Issuu

THURSDAY 15th July, 2021

No. 106422

Duo sentenced to life in prison for murder at minibus park

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Hemispheric corridor beckons

―with completion of Linden to Lethem Road, says new CDB President Education Minister, Priya Manickchand handing over the suitcase of cash to several teachers and parents at the Cotton Field Secondary. Also pictured is Regional Education Officer, Nichola Matthews (left)

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‘Because We Care’ grant rolls out in Region Two SEE PAGE

― parents grateful for ‘well-timed’ initiative

$125M worth 10 of machinery commissioned to enhance D&I

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‘One stop shops’ for victims of violence, abuse 5 SEE PAGE

Guyanese-born Chef opening 6th restaurant in Texas, USA 11 SEE PAGE

SVN top students honoured

D R I R FA A N A L I , o n Wednesday, presented the President’s Award of Excellence to Geveshwar Rajkishore, the top graduating student of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) School who achieved 18 grade ones and one grade two at last year’s CSEC examinations. Rajkishore was accompanied by his mother and a teacher at the simple ceremony, which was held at

State House, a release from the Office of the President said. The 17-year-old, who placed fourth overall in the country, said that he was elated but nervous about meeting President Ali. “I was very nervous, but he was very calm.” The youngster said that the President asked him about his examination journey during COVID-19 and his plans for the future.

Rajkishore credited the Cornelia Ida School for motivating him and announced that he was accepted at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, where he will be studying Electrical Engineering with a minor in computational mathematics. The young scholar who is hoping to become a robotics specialist is set to leave Guyana soon to start his new school in August. The

President’s Award of Excellence for SVN has been an ongoing award since 2005. Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, also presented three students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) school with the Prime Minister’s Award for attaining the school’s second-highest marks at last year’s CSEC examinations. Atishta Seenarine and twin brothers Shivnarine and Shivshankar Chaitram were tied for the number two spot after they each attained 17 grade ones and two grade twos. Overall, the Cornelia Ida School, West Coast Demerara did well, since the passing grade was 96.60 per cent. Some 64 SVN students wrote the CSEC exams last year. Before awarding the students with certificates, Prime Minister Phillips congratulated them for their exceptional performance and wished them well in their future academic and professional endeavours. The school established a tradition of a Prime Min-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Geveshwar Rajkishore receives his award from President, Dr Irfaan Ali (Office of the President photo)

ister’s Award for its second-best graduating student and the President’s Award for its best graduating student in 2005 when its first batch of students graduated. Also present during the simple ceremony in the

boardroom of the Prime Minister’s Office, were the Deputy Principal of the school, Nirmala Singh and the parents of the outstanding students, a release from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, with Atishta Seenarine and twin brothers Shivnarine and Shivshankar Chaitram (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Hemispheric corridor beckons _

with completion of Linden to Lethem Road, says new CDB President By Navendra Seoraj

A LARGE part of Guyana’s economic potential remains untapped and would be revealed only after the construction of the road linking Linden to Lethem and, by extension, Brazil, is completed, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, has said. Describing this massive project, which is being done in phases, as ‘transformational,’ Dr. Leon said: “Almost one half of Guyana’s potential will be linked one way or the other to just opening that corridor… we are using Linden to Lethem, but I am referring here from the deep-sea port in Georgetown all the way to connectivity to Brazil.” The CDB is no stranger to this initiative, since it has provided direct funding of US$112 million for the upgrading of 121 kilometers of road from Linden to Mabura Hill. Construction is expected to begin during the last quarter of 2021 and

be completed by the end of 2024. The unpaved 450-kilometre road from Linden to Lethem is often impassable in the rainy season, due to flooding along low-lying sections of it. The upgrading of the corridor will, therefore, provide year-round connectivity between Linden and Mabura Hill, improving conditions for local and longhaul transport. And although the intended aim of this specific project is to improve connectivity between Guyana’s hinterland and the coastal towns, it is just the first phase of a wider plan to develop a transportation corridor from Georgetown to Lethem on the southwest border, thereby connecting the port in Georgetown with northern Brazil. Dr. Leon believes that while this augurs well for Guyana’s internal advancement, the project will essentially create a hemispheric corridor, linking South America to the Atlantic and, similarly, granting the Caribbean access to South

President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon

America. “That sort of project is transformational…every effort should be focused on getting that to its completion point, as soon as is feasible within the border lines of cross finances, construction and taking it to completion,” the CDB’s

President advised. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, following an engagement with a high-level team from Brazil in November 2020, had said the paving of the Linden to Lethem Road, which will facilitate trade and investments between the two

nations, was high on the agenda. “That road link is linked to the port development, so for that issue, we have set up a special committee that will be led by the ministers’ technical teams, so we can advance the work and move, not only to the conceptualisation, but closer to the implementation of this project. Both sides have committed fully to this development—via a joint approach,” President Ali said. Both countries had also agreed to the implementation of an “International Road Transport Agreement.” Guyana and Brazil have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1968. Let alone the creation of a hemispheric corridor through the physical link between Guyana and Brazil, President Ali had said that discussions were underway with both Brazil and Suriname to establish an energy corridor. “Our potential to become a major player in the energy

market is not only limited to our borders, but we have already commenced discussions with our neighbours, Brazil and Suriname, in the establishment of an energy corridor,” President Ali had said. International experts say that energy corridors may accommodate multiple pipelines for oil, gas, or hydrogen, electricity transmission lines, and related infrastructure, such as access to, and maintenance of, roads, compressors, pumping stations, and other structures. Guyana is already closer to building a physical linkage with Suriname through the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River. And with the Lethem to Linden road also on the cards, those physical linkages will pave the way for increased cooperation, especially now that Guyana and Suriname have joined Brazil in the ranks of oil-producing nations.

Rosehall estate closer to reopening THE Ministry of Agriculture, on Wednesday, signed some $115 million in contracts to boost the sector; $26 million of which will go towards the rehabilitation of the Rosehall factory. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the contracts represent the government’s commitment to the people. “This is a very important contract for us because you know for a fact when we were in opposition, we said we will reopen the closed sugar estates and this is one of the estates that is earmarked to be open. “A number of activities are going on at Rosehall estate and this is one of the most important part of the factory to get the factory in order.” Minister Mustapha highlighted the importance of the

contractor completing the works on time, pointing out that the livelihood of many depends on it. “A number of persons are still awaiting jobs there at Rosehall and we also have to boost our sugar production because now we are seeing GuySuCo is making a turn in terms of increasing its profitability, reducing the cost of production, all these things are in the process of being accomplished and while we are doing this work, many persons are waiting out there for jobs at these estates,” Minister Zulfikar said. The minister reminded contractors that while they have an interest to make a profit, government has a commitment to deliver to the people. “We are hoping that by the end of August, that each and every project that is in the budget will be awarded and con-

tracts will be signed so that all the works would have commenced and we can complete our work programme for the remainder of the year. We are hoping to complete our work programme by November, that means that contractors who are given work under the Ministry of Agriculture have to work and ensure that we deliver on time.” Some $25 million will go towards the supply, delivery and testing of equipment for the Hydromet Service, while $21 million will be used for the construction of a value-added laboratory at the Burma Rice Research Station. Another $41 million will be used for the procurement of two refrigerated containers, upgrade of land and construction of a shed; and the supply, delivery and testing of equipment to the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, with the contractors on Wednesday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

$100M for rehabilitation works in North Pakaraimas

WITH $100M in contracts granted, works will soon commence in 20 villages in the North Pakaraimas, Region Eight, which will significantly improve the lives of residents there. Part of the works will see bush clearing, under bushing, opening narrow sections of the roadways and drains and undertaking minor repairs to roadways such as repairing soft spots, washouts, minor depressions and ruts with laterite. The contracts do allow some degree of flexibility so that priority can be given to the specific needs of the

community. According to a release, an allocation has also been for the purchase of equipment such as chainsaws, brush cutters, axes etc., which will reside with the village council to allow for the building of capacity. This was revealed by Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, during a visit to the region on Wednesday. Also present were the Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud and the Hinterland Engineer, Jeffrey Walcott.

THREE ministers, on Wednesday, turned the sod, signifying the start of construction on the new Abrams Zuil Secondary School in Region Two.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who was accompanied by Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, and Natural Resources

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, during his visit to Region Eight on Wednesday

Minister Edghill pointed out that after having a sit down with the Regional

Chairman of Region Eight, Headley Pio, it was decided that these contracts would be

awarded to the Village Council of the various villages, so as to create jobs within the region. The Regional Chairman complained that for many years, no works were done under the previous Government although representation was made. He expressed how grateful the people of Region Eight were for the contracts and thanked the ministers for taking the time out to visit them. The minister said that he was aware of the hassle to get to Georgetown to receive payments, so the ministry is working out a way to get 50

per cent of the monies to the workers within one week so that works can commence by the end of the month. He also announced that in this year’s budget, approximately $100M was allocated to improve the link between Regions Eight and Nine by doing the road from Karasabai to Monkey Mountain which will commence in a few weeks. “We are improving connectivity. That will also mean that, in a more cost-effective manner, healthcare, education and other government services could be delivered,” he said.

