Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-04-2021

SATURDAY 10 th April , 2021

’ No. 106326

Volcano erupts in St. Vincent

–– Guyanese on the island safe, remain cautious

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–– PM Gonsalves brought to tears after CARICOM’s assistance 03 Region 6 gets ‘smart’ classrooms, computer learning centres

City pumps in order 11 PAGE

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha inspecting one of the newly-installed pumps at the South Ruimveldt sluice, in Georgetown, following Friday’s heavy downpour (Elvin Croker Photo)

Prince Phillip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, dies

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–– President Ali sends 04 his condolences PAGE

Over 52,000 Guyanese 02 vaccinated –– another batch of Russian PAGE

Sputnik V vaccine expected next week

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Over 52,000 Guyanese vaccinated –– another batch of Russian Sputnik V vaccine expected next week

By Vishani Ragobeer A TOTAL of 52,554 individuals across all regions of Guyana received their first dose of either the Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm or Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines amid the intensified roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, according to Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony. During his daily COVID-19 update on Friday, the Health Minister said that Guyana’s vaccination programme, which got underway on February 11, has been progressing well. “On average, for the last three or four days, we have been doing about 4,500 vaccines per day which is a big increase because when we started, we were doing 2,000 and then 3,000,” the Minister Anthony related. Guyana’s ability to administer more vaccines has been facilitated on two fronts: the first is that the human resource capacity was boosted with the recent

deployment of 400 ranks from Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and, secondly, Guyana has been able to secure several consignments of vaccines. Based on reports at the end of Thursday, Dr. Anthony highlighted that 52,554 persons had received their first jab. He affirmed that this figure was in keeping with the targets set by the Ministry of Health. Additionally, a small number of persons have started to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines being used in Guyana are all twodose vaccines with various dosing schedules. The second dose of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine is given after about 21 days, and the second dose of the Russian Sputnik V is given after about 28 days. Meanwhile, the second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is given at about eight to 12 weeks after the first. Since Guyana has been administering the Sinopharm vaccine for some time now,

Dr. Anthony noted that individuals who received this vaccine have begun receiving their second jab. In fact, he said that about 60 persons have already received their second Sinopharm dose. Those persons who received their second dose would have to wait about seven days before they can be considered to be fully immunised, Dr. Anthony explained. The Sputnik V vaccine is the newest in Guyana and, as such, it will take some time before the persons vaccinated with this vaccine, and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, receive their second shot. Importantly, the Health Minister noted that another batch of the Sputnik V vaccine is expected next week. The country received 25,000 doses last week. Recently, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, announced that Guyana will soon receive some 200,000 doses of the Russian made Sputnik V vaccine, through an arrangement with the United Arab

A nurse at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, preparing to administer a dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to a local healthcare worker

Emirates (UAE). According to him, the government will be spend-

ing US$20 on each dose of the vaccine; this means that a total of US$4M (or

approximately GY $800M) will be spent to secure the 200,000 doses.

GPL adopting new loss-reduction approaches –– examining consumption patterns, installing modern meters

THE Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has adopted a new approach to strengthening its efforts to reduce losses in its network. The company’s losses are broken down into two forms, technical and commercial. Technical losses occur due to the configuration of the network, while commercial losses are as a result of theft or diversion of electricity away from meters. In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday, GPL’s Revenue Protection Manager, Leon Williams, said emphasis is now being placed on broader data interpretation. “What we are doing this year in particular that is somewhat different from last year, is that we are improving the way we do data

A GPL employee monitors data in the control room of a power plant (DPI photo) analytics … so that we are better able to find clues in terms of where losses may be detected,” Williams said. He explained that the analysis will be done through a Business Intelligence System (BIS) that extracts information from a database, and will help the

company to better understand customers’ consumption patterns. While GPL’s Public Utility Upgrade Programme is tasked with upgrading transmission lines and substations, the programme also installs smart meters to reduce losses.

“We are installing a more modern, sophisticated meter and also how the meter is installed and the type of cable that is connected to the meter would make it a little more difficult for customers to steal from these meters,” Williams said. He added that his depart-

ment conducts frequent inspections and tests of meters to detect attempts to bypass the metering system, by diverting electricity. One of GPL’s major projects to reduce technical losses within its high voltage transmission lines, is the installation of static bar converters which are designed to ensure greater efficiency. Additionally, Williams said GPL is continuing its monitoring exercise in areas where electricity theft has been found to be pervasive. In cases where theft is found, the illegal connections are removed. Williams credited reports from the public for the investigations and subsequent removal of illegal connections. To avoid commercial loss, he explained that GPL engages customers to understand their challenges and

offer solutions. The manager said individuals who steal electricity may find themselves in massive debt, should they be caught. That debt, he said, is not only in the form of money owed to the company, but to the state through fines and imprisonment. Moreover, Williams said that electricity theft can also lead to loss of limb, life and property and cautioned the public against engaging in this illegal activity. “We want to eliminate those safety threats and so we are asking persons to desist from hooking up [illegal connections],” he said. GPL’s efforts to reduce losses fall in line with the government’s commitment to providing affordable, stable and reliable electricity to households and businesses. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Volcano ‘La Soufrière’ erupts in St. Vincent –– Guyanese on the island safe, remain cautious

–– PM Gonsalves brought to tears after CARICOM’s assistance By Vishani Ragobeer AFTER weeks of growing concern and monitoring, the La Soufrière volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines erupted at 08:41 hours on Friday, according to the country’s National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO). NEMO, via Twitter, announced: “Explosive eruption confirmed.” Subsequently, the organisation highlighted that the volcano had moved into an explosive state, with plumes (the volcanic ash and gas emitted into the atmosphere) up to eight kilometers. The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC), which had been monitoring the volcanic activity, reported via its Facebook page, that

volcanic ash began to fall in surrounding communities. As more information became available throughout the day, the centre highlighted that light ashfall could occur in the neighbouring Caribbean islands of Barbados, St. Lucia and Grenada. It was also reported that after the initial explosion, it was likely that others would occur. Later, on Friday afternoon, at 14:45 hours and then at 18:35 hours, other eruptions were recorded. Videos posted on social media by residents of St. Vincent showed ash spreading to communities. Some communities seemed to be affected by rock particles spewed from the volcano. GUYANESE SAFE Rouchelle Cumber batch, a Guyanese living in

St. Vincent, told the Guyana Chronicle that she was getting ready to head to work at 09:00 hours when she became aware of the eruption. Though she had been preparing for this for a few weeks, if not months, the thought of a volcano erupting on the island was unnerving. Incredibly, Cumberbatch still went to work, since she is an essential worker and since the area of the island, where she resides, would not be affected by the stark effects of the volcano. While at work, however, she and her colleagues witnessed the second eruption. “We just saw this huge column of air just going up,” she recollected. Though Cumberbatch and her family live in Kingston, which is found on the South-Western part of the

A map of St. Vincent showing the various danger zones

Residents of communities in northeast St Vincent, around the La Soufriere area, on trucks and at the side of the road waiting for rides to safer areas on Thursday evening (Search Light St. Vincent photo) island, away from the “danger zone,” she highlighted that she took the necessary precautions. “Although we are in the green zone, I prepared my water reserve, my canned stuff and so on,” she said. Importantly, she also noted that her parents-in-law experienced the last volcanic eruption on the island, in 1979, and they were able to address any concerns she had. Cumberbatch also related that many of the Guyanese on the island are familiar with each other, since they would socialise on Guyanese national holidays such as Mashramani and Independence Day. Like her, many of them reside in the safe zone and she reasoned that they would be keeping safe. ERUPTIONS TO CONTINUE News 784, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, reported that Geologist and Professor, Richard Robertson, said that more explosions are expected soon and that the first one was not the biggest. “If there is a much bigger explosion, the ash can spread further to the south, this could continue for days or weeks, and monitoring

will continue,” News 784 quoted Robertson as saying. On Thursday 8, April, the government issued an evacuation notice for persons living in the Red Zone, which is the northernmost part of the island, where the volcano is located. This is said to be the “danger zone,” along with the Orange Zone (the section just south of the Red Zone). Over 20,000 persons have been evacuated from the Red Zone; evacuations from the red and orange zones were halted on Friday, due the heavy ash fall which caused poor visibility. A press release from the UWI-SRC related that Professor Robertson said areas to be affected by pyroclastic flow (fast-moving hot gas and volcanic material) and surges are those communities identified as red and orange zones. The rest of the island- the southernmost areas, which have been designated as “yellow” and “green” zones- may be impacted by ash depending on wind direction, the UWI said. The scientific team from the UWI-SRC has been stationed on the island since December 2020 when activity was first detected. The UWI noted that on April 8, the team recorded seven bands of tremor at two and

