MONDAY 21st June, 2021
' No.106398
Contract awarded for design of US$17.5M upgrades to hospitals SEE PAGE 03
Investigators probing two theories pertaining to ‘Multi’ fire 04 PAGE
More than 1,800 patients receive ‘rehab’ care in COVID ICU 08 PAGE
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame Mc Coy, on Saturday met 99-year-old Delicia James of Grand Sand Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. The minister witnessed the donation of essential items to the elderly woman by the South Soesdyke CDC
French military vessel here
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Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, was given a tour of the French multipurpose military vessel, Dumont d’Urville, on Sunday. The vessel arrived in Guyana on Sunday as part of Exercise Tradewinds, a multinational ongoing military exercise in the country
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Vaccine concerns could have been addressed without endangering public –– says Ramkarran; projects ‘incalculable harm’ from ‘vaccine politics’
FORMER Speaker of the National Assembly and one of the Executive Members of the minority Parliamentary Opposition ‘Joinder’ parties, Ralph Ramkarran, has been added to the list of persons critical of Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon’s call for the suspension of the Sputnik V vaccinations. “It is beyond belief that
a person of the stature of an Opposition Leader, who has himself taken the full dosage of Sputnik vaccines, would make such an extraordinarily, incendiary, public call in a vaccine resistant atmosphere, to suspend the use of the Sputnik vaccine based on unverified reports,” the Senior Counsel said in his Sunday column, the Conversation Tree.
Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran Although recognising Harmon’s concerns of “fake vaccines” entering Guyana to be baseless, Ramkarran affirmed that the Opposition Leader could have aired his doubts in a manner that did not bring harm to members of the public. “This is a chillingly pyromaniacal attempt at politicisation by pouring fuel on unverified foreign reports that can only result in harm to the
Guyanese people, many of whom are supporters of Mr. Harmon’s party,” the veteran politician indicated. Ramkarran, a former Presidential Candidate for the New and United Guyana (ANUG), believes that Harmon’s call for the suspension of the Sputnik V vaccinations represents his “scant regard” for the dangers of higher vaccine resistance among Guyanese. “Those reluctant Guyanese who were persuaded to enter the vaccine compound will rush out and those who could have been persuaded to do so, will remain outside, watching the sparks fly,” the attorney-at-law projected. Ramkarran also recognised that Harmon’s objections to the vaccines have come at a time when Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll is fast approaching 500, with several deaths being recorded every week, and when vaccinations have been globally hailed as the only means of exiting the pandemic. “At this time when all responsible Guyanese should be careful about what they
say publicly about vaccines, vaccination and the pandemic, and when all responsible Guyanese should be urging others to take the vaccine…Opposition Leader Joe Harmon, last Thursday, shouted ‘fire!’,” Ramkarran highlighted. He also recognised that Harmon’s damaging comments also come at a time when Guyana is faced with two forms of devastation – the COVID-19 pandemic, and the
unprecedented floods which have already recorded water levels as high as 16 feet, and have disrupted the lives of more than 36,000 households across 300 communities nationwide. “The harm of vaccine politics will be incalculable,” Ramkarran surmised. He reasoned that Harmon’s utterances are likely See page 3
The Sputnik V vaccines carry an efficacy rate of 97.6 per cent
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, JUNE 21, 2021
Contract awarded for design of US$17.5M upgrade to hospitals By Rehana Ahamad
THE Government of India has approved for Guyana a US$17.5 million (GY$3.6 billion) Line of Credit to execute modernisation works on three of the country’s primary health care facilities. According to High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K.J Srinivasa, the contract has already been awarded for the preparation and submission of designs for the upgrades, which will take effect at three hospitals – the Suddie Regional Hospital in Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); the West Demerara Regional Hospital in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and the Bartica District Hospital in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). “That company will most probably sign that agreement within the next couple of weeks, and then start its work; it has six months to present its detailed project design for the three hospitals,” the High Commissioner revealed to this newspaper during a recent interview. He said that once the designs are finalised, the India’s
Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa Government will move towards tendering for awarding of the contract to undertake the actual construction works required for the upgrades. The Indian diplomat explained that once completed, the hospitals will boast of environmentally friendly operations that utilise best practices in energy and water consumption, as well as waste disposal, among others. The fully modernised hospitals will also benefit from a fully electronic records system, which will make it easier to compile and track patient information.
“This is being done in India in huge scales,” Dr. Srinivasa informed. Previous reports have indicated that the Suddie Hospital stands to benefit from a sum of US$8 million which will go towards the construction of a new ambulatory and in-patient centre and diagnostic care facility. More than $4.5 million has been earmarked for the same purposes at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, while the Bartica Hospital is expected to receive about $3 million for expansion of the existing building along with the construction of a number of new structures in the compound. The projects are all expected to commence next year. The modernisation of the three India-financed hospitals will complement the government’s ongoing efforts to convert all of its medical institutions into climate-resilient facilities. The ‘SMART’ hospital conversion project has already commenced with five, namely the Leonora Hospital, also located in Region Three, the Mabaruma Hospital in Region One (Barima-Waini), the Lethem Regional Hos-
As part of the India-funded project, the West Demerara Regional Hospital will be fully modernised, boasting the capacity to electronically process patient information pital in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the Paramakatoi Health Centre in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and the already completed Diamond Diagnostic Hospital. These five hospitals are being upgraded under an $835M (US$4.175 million) project, funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony had recently in-
formed the Guyana Chronicle that works on the latter-mentioned hospitals are moving rapidly apace, and should be wrapped up by the end of the year. This means that within the next few months, Guyana will boast of at least five hospitals that are climate-resilient and energy-efficient. The hospitals will all be outfitted with the requisite infrastructure to guard against flooding, as well as reduce reliance on the Guyana Power and
Light (GPL) by resorting to renewable energy, and enabling the use of rainwater for its day-to-day functions. The hospital conversions are said to be directly linked to the government’s fight against climate change, having recognised the detrimental impact that poor environmental practices have on human health. Already, 89 other health facilities across the country have been assessed for SMART conversions.