Sod turned for construction of Abrams Zuil Secondary

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, and Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, turn the sod for the construction of the new Abrams Zuil Secondary School as Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat and others look on

Minister, Vickram Bharrat, said that, over the last five years, the school had reached a state where it required heavy maintenance work but nothing

was done causing more than 500 children to suffer. The new school is a multiyear project and is scheduled to be completed next year at a

Sections of the old building that is being demolished

cost of $585M. The Education Minister, in a release, said that she was looking forward to the new building and explained that for the current students the ministry was exploring several options to have them accommodated at other locations. Minister Manickchand also said that soon it will be something of the past that no school in the region is offering the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). She said there were a few regions that do not offer CAPE and that the ministry was working to sensibly and effectively offer the programme in those regions. However, Minister Manickchand noted

that such must be introduced sensibly by ensuring the regions have all the facilities and teachers necessary to offer CAPE to students. Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, said the new modern building was a significant investment in the Region Two economy. The school will cater for 800 students. The contract for the construction of the school was signed a few weeks ago and Minister Dharamlall said his ministry intends to hold the contracting firm to the contractual timelines. The contract was awarded to Builders Hardware and General Supplies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

‘One stop shops’ for victims of violence, abuse ― separate rooms in courts for domestic violence victims already being established

ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has announced that his ministry has partnered with other ministries to formulate and establish what was being described as a “one stop shop” to assist victims of violence and abuse. Nandlall disclosed that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security; the Ministry of Health; the Minister of Home Affairs and his ministry are working collaboratively to establish the unit which will house various services to render assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and child abuse. “This ‘one stop shop’ will have medical personnel, including a doctor; it will have a social service officer, like a therapist or a councillor;

it will have members of the Police Force and it will have legal personnel,” Nandlall explained.

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

He highlighted that when victims visit the ‘one stop shop’, all of their concerns will be addressed, and all of the services that are necessary will be provided, all under one roof, all in an effort to provide con-

venience and ease of access. “When a victim goes there, the victim doesn’t have to run to the police station and then go to the hospital to get medical, all the services can be provided at this ‘one stop shop’ and we are trying to do it in every single region. In the most populous regions we will have to do more than one,” Nandlall said. The Attorney-General explained that, currently, the initiative is in a formative stage. A pilot project will be implemented to address any shortcomings which may arise and then the project will be replicated countrywide to ensure that every person has access to the facility. “We are doing all these things to address the serious issue of violence in our country; the serious issues of domestic

violence and child abuse; these are serious social issues that are affecting our country,” he said. DISTINCT ROOMS Nandlall also announced that the government was in the process of establishing distinct rooms within most, if not all, of the Magistrates’ Court buildings in Guyana to accommodate the hearings of matters pertaining to domestic violence applications. “When a domestic violence application is being heard, the Magistrate sometimes is forced to hear them in their chambers, in camera, or to clear the courtroom to hear them. Why? Because domestic violence matters are quite personal,” Nandlall said. “Domestic violence applications involve very, very,

personal information and it is very emotional and very draining for a person, in particular a woman, to stand in a crowded courtroom or to stand and face the aggressor or the person who has violated her while giving evidence,” Nandlall said. The Attorney-General explained that in most domestic violence matters, the victim is brought face-to-face with the abuser, which may pervert the course of justice as often the victim is intimidated and would not be able to express themselves freely. “Sometimes that is a serious intimidation and as a result the victim is not in a position to speak freely and voluntarily because they are in fear of more violence being inflicted after the court hearing,” he said. Against this backdrop, the Government of Guyana, the United Nations International

Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Judiciary of Guyana have partnered to see the allocation of specific spaces and construction of separate rooms where domestic violence applications will be heard. Nandlall pointed out that the first initiative of its kind was executed at the Wales Magistrate’s Court and the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court on Monday last. This will be replicated in other parts of the country, he said. He opined that the move to have domestic violence applications dealt with privately is a “positive move” and hopes that it will bring greater comfort to victims of domestic violence during litigation. Nandlall is also of the view that it will encourage more victims to bring matters pertaining to domestic violence to the courts.

Brazil’s Bolsonaro chronic hiccups cause health scare

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, 66, may need emergency surgery after suffering persistent hiccups for 10 days, his office says. He is being transferred to a hospital in São Paulo to undergo tests for an obstructed intestine. In a tweet, Bolsonaro said he would be “back soon, God willing”. There have been concerns about the far-right leader’s health since he was stabbed in the intestines while campaigning in 2018. Bolsonaro was seriously wounded in the attack and lost 40 per cent of his blood.

He has had several operations since the stabbing. The President went to the military hospital in Brasilia early on Wednesday, and medics said then that he would be under observation for 24 to 48 hours. But later the same day, the President’s office said Antonio Luiz Macedo, the surgeon who operated on Bolsonaro in 2018, had recommended the President be transferred to São Paulo for additional tests and possible surgery. Fabio Faria, Brazil’s communication’s manager, told reporters Bolsonaro had

been sedated in the morning ahead of being taken to São Paulo. The President’s son Fla-

vio told CNN Brasil that his father had undergone a procedure to remove liquid from his stomach as a pre-

President Bolsonaro tweeted a picture of himself in hospital (BBC photo)

Cuba lifts customs restrictions after unrest

Cuba has temporarily lifted import duties on food, medicine and other essentials following recent unrest. As of next Monday, there will be no limit on such goods brought in by travellers until the end of the year. Thousands took to the streets on Sunday in protests over food and medicine shortages, price increases and the government’s handling of COVID-19. One demand they had was for people arriving in Cuba to bring in supplies without paying customs duties. It is unclear the effect such a customs change will have. Few people are travelling to Cuba currently amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “No, we don’t want crumbs. We want freedom,” government critic and journalist Yoani Sanchez tweeted shortly after the announcement. “Blood wasn’t spilled on Cuban streets in order to

import a few extra suitcases.” Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz announced the change on Wednesday at a meeting broadcast on state television. “It was a demand made by many travellers and it was necessary to take this decision,” the prime minister said. The government “will assess things” after 31 December, he added.

Currently travellers to Cuba can bring up to 10kg of medicine into the country tax-free. However, they must pay customs duties on the limited amount of food and personal hygiene supplies they bring in. Dozens have been arrested nationwide since the unrest began on Sunday. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that one man had died.

There has been a heavy security force on the streets of Havana in recent days (BBC/Reuters photo)

Unauthorised demonstrations are illegal in the country, and anti-government protests are rare. Cuba has blamed the US and its economic sanctions for the protests and Cuba’s wider

caution. Flavio added that his father had had trouble speaking, but that if surgery were needed it should not be a serious procedure. Bolsonaro earlier tweeted a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed, fitted with sensors and cables, with someone who appears to be a priest standing by his bedside. After two-and-a-half years of a controversial presidency, Bolsonaro is under growing pressure over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of the

month, tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest over allegations of corruption involving the purchase of vaccines. The Brazilian leader has been heavily criticised for a lack of a national response to the crisis and his scepticism toward vaccines, lockdowns and mask-wearing requirements. Last month, deaths with the virus in Brazil passed 500,000 - the second-highest in the world after the US. Bolsonaro himself caught Covid-19 a year ago but has fully recovered. (BBC)

problems. On Wednesday the US called for the release of all peaceful protesters detained in Cuba during recent unrest. AFP news agency journalists reported that Cuban authorities had restored access to the Internet on Wednesday after three days of disruption. Some messaging and social media platforms reportedly

remained blocked on 3G and 4G however, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. Mobile Internet was only introduced in Cuba in the last few years and allowed people to organise and spread word of the recent demonstrations. However, a heavy security presence remained on the streets of Havana. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Honouring promises made W

HENEVER a political party wins a democratic election, there is usually a rush to deliver on its promises, both tangible and non-tangible, made to its supporters and the country. The party in power seizes every opportunity to focus its energies on accomplishing these promises. It must also give policy direction and advice to the ministries under its control. Also, the political parties know just how important it is to stick to the plan or line of action when it gets to the corridors of power and influence, which is fragile. They try not to disappoint those who elected them firstly and the country as a whole when it comes to honouring the commitment to deliver on these promises accompanied by good levels of governance, accountability, and transparency. If they deliver in record time, it is safe to say the party’s base of supporters and membership will grow while support for them grows. This support also goes a long way to get

the Irfaan Ali Administration back in office whenever it reaches its fiveyear time span. Arguably, the previous APNU+AFC Coalition did not seem to grasp this logic and reasoning when it became the Administration back in 2015. It forgot half of the promises made in its elections manifesto once it won the polls. The promises made were grand and fanciful and included the Return of the Linden Television Station to Region 10, a code of conduct for ministers, parliamentarians, and high-ranking officials, and the liberalisation of the telecommunications and ICT sectors. They did not keep any of those promises. Others were attempted but failed because they were not logical or practical. The few that were honoured, mostly taxes and investigative commissions, were burdensome and a waste of time because of the political foolery that was taking place. By August 2020, they left office having attempted at governing this country but only left it arguably worse off than they found it.

Therefore, this rush to deliver on promises by the Irfaan Ali Administration is good and the right thing to do. This rush is ongoing while battling the worse pandemic in the form of the COVID-19 virus. Also, they have their work cut out when it comes to natural and human disasters in the form of flooding and damage to farms and the livelihoods of hundreds. But still, the new government is pressing on and combatting the challenges. It is honoring its promises to the people. Against this backdrop, in one year, the Cabinet demonstrated it is quicker to take the policy changes when dealing with the detection and spread of COVID-19 in society. Firstly, it implemented policies that aim at protecting and safeguarding our society through the COVID curfew and guidelines for social distancing. And there are signs that the Executive’s effort is gaining traction. So far, 240 392 persons have gotten their first dose of vaccine while 123 050 have their second shots. Additionally, with the Second doses of the Sputnik V Vaccine finally here in the country

and being rolled out, more Guyanese will be protected against the virus, which has so far claimed 499 lives. Once there is a sustained level of testing and prevention, Guyana cases of deaths should not increase. The Executive is also bringing immediate relief to thousands of residents affected by the floods in addition to helping them rebuild their lives. The government has already delivered on several of its promises to cut back the burdensome taxes. It has given $25,000 to citizens in the form of a cash grant. And the government started the “Because We Care” Initiative and will be doling out $19,000 per child to meet transportation and other school expenses. A robust housing initiative has also started and thousands of house lots and titles have been given to citizens. These, in addition to the free government scholarship programme which recently commenced, are indications that the government is delivering on its promises.