a half hour intervals; a small volcano-tectonic swarm was also detected. Elevated periods of steam and gas venting coincided with the tremor. A tremor, according to UWI, is a continuous seismic signal that is usually associated with the movement of magma to the surface. It is important to note that the last eruption of La Soufrière was on April 13, 1979. That date was the second Friday in the month of April. NEMO, via Twitter, pointed out that this eruption also occurred on the second Friday of April, four days before its eruption anniversary. CARICOM HELP Amid the unfolding natural disaster in St. Vincent, Guyana and a number of countries within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have affirmed their assistance to the Vincentian Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and his people. On Thursday, after Prime Minister Gonsalves issued evacuation orders, the Government of Guyana stated that it stands ready to provide support to the island. This assurance was given See page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Prince Phillip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, dies –– President Ali sends his condolences HUSBAND of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, has died at age 99, the Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom (UK) announced on Friday. Since the announcement of his demise, there have been an outpouring of sympathies from world leaders, including Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who has expressed great sadness at the passing of the Prince. A statement issued by the palace, just after midday, spoke of the Queen’s “deep sorrow” following the Prince’s death at Windsor Castle on Friday morning. The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serv-

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband and the Duke of Edinburgh ing royal consort in British history, was at the Queen’s side for more than her six

Saturday April 10, 2021 – 03:00hrs - 04:30hrs

decades of reign. He married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen. According to the BBC, in March, the duke left King Edward VII’s hospital in central London after a month-long stay for treatment. He was admitted on February 16, 2021, after feeling unwell, and later underwent a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at another London hospital - St Bar-

tholomew’s. “It is with deep sorrow that I extend the heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and in my own name, to the Government and people of the United Kingdom on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke Edinburgh,” President Ali wrote in a letter to Queen Elizabeth II. President Ali highlighted that Prince Philip served

with great honour as the patriarch of the Royal Family and as an extraordinary public servant, who provided stalwart support through decades of an unprecedented change. The Prince’s military service, particularly in the Second World War, has earned him great respect in the world over, according to President Ali. The President further underscored the early outspoken advocacy from Prince Philip on the conservation and protection of the environment. This, the President said, inspired many and the absence of his voice on these critical issues will be deeply felt. “His imprint on the 20th century is ineffaceable,” President Ali posited. The President told the Queen: “It is my hope that the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom will be comforted by the outpouring of love and support extended to them at the time.” Meanwhile, the BBC reported that the Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson, said that Prince Phillip “inspired the lives of countless young peo-

ple,” and added that he “earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world.” In tribute to the Duke, Westminster Abbey began tolling its tenor bell once every 60 seconds at 18:00 BST. The move will be carried out 99 times to honour each year of his life. Earlier, the flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast and a notice was posted on the gates to mark the Duke’s death. It was further reported that people placed floral tributes outside the palace, while hundreds visited Windsor Castle to pay their respects. However, the government urged the public not to gather or leave tributes at royal residences amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Royal Family has asked people to consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving flowers in memory of the duke, and an online book of condolence has been launched on the official royal website for those who wish to send messages, the BBC said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Region Six gets smart classrooms, Volcano computer learning centres ‘La Soufrière’ erupts ... From page 3

by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday evening. “Having regards to the emerging situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, this afternoon [Thursday], I called Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and assured him of Guyana’s full support in dealing with this looming crisis,” President Ali said in a statement. He added: “The Prime Minister and I discussed immediate support, which will be required in the response. The Prime Minister indicated that apart from the need to evacuate citizens, there were other emergency material needs.” Dr. Ali said that upon receiving the full list of the island’s needs, Guyana would immediately put together a national response to supply the items and arrange for them to be shipped to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “At this time, we would like to assure the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines of Guyana’s unwavering support and solidarity,” the Guyanese Head of State concluded. Similar sentiments were also expressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd. On Friday, after the eruption, Guyana’s Private Sector Commission (PSC) collaborated with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in mobilising support for St. Vincent and Grenadines. The supplies that were being organised would help to address the immediate needs of the people. These supplies include: water tanks, buckets, cots, blankets, potties, field tents and kitchens, sleeping mats, hygiene kits, inter alia. Persons desirous of donating items can contact the CDC on telephone numbers, 226-1114, 226-8815, 225-5847, 226-1027, 600-7500, 225-5347, 225-0977 or 225-5339. Additionally, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) has established the St. Vincent Disaster Relief Fund to help the island as it deals with the disaster. Persons who wish to donate can do so by visiting any of the GBTI branches. The Account Name is: ST. VINCENT DISASTER RELIEF FUND, while the Account Number is: 011803403012. BROUGHT TO TEARS Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves was brought to tears on Friday during an emergency press briefing held after the initial eruption, due to the outpouring of support the country received from its CARICOM sister states. He said Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica should be ready to accept Vincentian citizens by Monday. Some hotels and guest houses there have been closed to prepare for their arrival, while some have offered to let Vincentians stay at their private homes. “Amazing, eh? On this dangerous road to Jericho, we have the good Samaritans…to put people in their homes…strangers…brings tears to my eyes. I love this Caribbean,” he underscored, wiping away his tears. Much like Gonsalves, Cumberbatch said that she too was amazed at the outpouring of love and support from the island’s Caribbean neighbours. She said it was heartwarming to see the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines come together to help each other, also. The Prime Minister also provided an update on the evacuation efforts and thanked all the persons involved in getting the Vincentians to safety. He then said, over 2,000 people were already at 20 different shelters elsewhere in the country. Despite the country’s ongoing experience with the volcano, the Prime Minister recognised that the COVID-19 pandemic was an overarching concern, too. To this end, he highlighted that people would have to be tested for the novel coronavirus and vaccinated before going to these places. Gonsalves also said: “This is not simply going to be like a hurricane, where it might be a seven-day business, or in some cases a two-day business. Professor Robinson had indicated that depending on the extent of the explosion and the damage done, it could be for months.”

TWO smart classrooms and five computer learning centres were commissioned in Region Six ( East Berbice-Corentyne) by Education Minister Priya Manickchand during a visit there on Friday. The smart classrooms were installed at the New Amsterdam Secondary School (NASS) and Skeldon Line Path Secondary, while the computer learning centres were commissioned at the Auchlyne, No. 36, No. 59, No. 63, New Market Anglican and the No. 71 Messiahs primary schools. Aleiyah Fredericks, 16, a student of NASS, who assisted Minister Manickchand to cut the ceremonial ribbon at her school’s new smart classroom, was impressed with the new facility and looks forward to seeing how it will be used to improve her learning experience, going forward. A Fifth Form student, Fredericks is currently preparing to write 11 subjects at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. She noted that while it has been a tough year of learning due to the school closure, she is confident of doing well at the examinations. The smart classrooms are equipped with an interactive, computerised, touchscreen whiteboard, two cameras that can be used to video the lesson by the teachers and a monitor connected to the cameras. At NASS, Information Technology (IT) teacher Brian Winjajellum, gave a brief demonstration of how the smart classroom devices will work, and how teachers of any subject can utilise the devices to make their classes more interactive and attractive to students. The two smart classrooms are the first to be established in Region Six; however, they are the fifth and sixth to be established over the past few months as part of the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) overall roll out of smart classrooms at several schools across the country. Thus far, smart classrooms have also been estab-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand speaks with nine- year- old Angel Sampson, while Pandit Tillack Shivrattan (left) looks on as 11-year-old Nathaniel Budhu uses one of the laptops (Delano Williams photo) lished at the Leonora Secondary, Queen’s College, Brickdam Secondary and East Ruimveldt Secondary. The smart classrooms are being established across the country to enable teachers to not only reinforce their teaching delivery, but also enable them to conduct classes at different locations simultaneously. The interactive remote teaching is particularly advantageous, as in the case of the hinterland schools which are not resourced as those in Georgetown. Some 20 smart classrooms are scheduled to be part of the first rollout across the country, while the wider hope is to one day have a smart classroom established at every school across the country. The classrooms will be continuously monitored by the ministry to ensure that they work as expected. “We are committed at the ministry to roll out the smart classrooms in a sensible way. A whole programme is being rolled out in and around these classrooms. When we reopen schools what that opening will look like may not be what we are accustomed to,” the minister related. At NA Secondary, Headteacher Vanessa Chisholm is hoping to utilise the benefits of the new amenity to see physics being taught at her