Vaccine concerns could have been ... From page 2
to have a greater impact on communities that are considered political strongholds of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), since their supporters are less likely to heed the advice of the government, over the position of their preferred party. Already, places such as Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have been recording low uptake levels of the vaccines. “It would be doubly difficult for the health authorities to persuade the people of Region 10, the Deputy Chairman of which, a supporter of Mr. Harmon’s party, has already died from complications of COVID, to take the vaccine. The widely accepted wel-
fare of the Guyanese people should never be a matter of partisan politics,” Ramkarran maintained. He reminded that as at June 17, 224,853 persons in Guyana, representing 46.2 per cent of the targeted adult population, had taken the COVID-19 vaccine. Of these, 94,243 persons or 19.4 per cent have taken the second dose. Region 10 with, 14 per cent uptake, lags far behind the other regions which have surpassed 40 per cent. “Mr. Harmon’s call has, for the suspension of the Sputnik vaccine, which has already been safely taken by 61,000 persons, based on the frivolous allegations made, have been easily and quickly rejected and ridiculed. It is a clear attempt to politicise
Guyana’s vibrant vaccination programme,” Ramkarran argued. The Opposition Leader had raised concerns relating to the lifesaving vaccines being procured at increased prices. Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony responded to the concerns, explaining that this was due to the global demand and shortages of the vaccines. The government had said that it remains willing to stand whatever cost necessary to ensure that the people of Guyana are vaccinated. So far, Guyana is one of the few countries that have managed to secure enough vaccines to immunise its entire adult population. Harmon had also questioned the government’s move to procure the vaccines via a “middle man”
in the form of Sheik Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, who is a member of the ruling family of Dubai. Both Minister Anthony and President Dr. Irfaan Ali had defended the move, explaining that global demands have made the vaccines difficult to come by, and that the established linkages with the royal family assured Guyana sufficient access to the lifesaving injections. Further, the Opposition Leader referenced, in his concerns, a batch of fake Sputnik V vaccines discovered in Mexico. He indicated that the batch contained 200,000 doses of the Russian-made jabs; however, Reuters news agency has confirmed that there were only about 5,000 doses of the fake vaccines were found.
To further put such concerns to rest, the Food and Drug Analyst Department of Guyana issued an independent statement explaining that Guyana has a strict importation protocol, which aligns with those that have been implemented in leading countries including the United States and the United Kingdom. The Department had informed too that all of the imported vaccines come with serial numbers that can be traced back to the vaccine manufacturers. Harmon had also criticised the government for administering vaccines that have not yet been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO); to this, President Ali reminded that almost every country began using the vac-
cines prior to receiving formal approval. Moreover, real-life data and studies have shown that the Sputnik V vaccine carries an efficacy rate of 97.6 per cent, and according to the health minister, the Russian ‘jabs’ are even able to fight against new and emerging variants of the coronavirus. Ramkarran concluded that “this is a time when, if there are discrepancies, doubts and inefficiencies, dangers, or deliberately discriminatory practices, they should be brought to the attention of government officials or those in authority as soon as possible, without creating dangers and tensions in the society by dangerous and divisive demands.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Investigators probing two theories pertaining to ‘Multi’ fire By Jared Liddell
INVESTIGATORS of the Guyana Fire Service are probing two possible theories into the cause of the fire that destroyed the main section of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School on Saturday, Deputy Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham, told this newspaper on Sunday. Investigators were reportedly at the scene all day Sunday into the evening to ascertain the cause of the mysterious fire that destroyed the school’s First to FifthForm classrooms, Science, Home-Economics and Information Technology laboratories, as well as the school’s $3 million ‘smart’ classroom - the first to be launched in Guyana in 2015. The Deputy Fire Chief, however, did not want to reveal to this newspaper the two theories being examined, noting that it will only be prudent to do so once the investigations are complete and
there is a definitive finding. Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who was on the scene on Saturday, commended the efforts of the firefighters in attempting to save the building, and preventing the fire from spreading, however, he noted that much more could have been done. Minister Benn, during a telephone interview on Sunday, noted that the ground conditions made it difficult for the firefighters to move around the building with the equipment needed to extinguish and control the fire. He explained that due to the recent heavy downpours, some sections of the school’s compound were flooded while other earthen sections were extremely soft, making it difficult for the fire service ranks to manoeuvre with their equipment. “Around the building, the ground was very soft, so access close up to the building was an issue and there
Monday June 21, 2021– 02:00hrs - 03:30hrs
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand observing the devastating fire as firemen battle to save the engulfed North Ruimveldt Multilateral School (Adrian Narine photo) weren’t enough ways we could have gotten safely to the building with equipment. “We tried bringing in equipment but you could not get close enough to it because of the ground,” Minister Benn told this newspaper. Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Minister, in observing some of the faulty equipment at the scene, stated that an assessment of the GFS assets
is currently ongoing to fully understand the extent of their needs. Needs of CXC students With the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations just eight days away, the Ministry of Education is taking significant steps to ensure that the school’s 65 students slated to sit the examinations are accommodated comfortably.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, on Sunday, noted on her Facebook page that a meeting will be held on Monday with parents and students of the school’s 2021 CXC class to discuss the way forward. This meeting will be held at the at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School at 10:00hrs. “[I] just concluded a meeting with officers of the Ministry of Education and the HM, DHM and teachers of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral school which was destroyed by fire yes-
terday. Tomorrow, at 10am, we shall meet at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School with parents and students of the current CSEC class (fifth form/grade 11) to hear their views about which location would be best for them to physically sit their exams and, by tomorrow midday, a decision will be made,” the Facebook post read. She further stated that students scheduled to begin their oral exams on Monday will be informed that those exams are postponed to a later date.