Why is the Coalition against an initiative that will benefit our children? Dear Editor,

have observed several rants on social media made by members of the opposition about the PPP/C’s reintroduction of the Because We Care initiative as well as the School Uniform Cash Grant. It is ridiculous to say the least and I ask that you kindly permit me a few minutes to echo my thoughts. In 2015, when the APNU+AFC government took

office, they immediately stopped the Because We Care initiative. This meant that all the nation’s children in the public school system were placed at a disadvantage since many of their parents had to find additional finances on their own to provide them with their school supplies etc. One would say that it was as if the Coalition did not care about the children of Guyana and the burden which the removal of the cash grant would place on parents. We saw that in-

stead of providing for our children, they chose to increase their own expenditure on dietary by $1.8 billion approximately. Now, these very people have the audacity to criticise the PPP/C for reintroducing the grant which will benefit each child in the public school system. Something is clearly wrong with them. I am sure hundreds of thousands of Guyanese, even those who do not support the PPP/C, would join me when I say that the reintroduction of the

Because We Care initiative will definitely help in bringing relief by providing our children with the necessary resources for their schooling. At this time, there is no doubt that parents are finding it hard to provide for their children as many of them are out of jobs due to the pandemic. As such, the fact that the government has seen the need to fulfil their manifesto promise of reintroducing the cash grant which the cowards of the Coalition halted, is

worthy of all the applause at this time. Parents will now receive $15,000 for each child in the public school system as part of the Because We Care initiative. In addition to this, each child will be provided with an additional $4,000 as part of the School Uniform Cash Grant initiative. This totals to $19,000 per child. I ask the Coalition, why are you criticising such provisions which will benefit

our children when you did not give them anything of value during your tenure? I call on all Guyanese to reject the efforts of the Coalition to paint these initiatives of the PPP/C government as bad. In my view, the Coalition is only upset because they know that these initiatives are great, hence them being so worked up about them. Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Reintroduction of education grants laudable at this critical time Dear Editor,

T is with great enthusiasm that I write to you to express my gratitude and satisfaction with the Government of Guyana regarding the Because We Care and School Uniform Cash Grant initiatives. Speaking from personal experience, such initiatives are geared at helping parents provide for their children so that they can excel academically and they usually help a great deal. One of the things that I must stress on is the fact that the Because We Care initiative is one that is tailor-made for parents at this time. The $15,000 would go a long way in helping kids have access to the resources which they need to keep upto-date with their schooling. In addition, parents are able to get another form of relief with regard to school uniforms as the School Uniform Cash Grant of $4,000 will help offset such expense. The PPP/C Government should be applauded for reintroducing these grants since they are critical especially at this time. Further, Guyanese should condemn all the negative narratives which are being created by the APNU+AFC

regarding these two grants. It is important for everyone to realise that with the reintroduction of the Because We Care and School Uniform Cash Grant initiatives, about 172,000 children across Guyana will benefit from a total in excess of $3.2 billion which was allocated. This is in keeping with the PPP/C’s 2020 election promise. The Coalition should in no way, shape or form, criticise the reintroduction of these cash grants because they will benefit each and every child in the public school system. Everyone will gain. There should not be anything negative about that. One must ask the critical questions on why the Coalition continues to oppose progress and development for the people of Guyana. In fact, it was the APNU+AFC Coalition who stopped the Because We Care cash grant initiative when they took office in 2015. It was as a result of their actions that our kids were robbed of billions just so that they could have more money at their disposal to spend on refreshment and meals totalling approximately $1.8 billion. Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Bhainie, Russell to lead Youth Parliament 2021 BEST debater of the inaugural Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition 2021, Guyana Chronicle Journalist, Richard Bhainie and outstanding debater from Region Three, Malika Russell, were, on Tuesday, elected by their peers to lead their respective sides of the House, in anticipation of Youth Parliament 2021. Bhainie was elected to perform the functions of Leader of the Opposition while Russell was elected to perform the role of the Prime Minister for the Government side of the house. The youths will lead their side of the House, which comprises of members who were randomly selected for either side. Persons who progressed through the Speaker’s National Youth Debate Competition 2021 were selected for the senior category. The senior category will

also have persons from the Government Technical Institute (GTI), the Linden Technical Institute (LTI), the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), the University of Guyana (UG) and Nations Incorporated. “This year’s debates will be centred on eight areas which were chosen with the hope of stimulating thinking among the participants, enriching their knowledge and generating robust discussions,” a letter to the participants from Parliament Office stated. Participants of the junior category will debate topics pertaining to cyber bullying; traditional school vs virtual school; and more funds to be allotted to sports and the continued training of athletes. The topics for scrutiny by the senior category relate to COVID-19 and mental

Best debater of the inaugural Speaker’s National Youth Debate Competition 2021, journalist at the Guyana Chronicle, Richard Bhainie

health; climate change and Guyana’s tourism industry; benefits of migration to the economy; oil and gas; and flooding in Guyana. The two sides will also be able to move one motion on a topic of their own interest, respectively. The sixth annual Youth Parliament will commence virtually on August 12, 2021 and conclude on August 18, 2021. The initiative will be executed through a hybrid setting, featuring both virtual and in-person participation. On Wednesday, the Organising Committee at the

Outstanding debater from Region Three, Malika Russell

Parliament Office hosted a virtual Preliminary Session on Drafting Motions for the Senior Category which was conducted by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira. Also in attendance was Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, and the Chairperson for the programme was Parliamentary Executive Officer and Coordinator of Youth Parliament, Carlleta Charles. “The participants were made privy to the knowledge of the types of motions and how to construct them. Minister Teixeira explained

the sections of a motion, the Whereas Clauses and Resolved Clauses, and encouraged the youth MPs to think about the aim of their motions when preparing them and to make them relevant to our country,” a press release from Parliament Office said. Both the virtual and in-person sittings of Youth Parliament 2021 will be live-streamed on Parliament’s website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. Additionally, all media houses will be provided with the link to broadcast the debates.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

My last flight from Jonestown with Captain George Grandsoult

― a flirt with death in Guyana’s picturesque, untamed interior By Albert Baldeo

T was 1986. As a magistrate, I had just finished holding Court in Jonestown territory, Matthews Ridge and Monkey Mountain. I had only been married a few months with a newly born, but my duties as interior magistrate had to be done, and the 4:00 AM wakeup alarms, dangers of speed boats to Bartica skimming the brown waters, getting to some interior locations via canoes, bumping along in tractor- driven trailers across rough terrain, ignoring the resident ghosts of the guest houses and flying in “paper planes” barely surviving the skies, had to be endured and overcome. Duty and sacrifice called. Captain George Grandsoult, a storied and legendary pilot who also taught young pilots, was said to “know the interior like the back of his hand.” He was taking me back to Ogle Airport. He treated planes like salvaged tractors of the sky; they had to be flown even if held together with scotch tape and paper clips. If anyone could fly such a contraption, it was Captain Grandsoult. He was peerless, even if eccentric, undoubtedly a respected aviator of the weaning British influence in emancipated Guyana. He was the sole pilot in charge of his aging, famous Cessna 206 single-engine aircraft, which was held together with such rubber bands and scotch tape. FAA would have put it in the museum, but not Grandsoult. He was always tinkering and making it work, like one with do with a bicycle. No one could tell Grandsoult that he, nor his toy, could not fly in Guyana. Nor would any other sane pilot dare to fly such a plane in the skies. The aeronautical legend fell asleep during the flight after putting the plane in auto flight, a trademark habit he had, while I sat on pins and needles. Soon after, I reacted to his loud snoring, and saw we were quickly descending to the jungle terrain below us, over Kamerang. The plane was sputtering. It was on its last legs, or wings, pardon the pun. A plane crash was about to happen, and, most likely, we would have both died on impact, or eaten alive by the wild forces of nature even if we had survived the impact, by ants, animals, snakes, alligators and such emperors of Guyana’s virgin habitat. I frantically tapped his shoulder, and he awoke just as his 2-seater small plane began clipping the tall trees on a downward spiral to impending

destruction and death. It made a saving last minute spiral ascent crucially upwards at the last moment. Grandsoult was cool as a cucumber, while adrenalin was surging through me. I wondered if I would ever see my wife and our new-born baby again. I made it my duty to keep talking to Grandsoult to keep him awake during the rest of the flight. I was thinking about how best to stay alive if we crashed in the majestic mountains and forests of Guyana, if survival was at all possible. We had no medicine, food or water. Rescuers may never find us with such a dense canopy. For the rest of the 45-minute flight, I thought about death, and my new baby and family. I was trapped in a flying tomb.

