Issuu

WEDNESDAY 17 th March , 2021

’ No. 106303

$13.9B injection into housing sector PAGE

–– over 8,000 families to benefit, contractors get ‘green light’ to commence work

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, and a high-level team, on Tuesday, held fruitful discussions with the President of the People’s Republic of China (left), Xi Jinping. The high-level team included Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; and the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill (Office of the President photo)

First Lady raises $6M to fight Cheers! Canje 02 period triplets turn 13 poverty 09 PAGE

PAGE

Moves afoot to recover over $50M owed to 18 Region Two rice farmers PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Cheers! Canje triplets turn 13 By Jeune Bailey Van Keric THIRTEEN years ago they created history by being the first triplets to have been born at the New Amsterdam Hospital, at its current location. On Sunday last, they became teenagers, much to the joy of their caregiver, grandparents and other well-wishers. The girls have different personalities and intended career pathways. Their mother, Hameeeda Bacchus, died two years ago from health complications at age 43, while their father, a cane harvester, has been in and out of their lives. Ahmini, Ashwini, and Ashwani, who are fondly referred to as Jo-anna, Jennifer and Jessica, are currently attending the Canje Secondary School and are in Form Two. Joanna likes Integrated Science, Grammar and Social Studies and wants to become a teacher while Jessica, who loves Grammar and playing ‘hide and seek’ desires to be a banker. Jennifer has a fondness for Mathematics and would like to become an entrepreneur when she grows up. While the girls seem to be in the ‘pink of health’, their caregiver and adopted mother, Asha Persaud, said she is worried

as the girls are complaining of pains in the lower legs, a pattern which an older sister had experienced. Meanwhile, the triplets’ caregiver had been supporting their mother, (now deceased) since they were in the womb. Over the years, several persons had chipped in to assist the girls, materially, including the Government of Guyana, which was made possible through the intervention of former President, David Granger. But support after a while dwindled, except for a Mr Persaud, and the owner of Church View Hotel. The caregiver said that as the girls grew older, their demands increase, more so as they are in their secondary school years. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting face-to-face learning in the classroom, the girls have had to adapt to online learning and private tutorage so as to maintain high grades. They have credited Simone Dainty, Regional Literacy Officer, for her kind assistance. Meanwhile, on March 14, 2008, the three girls, each weighing two kilograms, were delivered shortly after 02:00hrs, five minutes after each other by Midwife Trovis Jonas. The triplets, along with their guardians-- Asha Persaud and Muneshwar Persaud-- who have been active in their lives since they were born A happy Jonas had told the Guyana Chronicle that it was her first delivery of multiple births and she was honoured to have ushered the young girls into the world. The delivery, she said, was free from complication; however, the girls were all birthed by their feet, having one placenta with three membranes.

The triplets’ mother, who was an only child and also an orphan, had related that the multiple births were revealed a few weeks before delivery following a computed tomography scan at a private institution. Hameeeda’s grandmother, who played the role of a mother to her, had delivered twins.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

$13.9B injection into housing sector

–– over 8,000 families to benefit; contractors get ‘green light’ to commence work

By Navendra Seoraj IN what is being described as one of the largest investments in the housing sector in one year, the government has injected some $13.9 billion into the development of new infrastructure, and the construction of houses, a project that will benefit over 8,000 families. Having already distributed over 3,800 house lots in a little over six months, the government, through this initiative, will be looking to further strengthen its foundation in the housing sector, by ensuring that the requisite infrastructure and even housing facilities are in place to facilitate adequate and comfortable accommodation. Access to adequate housing is viewed as a basic human right, and considered to be an integral factor for the enjoyment of other economic, social and cultural rights. And, with Guyana’s economy poised to quadruple in the coming years, the government has started establishing the conditions for Guyanese, especially from the low and middle-income brackets, to have access to adequate housing. In a disaggregation of the government’s latest investment in the housing sector, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said some $12 billion will go

towards new infrastructural works, while $1.8 billion will be utilised for the construction of houses. Those funds are being channelled directly through 199 contracts, which were awarded officially to contractors who received their signed agreements from the relevant authorities at a simple ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday. Some 51 contractors received their contracts to start the infrastructural works and the construction of 290 homes, 119 of which will be built in Cummings Lodge, on the East Coast Demerara (ECD), while 100 will be constructed at Prospect, on the East Bank Demerara (EBD). “The beneficiaries of the entire investment would be allottees, low, middle, moderate and high-income,” Minister Croal said. In his estimation, Guyanese stand to benefit more in this year alone than they did during the tenure of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)’s coalition administration. HOUSING DRIVE BACK ON TRACK “Today [Tuesday]’s investment represents more than what they did for that sector [housing] in the past five years…

We have wasted no time in doing all that we can after the mess left by the last government,” Minister Croal reasoned. This investment, he reminded his audience, is just the tip of the iceberg, as the government’s overarching plan over the next five years is to make 50,000 allocations, which include house lots and houses. And, just as the government is committed to making this promise a reality, Croal challenged the contractors to do their part by producing quality and timely work. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh also urged the contractors to produce quality work, since it is the quality of their work that will determine whether they progress from small to medium and large-scale projects. “I urge you to be diligent in implementing this work. We must not have to chase contractors down to complete work; it is also your responsibility to ensure that contracts are in line with specifications,’’ Dr. Singh said. IMMEDIATE MOBILISATION The expectation of the government is for there to be immediate mobilisation of resources, and the com-

mencement of the critical works. In executing the work, contractors will not only be contributing to the development of new and ‘beautiful’ housing schemes, but also to wider economic advancement through job creation and increased spending. “We need you to see yourselves as stakeholders in this process; you will not be executing a contract or working for the Ministry of Housing, but you’re working for the people of Guyana,” Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues said. She encouraged the contractors to view themselves as partners in the ministry’s efforts to deliver on their mandate to the people of Guyana. Already, measures such as the zero-rating of construction materials have been instituted to motivate greater home ownership, and create better conditions for economic advancement. Specific to facilitating and motivating greater home ownership, the government has increased the ceiling for low-income loans from $10 to $12 million. The ceiling at the New Building Society (NBS) has been increased to $15 million. The NBS has since committed itself to supporting the enhanced housing drive, and delivering finance to

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh (CH&PA photo) thousands of Guyanese who will benefit from the Government’s programmes. The Bank’s commitment, as said by its Chairman, Floyd McDonald, is justified by the reductions in mortgage interest, which will take effect from April 1, 2021. In outlining the specific reductions, McDonald said that the interest on loans up to $6 million will be four per cent per annum, instead

of 4.25 per cent, while loans above $6 million to $12 million will attract an interest rate of 5.95 per cent, compared to the previous 6.75 per cent. Additionally, loans above $12 million, up to $15 million, will attract a 6.25 per cent interest per annum. The reduction in interest rates will aggregately put into the pockets of mortgage holders some $100M per annum.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh (fifth right); Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (sixth right); and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues (sixth left) share a light moment with other officials of the Ministries of Housing and Finance and contractors who’d just received their contracts (CH&PA photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17 2021

Sheriff/Mandela expansion project 67% complete

Minister Indar assessing the work plans for the Sheriff/Mandela expansion project - (Adrian Narine Photo)

One stretch of the earthen drains that was highlighted to Minister Indar

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, has indicated that the Sherriff/ Mandela Road Expansion Project is 67% complete and is on target for a 2021 completion. This disclosure was made during a work inspection exercise on Tuesday. The Sheriff/Mandela project suffered a suspension after the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) halted funding in November 2019. This particular hiccup was a result of health and safety violations committed by the contractor, Sinohydro Corporation. Following the protracted March 2020 General and Regional Elections, the IDB was re-engaged by the new Irfaan Ali-led government, regarding several concerns, especially those pertaining to the environment. Once completed, improved road safety infrastructure, better-coordinated traffic movements, and adequate drainage along the road corridor and its surrounding communities, are expected. During the inspection

exercise, Minister Indar also hosted consultation sessions with representatives from the companies that operate along the Back Road section of Mandela. Issues regarding the completion of the project were raised. Banks DIH Limited, Edward B Beharry & Co Ltd, Citizens Bank, and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), were some of the companies consulted. One of the major issues raised was that several sections of the drain that line the front of these businesses remained in an earthen state much unlike the concrete drains that are slated to be constructed under the expansion project. Minister Indar highlighted that having earthen drains could have a negative impact on the road after construction. “The complaint at some of the businesses is that some sections will have an earthen drain and it can have an impact on the shoulder of the road since it’s a highway that we are building, so having an earthen drain poses a sort of an issue but we are cognizant of that. Additionally, we are do-

ing infrastructural work to develop the country and if you’re having everywhere else with concrete and then you have a 400 metre stretch of an earthen drain it does look a little off,” said Minister Indar. Further, he disclosed that the contractors were not clear on if they had permission to make one of the sections of the earthen drains concrete, but have since received clarity. He stated that Beharry and Citizens Bank shared similar concerns regarding how their trucks would work following the completion of the project. “At Beharry they have an issue with how their trucks are going to turn to traffic because they have trucks coming in and going out. They have a manufacturing facility there so we had to go and address that; we had to get back to them about that. We haven’t made any decision yet on that and we have to go back to the drawing board. It involves cost so we have to look at that,” the minister added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Women in ministerial posts vastly outnumbered by men

―regionally, below 30 per cent of ministerial portfolios are held by women, Minister Persaud tells UN forum WHILE women in the region occupy more ministerial posts today, they are still very much outnumbered by men, said Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who noted that on average, less than 30 per cent of ministerial portfolios are held by women. Dr. Persaud made the observation while representing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65). Known to be the United Nations’ largest gathering to address issues of women’s rights, the two-week virtual activity attracted members of global civil society organisations, gender experts, and other international actors, including United States’ Vice-President, Kamala Harris. The forum aims to build consensus and agree on a roadmap to advance gender equality, with the focus this year on the theme, “Women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.” M i n i s t e r P e r s a u d ’s 11-minute message to the UN, reflected on CARICOM’s perspective and focused extensively on women’s participation in leadership and decision-making; implementation of gender quotas in politics; the elimination of violence against women and girls and the ongoing commitment to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. “The annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women provides us with an opportunity to review progress made in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and renew our shared commitments to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls,” Dr. Persaud told the meeting. She said that as the world enters into its decade of action to deliver the sustainable development goals, it is imperative that introspection is followed by action. “It is a travesty that 25 years after Beijing, no country has achieved gender parity. This year’s theme of ‘Women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of

violence’ is timely. Both elements are critical to achieving gender equality and the sustainable development goals,” Dr. Persaud said. She emphasised the fact that women continue to play essential roles in the socio-economic and political development of the CARICOM region, and can be found in leadership positions in every sphere of influence including politics, public services, business, and in civil society. “There is, however, still much work to be done,” the minister posited. Dr. Persaud proceeded to reference the UN Secretary General’s 2020 report which highlights that worldwide, women are still underrepresented in public life, and decision-making, with less than seven per cent of Heads of State being women. The minister said that while the proportion of women in Parliament has doubled globally, since 1995, men still hold 75 per cent of seats. DEPENDABLE PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT “While not present in large numbers, historically, women in the Caribbean Community have been actively involved in politics and have made important contributions to the legislative agendas in their respective countries. They have established themselves as dependable partners in the development process and play a crucial role in promoting sustained and inclusive economic growth and in poverty eradication,” Dr. Persaud noted. She added that women continue to be influential through their involvement in civil society, women’s organisations, as well as in other civic engagement, including academia. Through these channels, women have been vocal in advancing the human rights of women and girls and advocating for legislative and policy changes. “There must be an enabling environment for women to achieve full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, with men as equal partners. In this regard, we emphasise the importance of the family and the need for there to be shared responsibilities and a home environment that gives equal opportunities to boys and girls and that is free from violence. Childcare, education, healthcare, and robust social protection services are essential parts of this equation,” Dr. Persaud asserted.