Teenager robbed of motorcycle at gunpoint in Cummings Lodge A 19-year-old boy, who was on his way to a vulcanizing shop on Saturday night, was held at gunpoint and robbed of his aunt’s $300,000 grey wave 110 motorcycle. Police Headquarters reported that the robbery occurred around 22:30hrs in Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. According to the police report, the aunt loaned the motorcyle to the teenager and while he was pushing it to the vulcanizing shop in the vicinity of Sixth Street Access Road, he was approached by the two suspects on a black XR motorcycle. The suspects, who were armed with handguns, held the victim at gunpoint and relieved him of the said motorcycle. One of the suspects then mounted the motorcycle and escaped. Investigations are ongoing.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, JUNE 21, 2021
EMS to expand with provision of more ambulances EARLIER this month, the National Assembly approved a $21.3 billion Supplementary Budget to address a number of pressing issues, including the nationwide floods. In that, a sum of $1.9 billion was directed to the Ministry of Health and some of these monies will be allocated for the purchase of three new ambulances, two of which have already been promised to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). Director of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Dr. Zulfikar Bux welcomed the allocation, explaining that because the two agencies operate in unison to respond to medical-related emergencies, the ambulances will, by extension, serve the EMS outside of fire-related situations. “Right now, we are covering Georgetown; we have an additional two ambulances that the fire service is planning to roll out by the end of July; one for Diamond (Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara) and one for Melanie (East Coast Demerara),” Dr. Bux told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday.
Director of the national Emergency Medical Service, Dr. Zulfikar Bux As it is, Region Four has a complement of four ambulances, which is only half of what is required to ensure coverage in the region. Dr. Bux is hopeful that within the next year, the EMS could possibly be expanded and become fully capable of extending the reach of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) s outside of Region Four. Since its implementation in 2016, the EMS has responded to thousands of medical emergencies, saving
perhaps hundreds of lives in the process. However, its operations have been limited and even hindered by the shortage of key resources such as ambulances. With the government gradually responding to the needs of the EMS, Dr. Bux is hopeful that the country could be able to purchase at least four ambulances each year, until the EMS has enough to provide countrywide coverage of the main carriageways. “From Skeldon to Parika and to Linden…we are doing a phased implementation,” Dr. Bux added. Prior to the establishment of the EMS, medical resuscitations outside of a hospital was almost unheard of, because more often than not, medical emergencies in Guyana, especially road accidents, are first responded to by public-spirited citizens with no medical background, and in most cases, a person who is not breathing, is already considered dead. But with the EMS, many persons have been successfully resuscitated even before they could reach the hospital. This accomplishment alone
More ambulances are required for the comprehensive expansion of Guyana’s Emergency Medical Services has underscored the need for the Guyana Chronicle during a couple of ambulances,” Dr. the expansion and continued a previous interview. Bux noted. He said that the development of the EMS, the He had said then that de- EMS has at its disposal, the brainchild of Dr. Bux. spite limited resources and a expertise of approximately 100 The EMS Director had in- host of infrastructural chal- fully trained EMTs. dicated that over the past cou- lenges, EMTs have also been “I sometimes fantasize ple of years, the National EMS able to deliver close to 20 about the day when every has responded to more than babies, en-route to the hospi- Guyanese can have emer15,630 medical emergencies tal. “This service has proven gency access to paramedics that have been reported via its worth worldwide and helps anywhere in Guyana by the Guyana Fire Service ‘912’ to save so many lives and calling the emergency hoemergency hotline. “Numer- we are seeing similar effects tline. I am still optimistic ous lives were saved and there in Guyana. We want to save we will get there and I’ll has been a positive impact on more lives and answer all the do all that I can to achieve pre-hospital emergency re- calls for help, but we cannot this goal,” Dr. Bux said sponse locally,” Dr. Bux told cover the entire country with previously.