several varieties of birds and plants and delicious fruits. Whatever prince shall possess it, that prince shall be lord of more gold, and of more cities and people than either the King of Spain or the great Turk.” I had escaped death. But another young pilot, Emile Khan, who had just been married and had a six—month-old baby, perished with Grandsoult a few days later in the jungles of Guyana, in an unspeakable tragedy. They dropped out of the sky. When I read of it in the news, I said a silent prayer of gratitude for myself and one of hope for them. But I knew... It could have been me, and Grandsoult, days earlier. I have spent the years after that near-death experience helping others and fighting the battles they are incapable of. I

I have never been so close to death before. We were inches away from fatal impact in the Land of Makonaima, in the very heart of the empire of many waters, a land we call home, but a part we hardly see or speak about, but one I was privileged to see. Eventually, the mighty triumvirate of rivers-- the Cuyuni, Mazuruni and Potaro-- would have washed our remnants to the Atlantic and further adrift to the continents. Perhaps, a reverse Kala Pani, a treacherous journey my ancestors had conquered to settle so gloriously in Guyana, away from the perverse caste system in India. Or join the wandering posse of unfortunate and duped American folks in Guyana’s interior who perished in Jonestown a few years earlier. We were at the confluence of worlds where the Caribbean meets South America on its North Atlantic seaboard and an almost unknown, but incredibly wonderful land of unspoilt beauty lies, and where the virgin rainforest leads to the Amazon Basin, where the jungle is still unexplored, rivers uncharted and mountains yet to be climbed. Yes, this is the country Guyana, which explorer (I prefer revealer), Sir Walter Raleigh described as, “Rich and beautiful, with glorious rivers and possessing

spend my second lease on life constructively, and where possible, in service of others. Ever so often, Grandsoult’s rapidly descending plane to the forested mountain tops of Guyana’s great jungles would appear in my nightmares, decades later. You could see the veins of the leaves of the trees as they, and death, appear closer, as we rocketed downwards toward them. Sometimes I would awake from a nightmare just as a camoodie or anaconda is about to swallow me, or a huge tiger licking its lips as he approached me -- his next meal. I always remember. Guyana had lost its most respected pilot in Grandsoult, and a young pilot eager to learn from the master, one with a sixmonth old baby, who deserved to live-- Emile Khan. I always thank God I did not end up in that uncharted jungle of my beloved Guyana’s hinterland, albeit a region of majestic and picturesque beauty, a place unknown on GPS. I feel sad for Emile and family. I have always prayed and hoped, to this day, that Captain Grandsoult and Emile Khan beat the odds of survival that day, by some miracle. Even state-of-the-art aircrafts had their own shortcomings in Guyana’s interior. A few weeks before that, Captain Malcolm Chan-A-Sue had to

return to Timehri after aviation fuel pervaded the GAC plane, and the engine caught fire soon after take-off. On top of that, I had to justify to unsympathetic Chancellor, Keith Massiah, Chief Justice Kenneth George and Registrars, Oslen Small and Winston Patterson, the reasons why Interior Courts were not held! But it was not all close calls. A few weeks later, another Captain, fellow Queens College alumnus, Astil Rodwell Paul, rewarded us by hovering his 737 jet alongside the majestic, mighty Kaieteur

Falls just a few yards away, as if suspended in mid-air. It was up close and personal. While I marveled at the skill of the pilot, I appreciated seeing our world famous falls from the air, as its droplets seem to bounce off the plane’s windows. I felt like I had taken a thousand baths. I will never forget that moment in time. This memoir begs a very important question. Is Guyana doing its best as regards quality control and disaster prevention in aeronautical and civil engineering and interior flights?

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

$125M worth of machinery commissioned to enhance D&I

IN an effort to maximise its performance and increase the country’s drainage and irrigation capacity, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA, on Wednesday, commissioned seven excavators. These excavators which were supplied by Farm Supplies Limited at a total cost

of $125,300,000 will add to the NDIA’s current fleet that is currently spread out across the country. While offering remarks at the commissioning, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that the recently acquired pieces of machinery will be used to complement NDIA’s efforts to boost the

country’s drainage and irrigation system. “Today, 95 per cent of the drainage responsibility in the country rests on the shoulders of the NDIA and the Ministry of Agriculture. These pieces of machinery will add to the fleet that we already have, complementing NDIA’s efforts to boost

the country’s drainage and irrigation system. We recently witnessed, and, in some areas, we are still witnessing, unprecedented levels of rainfall. During this time, our capabilities were put to the test. I can safely say, given the amount of rainfall that fell over the last two months, the NDIA should be complimented for executing its duties around the country,” Minister Mustapha said. The seven excavators that were commissioned will be used for the excavation and desilting of primary channels and to clean secondary drains within residential areas. Minister Mustapha also highlighted the role of the Hope Canal in evading severe flooding in Region Four and some parts of Region Five. “I also want to highlight the importance of the Hope Canal. I can remember vividly when that canal was built there were many naysayers

NDIA will be upgrading and expanding the country’s drainage and irrigation infrastructure to improve the NDIA’s responsiveness to instances of flooding. He also stressed that the machines that were commissioned went through the necessary procurement processes.

VITAL FOR DELIVERY “There is a huge programme that will be undertaken within the NDIA and the Ministry, whereby a lot of infrastructure will have to be upgraded or expanded to respond to effects that we would’ve experienced as a result of the flooding. Investments like these will provide us with the necessary tools so that we can deliver on these planned programmes. The equipment we’ve acquired forms part of our 2021 programme and I’m happy to say that it went through the procedure as prescribed by the laws of Guyana and the

National Procurement Process,” Wordsworth said. Chairman of the Demerara-Mahaica Regional Democratic Council, Daniel Seeram ,while offering remarks said the NDIA should be complimented for its works in Region Four as that region was the least affected during the recent flooding. He also said that stakeholders should be consulted to ensure informed decisions are made moving forward. “I know at this point in time we had a wake-up call at the level of the board from the minister in terms of what transpired across the regions. I am thankful that the Demerara-Mahaica region was one of the least-affected regions. However, many of the farming areas in the backlands were under water. The drainage and irrigation industry requires constant monitoring. All stakeholders must be consulted in order for

Six of the machines that were commissioned

who openly condemned and criticised the project, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money. Well, today we’ve lived to see the importance of the Hope Canal. The PPP/C Government has always been a government with a vision, making preparations for the future by learning from the past. With that being said, our technical officers are going to be conducting studies to determine vulnerable areas across the country that need those types of investment and we will make those investments so that we can mitigate flooding in our country,” Minister Mustapha said. Chairman of the NDIA Board of Directors, Lionel Wordsworth, said that the

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Region Four RDC Chairman, Daniel Seeram

policymakers to make informed decisions and plan for the way forward. The acquisition of these pieces of machinery is timely and I look forward to them being equitably distributed across the country,” Seeram said. General-Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association, Dharamkumar Seeraj, said the government has made a step in the right direction with the acquisition of the pieces of equipment. “Because we are below sea level, drainage is even more critical. It is of critical importance that we are, as a country, in a position to address high-intensity rainfall over a short period of time. I think this move by the government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, to acquire equipment that can enhance our drainage and irrigation services, is a step in the right direction. It is also fulfilling one of the promises of the government,” Seeraj said. This year, the NDIA was allocated $12 billion as part of the government’s 2021 fiscal package. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Guyanese-born Chef opening 6th restaurant in Texas, USA

― to be named ‘Canje’, after Guyana’s national bird By Richard Bhainie AN overseas-based Guyanese award-winning Chef, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who is based in Austin, Texas, USA, is set to open his sixth restaurant in the state – which is set to be named after the Canje Pheasant, Guyana’s national bird. His team accompanied him on a visit to Guyana to be able to experience the rich local culture through a firsthand basis; the experience of which will be fused to craft their new menu. They met with the media at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Georgetown, on Wednesday.

bond and a true friendship,” Bristol-Joseph said. Their trip to Guyana is in preparation of opening their new restaurant, Canje, as they believe that the trip will provide an opportunity for the entire team to go into local communities to capture various delights and experience the raw Guyanese cuisine, firsthand. He disclosed that the team will be engaging in a range of activities to have the full Guyanese experience which will be blended for Canje’s menu. They will be visiting the markets, national monuments, local restaurants and will spend a day at the creek to have the

the various cultures and ethnicities. They were also anxious to visit the local markets and explore fresh produce which can be incorporated into dishes. Director of The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Carla James, highlighted that the initiative tied directly into Guyana’s diaspora engagements and was a step in the right direction. The GTA and other stakeholders were committed to strengthening Guyana’s tourism partnerships. She posited that Bristol-Joseph’s adventure to establish ‘Canje’ will provide the opportunity to highlight Guyana’s unique culturally infused

From left to right: Randle Egbert, Albert Richter, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Kevin Fink and Alicynn Fink

Bristol-Joseph was recently named one of Food & Wine Best New Chefs for 2020; the pastry savant is one of the co-owners of five restaurants in Austin, Texas, including Kalimotxo and Hestia. He grew up baking with his aunt in Guyana and moved to the United States shortly after graduating from High School in his home country. He is here with his team comprising of Chef Alicynn Fink, who Bristol-Joseph described as one of the “backbone” of the operations, as she is involved in every aspect of the restaurant and the business overall and Chef Randle Egbert, who is responsible for overall decoration and design, staff and keeping information flowing. Also visiting are Chef Albert Richter, who is the master behind crafting the restaurants’ dishes due to his wide taste palate, which he exhibits through bold and creative dishes and Chef Kevin Fink, the Executive Chef of all their restaurants who ensures the business keeps developing, and plays the role of the leader of the group. SWAG AMBASSADOR B r i s to l - J o s e p h i s th e restaurant’s Corporate Pastry Chef; he is responsible for creating “anything sweet” to support the business concepts. His friends describe him as the “swag ambassador” due to his charismatic personality while interacting with guests and employees at the restaurants. “Most important thing with all of these people, we are all really good friends, our relationship has span for 13 years; when you spent that much time with each other we have a true

‘black water’ experience. Bristol-Joseph reflected on his background while growing up in Guyana as he explained that those experiences have tremendously shaped his career and life. He explained that his team was excited about the new concept ‘Canje’ and there was much more in the pipeline for the future.