COMMITMENT TOWARDS EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT She also emphasised CARICOM’s commitment towards the education and empowerment of women and girls. “Women and girls are encouraged to pursue their ambitions, and their achievements are celebrated,” Dr. Persaud said. She however, lamented the fact that while women in the region are more likely than men to have a tertiary education, this does not always translate into higher earnings. “Despite higher access to, and performance in, secondary and tertiary education, they tend to have lower level and lower paying jobs and dedicates three times more time to unpaid work than men. In all countries of the region, the employment rate is lower for women. Though, it should be noted that recent statistics show that women are more likely than men to be employed by government,” Dr. Persaud posited. She acknowledged the

fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened gender inequalities and increased poverty among global populations, with women being disproportionately affected by unemployment and other COVID-related restrictions

schooling disrupted. Those living in poverty and in rural and indigenous communities are at particular risk of being left behind,” Minister Persaud added. She noted too that in addition to COVID-19, the continuing

Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during her presentation to the UN meeting on Tuesday

which have dramatically increased the unpaid care and domestic burdens of women and girls, reflective of an entrenched gender division of labour. Violence against women and girls has escalated and

impacts of climate change provide serious challenges and setbacks for our region with women and girls being among the most affected populations. “Amidst all of this, our women have shown im-

mense fortitude and leadership, contributing in numerous ways towards COVID response and recovery efforts, on the frontline as healthcare and essential workers and community organisers, as well as some of the most effective national leaders in combating the pandemic,” Dr. Persaud indicated. She added, “We continue to seek support from our developmental partners for building our capacity to collect credible data and information based on which evidence-based policies and action plans can be developed.” In bringing the curtain down on her presentation to the UN, Dr. Persaud stressed on the importance of consistent global advocacy in ensuring that barriers limiting women’s full and effective participation in public life are demolished, paving the way for dynamic and successive generations of female leaders across continents.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Politicising society

PUNDITS and commentators and influential voices across this country tend to paint and position the society within rather narrow confines, either lumping everything into ethnic conflict and racial stereotypes, or politicising all and sundry, or blaming this or that on some party or group of people. So citizens are on this constant thread mill on the public stage oscillating between opinions around race and politics and dealing with that dogged, unproductive scapegoating phenomenon. How could Guyanese come together in oneness to cultivate a positive, creative, energetic social space? Definitely not with the old way of doing things. The society could do with some young, fresh, open voices on the national stage who see the world not through the old lenses of politics, ethnicity, and the themvs-us mindset, but through the new way of cooperation, visionary thinking, and following the exemplary leadership of the young President Ali. Just about every day somebody pens a letter in a national newspaper either raising an issue of racialism and ethnic conflict, or politicising some aspect of the society. In the media, all too often, folks show up on TV screens and in newspaper pages propagating these views, built around race or politics. As a society, Guyanese need to cultivate public discourses that go beyond such narrow confines. Whether it is the oil and gas sector, the public service, the sugar industry, the

national budget, people should be discussing issues of general human welfare and of common concerns, rather than seeing politics at the centre of it all. It is time for the Guyanese nation to lift its public way of being, to start seeing the future ahead, and to embrace the exciting new direction of the country, including realising that the government, freely and fairly elected, is not out to get anybody, but is committed to good governance, fairness and justice, and to build a visionary playing field for every Guyanese to join the development bandwagon. One of the pervasive things about Guyana, over its history, is the politicising of every aspect of the society. If things go right, the Opposition either stays silent, or finds some scant reason to criticise the government, and if things go wrong, everybody blames the government. So, a sort of schism is ever present, with government supporters aligning with one side, and Opposition adherents aligning with the other How could the society change this way of being? Clearly, the onus is on Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, and President Ali to come up with a workable formula whereby both sides of the National Assembly would cooperate, without compromising foundation values like democracy, accountability, and the ability of government to carry out its projects with full support. Although this solution seems like a political answer to the problem of how the society discusses national issues,

it would set the tone for the rest of the country to follow a line of cooperation, goodwill, mutual trust, and always to seek understanding rather than foster misunderstanding and misconceptions about the other. In the US, the world’s epitome of democracy, President Biden is showing how to achieve ground- breaking results, with a strong diplomatic reaching-out to the Republican side of the House and Senate. Despite serious acrimony and strife and differences of approach to how to solve America’s problems, both sides post-Trump are starting to make tentative steps to cooperate and work together. Here in Guyana, as the nation stands on the doorstep of becoming a world class country, and with the real possibility that Guyanese could carve out an important international role as an oil and gas producing country, with the simultaneous goodwill of being a net-clean climate generator, it is time to lift the national platform to a place where people discuss universal ideas, concepts around the humanity of this country, and how to tap into the full gamut of what is possible for the nation. Gone are the days when Guyanese had to get caught up in politics to right wrongs, like as happened when, for 28 years, there were no free and fair elections, or when the Coalition refused to honour the No-Confidence Motion. In those times, the society would want to

become political, to restore the integrity of the democratic process. However, when the democratic fabric is well oiled and running smoothly, the society needs to move on to bigger, deeper, greater things. And it all starts with what the nation is talking about, what media houses underline and emphasise in their setting out of the national conversation, and what talking points and guidance the influential voices in the land give to the ordinary people of the street as they ponder national affairs. Constantly awakening people to race and ethnicity and the politicising of the society accomplishes nothing of value and worth in the lives of ordinary citizens. What are Guyanese talking about in the markets and the public spaces? All too often they resort to politics, ethnic gossip, and the blame game. This takes away from the energy, confidence, and motivation of citizens to contribute their full human resource capital to the national well-being. Guyanese must establish a national platform to raise the consciousness of the people from mere politics and racial stuff, to think and talk and see their country with clearer lenses, caring more about the humanity of the land than seeing the old specks of tainted political and racial views. The new generation sees things differently, and they must be encouraged to start voicing their opinions on the national stage.

The people now feel a sense of belonging Dear Editor, THE Honorable Zulfikar Mustapha, without an iota of doubt, has proven to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora, to be the finest Agriculture Minister this country has ever seen. Without any respite this man moved unfalteringly and interminably from one community to the next, spending hours and painstakingly and diligently sifting through the issues affecting the farmers and residents and resolving many of these on the spot. He demonstrated this again at the Rose Hall Estate Welfare Ground just a mere two weeks after he did the same at the Albion Sports Complex Ground. This minister makes ‘bringing the Government to the people’ a reality. This is not mere politicking as was done by the coalition in its ‘knock off’ outreaches which broke the

backs of the already impoverished taxpayers. The Coalitions’ outreaches were marked by extravagant and lavish spending on food and drinks for the huge entourages which did absolutely nothing to alleviate the sufferings of the masses. In comparison, the PPP/C’s outreaches would make a beggar scoff. It was pure business, no pleasure! The PPP/C ministers are earning every cent of their salaries! Another noteworthy characteristic of the Agriculture Minister is the personal intensity and commitment in which he addressed each and every single issue. No problem was too big or any too small and he applied the same zeal to each and every one. This was not lost to all those hundreds of residents present at the outreach at Rose Hall Estate Welfare Ground. The resolution of problems lasted for long three hours and as each frustrated resident concluded their business it was clear that there was a sense of satisfaction and re-

lief which reflected and emanated from their demeanors. Their faces literally lit. They no longer felt damned, abused and neglected as they did under the Coalition’s self-centred maladministration. The residents gave vent to their feelings in an unrestrained manner and the minister dealt with each one on its merit. His team was up to the challenge as well. In the end they exuded a sense of belonging and the creation of strong bond with the subject minister and his government was born. It must be recalled that Canje and the surrounding communities were catapulted into a depressed area when the Coalition mercilessly guillotined Rose Hall Estate. In fact, the poverty level rose by some 60 per cent as the socio-economic foundation quickly crumbled. However, the minister re-energised the people when he again reiterated the government’s commitment

to accelerate momentum of the reopening process and ensure that not only the continuous employment of severed workers but that sugar will be produced next year, 2022. The glorious days of Rose Hall will be back. This was met with a loud applause from all present, which included the CEO, Mr. Sasenarine Singh and Estate Manager, Mr. Aaron Dukhia and his Departmental Managers from Rose Hall Estate. At the conclusion, the minister made a strong resolution that these outreaches are just the beginning and these will be duplicated and magnified to every region of Guyana and then the cycle will start all over again. Guyanese can be assured that this government will not operate in a cocoon but live and breathe with the people. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Mortimer George should be congratulated for his excellent work I AM bewildered with the remarkable progress of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) during the past four years in terms of competitions, under 15, under 17, under 19 and seniors as well as the coaching sessions in fielding, bowling and batting due to the wide sponsorship of past and present cricketers as well as overseas based Berbicians. The BCB under the leadership of Hilbert Foster has achieved so much while the restructured Guyana Cricket Board is engrossed in power struggle which has engaged the intervention of the courts.