Shortage of vaccines a major worry for Jamaica (Jamaica Observer) - TWO weeks after confirming that there were enough COVID-19 vaccine doses to complete the process for individuals who received their first shot in March and April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has made an about-turn regarding that pronouncement. On May 28 Dunstan Bryan, permanent secretary in the ministry, told the Jamaica Observer that “we have enough for the second doses for the persons who received doses in March and April”. But on Thursday, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton told journalists during the weekly virtual COVID Conversations press conference that the ministry will be prioritising
people aged 50 years and over for the second dose of the Oxford- AstraZeneca vaccine. Vaccine blitz events resumed on Saturday in nine parishes. “We have to focus on the most vulnerable, and the most vulnerable by age would be 50 and older. The second dose has to be a priority based on availability, and so we have to give it to those who require it. The challenge we have is the availability of vaccines,” said Tufton. More than 220,000 Jamaicans have received at least one dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, journalists were told on Thursday, with 51,908 of this number being fully vaccinated. The latter figure indicates that only 3.3 per cent of the population
have been vaccinated. The ministry had authorised, up to last weekend, the administering of first doses to persons who were interested, the Sunday Observer can report. “Vaccine represents a critical component of that [reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus] and we have been gradually inoculating our population. A lot of what we do is a function of the availability of the vaccines, and once we have it then we take it and make it available. Then, there is the issue of access to the population — and we have been working on a plan to improve the plan so that all Jamaicans who qualify will have access,” said Tufton, who added that vaccines are not as available as “we would like [but] we do
believe, however, that things will get better”. He said Jamaica is expected to benefit from the 25 million doses of the vaccine being donated by the United States to countries at a disadvantage in terms of sourcing, though he did not mention the brand being donated. Individuals due for second shots have only been given Oxford-AstraZeneca, which has not been approved for use in the United States. The donations are expected to come in by month-end, Tufton said. “We’re also anticipating another shipment through the COVAX facility and our agency, the National Health Fund, continues to negotiate the purchase of vaccines and explore other potential sources. Unfortunately, we
can’t give any more specific information on time. We have to give a range because vaccines are still a scarce commodity globally based on what is happening in the world, based on those who have immediate access or first preference because of where production facilities are [and] because of the nationalities of the manufacturers. We, therefore, have to
manage the process. “It’s a difficult management because in a sense, we can’t demand and there is no automatic availability. We have a need; we want the vaccines. But, we have to negotiate access based on what is available and the willingness of the manufacturers to make it available,” said Tufton.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Tajeram Mohabir
Towards a more secured future
THE government’s plan to deliver 50,000 house lots by 2025 is bold and ambitious. This plan, off the bat, will need sustained cooperation from all stakeholders if it is to be achieved in a timely and well-coordinated fashion. The truth is that even though significant strides have been made, largely by the PPP/C government, in enabling ordinary Guyanese to become homeowners, homeownership is still a major challenge in Guyana. It is therefore commendable that the Dr Ifraan Ali government is treating this matter as a major priority, as it seeks to provide all Guyanese a better life. Undoubtedly, the last government’s housing policy was not fair and apolitical in form and approach, when it came to meeting the underlying needs of all Guyanese. It spent too much time talking and ‘cozening up’ with housing contractors than serving the people
most in need. The homes that were built by the former government were inadequate and below expectations. And there have been reports that the construction works on them are substandard. This aside, the community roads and drainage in certain areas were left without proper maintenance. And eventually, they fell into a state of disrepair. With a change in the government, things have changed. We can ill-afford to go back to those policies that did not work or have the desired outcomes. In attaining the house lot distribution target, it will also require that the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority place attention on the applications that have been languishing in its systems for years. Tackling this backlog, while ensuring that it stays on top with the new applications in the system is not an easy task, but the young ministers of housing have quickly proven that they could
not only deliver on time, but beyond expectations. It is also encouraging that steps have been taken to ensure that the processing of houselots is fair, reliable, and transparent. This is vital to helping to remove the perception of bias in the distribution of houselots that was very much evident under the previous administration. It goes without saying that all Guyanese who apply for houselots must be considered, once they meet the requirements outlined by the Housing Ministry. Equally important is the need for heightened vigilance to ensure the integrity of the system from any unscrupulous acts, as uncovered by this government in the first few months in office. Importantly too, managing all the stakeholders is essential to achieving the goal of delivering 50, 000 houselots
to the people of Guyana. Once the houselots are delivered, building is expected to commence sooner rather than later and here is where attention has to be paid to contractors. A strong stance should be taken against all contractors who are shoddy and delinquent in their work, that will discourage others from underperforming. Houses built must be safe and durable whether for the low-income, middle-income or upper classes and this must be non-negotiable. Through the Dream Realised initiative, thousands of houselots have been delivered across Guyana in just a matter of months and no doubt, the government is well on the road to delivering on its manifesto promises on housing. Guyana is set for a newer look and to becoming a country where citizens enjoy a better life for generations to come.