SHOWCASING GUYANESE DELIGHTS He posited that not only will Canje present the opportunity to showcase Guyanese delights but sourcing of ingredients from local producers in Guyana to supply the restaurant was an area that his team was looking to explore and he was definitely opened to building local partnerships. “The goal is always going to be to be uplift. For us it’s not only about the food because I think we are living in a modern society where you can go on Instagram or YouTube and find any cuisine that you want and read up on it,” he said “The other important part is the culture, it’s the people, it’s making those natural connections and being inspired by stories and techniques that people are using … so the bigger part of this visit is to connect with the people more than just the food,” he added He told the media that “currently, it’s not on the agenda” to open a local-based restaurant in Guyana where his own skills may be displayed. He said the current objective is to impact the Austin, Texas, community through local cuisine, and continue to build from there. The team highlighted that they were excited to get into the communities and explore

cuisine with a steep and rich history that reflects the true essence of what it truly means to be Guyanese. “I am certain that chef Tavel and his partners will do an amazing job of representing Guyana while of course adding their own personal touch to those dishes that are unique to our country,” she said, adding: “I am excited about the many possibilities for tourism development that this opportunity will present to us, as Guyana is represented on the international scale and the potential to use chef Tavel’s skill to build local capacity in the hospitality industry.” Also present at the event was Visit Guyana’s Stacey Dos Santos Rahaman, who extended a welcome and congratulations to Bristol-Joseph and his team. She highlighted that Visit Guyana, a tour agency, is always elated when overseas-based Guyanese return home, with their foreign friends, to explore and discover Guyana. “In terms of food tourism, Guyana boasts a number of restaurants serving up a fusion of finger-licking foods, from creole to fine dining, we’ve got it all. In addition, visitors can now enjoy culinary tours where they can sample our street food, like eggball, and most recently experience a seven curry tour which gives the visitor both a taste of our cuisine and some of the history behind it,” she said. She explained that Guyana’s culinary journey is a rich one, inspired by the various ethnicities the country boasts and Bristol-Joseph sets an example for local chefs, who are now

more exposed to the world, and are experimenting with local ingredients to broaden the country’s culinary landscape. They are also given the opportunity to showcase their talents at events such as Guyana Restaurant Week.

Director of The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Carla James, handing over a locally crafted handmade vase as a small token of appreciation to Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph on Wednesday morning at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Georgetown

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

UG, CXC sign MoU to promote educational opportunities

THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the University of Guyana (UG), on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which seeks to advance teaching, learning and assessment in the Caribbean. The MoU was signed v i r t u a l l y b e t w e e n U G ’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, and CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Wayne Wesley, during a simple ceremony. Under the MoU, the uni-

versity will recognise CXC’s associate degrees for the purpose of matriculation by candidates. Prospective UG students will benefit from the matching of coursework requirements at the university according to the CXC syllabus. According to Dr. Wesley, CXC will also facilitate the sharing of candidate’s examination results allowing for a smoother crossover for students seeking to access the “high-quality tertiary education.” The registrar explained that both parties will also

collaborate on pedagogical research for the digital transformation of the education system as well as collaboration on faculty and staff development, to advance teaching, learning and assessment in the region. “The signing of this MoU is a testament to both institutions’ continued commitment to greater regional impact through partnership. It is our promise to the people of the region to continuously seek out educational opportunities which will ultimately further the development of the region, as we seek to advance human

capacity development with the highest level of education possible,” Dr. Wesley said. In her remarks, Dr. Mohamed-Martin said the university welcomes the forward-thinking strategy of the council to streamline its arrangements and progress in the era of virtual space education using digital techniques and technology.

the university to help in the development of learning and support resources. “This MoU also solidified UG’s role and place in collaborative Caribbean-wide pedagogical research as well as research from the digital transformation of the education system. The MoU will also see closer and more systematic and strategic collaboration on

been able to welcome thousands of students from across the Caribbean to our campuses and institutes to study for over 140 different excellent degrees and they’ve been able to do this using CXC certificates as the gold standards of the region as one of the main entry requirements,” she added. She noted that this new initiative by CXC will open a

CXC Registrar and CEO, Dr. Wayne Wesley (left), and UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, holding signed copies of the agreement

“This is the third such MoU being signed this year and I know that there are many more to come. This particular MoU covers joint exploration and coordination for access of faculty to act as moderators, resource persons to sit on review and examining committees as chief examiners and assistant chief examiners,” the vice-chancellor said. She noted that the agreement will also allow CXC’s research and advisory group and resource personnel from

teacher development to advanced teaching, learning, and assessment in the Caribbean,” Dr. Mohamed-Martin said. According to the vice-chancellor, the MoU also facilitates the advance sharing of examination results for the purpose of matriculation as authorised by candidates, so that they can have advanced placement in cases where there is high competition and limited spaces in certain programmes offered at the university. “Over the years UG has

world of possibilities in higher education, training research, exchange curriculum, human and social systems development, not only in our country but the Caribbean and eventually the rest of the world. The MoU is a part of CXC’s strategic mandate to make an even greater impact on the region’s education system. It has already pursued many partnerships with educational institutions, both regionally and internationally.

ANUG aims to build goodwill

― Jonas re-elected chairman A NEW and United Guyana (ANUG) will be hunting for new members and ideas moving forward as the party aims to empower citizens and right-thinking voters to reject race politics while building goodwill. This was disclosed by Attorney-at-Law Timothy Jonas, who was re-elected Chairman of ANUG. Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran was also re-elected General-Secretary of the party when its Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday. After the conclusion of the protracted elections process, ANUG, in a press statement, said it had reached out to the communities which have given the party an ear and have thanked them. The party’s plan is to continue building goodwill, Jonas said, emphasising that it is for the new executive to determine the direction of the party and work together to build Guyana. The Chairman spoke about the party’s outreach efforts leading up to the elections and commended the result of the joinder seat. Jonas recounted the experiences of party members who witnessed the events at the Ashmin’s building

and lauded their role in the collective movement along with the interventions of various international leaders to ensure democracy prevailed.

the party must strive to reach out to both sides of the political cross section. The meeting concluded with the election of the new executives to the following

Six of the 15 executives as others could not be present due to COVID restrictions, but were able to attend the Annual General Meeting virtually

Meanwhile, Ramkarran thanked members for their role and unwavering support in ensuring the integrity of the 2020 elections results and expressed the view that it was the sterling efforts of the party’s members which brought the name of ANUG to national prominence. Ramkarran mentioned that members from the government, civil society and international stakeholders have reached out as a result of the party’s performance over the election period. He also mentioned that

posts: Chairman - Timothy Jonas; General Secretary Ralph Ramkarran; Assistant General Secretary - Altria King; Finance secretary to be determined as there were two persons with the same number of votes; and Organising secretary - Kian Jabour. The 10 Committee members are Alex D’Aguiar, Stephen Patterson, Mark France, Celina Krishna, Bruce Comacho, Mary Correia, Niall Stanton, Javeed Ally, Bhavita Sukh and Dirk Walker.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

IOM concludes training on Essentials of Migration Management

THE International Organisation for Migration (IOM) concluded its 10-day workshop on the IOM Essentials of Migration Management 2.0 (EMM2.0) to Guyana government officials across several key stakeholder sectors. According to a release, this workshop was hosted online and in-person, following COVID-19 guidelines, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with additional participation from the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs, Home Affairs, and Parliamentary Affairs and Governance. The EMM2.0 is a global programme on migration management which provides online resources and foundational training to government officials and stakeholders dealing with migration. This training was made possible through IOM’s Western Hemisphere Programme (WHP), generously funded by the United States Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM). The EMM2.0 training workshop is designed to lend support to Governments that are committed to incorporating a migration framework into their national development plans. “Well-managed migration

promotes economic growth and social enrichment in countries of origin, transit and destination. For the migrants, it offers broader horizons, and the opportunity to work towards a better future,” explained IOM Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean, Michele Klein Solomon, at the launch of the training course. As one of the designers of the original EMM course,

Solomon noted that the initiative does not aim to prescribe a “one-size-fits-all” approach to how countries implement migration management mechanisms. Instead, the course provided institutional guidance based on good practices. “The initiative offers accurate and up-to-date information, with an aim to contribute to a common understanding of migration management, grounded in international

frameworks, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration,” added Solomon. Furthermore, it was noted by both IOM and the Government that there is a need to establish a balance between national interests and agreedupon international commitments as they relate to migration governance.