One issue went as far as the Guyana Court of Appeal and a few months ago an Ombudsman has been appointed, and what is disturbing is that elections have not been held for several years. What a shame. I will not say more on that issue. I will focus this article on the remarkable work of a former Secretary, Mortimer George, who has written five books and a magazine highlighting the progress of the 82-yearold BCB. George, despite his setback, with the assistance of his beloved wife and son, Sheldon George, who has a

Ph.D and is a Professor at the Boston University, was able to produce these publications which are very informative. Mortimer, an Inspector of Police, who retired while he was acting as Assistant Superintendent in June 1983, is now legally blind and is very determined to share his knowledge using visual aids. The latest book ‘80 years of Berbice Cricket - Simply the Best’, highlights the history of cricket and traced back the formation of the BCB and its wonderful achievements in producing 17 Test cricketers starting with John Trim in 1948 up to Shimron Hetmey-

er in April 2017 and stated that in 1957 and 1958, a cricket phenomenon occurred when within a period of 19 months, five cricketers - four from Port Mourant on the Corentyne, emerged as test players: Rohan Kanhai, Van Madray, Basil Butcher and Joe Solomon. Lance Gibbs was the fifth and he is from Georgetown. Roy Fredericks from Blairmont, Alvin Kallicharran later went on board. The books list the names of Berbice captains, highlighting the longest serving captains in Romain Rtwaroo nine years, Joe Solomon six years, Clayton Lambert five and

Roy Fredericks four years, and highlights the remarkable achievements of both batsmen and bowlers. Reference was made to Alvin Kalicharran and Leonard Baichan scoring centuries in their first test appearance and Baichan scoring a double century and a century in a match. An alltime West Indies team was also named in the publication and referred to a Berbice Hall of Fame for cricketers and administrators. I served as Secretary many moons ago and the publication stated I was the youngest secretary. Space does not permit me to refer to more highlights,

but what I can say, my friend Mortimer had a lot patience and determination to put out these publications which set out in detail, individual scores, record partnerships, bowling averages etc…. These books are available at Austin Book Store, Church Streets, Georgetown; Berbice Cricket Board Office in New Amsterdam, and on lone. www.lulu.com Mortimer George should be congratulated for his excellent work despite his unfortunate setback. Yours sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Women in Business'expo' opens virtually today THE Women in Business Expo 2020 will be held virtually today via a Facebook live stream. The event, which originally started in 2016, has been the launch-pad for many small businesses in Guyana. It is hosted annually by the Sonia Noel Foundations for Creative Arts (SNFCA) in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development. According to Noel, this year’s two-day event will be a virtual one that will be live streamed on Facebook on the Sonia Noel Foundation and the Women across Borders Facebook page on March, 17 and 18. She added that despite the change in scenery, the event will not be short of promotions and prizes. A variety of businesses that provide goods and services such as catering, craft, decor services clothing, beauty services, hospital-

ity service and spa, among others will be featured. “When I look at the lives that were transformed as a result of these programmes that I am associated with, I know I am fulfilling purpose and I give God the Glory because without him none of this would have been possible.” Noel said. Melba La Gaude, who has been with the expo from day one, shared her experience. “Registering for Women in Business Expo in 2016 was the best decision I have ever made. I had the opportunity to come out of the box that I was in and develop myself and business. This was life-changing for me and I am thankful to Sonia Noel for providing the access to local and international markets for us.” For more information call 684 8128 or email. Soniaenoel@gmail.com

Sonia Noel, along with a few exhibitors, during last year’s Women in Business Expo

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

First Lady raises $6M to fight period poverty THE First Lady’s mission to end period poverty in Guyana has commenced. On Sunday last, Her Excellency, Arya Ali, hosted a fundraising event titled, ‘Chari-tea’. The elegant tea party, held at State House in Georgetown, was well received and sought to raise $6 million that will go directly towards making sanitary pads freely accessible to women and girls throughout Guyana. More specifically, the donations made on Sunday will be used to purchase sanitary products which will be distributed to school-aged girls in the hinterland, according to a statement from the Office of the First Lady. Mrs. Ali had announced the launch of the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative in January, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle. The first activity was attended by ministers of government, members of the diplomatic corps, along with leading members of the private sector. It was explained that due to the magnitude of the mission of eliminate period poverty, the First Lady has decided that project will be rolled out in phases, beginning with the provision of sanitary pads to the most vulnerable. “The gravity of this problem was highlighted in a casual conversation I had with a stranger who pointed out that girls were forced to skip school routinely, and in some instances drop out permanently, because they could not afford sanitary products,” Mrs. Ali told the donors at Sunday’s event. She emphasised that “This is unacceptable,” and that “No girl should be placed in a situation in which she is forced to [be] absent from or quit school because of her inability to afford sanitary products.” She noted that period poverty deprives girls of the very education which they need to grasp economic and other opportunities, while highlighting

that it can result in harmful psychological effects such as impaired cognitive skills and social isolation.

plauded and expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady for beginning what she hopes will be a national conversation

First Lady Arya Ali

To bring an end to this undesirable plight, the First Lady believes that there must first be an end to the denial of period poverty, after which conversations around women’s health must be normalised, even in spaces occupied only by men. A CONCERN FOR ALL “We must also disabuse ourselves of the idea that menstruation is exclusively a female concern. It is not. It is a concern for all because when girls are deprived of education and economic opportunities as a result of period poverty, it is the entire society which is affected, not just women,” she said. She said that everyone – civil society, government, and the private sector – has a responsibility to ensure every single woman and girl benefit from safe and hygienic menstrual products and the dignity that this affords. As such, she lauded the efforts of the attendees who would have contributed financially, and challenged them to also raise their voices to end the stigma associated with menstruation. Also speaking at the event was Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who ap-

with effective solutions. According to the statement issued on Tuesday, Minister Manickchand has been work-

ing closely with the Office of the First Lady to have the sanitary pads distributed to girls via the public schools.

strual health. Once the distribution of free pads commences, Guyana could possibly become the

Some of the Government Members of Parliament who supported the initiative

She also reflected on the taboo nature of the conversation in and around period and men-

second country in the world to eliminate “period poverty”. Last year, Scotland became

the first to provide free sanitary products to women and girls in the country. For centuries, “period poverty” has forced women in all parts of the world to use a series of unhygienic substitutes for tampons and pads, stemming from rags and old cloths, to even socks. Sunday’s fundraiser was sponsored by a number of private sector companies including DeSinco Trading, Muneshwers Limited, Impressions Branding, The Wine Vault, Reminiscence Guyana, Star Party Rentals, New Thriving Restaurant, NAJAB’s Trading, Hard Rock, Kirk Noel, Gaitri Byropersaud, RS53 Restaurant, Leanne Cakes, Tootie Fruity, Oasis Café, Fab Cakes and Cupcakes, Beauty Blossoms, Kurt Campbell, and Rhea Austin.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Michael Leonard Guyanese/American rapper SAINt JHN shines at Grammy awards walks from AFC GUYANESE-born singer, rapper, Carlos St. John Phillips, better known by his stage name, SAINt JHN, copped not one, but two wins at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards held Sunday night. The artiste’s popular hit song “Roses – Imanbek Remix” claimed the award for Best Remixed Recording, while his “Brown Skin Girl” collaboration with Beyoncé, Wizkid and Blue Ivy Carter from The Lion King: The Gift Album secured Best Music Video landing him the two wins. Phillips, who reacted on twitter said, “Two songs I wrote won Grammys today

in real life,” he wrote to his 80,000 followers. “Imagine not believing in me a year ago.” The 3x-platinum, “Roses – Imanbek Remix,” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2020 and soared to No. 1 in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The song also has over a billion Spotify streams, with its music video boasting 145 million views on YouTube. The artist, who was recently interviewed on local radio station, 94.1 Boom FM during a visit to Guyana mid-last year, said his home played a major part of his life story and who he

Guyanese/American rapper, songwriter and producer, Carlos St. John, popularly known by his stylised artist name ‘SAINt JHN is today. He said that during his younger years, he was bouncing between Brooklyn, New York and Dennis Street, Campbellville, in

Georgetown, having much exposure to two different worlds. The 33-year-old artist said that Guyana helped him get to where he is. “This is part of my story. If I was a kid, and I was 12 years old, I wouldn’t have known that it was possible. But I promise you, the next 12-year-old kid, now they know it is possible. Now they know they have a personal example of how it could happen,” the artist said during the interview.

MICHAEL Leonard has resigned from being a member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), the second largest party in the main parliamentary opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC). Leonard has served as the Chairman of the AFC’s Georgetown Chapter, as well as a Councillor at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). His resignation, submitted on Tuesday, is just one of the latest such notices that the AFC has been faced with. Leonard has said publicly that his decision to walk away from the AFC was taken after careful consideration and assessment. Leonard noted that he is quite pleased to have been able to contribute to the AFC, especially having worked assiduously with regard to raising awareness on Local Government Elections here in Guyana. The young politician said that his resignation signals his official exit from the political spotlight. In recent times, the AFC has been faced with a number of resignations. It was only last month that Joel Edmond, the husband of Opposition ‘Coalition’ Member of Parliament, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, also

Michael Leonard resigned from the party. In his resignation letter addressed to the AFC’s embattled General Secretary, David Patterson, Edmond indicated that he was completely withdrawing his support from the AFC party. “Hence, by further extension, my total disassociation from the APNU+AFC,” he posited. Unlike Leonard, Edmond said his resignation is not the end of his political career. “I intend to continue the fight for the true sense of democracy in Guyana,” the AFC Executive maintained. Additionally, Reynard Ward, a former ‘Coalition’ Member of Parliament, also resigned from the party, saying that the APNU+AFC represented “a broken, abusive and one-sided relationship”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Prime Minister: Guyana committed to peace and unity

PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips said his Government remains committed to promoting peace and unity at home among its diverse population and at the international level. The Prime Minister made these comments while delivering virtual remarks on the occasion of the fifth commemoration of the Heavenly Culture,