school as it does not have a teacher for the subject. Chisholm, as well as the Headteacher of Skeldon Line Path Secondary, Evett Johnson, expressed their gratitude for the initiative in light of the technological needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of students in Guyana have been learning virtually due to the pandemic. “It is undoubtedly a dream come true for this institution and the community,” Johnson remarked, adding that “The occasion is indeed timely and necessary against the background of the modalities by which we deliver the school’s curriculum. COVID-19 dealt us a telling blow and schools had to find innovative ways to deliver.” She noted that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to uplifting standards of education all across the country. “This coming to fruition is testament to the proactive nature of our minister. We are grateful that Skeldon Line Path was identified for this special initiative, it au-

gurs well for education in the Upper Corentyne,” she expressed. Given the new improvements at the school, Johnson also appealed to the minister for the school to be upgraded in status to an “A List” secondary school. Meanwhile, at the Auchlyne Primary School, Nathaniel Budhu, 11, and nineyear-old Angel Sampson were all too happy to give a demonstration of how the laptops at their school’s computer learning centre could be used. Each of the computer learning centres is equipped with five laptops, a projector and a projector screen. The computer learning centres project was spearheaded by the Shri Devi Mandir Global Humanitarian Foundation based in New York, USA. The foundation is headed by Pandit Tillack Shivrattan. Shivrattan is well known for his benevolence in the county of Berbice over the years. “Today I am overjoyed,” Pandit Shivrattan said, on seeing the initiative coming to fruition. He also pointed out that the benevolent gesture would not have been possible without the support of generous donations from Guyanese in the diaspora. Shivrattan accompanied the minister to the various schools where the centres were commissioned. Also part of the visit were Regional Chairman Permaul Armogan and the Regional Education Officer, Bhagmatie LaCruz. Armogan expressed profound gratitude to Shivrattan, not only for the initiative extended to the schools, but for all he has been doing to support communities in the region over the years. “Thank you to Pandit and the diaspora and we look forward to working with you in the future,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Towards equity in education delivery THERE is a commonly-held belief that all the top schools in Guyana are in the Capital City, Georgetown. On the surface that statement appears to be true, largely because most of the top primary and secondary schools are in Georgetown. However, there are many outstanding primary and secondary schools in the countryside which have produced top students at both the National Grade Six Assessments (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (CSEC). All cannot be mentioned here, but in the primary level, Graham’s Hall on the East Coast of Demerara and C.V. Nunes in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, stand out while the Anna Regina (Multilateral) Secondary also on the Essequibo Coast and New Amsterdam (Multilateral) Secondary and Berbice High School, Region Six, and West Demerara Secondary, Region Three, immediately come to mind. There are several reasons why they are not well-known as those in Georgetown but chief among them could be due

to the fact that Georgetown happens to be the centre of business and commercial life and the media tend to be consumed by events that occur in the City. But while all the top schools are not in Georgetown, the top schools and other schools in Georgetown tend to perform better than their counterparts in the countryside. One would invariably ask the question ‘why?’ And the answer seems to be one that is rather straightforward. The schools in Georgetown tend to be better resourced that those in the countryside and outlying regions. Better resources naturally would contribute to better performance. And this is an area that the Ministry of Education should devote attention to fixing to ensure equity in quality education delivery. The Ministry of Education, under the vibrant leadership of Minister Priya Manickchand, is taking progressive steps in this direction. The US$4.7 million Westminster Secondary School in Region Three that is slated for completion this month-end is testimony of her efforts to bridge the

gap in the delivery of quality education that exist between schools in Georgetown and those outside the City. Based on media reports, the features of the soon-to-be-commissioned secondary school are strikingly impressive – elevator, multipurpose hall, music room, dance studio and physics, chemistry and biology laboratories. These features speak to a modern secondary school not only in terms of physical infrastructure but also in content delivery, and, given the fact that the school is outside of Georgetown, kudos must be given to our education planners for moving in the direction of creating a level playing field. An impressive standout at the stateof-the-art school are the facilities for music and dance. Too often, the approach to education has been mainly along the line of academics, with little or no attention on developing the creative abilities of students. Though same cannot be said about Physical Education , there is a feeling that it is not given due attention in all schools. Sports and the performing arts,

coupled with academic learning help to create rounded learners in the school system. This aside, they collectively contribute to an enriching experience for the learners during their school years, and also play a significant role in building their self-confidence, self-esteem as well as their interpersonal and communication skills. Minister Manickchand was on point when, on a visit to the Westminster Secondary School on Thursday she remarked, “This will be a game changer for us” and it was most refreshing to hear when she stated that: “It’s going to be a school that will be used as a model to show that once there are resources and trained teachers, children from anywhere can do well.” More schools of this kind are needed in all the rural and outlying regions and it would be also great if the ministry could simultaneously place attention on low-performing schools to bring them up to a level where they too could produce ‘high-flying’ learners.

Boys need care too

Dear Editor,

DESPITE worldwide estimations that one in six boys are affected by sexual violence before they are 18, very little evidence is available. As collaborating agencies working in childcare and protection, ChildLinK and Blossom Inc. have, over the past five years, noticed an increase in reports from boys who have been sexually abused. This observation is also supported by the Child Protection Agency reports. The increase in reported cases is a positive as underreporting has long been an issue of concern. However, the increase in reporting also expounds on the fact that there is an urgent need for evidence-based campaigns that focuses on the care of boys. Sexual violence is a wide-reaching social issue that affects persons from all genders, sexualities, races and classes. While data on the violence experienced by women and girls has been steadily built upon over the years, when it comes to men and boys, data is often lacking. As a result, ChildLinK is currently in the process of developing a two-year evidence-based public education campaign. This campaign will focus on caring for boys

and encouraging adults to play a larger role in protecting boys from harm and supporting their wellbeing. On April 16, ChildLinK will be launching its Blue Umbrella Day (BUD) in collaboration with four other countries. BUD forms part of ChildLinK wider programme activities and falls directly under the One Thousand Boys Initiative. Highlighting the harmful social norms that drive abuse against boys, this initiative builds on the work of both government and civil society agencies for protecting children from all forms of abuse, particularly child sexual abuse. The gender norms that surround the way boys are raised has a large role to play in the violence that continues to be meted out against them. From young, boys are taught that they must be providers who must not only be strong, but also protectors for those who are deemed weaker than they are. They themselves are not allowed to enable or exhibit weakness. These patriarchal customs keep young boys and men trapped within a narrow idea of what it means to be and act like a man. These customs unfortunately have many toxic elements that contribute towards the violence that is both experienced and perpetuated by

men and boys. These customs have led to the solidifying of the perception that sexual assault only happens to young girls and women. Evidence of this can be seen from the policies that are implemented, the support services that are provided and the cultural attitudes that continue to frame young boys as not requiring care and protection. While there is an intent focus on policing the lives of young girls, boys are often provided free reign and very little supervision. Both these lax and hyper vigilant responses are steeped in harmful cultural beliefs; they do however, expose the way in which the different genders are treated when it comes to their protection. Given the stigma and discrimination that are often meted out against sexual assault survivors, males who experience sexual assault are often reluctant to come forward with their experiences of abuse due to the fear of not being believed and being ridiculed. The hyper-sexualisation of young boys often see’s female abusers not being recognised as such. Their family and peers often celebrate young boys who are preyed upon by older women rather than getting them the support and justice that is necessary. If their abusers were

male, there is a clearer line of it being abuse but there are added barriers to coming forward with their experiences given the fear that they will be discriminated against and labelled as a homosexual. Cultural and traditional factors continue to largely impact the responses towards child sexual violence. The lack of institutional support and services available for young boys and men continues to contribute towards underreporting and stigmatisation of male sexual violence. Addressing the violence that young boys face, means also addressing the religious and traditional norms that continue to harm them and keep cases of abuse wrapped under cloaks of shame and fear. We all as parents, caretakers, community leaders and advocates must ensure that boys have access to the care and support necessary for them to grow up in safe and caring environments. Care that centres the humanity of young boys that breaks down the expectations to be hypersexual and aggressive will result in healthy, well-adjusted men and strengthened communities. Akola Thompson ChildLinK Inc.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Religious leaders should be building bridges, not barriers Dear Editor, IN a shrinking world, where diversity of culture and faith is more prolific in communities than ever, and where new democracies are rapidly emerging around the world, bridge building fosters understanding and creates civic co-operation and shared work for the common good. With this in mind Mr. Editor, Kindly permit me a space in your medium to address a letter under the caption “Masjids as COVID-19 vaccine centres” published in the Guyana Times on April 7, 2021 authored by Swami Aksharananda. The Swami highlighted some points of concern which all and sundry are free to share in a democracy, something which many Guyanese fought to maintain.