Coping with future floods
Dear Editor,
PLEASE permit me to elucidate on the drainage requirements of Guyana. Watching the outcome of the recent floods has precipitated these thoughts. As an industry practitioner with 47 years experience in drainage, I offer the following recommendations: * Global warming is here to stay. As a result, the moisture-storage capacity of the atmosphere has increased over the past three decades. This means that when precipitation takes place, it’s more intense, as there is more water to fall as rain; hence, the observed increase in rainfall over that corresponding period. In reality, this means that floods are here to stay! The best we can do is engineer our drainage system to cope with such floods and attenuate the adverse effects on our lives. * The Drainage and Irrigation De-
partment needs to be split into Drainage and Irrigation. A Drainage Director needs to be appointed. This person must report directly to the President or Prime Minister. * ALL drainage canals need to be dredged immediately. Siltation over the years has restricted their capacity to effectively deal with floods and effectively drain the land. * ALL outfall channels need to be dredged, from the kokers to the sea. The contour of such channels must be cut/ excavated to render them self-cleaning. * Mangrove revegetation needs to be accelerated. Mangroves are our first line of defence from the onslaught of the sea. * Vegetation covering 15m wide on each bank of every river from the water’s edge, should be protected. Such growth of trees will arrest rainfall runoff, allowing that water to percolate down to the water table and recharge it. During the dry sea-
son, that water will be released into the river as riparian springs. This will need legislation. Where deforestation of this area has already occurred, revegetation must be embarked upon. * Built-up areas such as buildings, car parks and industrial sites must have un-built areas, adjacent to, and between them. This will allow surface runoff to percolate down to the water table, rather than inundating drainage channels and roads. By-laws will need rewriting. * Operation of kokers and drainage pumps need to be synchronised with the tides. Accurate level gauges need to be installed on both the landward and seaward sides of each koker to aid the maximisation of drainage time. * A check of the operation of all kokers and drainage pumps throughout the country needs to be made on a 24/7 basis. * Hinterland rivers also need to be
dredged. Irresponsible alluvial mining has culminated in fast-flowing rivers silting up and thus reducing their capacity to drain the land in their catchment areas. Recent flooding in the Mazaruni area is testimony of this. * Each region needs a stock of portable pumps that can be mobilised at short notice for flooding emergencies. Low-lying coastal Guyana is susceptible to the vagaries of the weather and the rising sea level. As a result of this, about 15 per cent of the annual budget over the next three-five years needs to be voted for sea defence and drainage. If the above measures are implemented, it is estimated that about 70 per cent of the type of flooding we recently experienced can be alleviated. Yours sincerely, Ken Seecharran Consulting Mining Engineer
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
NY Guyanese urged to vote in city mayoral election Dear Editor, NEW York City-based Guyanese are urged to vote on Tuesday, June 22, in the primary of the city’s mayoral election. Polls open at 6 AM and close at 9PM. The in-person New York City Primary election is on Tuesday, June 22, for those who have not already voted in early voting. The primary election selects the candidate (nominee) who will represent a party in the general election the
first Tuesday in November. Only party members (those who are registered as a member of a party) can vote in the primary within their party to choose the nominee. Most Guyanese are registered as members of the Democratic Party. The Republican Party also holds a primary to select its nominee. A dozen candidates are seeking the Democratic Party nomination. A candidate must garner over 50 per cent of the votes in order to win the nomina-
tion. Since New York is largely a Democratic city, the Democratic nominee of the June 22 primary is likely to become Mayor in November. Opinion polls suggest that no candidate is likely to garner 50 per cent of the votes in the primary. In the past, there was a runoff between the top two candidates. This year’s primary has ranked choice voting of candidates. Voters can rank up to five choices on the ballot. In the ranked-choice system, no vote goes to
waste and every vote helps to determine the winner. If no candidate gets cent in the first ranked-choice, then the second choice kicks in to determine if the candidate crosses the 50 per cent threshold. If not, then the third choice kicks in, and then the fourth choice, and then the fifth choice until a candidate crosses the 50 per cent threshold. According to the latest opinion poll, Eric Adams, A Black American, is the front runner as he has been over the last four
months with some 23 per cent first-ranked support, followed by Kathryn Morales, a Hispanic/White American, with 16 per cent and others trailing. An analysis conducted by a newspaper a month ago suggests that Eric Adams would win the nomination with 52 per cent of various ranked choices, followed by Andrew Yang, a Chinese-American, with 48 per cent. Since then, Kathryn Morales has moved up in the polls and was almost neck and neck with Adams
as the first-ranked choice two weeks ago. She also has a very good chance of winning the nomination with the varied rankings. Andrew Yang has slipped in support as has Scott Stringer, a Jewish-American, who led the poll a few months back. Guyanese-Americans from Queens, and Indo-Caribbean and SouthAsian groups have endorsed Adams. Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram
Things are looking up but the ‘tongue twisters’ are busy at work Dear Editor, AN illustrious President Dr. Irfaan Ali, hardworking and hardly resting, is certainly not bemused with the current situation in the country, in particular with all the adversities facing Guyanese and an unwilling opposition party not cooperating in the national interest and showing no sign of patriotism. He, nevertheless, remains optimistic, is resilient and maintains a composure of being calm. The presumptuousness of the APNU+AFC party is so audacious that their members, in particular the selected parliamentarians, never fail to amuse the public nor entertain the PPP/C government. Guyanese are accustomed to receiving their ludicrous outbursts, mischievous retorts, outlandish queries, absurd remarks, irrelevant opinions, insignificant contributions, and obnoxious questions. Their last theatrical antics in Parliament, attest to this summation. Their sarcasm, critiques and controversies are always destructive and only complement their motto of being mean, deceitful, dangerous, dishonest and demented. Leader of the Opposition Joe Harmon’s aspersions on the Sputnik vaccine tells a
tall tale. The APNU+AFC is the bearer of false news, lies and disruption. Their tongue twisting is the main tool to fabricate a sad and pathetic story in order to draw sympathy. Granger and Harmon’s visit to Berbice was the cause for an upsurge and unrest from their racial insinuations. Thus, blinded by the lust for greed, craving the motive of personal gain and possessing an obsession for being power drunk, they will resort to any low means in order to satisfy their wants. The Auditor General’s reports attest to billions of dollars unaccounted for. Trampling on anything in their way does not deter them from their mission and sacrificing their own does not bother them the least. They will use and abuse anyone and everything within handreach and will certainly plot any devious plan without fear or respect of any authority. This is in their DNA from day one and it follows a trend created by their godfather, LFSB. The Rodney affair brings uneasiness. The PNC’s legacy of being a destructive element, a racial body, a biased institution and a discriminating organisation, has left a vivid paper trail of social upheaval, violent behaviour, political mayhem and economic chaos. Too many