World Peace, Restoration of Light’s (HWPL), Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War. “Guyana has always embraced a spirit of peace … everything that we do must be done with the ultimate goal of promoting unity, cooperation, and an overall culture of peace, particularly when it comes to sensitive areas such as politics, religion and eco-

nomics,” he said. The Prime Minister said that the claims by Venezuela over Guyana’s territory have tested the relationship between the two countries, but that Guyana remains committed to the best practice of peace. “Guyana has become home to many Venezuelans in the recent past as a result of that country’s

ongoing economic and political state, and even as we welcome those nationals to our land, we continually hope that a peaceful end to this dispute can be achieved,” he said. Prime Minister Phillips noted that wars and conflicts create an atmosphere of uncertainty, which affect generations of people and constrain growth and development. “Today’s world is wrought with major global issues that create conflicts which bring about gross uncertainty concerning cooperation among countries…. We continue to see territories fight against each other based on historical practices -- following in the footsteps of forefathers, who, at the

time, had fewer opportunities, advancements and information than we do today,” the Prime Minister said. With regard to Guyana’s internal affairs, the Prime Minister said that peaceful relations is an integral part of the social construct of the Guyanese society and that the country takes pride in its diversity. “We take pride in our racial and cultural diversity; we revel in our differences while using those differences to share experiences with each other. It is these practices that allow us to always be lauded for our hospitality by visitors far and wide,” he said. HWPL is an interna-

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips tional non-governmental peace organisation, which has special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. It is associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Multimillion-dollar investments set to transform Batooba

THE logging community of Batooba, Demerara River is set to see major transformation over the coming months through investments by the government. The community has already received a $10 million grant from the government for development works. With support from the Ministry of Public Works, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is working on an access road from Linden to the riverine community. RDC Councillor, Dexter Harding, informed residents of the ongoing developments during a visit to the area by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, on Friday. “We have equipment on the ground and we are working. Sooner or later, you can have your cars and pick up and drive to Linden, central Mackenzie.” Completed works include repairs to two schools, along with health centres and

bridges across the region. “Things are happening,” Harding said. “This year, close to $400 billion will be put into the lives and hands of Guyanese. So just show some patience and I know that by mid-year you will feel the effects of the money that have been put forward,” he told residents. Another community leader said the residents have already started to see the promises of the administration being realised, and for that, they are thankful. “We have already benefitted from our $4,000 school children voucher. We have already benefitted from the $25,000 COVID-cash grant relief. We have also recently benefitted from the $10 million grant. We are expecting our $15,000 per child soon and we would like to say thank you to the government for taking care of us,” the community leader said. Meanwhile, Minister Todd noted a number of

the other issues raised by residents. He committed to addressing a request by pensioners for a service boat to transport them to uplift their pension in Linden. Residents also raised challenges with accessing tags (permits for loggers), with several saying they had been side-lined for years. “The matter with the tags, this is not only a commitment that I am making, but a commitment that was made by the President himself, so rest assured that that will be resolved,” Minister Todd said. The minister also noted calls for a secondary school. However, he explained that the government is following an international model for the establishment of secondary schools. This, he noted, requires a population of at least 250 students in a community, before a school could be established. He said the community’s small population might

The riverine community of Batooba, on the Demerara River (DPI photo) be the reason the area is without a school, but noted that the government would

use the oil revenues to help reduce the burden of transportation costs on parents

whose children attend secondary school outside of the community. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

$35M ‘one stop shop’ diabetes care facility coming –– cancer control and cardiovascular programmes being developed

By Richard Bhainie A number of programmes are expected to be rolled out this year and over the course of the next five years to address chronic diseases in Guyana; namely a ‘one stop shop’ facility to cater for the needs of

diabetic patients, a cancer control programme and cardiovascular programme. During his daily COVID-19 update on Tuesday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, noted that the Ministry of Health has put together a team under

the Ministry’s Chronic Disease Department to develop a programme to address chronic illnesses in the country. He noted that the intention of the programme is to change the current landscape pertaining to chronic diseases in Guyana, and the ministry has

already identified specific areas of focus based on the prevalence of some chronic diseases to work with. A feature component of the programme being developed would include establishing a ‘one stop shop’ facility to address the various needs of di-

abetic patients, and to provide the requisite services pertaining to diabetic care. Dr. Anthony noted that $35 million was budgeted for in the 2021 Budget to build the facility which would house doctors, laboratories, personnel to offer nutritional advice to persons who are diabetic and personnel to conduct eye screening and to evaluate the feet of diabetic patients. He explained that currently, the healthcare system in Guyana, which comprises health centres, district hospitals and regional hospitals is capable of providing care for diabetic patients and other persons with chronic diseases; however, the care is often distributed on a fragmented basis and the ‘one stop shop’ initiative would address this. “So when you come to this centre so to speak, all these services would be available to you, and we think by doing that we will prevent the fragmented care that is sometimes obtained and we will probably be able to manage our diabetic patients much better,” Dr. Anthony noted. The Health Minister noted that similar initiatives have been implemented worldwide and he recently had discussions with a centre in Haiti which has been utilising the initiative for the last 10 years. “So, it’s not a new concept, it’s just that it probably would be new to Guyana. So we are confident that once we implement this programme that we should see the improvement in diabetic care; so that’s one of the chronic diseases we want to look at,” he noted. Diabetes is not the only chronic disease

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony being targeted by the Ministry of Health, as a specific Cancer Control Programme is also currently being developed by the ministry with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Dr. Anthony explained that as part of the Cancer Control Programme, there are a number of sub-components addressing the more prevalent areas of cancers, for example, prostate cancer in men and breast and cervical cancer in women. “In each of these areas or diseases, we want to come up with sub-programmes that would really address it in more detail and, hopefully, we can prevent many of these cancers from occurring and, therefore, lower the prevalence of these cancers in Guyana,” he said. There will also be a focus on cardiovascular disease, with the ministry seeking to implement the HEARTS initiative, spearheaded by the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization, which aims to reduce some of the risk factors to cardiovascular diseases. “This includes reduction of sugar consumption, trans-fats and all those other risks factors that can help to promote cardiovascular diseases. So we believe if we reduce those risk factors, then people would live longer, healthier lives and that’s a programme that would be introduced this year,” Dr. Anthony noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

60 US companies interested in investing in Guyana OVER 60 US companies, interested in investing in Guyana, attended a webinar titled “Oil and Gas Opportunities in Guyana,” hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and the U.S Embassy in Guyana. In her opening remarks, Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, highlighted that Guyana has procedures and institutions in place to assist foreign businesses establish operations. Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, delivered the keynote address, and was joined by Go-Invest

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; AmCham Guyana, Chairman, Zulfikar Ally; Shyam Nokta of the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association; Natasha Gaskin-Peter of the Centre for Local Business Development; and Sean Hill, General Manager of Guyana Shorebase Incorporated. The ambassador emphasised Guyana’s immense commercial opportunities, the importance of connecting with the US commercial service and the US Embassy’s Commercial Section, and the role of Guyana’s business

Epileptic security guard found dead THE body of Troy Wiggins, 46, of Lot 490 Kisskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who suffered from epilepsy for the past 20 years was found, on Tuesday, lying motionless, face down, under a shed in ‘Drum Yard’ in David Street Kitty, police have confirmed. Police, acting on information, visited the scene and found Wiggins clad in a blue long jeans, a black and green long sleeve jacket, a gray jersey and black socks. The body was examined but no marks of violence were seen and no foul play was suspected. Wiggins was a security guard at Dead: Troy Wiggins the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police said that investigations revealed that Wiggins was suffering from epilepsy. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the body is currently at the Lyken Newburg Funeral Home, awaiting autopsy.

support organisations in facilitating foreign direct investments.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, during the webinar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Weapons, drugs, alcohol seized in Lusignan Prison raid GUYANA Police Force and Guyana Prison Service ranks, onTuesday morning, conducted a search at Lusignan Prison where a number of prohibited items were discovered. The joint prison search was conducted between 06:00hrs and 08:15hrs in the holding cells. Among the items seized were 34 im-

provised weapons, five cellular phones, six lighters, four pieces of broken mirror, three cellular phone chargers, three earpieces, three SIM cards (two Digicel and one GTT), a bottle fermented wine, and seven bottles of oil. The seized items, as well as a quantity of suspected cannabis which weighted 34 grammes, were later taken to the Vigilance Police Station and lodged.

The seized items unearthed during the prison raid

Prison escapee captured while stealing on chicken farm A LUSIGNAN prisoner who escaped last November was on Tuesday morning nabbed by residents of Ruby, East Bank Essequibo while stealing from a chicken farm in the area. Police said Phillip Jhagroo, 48, called “Tanky”, had escaped on November 21, 2020 while he was housed at the Georgetown Prison “B” (Holding Bay). He will be charged, criminally, for escaping from lawful custody. Jhagroo, along with Mark EmmanCAPTURED: uel, 18, and Donald Philip Jhagroo Baird, 40, escaped from the Lusignan Prison on November 21, 2020 by using a bedsheet as a rope. Jhagroo was charged with the murder of Mark Narine, known as “Marco”, between March 3031, 2019 at School Dam, Richmond Hill, Leguan. Reports indicate that Narine and Jhagroo were friends, and were drinking together when an argument erupted between them. Narine reportedly left the drinking spot, and as he was riding his motorcycle along School Dam, he was lashed off the ‘bike’ by Jhagroo, who allegedly threw him into a nearby trench. The next day, Narine’s lifeless body was discovered in the trench. An autopsy confirmed that Narine died from drowning, but he had wounds to his head consistent with being hit with an object.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Moves afoot to recover over $50M owed to Region Two rice farmers –– Minister Mustapha says during meeting at Cotton Field By Indrawattie Natram AFTER being informed that millers have accumulated over $50M in outstanding payments owed to farmers, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has assured the affected Region Two rice farmers that efforts are being made to ensure they get their money. This matter was among several raised during a meeting held at the Cotton

Mustapha reminded that rice is not a private business but rather it is the government’s business. In this regard, he informed the farmers that the ministry is currently working to implement short term measures to address the issue of delayed payments. During the meeting, it was revealed that over $50 million are owed to the farmers. The Guyana Chronicle had previously reported that outstanding

Regional Democratic Council (RDC), agreed to write to Minister Mustapha seeking his intervention. The famers, during the discourse with the minister, raised several other issues including paddy-bug infestations, grading of paddy, paddy price and the lack of proper infrastructure leading to farmlands. Rice farmer, Kaydar Persaud, said that farmers are currently dissatisfied with the current prices be-

Rice farmers engaging Minister Mustapha at the end of the meeting

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha distributing bottles of chemical to farmers Field Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. The minister subsequently met with the region’s millers at Anna Regina, where he announced a 35% reduction in ferry freight for paddy transport. In his address to scores of rice farmers, Minister

payments were for paddy supplied to millers over a five-year period. Wazir Hussain Rice Mill and the Ramlakhan Rice Mill are among those who, allegedly, owe money. This issue was raised with regional officials who, at a recent meeting of the