However, when someone only zeros in on the negatives instead of the positives it says something about their perception and perspective of reality. As an Imam of Meten-Meer-Zorg, I have donated and volunteered my time, energies and finances to make the communities of Region Three a better place and will support all good things that also includes the usage of any space that is freely given to assist all of humanity and not any specific religion in receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, hampers, the distribution of old-age pension books, and everything that is beneficial in making the lives of all human beings better. The masjid, as all other holy places of worship, is there to help the poor, needy and downtrodden and these buildings can also be used for all other activities that are positive.

If Swami Aksharananda feels left out all he simply has to do is apply to the Ministry of Health and other authorities and let them know the school and facility under his care is open for use if needed. If he believes someone will come and beg he is surely mistaken. However, playing politics and looking for attention is not something religious leaders should embrace, instead they should focus on helping to develop society so the next generation can have a greater foundation to develop their lives to become positive and fruitful members of society. Secondly, on the issue of masjids being used to provide food hampers by the PPP/C during the early days of the pandemic, I would like to clarify that this was supported by the private sector and not any political

party as is being insinuated. When the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Principal, Swami Aksharananda in October, 2019 invited former President David Granger to his school while he was trampling on the Constitution and delaying elections, he did not see the moral bankruptcy that occurred. But he zones in on activities that will benefit all Guyanese of all religious persuasions. At the Meten-Meer-Zorg West Masjid, West Coast Demerara, Wednesday last, 498 persons of all religions were vaccinated. Yours sincerely, Halim Khan Imam Metem-Meer-Zorg East Masjid

In tribute to Gladys and women of her era

Dear Editor,

IT is an extremely difficult situation one has to face when one loses a parent or any sibling. Grief for the loss of a mother is one of the hardest things we face in life. Moms’ thoughts and actions are in, for, and about their children. Few children return the favour. Some children don’t have much time with their mom. I have attended to the needs of not only my mother but I try to do for all elderly people in my encounters. A tribute to my mother, Gladys, is a tribute to all mothers of pre-independence period because they all experienced a similar life and they did their best to fight against adversities to provide a better life for their descendants. I salute all of the women pioneers of our nation who did so much to make a better country and who received so little credit. I lost my mother less than a week ago. Anytime someone mentions or expresses condolences, I choke with tears. The pain of grief is overwhelming that anytime someone says something about my mother, it heightens my emotions. But at some point, she has to go. All of us have to go. She was a heroine, perhaps typical of almost every mother of her generation — very hard working to eke out a living under difficult challenges for their children which few children reciprocate. Women of that era did multiple jobs — at home, on the farm, and even professional career like mine who was a seamstress. My mother and other women of the indentureship period and thru the 1960s continued a tradition that was brought from India by the Coolie Woman who had an indomitable spirit about them that is to be emulated and that is scarce today. There is so much to celebrate about them. My mother like the typical coolie woman prior

to WWII represented strength, courage, and a determination to succeed against all odds and adversities. And she was a success story. Her 75 years of experience as a mother shaped generation. No number of words can describe my mother, in fact most mothers. My mother had outstanding, rare qualities as an income earner. She was the sweetest mother to all as every mother is or ought to be. She had the nicest smile and was very generous Sharing whatever little she had. She offered great advice to her children and others even when we defied her and refused to follow her words. My mother, our Mai, was very special to us all and she never kept us out of her memory. My siblings are fortunate or blessed for spending invaluable time with our mother. Ninety-three years is a long life. We can’t keep her forever. But no amount of time is enough to spend with mother. My mother, Gladys, like the coolie women laborers and their first and second generation born in British Guiana were very strong, industrious, hard-working, creative, productive, caring, loving, kind, generous, compassionate. They were abused by their bosses in the fields and in the homes but they persevered against all odds, and they left a lasting legacy for their children. Gladys, like her mother and her nanni and Aji who came from India, lived a dynamic and meaningful life. She was a guardian angel, teacher, best friend, guru, chef, chief, boss, business woman, seamstress, creator and innovator of clothing design. She did not depend on hand outs. She was an income earner for the home when women hardly got a salary. She lost her father very early. He died in an accident at the estate and was never compensated except for a job for his wife, my nanni as a weeder; that was the extent of the

cruelty of indentureship and its immediate aftermath. So, my mother had to earn an income to help her siblings who were fatherless as well as provided for her own new home with her in laws. Women worked without pay in that period and they even did more than the men in the fields and in the rice mills although not as equals in hard physical labor. Gladys, like women of the era, were also budget directors of the home, managing the finance for the week, month, year and beyond. She was independent minded for the longest while; only in the last few years when she became frail, she needed assistance. She did not depend on hand outs not even in death. She made preparations for her funeral and the rites. She purchased all the items for the rituals and she gave instructions on what must be done and how the prayers should be carried out. Gladys’ best accomplishments are her products – her children and descendants. She gave birth to 12 and raised 11 (one died in infancy). She cradled and nursed them, first to wake up in the morning and last to go to bed in the night. She never begged, no matter how difficult the circumstances or tight the budget. She ran into deficits but quickly balanced the books running surplus to share. She worked very hard to see children succeed in life, sending all but one to secondary school. (But the one who didn’t go to secondary school became a success story in her own right in America that gave her an opportunity). Gladys was a blessing not only to the 11 children she raised. She was also a heroine to the people she came into contact with over the years, training them in sewing and in helping to find spouses for so many. Sewing skills was a prerequisite for marriage and it helped females to boost family income.

I like to think of myself and my siblings as proof of our mother’s achievements as well as her outstanding character. My mother built and left behind a very strong legacy in her children and in her achievements. Our mother and our father who died in 1994 had been such a blessing in our lives. And their parents and grandparents and indeed all the indentured who came from India and the slaves from Africa also left a long-lasting legacy. I am so grateful for the time I have had with Gladys. I can never forget her. Others too have not forgotten her. So many outside of the family reflected on what my mother did for them to become better persons. She had a rare heart willing to share with others. Those who had the privilege to know her expressed their admiration for my mother for helping them, for her generosity. She wanted to trace the relatives of her nanna and nanni, and aja and aji in India. She spoke fondly of her grandparents. I took my mother to India and as we travelled in the villages, she said they reflect the descriptions given to her by her grandparents. I had some success in tracing some of them in countless trips to India and will attempt to complete the mission in coming trips. I will continue to carry the experiences I had with mother and her memories of her grandparents from India in my heart. May the lord grant her soul eternal peace as the Lord did for her ancestors and all the indentured. I pray for her and the fore parents as I perform final rites over the next 12 days as is the ancestral tradition and as she requested. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Vitality Inc. donates $1M for mother of six to rebuild house VITALITY Accounting and Consultancy Inc., through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, donated $1,062,300 to assist a mother of six, Esther Lara, to rebuild her Matthew’s Ridge, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) house, which collapsed recently. Lara’s house collapsed recently due to high winds, leaving her family homeless. The family’s plight came to light when a representative from the community’s Neighbourhood Democratic Council

(NDC) contacted the ministry for assistance. According to a press statement from Vitality Inc., the money received will cover the materials needed and labour cost to rebuild the house. The generous donation was handed over by a Director of Vitality Inc. Abbas Hamid, to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. Vitality Inc., a U.S. based company, owned by Guyanese entrepreneurs, has been operating in Guyana over 10 years and specialises in accounting, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, being presented with the cheque by Abbas Hamid, a Director of Vitality Inc. Also in photo is Director of Social Rank Media, Dr. Rosh Khan medical supplies, oil and gas, and housing services. Minster Persaud praised the company for its philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. She related that the ministry is overwhelmed by the numerous requests for assistance, and with Vitality’s contribution, a vulnerable mother will soon have her home rebuilt.