disturbances are recorded after every election and Indians have always suffered the worst. As a result, Guyanese have remained a divided nation, a country with financial difficulties, a nation with production stagnation and the people facing impeded progress. There was a mass exodus of Guyanese migrating to greener pastures by the thousands. Their mantra for wasting resources, excessive spending, exorbitant lavishness and total mismanagement, create pipelines for financial misappropriations, fraud and corruption. Bankruptcy and overdrafts poisoned the economy, along with devaluation of the dollar. Only through rigged elections and the help of exterior agencies have they remained in power from 1964 to 1992. Control of government was maintained by dictatorship, the control of all the disciplined forces and political domination of all government agencies. Law and order was suppressed and rules and regulations were ignored. 2015 to 2020 saw a repeat of the same medicine, but with larger doses and democracy under siege. A no-confidence motion was dragged out in the courts along with the illegal appointment of Patterson as GECOM Chair. The PNC is masquerading
as the APNU+AFC and their ultimate motive is to secure political power through the back door by foul means. APNU+AFC refused to accept a legitimate election recount result. They can never win a free and fair election because of their grotesque performance, their biological misdemeanours and distrust from the international community. The world witnessed their barefaced attempts to rig the last general and regional elections. The U.S. government imposed sanctions on the Granger government and booted them out of office. Luckily, Guyanese now have a new, duly elected government administered by the PPP/C. This has brought about a number of changes and things are beginning to look up with the hope and expectation for betterment. Law and order is slowly taking shape once more as rules and regulations are observed. A reflection on their significance tells that the nation is moving in the right direction, much to the comfort and satisfaction of Guyanese overall. A quick look can recall some of these events: the president and all the government ministers have been on the ground, in the field and water,
walking and working foot to foot with the man in the street to test the depth of the water. They have distributed thousands of food hampers, relocated many, provided all available help and instituted all necessary precautions; a motion ousted David Patterson as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. This APNU+AFC’s brazen bullying came to an end; the town clerk was given 24 hours to state what actions were taken against the delinquent workers. The M&CC’s dogmatic action will no longer be tolerated. The government is taking over management of the drainage and irrigation of the city; the President is in control. He has suspended two commissioners from the Police Service Commission to allow an investigation not to be hampered; the President has also ordered all reviews of all maintenance contracts for drainage; crime is being grappled with by the horn. There is a restructured arrangement with the disciplined forces and the court is also assisting. One murderer was dealt with via penal punishment; the police are stepping up their campaign on coloured lights on vehicles; the President delivered a
speech as main speaker on urbanisation. He spoke about Silica City, i.e. the building of a Soesdyke/ Linden city; relocation of the fire station from the Stabroek Market area to Durban Street is in the pipeline. This will free up the congestion and streamline operations; the army and government called out the APNU+AFC and put them to shame over fearmongering. Harmon and comrades have been exposed for their lies and have been rebuked publicly; the international community is reassuring Guyana of its support. Japan has donated a US$1M floodalert system and USAID has allocated US$20K in aid as flood relief; COVID-19 is gradually taking a back seat. Some 300 athletes have been registered in a competitive showdown. Despite the flood, COVID, crime and political interference, Guyana’s antenna is up and beaming and there is a ray of hope as the rainbow promises a light at the end of the tunnel. The committed President Ali remains steadfast to his difficult responsibilities and unmoved by the deliberate distractions. Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Difficult to tamper with Sputnik vaccines because of cold-storage requirements
- Director-General of the Health Ministry
THE Russian-made Sputnik V vaccines have to be stored at a cold temperature of about minus 18 degrees celsius at all times, and as such, Director-General of the Health Ministry, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, posited that it would be difficult to tamper with those vaccines while transporting them to Guyana. Recently, the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, alleged that the Sputnik V vaccines Guyana has procured and has been administering to thousands of people may be fake, since they were purchased through an arrangement with an intermediary, instead of directly from the Russian authorities. Following the Opposition leader’s statements, a number of officials rebuffed these allegations and assured members of the public that
the vaccines were safe for use and continue to be effective in protecting people against the deadly COVID-19 disease. On Saturday, while responding to a letter requesting the acquisition details for these vaccines, penned by Harmon, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony said, “I must express my ministry’s and our government’s disappointment in your statements, which were done without any evidence, deeming the Sputnik V vaccines used in Guyana as “fake”.” Dr. Anthony, in his correspondence dated June 19, 2021, criticised Harmon for making public statements that could jeopardise the lives of thousands of Guyanese. And, he said that the Opposition Leader should withdraw his statements since he is without evidence to support his
claims. On Sunday, while commenting on the allegations made, Dr. Mahadeo said, “The storage of the vaccines demands certain temperatures, demands certain methods before it comes to Guyana.” Cognisant of this, the Director-General explained that swapping the ‘real’ vaccines procured from the Russian authorities with ‘fake’ vaccines, since any increase in temperature, for example, would be difficult. During a recent press conference, the Health Minister explained that indeed these vaccines have to be stored at a cold temperature at all times or else they will spoil. And, importantly, he noted that Guyana encountered some challenges in transporting those vaccines to the country, since some air-
lines were hesitant about the cold storage responsibility. “They picked it up from point A, (which is) the manufacturers and they bring it to Guyana, where are you going to get fake stuff from?” Dr. Mahadeo said on Sunday. As related by the Health Minister at a recent press conference, Dr. Mahadeo also reiterated that the vaccines were procured from a source recommended by the Russian manufacturers themselves.