Rice farmer, Kaydar Persaud, making a point during the meeting.

ing offered. He also lamented that the grading systems at the mills are unfair and often millers are graded harshly with a high dockage. He, therefore, called for a review of the system. Rice farmers also called for financial assistance to return to their fields after experiencing severe flooding last month. They have also requested that the minister and his team visit more often, especially at the beginning of the rice crop. They also requested more drainage, especially in the West Bury and Cozier areas. In addressing the pricing for paddy in the region, Minister Mustapha said that he is hoping that the reduction of the ferry freight will trickle down to the rice farmers so that they can get better prices. He said the reduced freight price will mean more savings for millers who can, in turn, offer farmers better prices. The reduction applies only to the use of the Good

Hope ferry which plies the Good Hope to Parika route. Millers of Wakenaam and Leguan are already benefiting from a similar arrangement. Meanwhile, as it relates to the grading of the paddy, Minister Mustapha informed that officials from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) are working to address that issue. More graders will be dispatched to mills along the Essequibo Coast to represent the farmers. At the moment, there are only six official GRDB graders in place at six mills. Four mills are without graders. Minister Mustapha informed that GRDB will place graders at these mills to overlook the grading process. “To avoid distrust in the system, I am asking you the farmers to select farmers’ representatives at each mill and the ministry will pay them so that

they will overlook the grading and moisture, so that there will be a fair system,” Mustapha said. ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS Further, he disclosed that several drying floors will be established along the Essequibo Coast. This, he said, will be done following consultations with the farmers. The region will also benefit from five boom sprayers which were procured by the ministry to deal with paddy-bug infestations. The sprayers are expected to arrive in the region in June. “Those farmers that have issues with paddy bugs, I have already instructed GRDB that we will help the farmers by giving chemicals, expertise, and extension services so that they can deal with the paddy bugs,” Minister Mustapha said.

At the end of the meeting, farmers were given pesticides, and it was promised that GRDB field officers will be re-visiting them to assess damages caused by paddy-bug infestations. Those rice farmers whose lands were under water last month will also be the recipients of one bag of seedlings per acre. “All these interventions we are making, we are doing to improve farmers’ lives. When we left government in 2015, the agriculture sector was starved.There were several dilapidated structures, clogged canals, impassable dams; we had to revive the sector,” he emphasised. Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt; and Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit accompanied Minister Mustapha to the meeting.

The farmers who attended the meeting with Minister Mustapha

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Torginol supports transformation of Indian Arrival Monument

DEVELOPMENT works at the Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra, East Berbice, Corentyne, received a timely boost on Tuesday, with Torginol Paints Inc. making a significant financial contribution to help with efforts to convert the facility to a modern public park. Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr., was on hand at Continental Group of Companies, the home of Torginol Paints, to receive the company’s generous donation from Chief Operating Officer, Fenton Persaud. Persaud, in brief remarks, applauded the ministry on its initiative to develop the facility, noting that it will enhance the spirit of the community and provide a much-needed recreational centre for leisure and relaxation. “Torginol has been in Berbice from the inception and we’re known throughout the county. We hope that this contribution will help to complete this project successfully.

Minister Ramson Jr. expressed gratitude to the company for fulfilling its “promise to support the modernisation of the Palmyra Monument.” “The intention as we had said a number of months ago, was to turn this monument space into a public park and a cultural centre as well, so that the people of Berbice can have a space for them to be able to go, and it’s safe and they’re able to practice their cultural activities,” Ramson Jr. said. He added: “Continental Group of Companies had indicated their willingness to support when I made that announcement; today is the day that we have the realisation of that commitment.” The minister added that government is moving in the direction of making public spaces a lot friendlier for leisure, cultural, sport and community-based activities. “So you will see a lot of this happening throughout the country, and this is one of the steps we do so where government and private companies

The Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra, East Berbice, Corentyne

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. receives the company’s generous donation from Chief Operating Officer, Fenton Persaud We hope that in the future we will be able to see the community enjoying the much-needed leisure and relaxation in the centre,” Persaud said. Torginol Paint Inc. has enjoyed decades of close relations with Berbicians, with many of its dealers and customers located across the region. The company said in a statement: “We consider this contribution a privilege to support these valued patrons, who have allowed us to use as our marketing slogan: “Berbice is Torginol county.”

can partner together so that we can create a lot of benefits for people all across the country,” the Culture Minister explained. At an outreach in Berbice last December, Ramson Jr. told the media that the enhancement plans will see playground equipment and Wi-Fi infrastructure installed to provide free Internet access to the public. More seating areas will also be provided and the visitors’ gallery will also be used for cultural activities. “It will be managed in a

way which the public will have far more access and usage for it and so in the next few months to come, we will be executing the programme so that we get everything I have mentioned completed so that the people in Berbice can get access to better facilities and this is the first of many,” Ramson Jr. said. Commissioned in 2019, the G$160 million monument features six bronze statues donated by the Government of India to Guyana in 2017.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Christianburg Primary School to be completed in July

CONSTRUCTION is moving apace on the Christianburg Primary School, Region 10, with

60 per cent of the work completed. The one-storey building, which is expected to accom-

modate approximately 200 students, is scheduled to be completed in July. The school is being built

Ongoing works at the Christianburg Primary School (DPI photograph) at Public Road, Christianburg, on the same site of the previous building. Speaking with DPI, Regional Vice-Chairman, Douglas Gittens said the region is grateful for the new school since both the students and teachers were once affected by the previous structure’s deterioration, which caused it to sink. “For years, the students and teachers were being affected by the state of the school and so the decision to re-construct the school as opposed to undertaking rehabilitation works was the choice for the administration. At one point, we were wary about this move regarding the school’s location, but we had to also listen to the concerns raised by the parents,” he said. In 2018, the previous administration visited the

school after the Parent/ Teachers Association complained that the derelict school posed a threat to the safety of both students and teachers. The Coalition Government had said the $197 million allocated for the region’s education department would be utilised for the school’s construction. However, the previous Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon, said the bulk of that money was to be used to build the Amelia’s Ward Nursery and Primary Schools. This, coupled with issues sourcing a consultant for the infrastructure works, led to a delay. During the latter half of 2019, Gittens said the S&K Construction and Consultancy Firm won the $119 million contract after several assessments were made.

This led to the students being temporarily placed at St. Aiden’s Primary School in Blue Berry Hill. Soon after, with the recording of the first COVID-19 case in Guyana in March 2020, works were postponed for some time. The approval of the 2021 national budget saw the region receiving $4.7 billion, $3 billion of which would go towards improving the delivery of education. About $405.8 million would be used for the completion of works at the Christianburg Primary School, the construction and rehabilitation of primary and nursery schools at One Mile, Bamia/Amelia’s Ward, Wisroc and Hururu. This includes the construction of living quarters at Muritaro and Wiruni. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Major project underway to mitigate flooding at Haiowa APPROXIMATELY 280 residents of Haiowa Village and nearby communities in Region Nine are benefiting from the installation of drainage structures by the Ministry of Public Works to mitigate flooding. Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill on Friday visited the worksite where culverts and other structures were installed through an $8.3 million contract that was awarded to D&R Construction and Machinery Rental. The project, which is 90 per cent complete, aims to buttress the communities during the wet and dry season through supplemental drainage. Speaking with DPI, Minister Edghill said the initiative is part of the Government’s strategy to strengthen access to communities.

“Overall, what we have to manage in the region is ensuring that the bridges are adequately maintained. We have measures in place to deal with the high-water season. “We have to keep the road in a very good condition to reduce travel time and to make sure that commuters could get to their destinations safely and overall, we have to improve the infrastructure,” he said. The ministry has six rollover projects from 2020 and five new proposed projects for Region Nine this year. While the new projects entail emergency repairs to Surama and Yupukari bridges, the rehabilitation of Pirara Bridge (Phase II), the upgrade of the thoroughfare from Karasabi to Yarong Paru and the internal roads of Lethem are also on the cards.

Duo survives Essequibo Coast car accident TYRON Modeste is thanking God for sparing his life after he lost control of the vehicle he was driving and toppled into a trench on the Abram Zuil Public Road, around 06:30 hours on Tuesday. Modeste, a resident of Charity Back Street, and his friend were heading north along the roadway in motorcar, PMM8897, when the accident occurred. Both men escaped unhurt. However, an electricity pole was uprooted and a vendor’s stall damaged. The car, which was extensively damaged, was left lying in the trench in an upturned

position. Residents in the area recalled hearing a loud impact and upon investigating, they saw a car in a nearby trench. They told the Guyana Chronicle that Modeste and his friend were observed shaking after the accident. The friend was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, but according to information reaching this newspaper, he had no injuries. Meanwhile, Modeste, up to late Tuesday night, was still in police custody. Traffic police visited the scene and efforts were made to remove the vehicle from the trench.