“Your donation is extremely appreciated and will be helping a single-parent mother, who has six children, one of whom is disabled. I am optimistic that with Vitality Inc. donating to such a worthy cause, other companies will be encouraged to partner with us to help the most vulnerable in need,” Minister Persaud

stated. Meanwhile, Hamid reiterated Vitality’s commitment to giving back to Guyana, especially in the social services sector. He further added that the company will continue to collaborate with the ministry to improve the standard of living of vulnerable groups.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

‘Killa’ released from police custody –– placed on $100,000 bail

RONDELL Bacchus, called “Killa”, was released from police custody on Friday, following a Writ of Habeas Corpus served on the Guyana Police Force, after he was held for more than 72 hours. According to a statement from the police, Bacchus was released on substantial bail and will be required to report to the police on specified

days as the investigations continue. Bail was set at $100,000. Although released, police said that while Bacchus was being escorted from the Brickdam lockups, he maliciously damaged a police vehicle for which he has been charged and will appear in court on April 12, 2021. The 40-year-old man, who was recently released from prison, was wanted

by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of Ricardo “Paper Shorts” Fagundes. Bacchus surrendered to the police on April 6, 2021, just a few hours after the police issued a wanted bulletin for him. Fagundes, who was a popular gold dealer and biker, was riddled with bullets on March 21, 2021, on Main Street, Georgetown, moments after he Ricardo Fagundes exited the Palm Court nightclub. CCTV footage of the night of the incident shows Fagundes walking

towards a black vehicle, after exiting the nightclub, when two gunmen exited a white Toyota Fielder parked across the road and opened fire on him. In one frame, Fagundes was seen lying on the roadway as the two men stood over him and riddled his body with bullets, before escaping in the said Toyota Fielder. The police are yet to determine whether the torched ‘Fielder Wagon’ that was discovered at Swan Village, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, is the same one used by the gunmen. They have, however, confirmed that investigators of the Major Crimes Unit have acquired en-

Rondell Bacchus called “Killa” hanced footage from one of the CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the crime scene, which will be used for evidential purposes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Enhanced bilateral partnership in legal sector discussed –– as AG meets with Canadian High Commissioner ATTORNEY-GENERAL (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, on Friday, met with High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mark Kevin Berman, to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership in the legal sector. Also present at the meeting were Counsellor of Development Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission, Janine Cocker; Development Officer at the High Commission, Tariq Williams and Public Trustee at the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Prithima Kissoon. “The meeting examined the various platforms and programmes in existence

between the two countries, which can be used by the Legal Affairs Ministry in the discharge of its functional mandate,” the Attorney-General’s Chambers stated in a press statement. The Attorney-General, in his remarks, requested technical support for a number of initiatives the ministry is currently undertaking, inclusive, but not limited to, the Law Reform Commission, the impending law revision exercise to update and consolidate the laws of Guyana, the publishing of updated law reports of Guyana from 2007 to 2020, electoral reforms, forensic sciences, ballistics, hand-writing expertise and forensic medicine. Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C (centre) with High Commissioner of Canada to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Mark Kevin Berman (left) and Counsellor, Development Cooperation, Canadian High Commission, Janine Cocker (right) These are important areas that will all enhance the state’s legal capacity to enforce the laws of Guyana and to maintain good governance and public order. The Attorney-General

thanked the High Commissioner for his visit and expressed gratitude to the Government of Canada for being a development partner of Guyana. The High Commis-

sioner, in turn, expressed his commitment to co-operate in the areas discussed, and in future endeavours, and agreed to meet on a regular basis to advance this agenda

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

City pumps in order –– as torrential showers begin

FLOODING in the City of Georgetown is unlikely, as the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has said that pumps are operational and would be able to drain the land in the case of any eventualities. Already, the city has started to experience torrential rainfall, which, according to the National Weather Watch Centre, is expected to persist until April 11, 2021. In light of heavy showers, Minister Mustapha visited South Ruimveldt and Sussex Street, where two drainage pumps were recently installed. The minister was accompanied by a team from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) comprising of Chairman, Lionel Wordsworth, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fredrick Flatts, to inspect the pumps and ensure

they were fully operational. The pumps at Ruimveldt and Sussex Street are two of the mobile and fixed heavy-duty pumps which were procured under a line of credit financing of US$4 million from India, in 2020. Mustapha said that one of the pumps are capable of draining some 35,520 gallons of water per minute, and will be operating on a 24-hour basis, if necessary, to avoid any form of flooding in the city. “I have just spoken to the city engineer and he assured me that he has all manpower in place to man these structures and pumps so that they will be operable on a timely basis and if we have to operate the pump and the sluices on a 24-hour basis that will happen,” the minister said. Further, he said: “We have also three of our senior engineers from NDIA who will

be manning these areas and monitoring these structures and pumps on a 24-hour basis and who will give us a report.” Mustapha related that he, along with the team from NDIA, will be travelling to various parts of the country to conduct similar exercises, to ensure that drainage facilitates across the country are in proper shape. Specific emphasis will be placed on rice-growing areas since harvesting season has started and farmers will be looking for ways to transport their crops from the field. According to Minister Mustapha, resources were expended to develop dams for farmers to traverse; however, due to inclement weather, it is inevitable that they will be affected.

He is, therefore, pleading with farmers, that while the ministry will continue maintenance of the dams, they must use the infrastructure in a responsible manner to allow for all farmers to be able to benefit. Minister Mustapha said that Guyana has recently seen a massive expansion of its rice markets, with Hungary and Latvia being added to the list of rice markets, and the export quota to Brazil being increased to 34,000 tonnes from 10,000 tonnes. “At the same time, we will see increased production this crop, so all in all I am trying to put things in place, monitoring the situation and get things in place so that we can avoid any losses to farmers and at the same time avoid flooding in residential areas,” he said.

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Police say no reports of kidnappings received –– clarify misconceptions related to reports about missing persons

IN an effort to clarify misconceptions related to reports of missing persons, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has said that no reports of kidnappings have been received in recent time. The police, in a statement issued on Friday, said that they have taken note of concerns expressed on Facebook about cases of missing persons, particularly teenagers. “The Guyana Police Force understands the concern expressed, but at the same time is refuting the allegation that this issue does not appear to be receiving the full attention of the Guyana Police Force,” the GPF noted in a press statement. According to a statement from the police, cases of missing persons are dealt with specifically by the Missing Persons Unit within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the GPF. In order to enhance the capacity of the unit, the police force has established a system which involves publicising information periodically, and receiving information and tips on any police-related matter from the public. The GPF has guaranteed that the

identity of any person who shares information would be kept confidential, regardless if the information is shared through telephones or social media. Speaking specifically about a Facebook post related to allegations of a series of kidnappings occurring in Guyana, the police said: “The police force is once more giving citizens the assurance that this is far from reality and that there has not been any report of any kidnapping received by the police within recent times. While the call for neighbours and others to look out for each other is appreciated, the peddling of this misinformation about alleged kidnappings can result in unwanted tension, anxiety and stress in the society.” Further, the police noted: “It should be noted that the incident highlighted in the post that refers to the attempted kidnapping of two females has been proven to be a false report. The Guyana Police Force is reiterating that it has received and has been dealing professionally with recent reports of missing persons, but none of kidnapping.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

371 COVID-19 cases recorded within 3 days THE Ministry of Health has detected 371 cases of COVID-19 from a total of 3,124 tests conducted from April 6-8. According to an analysis of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 dashboards, 81 cases were recorded on April 6, 135 on April 7 and 105 on April 8, bringing the total to 371. Of the 105 cases detected within the past 24 hours, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) recorded 36; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 46; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), five; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), four; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), four, and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), 10. Of the newly infected cases 56 are males and 49 are females. No other regions have confirmed new cases within the past 24 hours. There are currently 13 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 71 in institutional isolation, 1,059 isolated at home

and nine in institutional quarantine. Guyana has confirmed a total of 10,958 cases of COVID-19 since the discovery of the first case in Guyana. Of that number, 1,152 are currently active, and, of the 9,576 recoveries, 50 were recorded within the past 24 hours. All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Guyana Learning Channel to start airing in HD