This training is part of a larger strategy that will contribute to crafting national responses to thematic areas in migration governance such as border management, labour migration, and migrant integration strategies. These responses would be dependent on the experience and guidance provided by those government officials participating in the training. Senior Ambassador, Mi-

Conclusion of EMM 2.0 training workshop with virtual and in-person participants

chael Brotherson, Director of Bilateral Affairs, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, welcomed the initiative as a step in the right direction for addressing the migration dynamics in the country. He noted that the activity provided government officials the opportunity to increase their capacity to address migration management challenges and shape policies that will address this issue in the country’s new development phase. According to Legal Officer at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Miriam AndrewMing, the EMM workshop was extremely well-timed given the country’s current migration circumstances. She explained that her ministry has a key role to play in migration management, given the proximity that Indigenous Peoples’ villages have to the country’s borders and in hosting migrant populations. “The information becomes useful in terms of how we can strategically plan our work to impact migration,” shared Andrew Ming, who added: “Even though it does not directly affect [the ministry], in a collaborative way we can work with other ministries that may have more of a direct line to migration issues.”

‘Because We Care’ cash grant distribution begins in Region Two ― parents grateful for ‘well-timed’ initiative

By Indrawattie Natram FOLLOWING Wednesday’s commencement of the disbursement of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant in Region Two, many parents have lauded the efforts being made by the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana to significantly improve the lives of their school-aged children. Scores of parents received the $15, 000 cash grant along with the $4000 School Uniform and Supplies Grant, immediately after Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, officially launched the initiative at the Cotton Field Nursery School. Instead of the customary voucher, parents will be receiving cash. A suitcase with the cash was handed over to Regional Education Officer, Nichola Matthews, after which teachers began distributing it to the waiting parents. Minister Manickhand overlooked the distribution exercise. Some $225M which has been set aside for the region, is expected to be distributed over the next three days. Several parents told the

Guyana Chronicle that they are very thankful for the money as it would be a great help during the pandemic since children are learning from home, and many parents have either lost their jobs or are now earning less.

participate in online classes. “Things really hard right now cause everything is online and sometimes the WiFi down so I does have to purchase data for my children to do their assignments,” Bolo said.

Nathley Daniel (left) and Glenda Perrett were among many parents who turned up at the Cotton Field Nursery School to collect the grant

Maggie Bolo, a mother of three who lives at Bushlot Village said she will be spending the grant on her children’s educational needs. The woman continuously expressed her appreciation to the government for the “positive” move. She explained to this publication that it is very expensive for her children to

Another parent, Nathely Daniels of La Belle Alliance, reached the school around 07:30 hrs and was among the first to arrive. The mother of four said the cash grant came at an opportune time. She intends to use the money to purchase school items for her children. Like Bolo, she spoke of

the expense associated with online classes particularly when it comes to accessing the internet. She commended the Ministry of Education for representing the interest of children by ensuring that the initiative became a reality.

tivity to her home. Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand in her comments during the launch said government, through her ministry, was delivering on a promise made to parents.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, handing over the suitcase of cash to several teachers and parents at the Cotton Field Secondary. Also pictured is Regional Education Officer, Nichola Matthews (left)

Mother of five and resident of Cotton Field, Glenda Perriett, related to this publication that she is currently “struggling” to care for her children. She said that she is overjoyed that she is a recipient of the cash grant which she plans to spend on internet connec-

Noting that there was no limit on how parents can spend the money, the minister emphasised that parents can purchase whatever was needed to improve their children’s lives. She said it was the ministry’s priority to ensure that children were taken

care of during the pandemic and that she understood the struggles many were facing as they tried to ensure that the learning process continued. “We believe that the grant will be useful for your children. We will not tell you what to buy with the money; I think as parents you all are quite responsible. We at the ministry hope that the grant will improve your child’s life,” the minister added. She used the opportunity to urge parents to support their children emotionally and to give them whatever additional support was needed at this time. Cash grants were also distributed at the secondary schools in Cotton Field and Suddie. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, who was at the Suddie Secondary School overlooking the distribution process, told parents that the government had fulfilled one of its manifesto promises by investing billions of dollars in providing quality education for the nation’s children.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Duo sentenced to life in prison for murder at minibus park

FOUR years after 34-yearold Rawle Rodrigues was killed during a robbery at the Route 40 minibus park, his killers were, on Wednesday, sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years. Affiba Yenkana, called “Dougla”, and Akeem Haymer, called “Curry”, were on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence of murder. During the trial hearing on Wednesday, the men opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Justice Kissoon directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on the murder charge, and a guilty verdict for manslaughter. The men admitted that on January 20, 2017, at Croal Street, Stabroek, they unlawfully killed Rodrigues during the course or furtherance of a robbery. According to reports, on the said date, three men attacked and later stabbed Rodrigues in the chest during a robbery. The men had allegedly trailed him from the Demico Roof Garden, where he was earlier seen consuming alcohol. A third accused, Wayne Gilbert, who was charged separately, is currently on remand awaiting his trial at the High Court. The indictment was presented by State Prosecutor Lisa Cave. The men were represented by attorneys-at-law, Rachael Bakker and Lawrence Harris. The attorneys, during their pleas of mitigation, urged the court to temper justice with mercy while adding that the convicts have good prospects of being rehabilitated for reintegration into society. While delivering his sentencing remarks, the judge said Yenkana and Haymer were previously convicted and sentenced for robbery and larceny from the person. “Neither of the two accused has learned from that experience. Neither of the two accused has made any meaningful attempt to rehabilitate or reintegrate into society to take their rightful places to bring pride and honour and dignity to their parents for the sacrifices that would have been made to bring them to this stage in their life. Instead, they have, on their own free will, elected to resort to a life of crime and demonstrated a reluctance and unwillingness to reform,” Justice Kissoon said. The judge noted that after their first release from prison, the duo returned to a life of crime by preying upon innocent citizens. Such was the case of Rodrigues, who, the judge noted, could have been easily subdued without violence. However, because of their premeditated design to obtain money criminally from unsuspecting citizens, the men armed themselves with a deadly weapon and snuffed out the victim’s life instead. The judge said that citizens must feel free to carry on with their business without the fear of being at-

tacked and robbed. He also said that the sentence of the

court must not only fit this bastardly act, but should

also serve as a deterrent for like-minded offenders.

Akeem Haymer, called ‘Curry’ (left) and Affiba Yenkana, called ‘Dougla’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

MoU signed to further develop agri-tourism policy

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which seeks to further develop the agritourism policy in Guyana. During the signing ceremony, Minister Mustapha said that the MoU establishes a shared ambition between the two ministries in an effort to collaborate, coordinate and implement the development of the Agri-Tourism Policy in Guyana. “This MoU stemmed from a recommendation that was made during last year’s Agri-Tourism Week. It establishes a shared ambition between our two ministries to collaborate, coordinate and implement the development of the Agri-Tourism Policy and roadmap, thereby creating an enabling environment for our agri-tourism operators,” Minister Mustapha said. Minister Mustapha also

said that agri-tourism acts as a mechanism for diversification and income generation for farmers. This, he said, would be achieved through

“Guyana has long had one of the largest agricultural economies and a very high potential of becoming the breadbasket of the Carib-

development. Managed sustainably, both our agriculture and tourism products can be with us long after the last barrel of oil is extracted. It

for the agri-tourism sector to move forward, partnerships and alliances must be built at both the public and private sector levels.

The Ministers of Agriculture and Tourism, Industry and Commerce display the signed agreement in the presence of others

on-farm activities that would help to maintain the viability of farms and rural communities.

bean. In 2020, the agriculture sector accounted for 27.1 per cent of Guyana’s non-oil GDP despite the significant impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic on the lives of farmers, fishers, vendors of agriculture inputs, and food traders. Agri-tourism, therefore offers farmers the possibility of diversifying and generating additional income from on-farm tourism activities in order to help supplement their agricultural income and maintain the viability of farms and rural communities” Minister Mustapha said. Minister Mustapha also expressed thanks to the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for its role in assisting with the process. Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, said that, if managed sustainably, both the agriculture and tourism products can exist for a long time. DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY “The agriculture and tourism sectors are of strategic importance to Guyana’s

is, therefore, incumbent on us today to use the opportunity provided by the petroleum bounty to build the foundation of a diversified economy that will persist when that bounty at whatever time must be inevitably exhausted,” Minister Waldron said. Country Representative for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Wilmot Garnett, said that, in order

“We are of the strong belief that for the sector to move forward, partnerships and alliances must be built at public and private sector levels, and at both national and regional levels, with the objective of strengthening the policy and institutional framework, in support of increasing agri-tourism trade linkages and rural tourism development. In this regard, IICA has had, since 2002,

a focussed programme on agri-tourism in the Caribbean Region, as part of a larger hemispheric programme in Latin America and the Caribbean. We have been working to strengthen the capacities, the institutions, the policies and the planning processes necessary to better manage the market value chains on which the sector depends, and to respond to environmental changes within the sector,” Garnett said. Furthermore, Executive Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Trina Butts, while offering brief remarks, said that agriculture benefits locals while providing the tourism and hospitality industry with the resources for several activities while serving as a background to the attraction of Guyana’s rural environment. These linkages, she added, directly or indirectly benefit multiple stakeholders and enhance the supply chain. Since taking office, the government has signalled its intention to develop Guyana’s agri-tourism industry. Farmers across the country are therefore being encouraged to capitalize on the benefits of agri-tourism as an additional source of revenue and an overall boost to the country’s economy.