At the scene of the accident

Minister Edghill had travelled to the Region to commission the $185 million extended runway at the Lethem aerodrome. Under the Ministry’s work plan for 2021, $2.1 billion has been approved by the National Assembly to advance the hinterland road programme. Additionally, $1.9 billion has been set aside for the construction of bridges countrywide. (DPI photo)

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill inspecting one of the culverts at Haiowa, Region Nine (DPI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Jamaica first Caribbean country to receive COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX facility

JAMAICA, on Monday, received 14,400 doses of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility, a global effort between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Gavi, UNICEF, the Pan Ameri-

can Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The arrival marks a historic step toward ensuring the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide, in the largest vaccine procurement and

supply operation in history. This delivery is part of the first phase of deliveries for Jamaica, and more vaccines are expected to arrive successively during 2021. According to the first round of COVAX allocations, Jamaica is expected to continue receiving doses

through May until it reaches 124,800, the amount specified by COVAX. PAHO’s Revolving Fund, which is responsible for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for the countries of the Americas under the COVAX Facility, sent 14,400 doses of

the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, manufactured by SK Bioscience of South Korea. The vaccines arrived at Kingston’s international airport. “Seeing this arrival is very reassuring and it means that more people will be able to be protected from COVID-19,” said Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, PAHO/WHO Representative in Jamaica. “We will continue to work with the country to support vaccination along with the entire package of known public health and social measures that we know can help stop the spread of COVID-19, protect health services, and save lives,” she added. The arrival of these first vaccines will serve to protect priority groups and those most at risk, such as health workers and older adults. “We are pleased that Jamaica is the first country in the Caribbean to receive vaccines under the COVAX Facility. Vaccination has proven an undeniable success in the public health toolkit to reduce the burden of infectious disease, and vaccines under the COVAX facility represents a key part of our response to this global pandemic. The amount received will be used to inoculate our healthcare workers and other frontline workers, who have been at the core of our COVID-19 response,” noted Dr Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness of Jamaica. Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Jamaica, the country has recorded 31,305 confirmed cases and 492 deaths as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to official data from the country. REDUCE HARMFUL IMPACT “Every dose arriving in Jamaica brings the promise of protection for more families from COVID-19 infection. Over time, this will bring the pandemic to an end and reduce its harmful secondary impacts on children. They can return to school, access critical services and reduce their vulnerability to violence,” said Mariko Kagoshima,

UNICEF representative in the country. The 15 Caribbean countries that will receive just over 2.1 million doses of COVAX vaccines by May include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Surinam, and Trinidad and Tobago. Six of these countries (Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines) will receive the vaccines free of charge. COVAX seeks to provide vaccines for at least 20 per cent of the population of each participating country during 2021. In this first round of vaccine allocation, all COVAX participating countries will receive doses to vaccinate between 2.2 and 2.6 per cent of their population. The only exceptions are small island developing States, which will receive an allocation of vaccines to cover between 16 and 20 per cent of their population, due to the high logistical cost of delivering small quantities of vaccines. Until vaccination is widespread among the population, basic public health measures remain the basis of the pandemic response. For public health authorities, this means continuing to conduct screening, contact tracing, isolation, assisted quarantine, and quality care. And for people, it means continuing to practice physical distancing, hand hygiene, the use of masks, adequate ventilation of indoor environments, and avoidance of crowded spaces. COVAX, the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Gavi) and the World Health Organization (WHO) – working in partnership with UNICEF as key implementing partner, as well as civil society organisations, vaccine manufacturers, the World Bank, and others. In the Americas, the PAHO Revolving Fund is the recognised procurement agent for the COVAX facility.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Wednesday March 17, 2021 – 04:30hrs - 06:00hrs Thursday March 18, 2021 – 04:30hrs - 06:00hrs Friday March 19, 2021 – 09:00hrs - 10:30hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Minister Todd, Brazilian Ambassador discuss local investment opportunities

FOREIGN Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, on Monday, met with Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Maria Clara Duclos Carisio, during which they discussed trade and investment oppor-

tunities in Guyana. Minister Todd took the opportunity to provide an update of current developments on the Guyana- Venezuela controversy. The Ambassador affirmed the Government of Brazil’s support to a peaceful resolution through the Inter-

national Court of Justice (ICJ) process. The Foreign Minister and Ambassador also discussed other areas of political and economic cooperation. Guyana and Brazil es- Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, during tablished diplomatic rela- his meeting with Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Maria tions on August 26, 1968. Clara Duclos Carisio, on Monday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

‘Chucky’ to face retrial over murder of aunt AFTER two hours of deliberations, the jury was unable to arrive at a verdict in the trial of Kevin Mohan, called “Chucky,” who is accused of killing his aunt in 2016. On Tuesday, the 12-member jury could not arrive at a verdict even after further direction was

given by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court. Given this development, Mohan will remain incarcerated until he is retried at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes. Mohan, 27, formerly of Fifth Street, Cummings Lodge, had pleaded not

guilty to the charge which alleged that on September 4, 2016, at Cummings Lodge, he murdered 48-year-old Anita Mohan. The state was represented by prosecutor Tiffani Lyken, while Ravindra Mohabir is Mohan’s attorney. The woman’s battered body was found on the

floor of her kitchen at Fifth Street, Cummings Lodge, where she lived with Mohan and her son, Intiaz Khan. Khan had found his mother lying in blood with her head bashed in and a stab wound to her chest. A bloody ‘rolling pin,’ suspected to be one of the murder weapons, was found in close proxim-

ity, as well as a broken beer bottle. The police had noted that Mohan confessed to the murder, while admitting that another person acted as his accomplice. A post-mortem performed on the remains of the woman revealed that she died from multiple injuries.

Kevin Mohan, called “Chucky”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Holding wins Sports Journalist Association Award for Best Pundit in 2020

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) president Rickey Skerritt has showered praise on former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding on his winning of the Sports Journalist Association Award (SJA) for Best Pundit in 2020. According to Skerritt, Holding has always made West Indians and his many international fans proud of him, both on and off the cricket field. His latest journalism award recognises his sincerity, passion, and bravery in the face of adversity and conflict. These are some of the same principles that represent the best of West Indies cricket. CWI celebrates with Mike Holding, for continuing to make us all proud to be West Indian. The Sports Pundit award, which is decided by an SJA Members’ vote, was given to former West Indian pace bowler Holding for his powerful testimony about racial injustice in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, on Sky Cricket’s coverage of England against West Indies in July 2020. Alongside Ebony Rain-

for-Brent, a nominee in the same category, Holding delivered an emotional and impassioned plea for an end to institutionalised racism through meaningful change in society as the pair reacted to the death of Floyd in police custody in Minnesota. In his acceptance speech, delivered via video at the awards ceremony hosted online due to COVID-19, Holding said: “It is something that has been in me and in my head for many, many years. “People don’t understand what it is like to go through life and always thinking that people think less of you than what you think of yourself. “It can be a little bit tiring and when I got that opportunity it just came spilling out.” Asked by host Jim Rosenthal if he thinks that 2020 will be a pivotal year for change in social and racial equality, Holding answered: “I believe so and I hope so. “If you just look at the protests on the road and look at the faces of the people that were on the road. I saw a Swedish women’s football team take a knee before a

game, so it is going all over the world that people are recognising that things need to be done, and it’s about time it did.” The Sky Cricket team also won the SJA Award for best Television/Digital Live Event Coverage for the England vs West Indies: Black Lives Matter coverage. Meanwhile, Sky Sports edged out BT Sport and Talk Sport to win the Sports Network-of-the-Year award and Sky Sports News and Digital picked up the award for the Special Sports Edition category for the online article, accompanying video and social coverage of ‘George Floyd 100 Days On: How Sport Has Fought For Change’. Holding was joined as a Sky Sports winner on the evening by NBA Heat Check presenter and Sky Sports News reporter and presenter Jaydee Dyer in the Ones To Watch - On Air category. Sky Sports News also scooped the One To Watch - Off Air category, with young journalist Danyal Khan edging out colleagues Ed Higgs and Maddy Morrison.

Unknown’ Golden Jaguars team depart today for Dominican Republic By Rawle Toney

THE composition of Guyana’s senior men’s national football team remains a mystery, even as the Golden Jaguars depart today for the Dominican Republic, ahead of their opening matches in the CONCACAF Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers. Guyana are drawn in Group F of qualifiers alongside Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas and St Kitts and Nevis. The Golden Jaguars will roar from March 25 against regional nemeses, Soca Warriors, while five days later, also at the Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium, Guyana will meet with The Bahamas. GFF has been tight-lipped on the team’s configuration, even as Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde, assured the media and fans recently, that “it is not in the interest of the federation to hold that information without any good reason … it’s just that there are many moving pieces behind the scenes and until those pieces are properly aligned, it would be not in anyone’s interest to go out and make announcements.” Premier League club, Watford FC’s defender, Bayli Spencer-Adams, along with Den-

mark-based Matthew Briggs and UK-based defender Sam Cox are among some of the names that were made public; only through announcements by their respective clubs via their social media platforms. Meanwhile, Guyana’s head coach Marcio Maximo has made it clear that he intends to balance the selection of local and overseas-based players on the country’s National football team – a move that is leaving pundits in awe, since it can be at the detriment of the Golden Jaguars. Coach Maximo has highlighted his development-first approach - something GFF president Wayne Forde said is reflective of their plans for the sustenance of the National programme. However, with an abundance of talent in the diaspora, and the lack of football being played locally, Maximo says he wouldn’t be bamboozled by big names and their clubs. “I don’t select players for their CV or because of what they did. I select the players for what we are doing and what they did for me based on what I saw by my eyes and my evaluation, despite of which player … also, we have potential players here (in Guyana) that if you don’t give them a chance to show; you should give chance to our youth players to show themselves,” Maximo explained.

Thanks to GFF international scout Faizal Khan, Guyana was blessed with having players such as Callum Harriott (Colchester United), Neil Danns (Connah’s Quay Nomads), Briggs, Emery Welshman and Terrell Ondaan. However, big names, emanating from big clubs in Europe, don’t fancy or impress Guyana’s head coach, with the former Brazilian national youth coach, stating that he doesn’t select based on the club they might lace-up for professionally. “I select players based on their performance … I should select players who are adapting to my system and the system today should be quick, and should have players who can do it (adapt),” Maximo said. Meanwhile, yesterday, some members and staff paid a courtesy call on Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, at his Main Street office. According to information reaching Chronicle Sport, the minister wished the team the best of luck, and urged them to make Guyana proud in their quest in the Middle East. Even though the players that visited the minister yesterday were part of the training squad, it still remains a secret with regard to who the final 23 players are.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Cheltenham Festival 2021:

Rachael Blackmore in historic win on Honeysuckle

RACHEL Blackmore made racing history as she became the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham with victory on Honeysuckle. The Irish rider coolly guided the 11-10 favourite to win by six and a half lengths for trainer Henry de Bromhead. It was an 11th successive victory for the unbeaten mare and a landmark win for her 31-year-old jockey. Last year’s runner-up Sharjah was second again, with the 2020 winner Epatante in third. “Absolutely incredible! I am speechless to be honest. I really am,” said the delighted winning jockey, who hails from Killenaule in County Tipperary. “I can’t believe we just won the Champion Hurdle. Incredible! Unbelievable for everyone in the yard, they all work so hard. “It doesn’t matter what you are. We are jockeys. It is just a privilege to be here.” Despite the meeting be-

ing held without spectators, Honeysuckle and her jubilant rider were given a rousing reception into the winners’ enclosure by those in attendance. Racing was seeking a lift after trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Rob James were both banned following posts of them sitting on a dead horse were shared on social media, and the Festival’s opening day served up some thrilling performances. Appreciate It was a 24-length winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle while Shishkin won the Arkle Chase by 12 lengths and veteran Vintage Clouds took the Ultima Chase. Meanwhile, the 80-1 outsider Jeff Kidder caused a shock in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, while Denise ‘Sneezy Foster - who has stepped in for Elliott during his suspension - had her first Festival winner with Black Tears in the Mares’ Hurdle. Galvin, who moved from Elliott’s yard to Ian Ferguson’s, won the concluding National Hunt Chase.

