have a couple of days before that game. It’s good to get a victory against the Windwards, which will be the same opposition that we will be playing on Thursday. We were very convincing in our victory and at least won the psychological battle going into that game.”
The 29-year-old Joseph said:
“I’ve been around the team a while, so I know when I get the ball the team is looking for me to produce. The camp is good (ahead of semi-finals), we just have to tick all our boxes, keep consistent, win the semi-final and potentially get to the final.”
SCOREBOARD
Windward Islands Batting
Andre Fletcher (RHB) c Imlach b Joseph 0 Alick Athanaze (LHB) b Joseph 7 Sunil Ambris (RHB) c Savory b Joseph 2 Kevin Stoute (RHB) c Hemraj b Moti-Kanhai 41 Roland Cato (RHB) c Hetmyer b Joseph 0 Emmanuel Stewart (RHB) run out 46 Keron Cottoy (LHB) lbw b Lewis 27 Ryan John (RHB) c Savory b Barnwell 15 Kenneth Dember (RHB) c Johnson b Hemraj 5 Larry Edward (LHB) 0 Obed McCoy (LHB) b Hemraj 4 Total (10 wickets, 45.0) (6 extras) 153
Bowler O-M-R-W
Keon Joseph 8.0-2-24-4 Kevin Sinclair 10.0-2-30-0 Gudakesh Motie 10.0-0-37-1 Ramaal Lewis 10.0-0-40-1 C Hemraj 5.0-0-11-2 C Barnwell 2.0-0-11-1
Guyana Batting
Chanderpaul Hemraj (LHB) b Athanaze 41 Tevin Imlach (RHB) not out 37 Shimron Hetmyer (LHB) not out 67 Total (1 wickets, 28.4) (10 extras) 155 Bowler O-M-R-W Ryan John 5.0-0-27-0 Kenneth Dember 6.0-0-27-0 Obed McCoy 2.0-0-13-0 Alick Athanaze 7.0-0-30-1 Larry Edward 5.0-0-31-0 Keron Cottoy 3.4-0-23-0
The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) announced two sets of really good news for motor racing fans and competitors alike.
The first announcement is that arch-rivals Suriname will be represented in this Sunday’s first round of the National Drag Championship with former 13-second champion Raymond John and his Toyota Chaser expected to show up at the South Dakota Circuit Drag Strip to challenge the local speedsters in the thrilling 1320 showdown.
This has become possible since the announcement of the resumption of the GuyanaSuriname ferry service on Sunday last.
The other good news is that the Club has been granted approval to host a limited number of spectators at the Timehri venue. Head of the
Suriname’s John billed to race
…tickets for in-person attendance on sale from Thursday
GMR&SC, Rameez Mohamed has shared with the media that since the number of tickets are limited, the Club would be allocating them on a first-come, first-served basis.
The tickets cost just $2000 for adults and $500 for young children and will go on sale this Thursday at the GMR&SC office on Albert Street from 09:00h. For persons interested in VIP, those tickets will cost $8000, inclusive of entrance fee.
Mohamed further revealed that there would be strict COVID-19 measures in place, with everyone required to wear a mask and have their temperature checked before entering. In addition, persons will be asked to not cluster in parking and maintain social distancing.
And for those who will miss out on purchasing tickets, the event will not only be livestreamed via the Club’s Facebook page but also on cable provider E-Networks, which is also a major sponsor of the event.
E1, SKAR TV (Channel 102) as well as Tarzee TV in Bartica are the channels that will be broadcasting the action.
Other sponsors include AR Jiwanram Printery, Associated Construction Services, BM SOAT Auto Sales, Cyril’s Transportation Services, Homeline Furnishing, Imran Auto Works, KFC, KGM Security, Land Star Drilling Company, MMD Hollow Blocks and Pavers, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Motor Trend Service Centre, Modern Building Solutions, Panko Steel Fabrication, Power Tech Sound Company, Prem’s Electrical, Ready Mix Concrete, Rush Energy Drink, Samaroo Investments Inc, Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc, STAG Beer, Trans Pacific
Raymond John’s Toyota chaser
Motor Spares & Auto Sales, Truck Master, UNICOM – United Commodities, West Coast Customs Washbay, Windjammer, First Class Auto Sales & Spares, Castrol Oil, and NAFICO.