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister Oneidge Walrond sign the agri-tourism agreement

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

ICC confirms schedule; point structure for 2021-2023 WTC

(ESPNCRICINFO) - The ICC has confirmed the schedule and points structure of the 2021-23 World Test Championship, which is set to kick off in August, with India’s five-Test series in England. As reported by ESPNcricinfo over two weeks ago, points will be awarded on a match-by-match basis as opposed to the series-by-series basis of the 2019-21 cycle, with the teams’ rankings determined by percentage of points won. “We received feedback that the previous points system needed to be simplified,” the ICC’s acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said in a statement. “The Cricket Committee took this into consideration when proposing a new, standardised points system for each match. It maintained the principle of ensuring that all matches in a WTC series count towards a team’s standing, while accommodating series varying in length between two Tests and five Tests. “During the pandemic we had to change to ranking teams on the points table using the percentage of available points won by each team, since all series could not be completed. This helped us determine the finalists and we were able to complete the championship within the scheduled time frame. This method also allowed us to compare

the relative performance of teams at any time, regardless of how many matches they had played.” The nine teams in the WTC will play an equal number of series - six (three home and three away) - but an unequal number of Tests, ranging from 22 Tests for England to 12 for Bangladesh. Each Test will carry a total of 12 points, with a win fetching all 12 points, a tie six points and a draw four points. Three international captains shared their thoughts on the WTC with the ICC. “It was obviously pretty special to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in Southampton last month and it’s exciting to now look ahead to the second edition,” said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who lifted the WTC mace after his team beat India in the inaugural final last month. “The WTC has certainly added more context and brought new meaning to Test cricket and it was awesome to see the interest that was generated around the Final against India. “We know trying to defend the title will be a huge challenge, but our focus will be on making sure we prepare as well as we can for the tours ahead and trying to maintain our level of performance.” I n d i a c a p t a i n Vi r a t

Kohli was enthused by the fans’ receptiveness to the first edition of the WTC. “It was great to have played the final of the ICC World Test Championship against New Zealand in what was a memorable contest,” he said. “Not just the final, we saw the determination of players throughout the first edition of the championship. The following of cricket-lovers too was great to see, and I am sure they will all be waiting eagerly for the second edition. “We will regroup with new energy for the next cycle starting with our series against England, hoping to give our fans a lot to cheer about.” Joe Root, the England captain, looked forward to getting his team’s campaign off on a strong note. “We start our campaign in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship against the finalists of last time, which is an interesting challenge straight away,” he said. “India are a fine all-round side and it would be good to test them in our home conditions. We narrowly missed out on qualifying for the final last time and are looking to do better this time. “Test cricket is a format we all want to excel in and with points at stake for each match everyone has to be at his best all the time.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 03, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mark Boucher-77 dismissals (77 catches - 24 Tests) (2) Ridley Jacobs-51 dismissals (50 catches; 1 stumping- 14 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI player has contested most ODI matches against ENG to date? (2) Which ENG cricketer has played most ODI matches against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Messi to stay with Barcelona

Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) celebrates after scoring, during La Liga football match vs Celta de Vigo, at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on May 16, 2021. (Photo by Siu Wu/picture alliance via Getty Images)

(BBC) - Lionel Messi has agreed to stay at Barcelona on a deal until 2026 that includes reducing his wages to half of his previous salary. The announcement is dependent on player departures that will allow Barca to fund the Argentina captain’s wages. Messi, 34, was a free agent after his contract - that reportedly paid him £123M a season - expired on June 30. He is on holiday after winning the Copa America and the finer details of

the contract are yet to be finalised. Re-signing Messi was the principal summer target of new chairman Joan Laporta. Barca are also looking at a swap deal involving forward Antoine Griezmann and Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, with the idea of reducing the wage bill. Fringe players such as Junior Firpo, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena have already been sold to free up budget but other big-name departures will also need to

take place. Messi had been linked with moves to Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former boss at Barcelona Pep Guardiola, as well as America’s Major League Soccer, which he has previously considered experiencing. Messi is Barcelona’s record scorer with 672 goals and has won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Reys as well as claiming the Ballon d’Or on a record six occasions.

NATIONAL cricketer Bhaskar Yadram scored an unbeaten century and took a wicket to lead the Liberty Lions to a seven-wicket victory against Meeri Peeri in the New York National

Tomby supported with two wickets each. In reply, another former national cricketer Richard Ramdeen took control of the batting with a well-carved half century.

The skipper scored 52 runs from 38 balls, which included four fours and three sixes. After losing two quick wickets, it was Ramdeen and Yadram (who batted at number four), who rebuilt the in-

nings. The pair added 88 for the third wicket. After Ramdeen fell, Yadram took it home. His 105 runs came from 67 balls and included five fours and seven sixes.

Yadram’s unbeaten ton leads Liberty Lions to seven-wicket win Cricket League (NYNCL) 30-over Saturday tournament. In the latest clash of the competition, the Lions won the toss at Baisley Pond and opted to field. Led by former national

player Paul Wintz, who picked up 3-25 from five overs with his medium pace, the Lions were able to restrict their opponents to 174-8. Spinners Avo Yogeshwar Singh and Andrew

Bhaskar Yadram smashed five fours and seven sixes in his 105.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Reifer underscores ‘innovative’ assessment methods (CMC) – West Indies Under-19 head coach Floyd Reifer says the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced his coaching staff to resort to “creative and innovative ways” to assess players, ahead of next January’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup set to be staged in the Caribbean. The outbreak of the virus in the region last year March forced government authorities into widespread lockdowns, to mitigate the spread, resulting in the cancellation of nearly all sporting activity throughout cricket-playing territories. And while a 44-member training squad has been chosen, Reifer said his staff were still in the hunt for additional players, and would be using various methods in order to continue identifying and properly assessing the entire group. “It is very challenging. Obviously, due to COVID-19, there was no regional Under-19 Tournament last year and there is none again this year,” Reifer told veteran cricket journalist Keith Holder in his Hitting Out column for Barbados Today online. “So in order to see the players in action, we have to find

creative and innovative ways, thus having organised matches. “For example, Trinidad and Tobago had theirs already in May, June; Guyana started in June but rain intervened and they are scheduled to continue on July 12, 13 and 14; Jamaica completed theirs a couple weeks ago and Barbados has just started.” He continued: “In terms of the Leeward and Windward Islands, it is tough to logistically get the players together in light of COVID-19 challenges. “The players identified from the Leeward Islands played some competitive matches with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes who are preparing for regional tournaments. “As far as the Windward Islands are concerned, players involved from St. Lucia and Grenada took part in T10 and Under-19 competitions in those two islands. “We are looking at identifying new talent outside of the 44-member squad.” With only six months left until the global 16-team tournament bowls off on January 4 to February 5, 2022, Reifer has been ramping up prepara-

Floyd Reifer

tions, with a month-long camp already pencilled in next month in Antigua. He said a “science-based

programme” for players had been drafted and was already in operation, with other coaches throughout the region roped in

to help with its implementation. Further, Reifer said reports, data and videos on players were being shared via online technologies like Zoom, so active monitoring could take place on an ongoing basis. “Each territory is hosting internal games. What we are trying to do in the initial stages with 44 players, chosen from a depth chart, is to provide a holistic science-based programme, which includes technical work to improving skill-set, mental skills training, nutrition and strength and condition,” said Reifer, a former West Indies captain and senior West Indies men’s coach. “A programme was put in place by myself, Rohan Nurse and Jamal Smith (both qualified coaches). We were working on this comprehensive programme from the middle of last December and the full programme started at the end of January. “We had to identify coaches around the region to assist us in executing the programme to the young players across the region. “A strength and conditioning programme was also written by Gregory Seale, who is the lead strength and conditioning coach for the Under-19s. He also man-

ages the S&C component.” He added: “A lot of work is done remotely. Coaches submit videos regularly which myself, Rohan and Sir Curtly Ambrose analyse and assess and give feedback to the coaches and players. This also includes specific remedial drills for players. “We also work with our analyst, Avenesh Seeteram, who is from Trinidad & Tobago, in putting all of these videos into individual players’ files, so that we can track the progression of the players as the programme goes on. “All of the actual programmes are monitored by myself, Seale and Graeme West, who is the High Performance manager.” Four practice games will be staged during the upcoming camp after which the squad is expected to be trimmed to 25. West Indies won the 2016 edition of the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, failed to qualify for the second round two years later in New Zealand, before being eliminated in the quarter-finals of last year’s tournament in South Africa.