LEARNERS throughout the length and breadth of Guyana will soon be afforded the luxury of high-quality televised and digitised content when the Guyana Learning Channel (GLC) upgrades its signal. This new development will see the GLC becoming the first channel to broadcast programmes in high definition (HD), Head of GLC, Bibi Aniesha Mohamed, said during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI). “What this means is that we’re going to move from an analogue system that every other station in the country is using, and what we currently are using, to a digital… the difference between analogue and digital is it’s going to be that there’s not going to be any interference… so, you’re going to have HD quality like you have

on Netflix, or very crisp, clean, uninterrupted quality of video,” she said. According to Mohamed, the upgrade is expected to be completed within a matter of weeks. The Government has allocated some $200 million for the establishment of six additional channels, along with a new radio station to deliver educational content. Since August 2020, the GLC has been undergoing a redesign of its programming, an undertaking carried out through the Ministry of Education. The redesign has seen nursery to secondary school learners being provided with access to scheduled educational content, to compensate for the loss in the education sector, caused by COVID-19. The GLC Head also referred to the existence of an ongoing programme aimed

at providing the relevant equipment for education delivery in the hinterland. “We’re doing a project with the Ministry of Education that enables us to provide televisions, as well as satellite and solar to power this equipment in all 210-plus hinterland, riverine communities throughout the country,” Mohamed stated. Depending on the student population and their needs, the ministry, through the ongoing programme, will equip each school with three to six television sets. Six communities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have already been equipped, along with Kamarang, Kaikan and Paruima in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). “It’s going to provide the schools with not only access to the learning channel; however, that’s the core need and where

we hope the community is going to benefit most from, but they’re also going to be given 80-plus other channels that the community collectively, can make use of and on weekends and when the students are not utilising it. So, it’s a huge thing, especially for those communities that lack the resources and the benefits of coastland,” Mohamed said. The Guyana Learning Channel will also be launching its website to complement its various social media platforms, and to enhance online access to its learning resources. Provisions are also in place for persons who still utilise analogue television sets. The ministry will be offering a digital receiver box that would allow them to access the content. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

$99M marine monitoring vessel to be operational soon By Richard Bhainie

THE $99 million marine monitoring vessel, Cavalli, procured by the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, will soon be able to patrol local waters, as the remaining pieces of equipment necessary to make the vessel operational are currently being sourced. The vessel which was commissioned in June, 2020, has not been operational due to it not being equipped with the necessary, supportive apparatus, and there being some issues related to staffing for the vessel. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Friday, during a visit to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Coast Guard Headquarters at Ramp Road, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where the vessel is currently docked, announced that efforts to source the supportive equipment, as well as to recruit staff

are currently underway. Mustapha noted that a sum of $40 million was allocated in the 2020 Emergency Budget to complete payments for the vessel, while additional sums have been budgeted in this year’s budget to secure equipment for the vessel. While the cost for the vessel is some $99 million, the aggregate cost of the vessel and the necessary equipment that is required to make the vessel operational will amount to some $150 million. The vessel is currently lacking general equipment, such as compasses, flares and satellite phones. Minister Mustapha said that he is optimistic that the equipment would be secured and that staffing will be addressed within the next there months. Specific to staffing, the minister related that advertisements for applications were circu-

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha (fourth from right) and Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts (third from left) flanked by members of the Coast Guard at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard Headquarters, Ramp Road, Ruimveldt, Georgetown during a visit to the site on Friday (Elvin Croker photo) lated, but the responses were not favourable. Owing to this, he suggested that former coast guards would be ideal for the job. Addressing the existing issues expeditiously is important since the vessel will be useful in patrolling Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with the aim of curbing piracy and other issues affecting the fishing industry.

The vessel, Minister Mustapha said, will also go a far way in assisting the Coast Guard to monitor vessels entering Guyana waters, and to ensure that fisherfolk adhere to safety practices and abide by the rules and regulations governing the industry. Minister Mustapha noted that this is the first vessel of its kind that the ministry has procured, so that regular patrols

could be conducted. “This is the first one, I am hoping that we can purchase more, but we have to complete this one first and then go on to the next. I am hoping that next year budget I can put in the budget another vessel,” he said. He noted that with increased activities in local waters, due to the oil and gas industry, marine monitoring vessels are a necessity to ensure

international vessels abide by the Guyana’s laws. “Many times, vessels might come into Guyana waters and we might not know about those things, now we will be able to help curb those practices, if there are any illegal practices that are taking place, we’ll able to curb with the operation of this boat,” he said.

The marine monitoring vessel, named after the Cavalli (Caranx hippos), a species of fish found both the in tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean (Elvin Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Data collection for damaged grains to intensify ahead of second crop AMID complaints of high levels of damaged rice grains, the Ministry of Agriculture has undertaken to intensify data collection ahead of the “second crop,” which usually commences in May/August. The ministry’s commitment to enhance data collection follows a recent meeting among Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, a team from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nand Persaud and Company Limited, Mohindra Persaud. During their discussion, which was centred on the progress of the ongoing first crop, Persaud said inclement weather, among other things, has resulted in high levels of “damaged grain.” “This crop, the damages keep going up every day. The reason for that is the rain is falling inconsistently. The workers are not cooperating fully with the farmers and the work is getting harder in some instances. “The report that comes out about damaged grains is not necessarily true. We get much more damage than that. One of the things people have to understand is when you harvest paddy, the combine equips itself to remove a lot of damaged grains. Using our lab to determine the amount of damage grain doesn’t reflect how much the industry has - it’s to show how much we have on record for our purposes,” Persaud said. Chief Scientist at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Dr. Ma-

hendra Persaud, explained that their reports do not represent an exact number but rather a reference number. “Whatever we report as damage, it isn’t an absolute number. It’s a reference number that is higher because you keep removing from the field and that is standard for all rice fields. In terms of determining the damaged grain ratio, we do it in a more detailed way in terms of our analysis. “We take samples in the field and then the entomologist would boil them in sodium hydroxide. That makes the shell transparent so you would then be able to see the damage through the shell easily,” he said. Minister Mustapha, in adding his bit, said that for GRDB’s report to reflect the true number of damaged grains farmers and millers are recording, the research arm of the board needs to increase its sample collection. He also instructed GRDB to intensify its data collection activities for the second crop of 2021. “We have to start doing more of these analyses because those things affect the farmers and the production figures. So, I want the GRDB to start doing these studies regionally. Bring the extension arm up-to-date and trained to carry out these exercises. I want you to develop a programme and commence these exercises for the upcoming crop,” Minister Mustapha said. He also said the Ministry, through the GRDB, will continue to work with

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha (centre) in discussion with officials of the Guyana Rice Development Board and CEO of Nand Persaud and Company Limited, Mohindra Persaud farmers and millers to implement better systems at every stage of the crop. DOUBLE PRODUCTION Minister Mustapha added that with the government looking to double rice production by 2025, more emphasis will be placed on extension services, opening more lands, improving drainage and irrigation, and securing more lucrative markets for rice. It is for this reason that Minister Mustapha advised rice farmers to use the available infrastructure with care during the harvesting period given the

inclement weather. “I know that reaping is currently at 50 per cent, but I want to urge our farmers to use these dams with some amount of discretion. We are currently experiencing a high intensity of rainfall and traversing these dams with heavy machinery will cause some amount of damage. “Last year we spent millions of dollars to rehabilitate all of the dams and we will continue to do so, but I want to appeal to farmers to be mindful when transporting their paddy from the fields,” the minister said.

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Cummins late strike gives Kent late surge West Indies pacer Miguel Cummins struck late to break a threatening opening stand after earlier flourishing with the bat, to give Kent a strong finish to day two of their Group 3 County Championship contest against Northamptonshire here Friday. The 30-year-old Barbadian, who signed an eightgame deal with Kent last month, bowled left-hander Ben Curran off the under-edge for 24 in his second over – the third over before the close at Wantage Road – as the hosts finished on 91 for one in reply to Kent’s massive 455. Ricardo Vasconcelos was unbeaten on 54, having put on 77 for the first wicket with Curran on a rain-hit day in the East Midlands. Cummins had earlier struck a valuable 24 in a 63run last wicket stand which

helped veteran Darren Stevens to an unbeaten 116 – his 35th first class hundred. Stevens, who turns 45 later this month, faced 134 balls in 3-¾ hours and counted 15 fours and two sixes. Resuming the day on 34 with Kent on 309 for seven thanks to Jack Leaning’s 79 and Jordan Cox’s 62 on the opening day, Stevens put on 64 for the ninth wicket with number 10 Harry Podmore (28) before finding an ally in Cummins to complete triple figures. The left-handed Cummins defied the Northants bowlers for nearly an hour and struck four fours before losing his middle stump to new ball seamer Tom Taylor. Afterwards, Stevens praised Cummins for the partnership which saw him to his hundred. “I’m really appreciative

of the tail helping me out,” said Stevens. “I was an angry man when Podmore got out because I thought we were going really nicely and I’d not batted with Miguel before. “So I said to him ‘do you want to face spin or seam?’ and he said ‘I’m good, man’.” Cummins, who has played 14 Tests and 11 OneDay Internationals for West Indies, saw a three-year deal at Middlesex upended by the COVID-19 pandemic but was able to secure a contract with Kent for the new season. And Stevens said he believed the right-armer would be asset for Kent in the ongoing affair against Northants. “We bowled pretty poorly but Miguel looks like he’s a bit of a handful and I think he’ll be key for us.