HOW THE CHAMPION HURDLE UNFOLDED Honeysuckle - winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle under Blackmore in February - had been well backed in the build-up to the race and travelled smoothly through the two-mile contest while others experienced trouble. Abacadabras was a faller at the third flight and Goshen, who dramatically unshipped jockey Jamie Moore at the final obstacle when leading in the Triumph Hurdle last year, lost his chance as he took a keen hold and hung to the right on a wide route. Blackmore produced her mount to lead between the final two hurdles and she bounded up the hill to leave her rivals trailing. “It was unbelievable. She’s a very laid-back, chilled out mare - she’s amazing,” said De Bromhead, who is based in Knockeen, County Waterford. “Rachael is a brilliant rider on any horse and Honeysuckle is just a brilliant horse.” (BBC Sport)

Former UA E Naveed, batsman Anwar banned for match-fixing FORMER United Arab Emirates (UAE) captain Mohammad Naveed and batsman Shaiman Anwar have been given eight-year bans for attempted match-fixing. In January, Naveed, 33, and Anwar, 42, were suspended for breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption code. They were accused of trying to fix matches during the Twenty20 World Cup qualifier event in 2019 and failing to report corrupt approaches. The bans are backdated to October 2019. Naveed - who played in 39 one-day internation-

English Racing Tips Cheltenham 09:20 hrs Bob Olinger 09:55 hrs Monk Fish 10:30 hrs Monte Cristo 11:05 hrs Chagun Pour Soi 11:40 hrs Easyland 12:15 hrs Chosen Mate 12:50 hrs Kilcruit Huntingdon 08:35 hrs Solwara One 09:10 hrs Mackie Dee 09:45 hrs Maliboo 10:20 hrs Powerstown Park 10:55 hrs Bombyx 11:30 hrs Mahler’s First 12:00 hrs Grovesnor Court

als and 31 Twenty20s - was also found guilty for similar breaches in the Emirates Cricket Board Code for the domestic T10 League.

Mohammad Naveed will be 40 by the time his ban is due to end (Getty Images) Kempton 12:05 hrs Brown Delivers 12:40 hrs Cristal Pallas Cat 13:15 hrs Air Of York 13:45 hrs Ridgeway Avenue 14:20 hrs Epic Express 14:50 hrs Uzincso 15:20 hrs Thai Terrier 15:50 hrs Tipperary Jack 16:20 hrs Capote’s Dream Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 09:00 hrs Homme D’un Soir 09:35 hrs Oscer Romero 10:10 hrs Papal Lodge 10:45 hrs King Alex 11:20 hrs Tout Est Permis 11:55 hrs Some Man

“Both had long international careers and were well versed in the threat from match-fixers,” Alex Marshall, general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement. “That they both chose to engage with this corrupt activity was a cynical betrayal of their positions, their teammates, and all supporters of UAE cricket. “I am pleased that the independent tribunal has imposed significant bans from all forms of cricket and this should serve as a warning to any cricketer who considers taking the wrong path.” (BBC Sport)

12:30 hrs The Mean Queen American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Pardomn My Heart Race 2 Chamberlain Race 3 Mutaraafeq Race 4 Luilula Race 5 J P Hellish Race 6 Berhanu Race 7 Aizu Race 8 Foolish Heart South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:25 hrs Serge 09:00 hrs The Ravada 09:35 hrs Herecomestherain 10:10 hrs So They Say 10:45 hrs Slightly Spanish

Rachael Blackmore celebrates her Champion Hurdle victory on Honeysuckle

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

GFF rates M-FAP funding, building drive a success REGIONAL associations have welcomed efforts by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to democratise FIFA and CONCACAF funding and to improve the quality of competitions following its first Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP) capacity-building workshop. At the National Stadium on Saturday, GFF delivered an M-FAP workshop on the “best practice” organisation of competitions, offering expert guidance to regional association officials as part of its return-to-play planning and pioneering drive to boost funding for its members. “It was wonderful in every aspect – capacity-building is a very important tool for the development of football,” said Bartica Football Association president Alden Marslowe. “The vision of this administration to bring this training programme at this time, when we are hopefully preparing to get back to playing, was a really good idea.” “M-FAP is unprecedented in the history of football in this country. It will help boost our resources and bring more development at the grassroots level,” he said. The workshop, which brought together presidents and general secretaries from

GFF regional associations, provided an overview of the M-FAP funding process and focussed on how to align regional competitions with the national programme, competition planning, reporting structures, financial accountability and communications. “It was brilliant from a management training perspective on how to execute a football product,” said Georgetown Football Association general secretary Faizal Khan. Speakers at the M-FAP workshop included GFF president Wayne Forde, General Secretary Ian Alves, Tcchnical Director Ian Greenwood, Youth Development Officer Bryan Joseph, Head of Finance Marco Meredith and Marketing and Social Media Officer Keeran Williams. “We have learnt a lot,” said Troy Benjamin, secretary of the Rupununi Football Association. “We will be able to better organise football in the various regions. To move football to another level, it has to be organised within a formal structure.” Under M-FAP regulations, regional associations can each access up to G$600 000 each year to help with the cost of administration and operations. Affiliate

members can tap into G$500 000 for development projects and Elite League clubs receive up to G$400 000 for equipment and development. In addition, regional associations receive regular sup-

plies of essential training and football equipment, as well as funding for leagues and competitions for men, women, boys and girls. “We’re in unprecedented times with COVID-19 we have even more expenses

than ever before to put on a safe, structured product,” said Khan. “It’s a good initiative and long may it continue.” Brandon Allicock, acting secretary of the Essequibo/ Pomeroon Football Association said M-FAP would pro-

President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, speaks during the M-FAP Competitions Workshop

vide “greater accountability”. “We now have the resources and equipment to better execute our tasks,” he said. A second capacity-building session is planned for regional association officials responsible for the implementation of competitions in order to build on learnings from the first workshop and to further assist GFF members in the art of effective and efficient competition management. “We are determined to give our members all the support they need to deliver high quality competitions at all levels in order to boost participation and develop the game,” said GFF president Forde. “Under our pioneering M-FAP initiative, we are democratising FIFA and CONCACAF funding so that our members can tailor financial support to their specific needs. The programme is also an important opportunity for us to share expertise and best practices.” “Through the training and knowledge exchange on offer through this workshop, we are confident that our regional associations can raise the bar in the delivery of competitions this year, once we are given the green light to safely resume activities by the authorities.”

GRFU at a complete standstill Smith, Deonarine star in last-ball win

Guyana’s highest level of Rugby has not had the chance to operate under the pandemic guidelines

THE COVID-19 pandemic has completely devastated the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) and any attempts to recommence activities, as the clock keeps ticking on the sport’s hiatus. The gap in sequence synchronises with the dreaded 1-year anniversary of the pandemic and has caused the national teams and players to stay active in creative ways. It is even more of a pressing issue since all of the International Events normally attended by Guyana have been provisionally postponed due to the impact of the virus. The Union had intended to resume activities in the early stages of 2021 with a 7-team Tag Tournament that featured five Men’s teams,

namely Pepsi Hornets, Police Falcons, Panthers, Yamaha Caribs and Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The two Women’s teams named to engage in battle were Pepsi Hornets and Yamaha Caribs. However, the tournament did not get a chance to materialise because approval for the event was never granted by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) which led the Union to cancel the tournament. Tag Rugby was identified by the International governing body of the sport; World Rugby, as part of the return to play protocols. According to World Rugby, this version of the game will allow the players to hit the ground running and will alleviate the poten-

tial spread of the COVID-19 virus. In Tag Rugby each player has two ribbons attached to his/ her body and a tag is simply the removal by a defender of one of the two ribbons. Once tagged the player in possession must stop and pass the ball to a team-mate within three seconds. However, the game is continuous and tagged players may pass within the act of stopping. Besides the tagging rule the game remains the same. The GRFU continues to explore avenues that will lead to a safe return of the sport but has not been successful thus far. According to a member of the Union, the executives plan to meet in the new week to charter a safer path.

RAIPUR, India, (CMC) – Dwayne Smith and Narsingh Deonarine struck entertaining half centuries but it was the effusive Tino Best who scrambled a single off the last ball of the contest to earn West Indies Legends a dramatic five-wicket victory over England Legends and a place in the semi-finals of the Road Safety World Series here Tuesday. Asked to chase an imposing 187 for victory at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, West Indies Legends were carried by Smith’s 58 off 31 deliveries and Deonarine’s 53 not out off 37 balls. Former West Indies Test vice-captain Kirk Edwards chipped in with a crucial 34 from 26 balls but perished in the penultimate over. And when captain Brian Lara was stumped off the penultimate delivery of the game off-spinner James Tredwell with scores level, the result was still up in the air. However, Best clipped Tredwell to short square leg and set off for a suicide single with Deonarine, the fielder’s throw at the striker’s end going wide to ensure West Indies victory. Sent in earlier, England Legends finished on 186 for three of their 20 overs with opener Phil Mustard hit-

ting 57 off 41 deliveries and Owais Shah carving out 53 not out off 30 balls. Captain Kevin Pietersen stroked an attractive 38 from 24 balls at the top of the order, hitting two fours and three sixes in an 81-run opening stand with Mustard before falling to a catch at the wicket off left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn in the 10th over. Mustard cracked five fours and three sixes before becoming the first of Smith’s two wickets and Shah then carried the innings, posting 42 for the third with Jim Troughton (22) and a further 38 for the fourth with Chris Tremlett (nine not out). In reply, Smith played

with freedom to strike nine fours and a couple of sixes, inspiring a 55-run opening partnership with Ridley Jacobs (13) and 32 for the second wicket Deonarine before holding out to short third man in the eighth over off Tredwell (2-35). William Perkins perished cheaply for nine in the 10th over but Edwards arrived to stage an 83-run fourth wicket stand with Deonarine, and give the Caribbean side the upper hand. The left-handed Deonarine struck half-dozen fours while Edwards counted four fours and six, putting West Indies within touching distance of their target before drama erupted late on.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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

(1) (2)

Shai Hope-258 runs Danushka Gunathilaka-187 runs

(1) (2)

Who took most wickets for the WI in the recent ODI series against SL? Who claimed most wickets for SL in the just-concluded ODI series against the WI?