VARIANT CONCERNS Meanwhile, Dr. Mahadeo has implored all Guyanese to continue taking their vaccines to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus. Importantly, he said that the emergence of variants of the virus-- in particular the new Delta variant that originated in
India-- seems to be spreading much faster and, therefore, can harm more people who are not protected by the COVID-19 vaccines. He lamented that if that variant comes to Guyana, there will be specific communities and pockets of people who may be disproportionately impacted since these people would be unvaccinated. “We will find that these people who listen to the Harmons of this world, they are going to get sick and they are going to die,” the Director-General emphasised. As such, he deemed the allegations of ‘fake vaccines’ to be quite irresponsible since it could result in the loss of life. At the recent press conference where he raised the allegations of ‘fake vaccines’, the opposition leader
Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo also stated that he would not take any responsibility if people choose not to get their vaccines, following these allegations, and they fall ill.
More than 1,800 patients received ‘rehab’ care in COVID ICU
SINCE the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, healthcare workers have provided essential patient care and, according to the Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Ariane Mangar, more than 1,800 patients who received care at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) also received rehabilitation care. The Director highlighted this on Sunday during the launch of ‘Rehab Week’ at Bookland Gardens, Woodford Avenue, Georgetown. There, she emphasised that all rehabilitation staff have been working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pan-
demic, even when there was great uncertainty over how the virus could be spread or contracted. And, she noted that physiotherapists in particular played a pivotal role in providing care to the more than 1,800 severely ill patients who received treatment at the COVID-19 ICU since last year. It is for this reason, she explained, that the theme of this year’s rehabilitation week is: “Rehabilitation in the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic.” At the launch on Sunday, physiotherapist, Angelica Holder, who was previously attached to the COVID-19 ICU at the
National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Georgetown, related the struggles of working in that space. Importantly, she addressed the mental toll exacted on her as she spent months providing care to patients who, sometimes, lost their lives to the deadly virus. Still, she said that she and her colleagues focused on providing the best possible care each day. COVID-19 survivor, Neaz Subhan, was one of the more than 1,800 people who received care in the ICU, related that the physiotherapists visited him daily to prevent his body from growing
weaker. This weakness can be caused by simply being in bed for an extended period of time, resulting in difficulties performing everyday exercises like showering or getting dressed. Even after recovering from the severe effects of COVID-19, he related that he continued to receive ‘rehab’ care to help improve his physical abilities. Meanwhile, the Director emphasised that rehabilitation services is not just about providing physical and cognitive rehabilitation to those people infected with COVID-19. Instead, she highlighted that this field of health services deals with physical and oc-
cupational therapy, generally, and speech therapy. And she underscored, “(During the pandemic) people did not stop having strokes… their disabilities didn’t go away and we needed to provide essential services.” Cognisant of this, she said efforts were made to reopen the clinics and continue providing services to patients in need. Also addressing the gathering was Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, who underscored the importance of rehabilitation services, stating that it is a speciality that intersects all other specialties
Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Ariane Mangar including obstetrics and gynaecology, and cardiology. Importantly, he charged the Rehab services team to continue expanding their services so that more Guyanese would be able to benefit from the much-needed services. He specifically underscored that Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni) should have greater access to these services.