Mitchell duo undermines classy West Indies (ESPNCRICINFO) - A career-best night with both bat and ball from Mitchell Marsh ensured Australia got off the mark in the series as Mitchell Starc stymied Andre Russell at the death to clinch a four-run victory over West Indies. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Marsh propelled Australia to 189 for 6 with 75 off 44 balls, his third half-century in four innings this series. Defending the total, Marsh followed it up with 3 for 24 including a prized trio of scalps - Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons and stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran - to stunt momentum in the West Indies chase. Needing 11 off the final over and with Russell on strike, after Riley Meredith had been taken for four sixes by Fabian Allen in the 19th, Starc came around the stumps and bowled four leg stump yorkers that Russell could not get under to elevate and with only the tail left in at the non-striker's end - resulted in turned down singles on each occasion. On the fifth ball,

Russell flubbed a knee-high full toss well short of the rope at deep midwicket before a boundary on the final ball made a cosmetic adjustment to the final margin. It also meant Pooran's perfect record as captain to start the series was no more. Marsh continues hot batting form One of the few bright lights in this series for the visitors, Marsh has continued to impress in his audition for the No. 3 role ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. Entering in the second over after the fall of Matthew Wade, Marsh lit up the scoreboard with a Vine-esque loop of inside out lofted drives over extra cover. He brought up his third half-century of the series off just 24 balls with another such shot for six off Allen in the ninth over. Having dominated the early stages of his century partnership with Aaron Finch, who had been missed on 2 when an edge went between keeper and slip, rain disrupted Marsh's momentum when the players

were taken off the field shortly after Marsh's half-century at the end of the ninth over. When play resumed, Finch seized control of the stand to clatter five boundaries in the space of nine balls across the 10th and 11th overs to bring up his own 34-ball half-century, ending a run of bad form in the first three matches of the series. Hayden Walsh Jr sparks fightback with the ball By the time the innings finished, the Hayden Walsh Jr's series-leading wicket tally stood at 11 after adding another three to bring them back into the game. He dismissed Finch with a googly to break the Marsh partnership at 114 after the Australia captain missed a heave across the line. Walsh Jr put himself on a hat-trick when he took a straightforward return catch next ball after Alex Carey played through too early on a leg stump half-volley to produce a leading edge back to the bowler. He rounded off his haul a few overs later with perhaps his best work of the

night. Finding some turn with the legbreak, Ashton Turner overstretched prodding forward and Pooran made up for a sloppy fumble on a straightforward stumping two nights earlier to complete a sharp dismissal on this occasion. Marsh's bowling best thwarts West Indies victory charge Simmons got the chase off to a fiery reply alongside Evin Lewis as the pair added 62 off the first 28 balls. Simmons got momentum moving in the second over off Meredith with a six and two fours through the leg side

before Lewis had yet to face a ball. Lewis joined the party in the fourth over against Dan Christian by thumping two fours followed by two sixes over mid-on and backward square. After Lewis fell to an ambitious shot backing away to Adam Zampa in the fifth, Simmons continued his supreme touch, shuffling across his stumps to flick a pair of boundaries over fine leg off the medium pace of Meredith in the seventh over. A single to start the eighth brought up a 28-ball half-century before Marsh

struck for the first time, inducing a catch from Gayle to long-on. Simmons was still humming but Andre Fletcher and Pooran stuttered after arriving in the middle overs. After Zampa bowled Fletcher in the 11th, Marsh returned for a double-strike in a magnificent 16th over in which he conceded just one run. He removed Pooran for 16, caught skying to long-off, before Simmons pulled the next ball flat to Moises Henriques for a sterling catch sliding along the rope at deep midwicket for 72. Marsh's work with bat and ball on the night looked like it might go to waste at the end of the 19th when Allen smoked four sixes off the penultimate over bowled by Meredith. But Meredith struck back on the final ball getting Allen to edge a wide delivery behind leaving 11 for Russell to get off Starc in the last. In the end, vintage yorker accuracy from Starc allowed the visitors to prevail.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

Amazon Warriors, TKR to clash in CPL Opener on August 26

THE Guyana Amazon Warriors will face defending

In 2020, CPL was played behind closed gates at the

second half will be played in the United Arab Emirates

champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in

Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy, in

(UAE) in September – October.

the opening match of this year’s Hero Caribbean

Trinidad and Tobago.

The Hero CPL will now start on August 26 and finish

Premier League (CPL) which starts on Thursday,

Initially, this year’s tournament was to start August 28

on September 15, and this new schedule means the

August 26 at 10:00hrs.

and run until September 19, but in a release yesterday,

tournament will start two days after the second Test

All 33 matches in this ninth edition will be played at

the organisers confirmed that “following discussions

between West Indies and Pakistan in Jamaica.

Warner Park, St Kitts - the base for franchise St Kitts

between the Board of Control for Cricket in India

Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad: Nicholas Pooran,

and Nevis Patriots.

(BCCI), the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

Shoaib Malik, Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer,

All the matches are being held on the island due to the

and Cricket West Indies (CWI), the dates of this year’s

Mohammad Hafeez, Brandon King, Naveen-ul-

COVID-19 pandemic, but given the country’s extremely

tournament have been amended”.

Haq, Romario Shepherd, Waqar Salamkheil, Odean

low infection rate, only fully-vaccinated fans will be

Due to the COVID-19 crisis in India, this year’s IPL

Smith, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony

allowed entry to matches, according to the organisers.

was suspended at the halfway stage in early May and the

Bramble, Kevin Sinclair and Ashmead Nedd.

Gani’s half-century lifts Spartans to victory in ORSCA in Canada

Fazil Gani scored a half-century for Spartans.

Full fixtures of this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League

FORMER Essequibo youth player Fazil Gani struck an entertaining 84 for Spartans who beat Smashers by 29 runs on Sunday, to bowl off the 2021 Ontario Round-Arm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) 20-over competition in Canada. The right-handed Gani hit ten sixes and a four as his team tallied up a challenging 236-7 off their allotted overs. Smashers, in reply, reached 207-6 when the overs expired. Gani got useful support from hard-hitting middle-order batsman Rawl Scott who cleared the boundary on seven occasions in his flamboyant 57 and Morrison Edwards also chipped in with a tidy 31. Kassim Dhanraj grabbed 3-45 off his four overs, while support came from Jake Sukhu with 2-42 from four overs. When Smashers batted, Hassan Amzad made 27 as Gani returned with the ball to take 2-28 in his four-over spell. Raymond Sitaram supported with 2-36 off two overs. The competition is set to continue this Sunday with another set of matches across the Greater Toronto Area.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 15, 2021

BCB set to host 4 camps across Ancient County

THE Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) ongoing comprehensive developmental programme continues by hosting its upcoming four mini cricket academies for youths. These academies are set to be held in ancient county zones - West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. The venues would be the Hopetown, Rose Hall

Canje, Albion and Cut and Load Cricket grounds. Among the experienced coaches on hand to facilitate the camp are national coaches including Julian Moore, West Indies women’s player Tremayne Smartt, Winston Smith, Michael Hyles, Travis Hardcourt, Balram Samaroo, Anthony D’Andrade, Leslie Solomon who will oversee action at the academies, which are set to run off si-

multaneously. Meanwhile, West Berbice clinic is set to cater for 40 youths - New Amsterdam/ Canje 50, Lower Corentyne 50 and Upper Corentyne 40for a combined 180 youths. Also, each player will receive a copy of the historic BCB Coaching Manual. The four academies would be sponsored by overseas-based Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh.

CHRISTOPHER Henry Gayle had looked a shadow of himself in West Indies Twenty20 colours since his return for the series against Sr Lanka in March of this year. In nine innings, he averaged 12.75 and had the best score of 32* in his new role at number three, but on Monday evening against Australia, the ‘Universe Boss’ was back to bossing bowlers. He blazed to a matching and series-winning 67 off 38 balls, hammering seven maximums and four fours to give West Indies an unassailable lead in the five-match series in St Lucia. Everything looked different with Gayle. He used the crease to the spinners and was lethal to anything fractionally short by the faster men. He actually entered the crease the fourth ball in the chase of 142, after Andre Fletcher was dismissed, and in the next over, he smashed Josh Hazelwood for 18 (6,4, 4,4). It was the catapult and freedom he needed to rediscover the ‘Dark and Stormy’ character and West Indies reached their target in 14.5 overs. With two more matches this series and five more against Pakistan, along with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the second half of the Indian Premier League, (IPL) the 41-yearold and two-time World T20 winner, has set his sights on

attending this year’s World T20 to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 17 – November 14. “My main focus is the World Cup,” he said at Monday’s post-match. “Don’t mind the numbers, Chris Gayle not getting the runs, soon to be 42. You guys should be happy to see Chris Gayle on the field, still, hopefully, Chris will last as long as possible. “Cherish those moments; commentators, don’t put up stats about Chris Gayle not scoring a half-century. Just respect the Universe Boss, let him play cricket, and have some fun. Enjoy the moment with Chris Gayle, a strong West Indies team and some good youngsters.” The powerful left-hander who has now 14 038 T20 runs, scored his 14th T20I half-century, and it was his first Twenty20 International half-century since 2016 and the first score of 50 or more since 100* against England at the World T20 in 2016. “From a personal point of view, we all knew I was struggling with the bat and to be able to get some runs today is very pleasing but what was pleasing about getting these runs tonight was my teammates, especially (captain) Kieron Pollard. According to Gayle, there was a team meeting prior to the match, and Pollard “stand tall” and told Gayle where he stood in the team and wanted him to go and express himself.

“So, I’m very grateful for that pep talk because sometimes it doesn’t matter how great you are, you need a bit of a talk sometimes. I have to commend those senior guys; they played a fantastic part in what happened today. With this strength and unity, we’re playing some great allaround cricket and I’m really pleased to win this series.” The former captain added, “Looking back when I got back into the West Indies team versus Sri Lanka, I was trying to play a different role rather than play Chris Gayle himself, so, I was more on the team side, and I tried to adapt. I didn’t get the runs but what was important the guys rallied around me.”

One of the BCB training sessions

Back in form? ‘Universe Boss’ Gayle sets focus on World T20

Chris Gayle goes big against Australia on Monday. (AFP/Getty Images)

Mitchell duo undermines classy West Indies See page 25

Hayden Walsh Jr claimed another threewicket haul, West Indies vs Australia, 4th T20I, St Lucia, July 14, 2021

Lendl Simmons helped West Indies start their chase strongly, West Indies vs Australia, 4th T20I, St Lucia, July 14, 2021 © AFP

Amazon Warriors, TKR to clash in CPL Opener on August 26 See page 26

Guyana Amazon will meet nemesis and current defending Champions, Trinbago Knight Riders in the opening match of this year’s tournament in St. Kitts Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

| THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021