TODAY’S QUIZ:

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Guyana’s Damon Williams delighted to set up camp at Ricketts Performance Centre GUYANA’S Damon Williams is in Jamaica trying to elevate himself to Olympic standards and put his country on the athletics map. The Jamaica Observer reported that the 25-year-old Williams, who won the Guyanese long jump title in an upset over favourite and National record holder Emmanuel Archibald in 2019, is in Jamaica as part of the Ricketts Performance Centre under coach Kerry-Lee Ricketts. More known for its dense rainforest, sugarcane, rice, cricket and calypso music, Guyana has a gem of a jumper on its hands in Williams. The versatile long and triple jumper caught the eye of world renowned coach Ricketts, who guided his wife Shanieka Ricketts to win the Diamond league trophy and silver at the World Championship in 2019. “I was very happy to have a coach of that level reaching out to me and he said, ‘Yow,

come up’, I reached in no time,” Williams revealed. “This is the first time I have this level of coaching. I think the coaches in Guyana really try, but this is definitely a higher level of training,” he admitted. “Guyana has a whole heap of potential, a lot of athletes out there with a whole heap of potential. But I think they need a little bit more exposure, more competition and people a little bit more experienced and qualified to help the technical stuff and so on,” he told the Jamaica Observer. Williams is one of three athletes from overseas, along with Emmanuel Archibald of Guyana and Sandisha Antoine of St Lucia at the Ricketts Performance Centre based at The University of the West Indies. “Coming here and seeing national athletes like Shanieka Ricketts, you look across there and you see Yohan Blake, it motivates you,” said

Williams. “Then you say, you know what, these people are right

here, they (are] training just like you, the )only difference is these people stay grinding

so you just have to keep with it and be just as great. You just have to keep going with

Damon Williams (right) of Guyana along with St Lucia’s Sandisha Antoine (centre) listen keenly to head coach Kerry-Lee Ricketts during a training season at the Usain Bolt track at UWI last week (Photos: Collin Reid)

it, trust the process,” he added. Williams, who has a personal best of 15.99m for the triple jump and 7.68m for the long jump, is hoping to achieve the Olympic qualifying marks of 17.14m and 8.22m, respectively. “Based on how I am performing since the year started I really feel I can do it in both. I don’t really limit myself. I don’t know which one I want to surprise myself in first,” said Williams. “So far I am very confident, it’s just the small technical things I just have to get together and yea man, for sure,” he noted. “Since I came here I learnt a lot. It is crazy since I start off tracks in 10 years. This is my first real off-season training with a professional group. Being a part of the Ricketts Performance Centre it’s nice because everybody is like family. So I really, really like this part of it,” said Williams.

Buttler trumps Kohli as England brush aside India in third T20 Chavez Sr, Camacho Jr poised for June 17 clash By Stephan Shemilt

JOS Buttler’s brutal hitting trumped the genius of Virat Kohli in England’s eight-wicket defeat of India in the third Twenty20 in Ahmedabad. Buttler muscled to an unbeaten 83 from 52 balls to help England to their target of 157 with 10 balls to spare. That was still closer than the contest could have been when India found themselves 24-3 after six overs and 87-5 from 15. They were kept in it by captain Kohli, whose thrilling 77 not out from 46 balls illuminated a stadium left empty by the decision to play the last three matches of the series behind closed doors. On the day captain Eoin Morgan became the first man to reach 100 T20 caps for England, his side moved 2-1 up with two matches to play and can seal the series tomorrow. Just as in the first two matches, when victories were traded, the side that won the toss won this game. England’s fast bowlers also repeated their superb display from the series opener, hitting the India batsmen with a barrage of short bowling on a two-paced surface. The fit-again Mark Wood was particularly impressive, his figures of 3-31 only damaged when he took the brunt of Kohli’s late assault. With Kohli reversing the momentum and lifting India to a competitive total, England could have been pressured in the chase, but any notion of difficulty was quickly removed by Buttler. Targeting the leg side, he got into his stride by hitting

two huge sixes over long-on in the same Yuzvendra Chahal over. England scored at almost 10 an over in the powerplay, a rapid start that meant the remainder of the chase was calm and controlled. Buttler added 68 with Dawid Malan and an unbroken 77 with Jonny Bairstow on the way to making his highest score in a T20 international.

Chris Jordan. But Kohli instantly looked a class apart, first assessing the conditions, then exploding into an exhilarating blur of drives and pulls. He had 28 from his first 29 balls then took 49 runs off his next 17 - a spell that included five fours and four sixes. He danced around the crease, toying with the attack in a knock that deserved to be appreciated by an adoring crowd inside the world’s largest cricket stadium. In all, India took 69 from the final five overs. Buttler showed it was not nearly enough. (BBC Sport)

BOXING legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr and Hector Camacho Jr posed on Monday in Guadalajara, Mexico in advance of their press conference to announce a special night that will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. Chavez Sr will headline ‘Tribute To The Kings’ where he will make his final ring appearance against Hector Camacho Jr. in an exhibition bout. Also on the card will be Julio Cesar Chavez Jr against an opponent to be named, and Omar Chavez who will

take on Ramon Alvarez in the rubber match of their trilogy. Promoted by Borizteca Boxing and Toscano Promotions, ‘Tribute

to The Kings’ will be live on Pay-Per-View. It is being produced by Global Sports Streaming. (Fightnews)

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr (left) and Hector Camacho Jr

Referees participate in FIFA online Futsal course

Jos Buttler made his highest score in a T20 international

Buttler should have been taken at point by Kohli on 76 when he reverse-swept Chahal, while Chahal made a meal of a chance to catch Bairstow, who ended 40 not out. On his landmark day, Morgan was not even required to bat. KOHLI MAGIC IN VAIN Had it not been for Kohli, India could have been blown away. KL Rahul was bowled by Wood for his second successive duck, the returning Rohit Sharma miscued the same bowler to short fine leg and Ishan Kishan was discomforted before top-edging

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Refereeing Department has partnered with FIFA to deliver an online Futsal refereeing course to improve the standard of officiating in the fast-growing, small-sided form of the game. The Futsal refereeing course, delivered by FIFA Instructor Shane Butler, under the auspices of the FIFA Regional Development Office, took place over three two-hour sessions between March 8 and 10. The programme provided 10 Guyanese referees with examples and guidance related to changes to the Laws of the Game for futsal, a fast-paced, five-a-side version of football played on an indoor court. The course also covered areas such as fitness testing, handball scenarios, positions and mechanics, and goal-scoring situations. “Futsal is a very exciting format of the sport. It is my belief that Guyana has the

requisite talent to excel at the hemispheric level, once regular competitions are held,” said GFF head of refereeing Dion Inniss. “The quality of officiating has to keep pace, and this course sought to bring clarity to recent law changes. The presentation of other information has enhanced the knowledge of our referees.” “While we would have preferred to have had an in-person programme, three evenings spent together using the Zoom platform was a resounding success,” he said. “The Department will continue to look for opportunities for continuing education through FIFA and CONCACAF.” While Guyana does not currently have an official national futsal competition, GFF plans to introduce a futsal tournament this year, contingent on COVID-19 restrictions, as part of its 2021 calendar. The

GFF will also facilitate a FIFA Instructor course for futsal in April to continue the development of the game. Course participant Kenisha Prescott said the online course was “one of outstanding merit and edifying”. “I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions,” Prescott said. “The content presented was well received and it was a great opportunity for discussion and to gain clarity.” “Unlike field football, futsal is quite different and more technical; more focus is needed with immediate and accurate decision-making,” she said. “This, in turn, requires a mind of sound judgment; a skill I sharpened during this course. This new information will definitely be useful in helping my colleagues and me to become better futsal referees.” Guyana last competed in futsal at international level during the Caribbean region-

al qualification round for the 2016 CONCACAF Futsal Championship. The Golden Jaguars won one game against Antigua and Barbuda to finish third in their group behind second-placed Trinidad and Tobago and firstplaced Cuba, who eventually won the Caribbean qualification round. “The course was very informative and insightful. We would have made a very large leap forward with the interpretation of the Laws of the Game,” said Lenval Peart, a course participant and prospective instructor. “I hope the participants soaked every bit of information like a sponge. This course only can make the futsal referees and the entire futsal community better. “The aim is to raise the bar of our futsal referees and as a consequence, in the nottoo-distant future, produce international futsal officials.”

Holding wins Sports Journalist Association Award for Best Pundit in 2020 SEE PAGE 32

Michael Holding poses with the prestigious trophy

... CWI president praises former fast bowler for passion and bravery

‘Unknown’ Golden Jaguars team depart today for Dominican Republic

SEE PAGE 32

...Guyana to kickoff World Cup qualifiers on March 25 against Soca Warriors

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, along with some members of Golden Jaguars training squad

Edison Chouest Offshore shoots YBG co-Director Chris Bowman (second from left), receives the sponsor’s cheque from Edison Chouest Offshore representative Daniel LaFont. Also present are YBG co-Director Rayad Boyce and Ross Chouest

to YBG

EDISON Chouest Offshore, along with its local subsidiary G-Boats Guyana, yesterday presented $1.8M to Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) to aid in the entity’s restart of its nation-wide schools’ basketball programme. Held at the Sonic Business Services headquarters, Alberttown, YBG co-Director Christopher Bowman, hinted at the return of the sport which is mostly played amongst secondary schools, both male and females at various levels some time in July or August. “This is not a tournament being launched. This is just a restart strategy,” Bowman told reporters, adding that “this year when we do launch

a tournament it will be a downsized tournament in the first instance and initially, we are going to be working with schools that have facilities or access to facilities so the tournament becomes more local in this new pandemic era.” Edison Chouest Offshore and G-Boats Guyana representative, Daniel LaFont, while boasting of the company’s happiness to support YBG, noted that they “saw that basketball was sort of the lower tier sport; you got cricket, soccer and I have been to field hockey as well and we were like where is the basketball?” “This is what we are looking for, something that helps the youth of Guyana,

something that helps them develop, something that keeps them focussed, something that teaches them more than basketball but teaches them how to be men and women,” LaFont said. Founded as Edison Chouest Boat Rental in Galliano, Louisiana, in 1960, the Edison Chouest Offshore companies (ECO) are recognised today as the most diverse and dynamic marine transportation solution providers in the world. ECO operates a growing fleet of well over 200 vessels, ranging from 87 to over 525 feet in length, serving an expanding global customer base.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208