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER SATURDAY, April 10, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S:

(1) Adam Gilchrist (AUST vs NZ, Auckland, 2005) (2) Daryl Tuffey (NZ)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who is the first batsman to hit a Test match hundred? (2) Who is the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Tests?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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As easy as A-B See!

… South African powers RCB to last-ball IPL win

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Two men who had played no senior competitive cricket since IPL 2020 turned up with ball and then bat, as Royal Challengers Bangalore began IPL 2021 with a last-ball win against defending champions Mumbai Indians. Harshal Patel took IPL’s first five-wicket haul against Mumbai, returning 5 for 27 in four overs, ripping the heart out of Mumbai’s monster-hitters with a variety of slower balls and inch-perfect Yorkers, to keep IPL’s winning-est side to just 159 for 9. Royal Challengers then had the game well in hand with 62 needed off 46 and eight wickets in hand, but a collapse ensued with Mumbai clawing back every inch of the way into the contest. However, they couldn’t get past AB de Villiers - not until the final over when he was run-out - who had done enough to put his team in a position where they could get over the line. Just about. Patel bowled overs 16, 18 and 20, and was single-handedly responsible for Mumbai ending up below 160 when they looked set for more than

180. His wickets were Ishan Kishan, the Pandya brothers, Kieron Pollard and debutant Marco Jansen. Each wicket was a result of the bowler outfoxing the batsman. His bowling meant Royal Challengers could weather a collapse and still win, although they needed de Villiers to smash 48 off 27 in a death-overs masterclass of his own, taking on Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. Patel still needed to come out and hit the winning run with one needed off the final ball, digging out a Jansen yorker to short fine leg to scamper the single that sealed the match. CHRIS LYNN STOPS, EDGES THEN STARTS Early indications of how the pitch would play arrived in the opening overs, with Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn often early into their shots, and the ball not only sticking in the pitch but also keeping low. Lynn was given a chance thanks to Quinton de Kock still being in quarantine, and looked rusty. A mix-up that resulted in Sharma - who had just begun to

find his flow - being run-out didn’t help Mumbai. However, Lynn rode his luck to stick around. He had no fewer than five edges and mis-hits during his stay, until the sixth one consumed him. But before being dismissed, he had converted an iffy start, where he was 6 off 11, into an innings of 49 off 35. He stuck to his strengths, muscling the ball once he had sussed the pace of the pitch better, taking boundaries off Yuzvendra Chahal and Shahbaz Ahmed. Suryakumar Yadav was fluent right from the time he came in, and with Lynn beginning to hit with more authority, Mumbai looked on track to get a score in the region of 180. Yadav’s dismissal, edging behind a Kyle Jamieson slower bouncer, made Mumbai stutter somewhat. Kishan still kept them going, and with a middle order packed with big hitters, Mumbai still seemed well on top. HARSHAL PATEL STRIKES Patel began by conceding seven runs off his first legal ball via a no-ball and a free-

hit six, amounting to 15 runs in his first over. After that, he was thrown the ball only at the death, given the responsibility of bowling to Mumbai’s array of fearsome hitters. He responded with three overs that made everyone forget at least for this game - that the Royal Challengers had entered this tournament with a big death-bowling hole to fill. n the 16th over, he bowled a dipping full toss to Hardik who completely missed his whip to be struck in front. In the next, he landed a perfect yorker to Kishan that was so well bowled it outdid even umpire Nitin Menon, whose on-field ‘not out’ was overturned on review after what felt like ages. His last over topped it all, with Krunal and Pollard falling off the first two balls, undone by changes of pace to hole out. A yorker reminiscent of Lasith Malinga almost gave him a hat-trick against Jansen, but it just about missed the stumps. He wasn’t to be denied next ball, completing a five-wicket haul for the first time in T20 cricket with an inswinging

yorker that shattered the stumps. Patel had bowled three of the last five overs, which saw only 31 runs, and the last over yielded a single run, in Patel’s grandstand finish. MAXWELL TEES OFF, DE VILLIERS FINISHES With Devdutt Padikkal still not fully fit after a bout of COVID-19, Royal Challengers sprang a surprise by sending in Washington Sundar to partners Virat Kohli at the top. The move didn’t quite pay off, with Sundar not finding the gaps, or his timing, but Kohli started smoothly in the powerplay, which put his team on a steady course in the chase. Sundar and Rajat Patidar - another IPL debutant fell cheaply, but that allowed Glenn Maxwell to have a crack at No.4 for his latest IPL franchise. Three balls in, Maxwell reverse-swept Rahul Chahar over point for a boundary. Shortly after, he stepped out and sent Krunal out of the stadium with a monstrous six over long-on. No sixes at all in IPL 2020, and

NBA Round-up …

Mavericks stun Bucks, Heat thump Lakers

(REUTERS) - Donovan Mitchell scored 37 points and Rudy Gobert contributed 18 points 20 rebounds to lift Utah Jazz to a big 122-103 win over Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Utah snapped a twogame losing streak - the NBA-leading Jazz had stumbled on the road at Dallas and Phoenix -- and secured their 23rd consecutive home victory. Four other Jazz players scored in double figures -Joe Ingles (13), Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic (11), and Georges Niang (10) -- as Utah bounced back 24 hours after a tough overtime loss to Suns. Damian Lillard topped Portland with 23 points and CJ McCollum scored 19, but the Blazers fell for the third time in four games.

Mavericks 116, Bucks 101 Luka Doncic recorded 27 points, nine rebounds nine assists to help hosts Dallas defeat Milwaukee for their sixth win in the past seven games. Kristaps Porzingis added 26 points 17 rebounds, and Josh Richardson scored 14 points for Mavericks. Bucks played without twotime reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) for the third straight game and the fifth time in the past 10 contests. Donte DiVincenzo made a career-best six 3-pointers and scored 22 points to lead the Bucks, who have lost two straight games and five of their past eight. Bobby Portis recorded 20 points and a season-high 14 rebounds, and Brook Lopez added 16 points. Pistons 113, Kings 101 Cory Joseph scored 24

points and dished seven assists as visiting Detroit held off a late Sacramento push. Isaiah Stewart recorded 16 points and a game-high 13 rebounds for Detroit, who have alternated losses and wins over the past eight games. Sacramento took their fifth straight loss despite getting 23 points, nine rebounds seven assists from De’Aaron Fox. Detroit capitalised on a poor shooting night from Kings, who finished 7 of 30 (23.3 percent) from beyond the 3-point arc. The Pistons built a big first-half lead that gave them a cushion down the stretch. Heat 110, Lakers 104 Jimmy Butler scored a game-high-tying 28 points to lead hosts Miami past Los Angeles. Miami also got 18 points from Victor Oladipo, who grabbed his right knee after

a dunk with 5:35 left in the game. He immediately went to the locker room and did not return. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led Lakers with a season-high 28 points. Andre Drummond returned for Lakers and notched 15 points 12 rebounds after missing the past three games with a toe injury. Clippers 113, Suns 103 Los Angeles ran their home record to 20-8 this season, pushing past Phoenix in a battle of the second- and third-place teams in the Western Conference standings. Paul George led Clip-

pers with 33 points on 12of-19 shooting, including 7-of-9 success from 3-point range. Kawhi Leonard scored 14 of his 27 points in the third quarter for Clippers, who saw Patrick Beverley and Marcus Morris Sr get ejected in the fourth quarter. Devin Booker finished with 24 points, to lead Suns. Mikal Bridges added 20 points, and Deandre Ayton chipped in 18 points 10 rebounds. Bulls 122, Raptors 113 Lauri Markkanen, Coby White and Daniel Theis came off the bench to provide double-figure scoring

his first hit over the fence was as if (it was) making up for that drought. Royal Challengers looked like they were cruising with Maxwell shrugging off his IPL blues and Kohli ticking along, when a wobble showed at once how they were vulnerable as well as how the acquisition of Maxwell could provide a counter to that. With Maxwell at No.4, it meant the trump card of de Villiers remained in Royal Challengers’ hands. Bumrah started the slide, as he often does, trapping Kohli lbw in the 13th over, and suddenly, from 98 for 2 they slid to 122 for 6 in four overs. But de Villiers was still there, and with 34 needed off 18, he took Boult for 15 runs, and then with the game in the balance, he hit two stunning fours in Bumrah’s over - the 19th of the innings - to bring his side to the doorstep of victory. In a final twist, he was run-out on the fourth ball of the last over, with Jansen showing great promise on debut to nail his yorkers. But while the de Villiers run-out meant one last heart-stopping moment, Patel wasn’t to be denied on this night. performances as Chicago used superior depth to thrash short-handed Toronto in Tampa. Starters Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic led seven Bulls in double figures with 22 points apiece as Chicago won their third straight game. Bulls clinched the threegame season series despite a huge game from Raptors’ Chris Boucher, who set career highs with 38 points 19 rebounds. Pascal Siakam had 27 points for Toronto, who played without injured starters Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet. Cavaliers 129, Thunder 102 Collin Sexton scored 27 points to lead Cleveland past hosts Oklahoma City. Cavaliers have won consecutive games for the first time since a four-game winning streak that ended March 1. Taurean Prince added 22 points off the bench for Cavaliers, while Darius Garland finished with 21 points five assists. Ty Jerome led Thunder with a career-high 23 points, going 9 of 16 from the field with five 3-pointers. Theo Maledon had 14 points but was just 6 of 17 from the floor.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Phillips beats Fletcher as CPL Esports continues

(CPL) - The second match of the inaugural CPL Esports Series saw Glenn Phillips of Jamaica Tallawahs take on Andre Fletcher of St Lucia Zouks at Sabina Park, and, despite his claims to have never played Cricket19 before, it was Phillips who emerged victorious in a stunning all-round display. Phillips was put in to bat by Fletcher and the New Zealander took control of a digital version of himself and he was out of the gate like a shot, making 30 runs off the first over

on his way to a match-winning score. Chadwick Walton fell early but the wicket of his opening partner did not slow Phillips down as he brought up a 10-ball fifty in the third over. He used his crease to make it difficult for the bowler to bowl to his plans. It was 105-1 at the end of the fourth over and a single from the first ball of the fifth got Phillips back on strike for the last five balls of the innings. Phillips continued to plunder runs from

JFF, Reggae Boyz reach contractual agreement

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Reggae Boyz have reached a contractual agreement

(SPORTSMAX) - After being at loggerheads over wages for the past few weeks, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Reggae Boyz have reached a contractual agreement that now allows the focus to return to the coming CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The parties released a statement overnight, confirming that a resolution has been reached following contentious negotiations. “The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Senior Men’s National team are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached in respect of the contract terms,” the parties

said in a statement overnight. “The agreed terms relate to remuneration as well as player welfare which will serve to establish a strong basis for a harmonious relationship between both parties. Moreover, the period of negotiations provided a forum for the ventilation and resolution of some long-standing issues and more recent ones such as player welfare in a pandemic environment. “The agreement signals the level of effort and commitment by everyone involved to re-align football administration and standards in keeping with the emerging international benchmarks.” JFF president Michael

Ricketts expressed relief that the issue is now behind them. “I am delighted with the agreement. Now everyone can concentrate on the most important element; Jamaica’s football,” he said. “I want to commend the players and members of the JFF for a job well done. I look forward to every single individual working passionately to improve himself and the team as we try to qualify for Qatar 2022.” Sportsmax.TV sources indicate that the agreement expires in the latter part of 2023 and covers the next two Gold Cups, the Nations League, World Cup and international friendlies.

the last over, finishing on 80 (19) and leaving Zouks a daunting 127 to win. Fletcher got Zouks chase under way with some fireworks as he took control of himself and smashed 26. He looked well set to match Phillips’ efforts, but a mistimed shot saw him caught at extra cover. When Andre Russell had Rahkeem Cornwall caught and bowled in the next over it left Zouks in trouble, and it got worse when Darren Sammy was out first

ball. Sandeep Lamichhane went even better than Russell when he picked up a hat-trick, dismissing Mohammad Nabi, Roston Chase and Scott Kuggeleijn to leave Zouks chase in tatters at 41-6. Some lusty blows from Chemar Holder brought some respectability to Zouks’ total as he made 34 (7) but it was too little too late as Tallawahs emerged winners by 28 runs.

Former West Indies fast bowler ‘disappointed’ by Joseph’s slow progress

Alzarri Joseph bowls during practice, Bangladesh vs West Indies, Chattogram, February 2, 2021

(SPORTSMAX) - Former Windies pace bowler, Richard ‘Prof’ Edwards, admits he is disappointed by what he believes to be the slow progress of promising pace bowler Alzarri Joseph. The 24-year-old fast bowler has long been tipped to give West Indies the type of firepower typical of years gone by, but is yet to completely deliver on that promise. The young bowler has shown plenty of flashes of that prodigious tal-

ent. He put in a strong performance against England, in 2019, and took a record-breaking six for 12 on his debut for Mumbai Indians. Joseph has, however, not produced such performances consistently. Joseph, who made his debut in 2016, has taken 38 Test wickets in 16 matches and 54 One Day International wickets in 34 matches. “It’s disappointing that he does not seem to have gone on from the time he started; until now, there doesn’t seem

to be any great improvement,” Edwards told the Mason and Guest radio programme. “He seems to be bowling wide of the crease to right-handers, angling it. He should get as close to the stumps as possible,” he added. “He is not accurate, he had not been able to develop as much as you would have expected. He is not a real swinger of the ball. He is athletic, he looks like he bowls pretty fast, but he is not doing much with the ball.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 10, 2021

Devon Ramnauth youth cricket continues tomorrow in Pomeroon

THE DEVON Ramnauth Region Two Youth Development Cricket League friendly clashes will continue tomorrow in Pomeroon with a match between two local sides in an effort to select a Pomeroon Youth XI team. According to Ramnauth, tomorrow’s game is organised by siblings Ernesto and Kim Demattos and will see Jacklow Youths from Upper Pomeroon battle against Pomeroon Strike Force from Lower Pomeroon. The U-19 40-over clash will be played at the Jacklow ground. Once the Youth XI players are selected, arrangements will be made for them to play the Essequibo Coast XI in the near future. After successfully organising the six-team in-

augural league in February-March, Ramnauth, a former national youth player, proposed several clashes among young players from the Cinderella County to get them much-needed practice. He has already held an All-Star battle between some of the best players from the league and will look to have them travel to different areas in Essequibo to compete. The Canada-based cricketer had told Chronicle Sport that he plans on bridging Essequibo youth cricket. He noted that the talent is there, but it needs to be nurtured. He has also proposed to host the 2021 version of the league in August of this year.

Guyana to play Guatemala in CONCACAF

s r ie f li a u q d n u o r p Gold Cu GUYANA will play Guatemala during the first round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup Preliminary Round when that gets underway in July. The Guyanese will play in match number two with the winners of that match advancing to the second round. The winners in the second round will go into the Groups B, C and A respectively to round out the 12 teams for the CONCACAF Gold Cup finals. Also carded to do battle in the first round are Haiti against St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago against Montserrat, Cuba taking on French Guiana, Guadeloupe battling The Bahamas and Bermuda locking horns with Barbados. The winners of the first round match between Haiti and St Vincent and

the Grenadines will play the Bermuda vs Barbados winners for a spot in group ‘B’ alongside the United States, Canada and Martinique. The winners of the first-round match between Guatemala vs Guyana and Guadeloupe vs The Bahamas will be placed in Group ‘C’ alongside Costa Rica, Jamaica and Suriname. Trinidad and Tobago vs Montserrat winners will play the Cuba vs French Guiana winners for the final spot in group ‘A’ alongside Mexico, El Salvador and Curacao. Group ‘D’ has Honduras, Panama, Grenada and Qatar. The first round of the tournament is set for July 2-3 with the second round for July 6. The tournament will be played at the Inter Miami CF Stadium from July 2 to 6.

Reliance Hustlers finished second in the league that was played in the first quarter of the year

SEE PAGE 25

… South African powers RCB to last-ball IPL win AB de Villiers goes for the big one, Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2021, Chennai, April 9, 2021

Guyana to play Guatemala in CONCACAF SEE PAGE 27

s r e i f i l a u q

USA’s Christian Pulisic (#10), about to make a move on Guyana’s Brandon Beresford during his side’s 4-0 win at the Allianz Stadium in Minnesota during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Samuel Maughn photo)

SEE PAGE 27

Devon Ramnauth youth cricket continues tomorrow in Pomeroon

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SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021