Linden woman missing after boat capsizes en route from Brazil A search is ongoing for 38-year-old Walettta Rigby of Blueberry Hill, Wismar Linden, who disappeared in the Takatu River in Lethem, Region Nine, after the boat she was in capsized on Friday last. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that Rigby
and her friend, Shaunette Gonsalves, 48, of Beverly Hills, Lethem, left Guyana on June 18, 2021 around 05:30hrs to purchase Brazilian products. On the same night, at approximately 22:30 hrs, the women entered a small wooden boat on Brazilian shores, captained by an unknown
Brazilian, to cross the Takatu River. Gonsalves reported to the police that while they were crossing the river, the boat capsized due to its weight and the heavy current flow of the river, which caused the occupants to be submerged. Gonsalves further told the
police that she managed to hold on to a nearby tree branch that was hanging over the water, however, upon checking, she did not notice the boat, the captain nor her friend, Rigby. At approximately 6:00 hrs on Saturday last, while she was still holding on to the tree
branch, Gonsalves noticed two unknown male Amerindians passing in a boat; she raised an alarm and was rescued by the said men. She later appeared at the Lethem Police Station to file a report of the incident. Police said they carried out a search between 11:00 hrs and 14:30 hrs on Saturday
in the vicinity where the boat allegedly capsized, however, neither Rigby nor the captain was found. Up to press time, police reported that the current flow of the water was moving at a speed of 40 mph, in the eastern direction. Investigations are ongoing.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
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AG to resume publishing of Guyana Law Reports
-reports up to 2020 to be compiled, GBA lauds initiative By Richard Bhainie Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. says he will resume the printing and publishing of the local law reports, better known as the Guyana Law Reports – an indispensable tool for judges, lawyers, students and even academics. The latest volume is that of the year 2007. Under Guyana’s ‘common law’ legal system, court decisions are heavily reliant on prior judicial pronouncements. The doctrine of precedent, or ‘stare decisis,’ mandates that courts lower in the hierarchy are bound by the previous decisions, or precedents, of the courts above them, when the facts of the cases are sufficiently similar. The ‘ratio decidendi’ or ‘reason for deciding’ forms the binding precedent of a judge’s decision, for future judges to follow. The operation of ‘binding precedent’ is reliant upon the existence of extensive law reporting, where, as Nandlall explained, the nation’s top judicial decisions are documented into volumes or ‘law reports.’ During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Attorney General explained that law reporting is a “very
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.
important part of the legal architecture of any country,” noting that if there is no “proper law-reporting system” it hinders development of the country’s jurisprudence and stymies judges, lawyers and even law students in their academic, research and other pursuits. Vice-President of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) and attorney-at-law, Teni Housty, expressed similar sentiments as he described the decision to print the editions as an “extremely good move” and one that is “long overdue.” Housty, during a telephone interview with this newspaper on Sunday, explained that as a result of Guyana’s legal system being built upon precedents, law reporting -- which will mandate
judges to write thorough and comprehensive judgments -- coupled with Guyana’s Time Limit For Judicial Decisions Act 2009, will “add to the strength and policy of the jurisprudence that will emerge from Guyana.” “As judges write, we are aware of what is being decided and there is an opportunity for consistency and predictability in the decision-making framework,” Housty explained. The lawyer highlighted that the benefits of law reports are acknowledged by the GBA to the extent where there is a designated area on the website to access a list of judicial decisions. “If you look at the judiciaries from other countries, the richness of the law is captured in the decisions,” Housty said, using Guyana’s regional counterparts, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica to make a comparison. “When you want to understand the richness of Guyana’s jurisprudence, all you have to do is go pick up an old law book; a lot of things people are fighting over now were decided long ago,” Housty explained, noting that because of the lack of law reporting, those written judgments are unavailable. While some cases aris-
Vice-president of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) and attorney-at-law, Teni Housty
ing out of Guyana may have made their way to the West Indian Law Reports, the Commonwealth Law Reports and other reports available in print and through legal resource databases such as LexisNexis and WestLaw, Housty explained these judgments are usually where important issues of law are being debated and they are selectively documented at the discretion of editors. Housty highlighted that with the ‘new rules’ of the courts, lawyers are tasked with writing thorough submissions, which, in turn, result in some judges writing exceptional judgments. He described the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, C.C.H, S.C., as a “writing machine,” whether or not lawyers like her decisions. “There are no visible
Fourth victim succumbs after deadly Fort Wellington crash
A fourth person, identified as Lakeram Mangal, who was involved in the deadly early morning crash at the Fort Wellington Public Road, West Coast Berbice, on Monday last, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He joins three others on the list of causalities arising out of the accident; the others being the driver of the vehicle-- Carlos Edwards Jr, 23, of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam; Shabana Latif, 36, of Brothers Village, East Bank Berbice and former police officer, Hookumchand Parmanand, 59, an overseas-based Guyanese, formerly of Number 36 Village. As previously reported by the Guyana Chronicle, the accident occurred around 05:00 hrs on June 14, while Edwards was transporting
Dead: Lakeram Mangal
passengers from Berbice to Georgetown. Among the passengers were Edwards’ child-mother and his sixyear-old daughter. Mangal, 53, of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, at
the time of the accident was heading to the Ogle Airport to board a flight to the interior where he was due to return to work. Police reported that the motor car, #HC 6077, was
proceeding west along the southern side of Fort Wellington Public Road at a fast rate and, while negotiating a left bend on the road during a heavy downpour, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which ran into a concrete and mesh fence, then ploughed into a lamp pole before finally turning turtle in a drain on the said southern side of the road. The driver and passengers of the car received injuries about their bodies and were taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital, where Parmanand, Edwards Jr., and Latif were pronounced dead. The three injured passengers were initially treated at the Fort Wellington Hospital before they were transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Mangal, who suffered head injuries, was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
drawbacks for law reports, the entire legal system, the entire administration of justice will benefit,” Housty said, as he highlighted the importance of law reports. He urged judges to continue writing and recommended that even with time constraints, they should aim to write even more. The attorney-at-law said the resumption of the publishing of the local reports is not timely, but is “overdue.” He highlighted that the situation is such in some cases that when lawyers are conducting research on some issues, they must rely on the “comradery”[sic] of their peers. When he was Attorney General under the Ramotar administration, Nandlall had taken up the mantle from his predecessor Charles Ramson Snr. to update the Guyana Law Reports in print up to the year 2007, and make accessible online the complete set of reports from 1930 to 2007, which he completed in 2013. Those 200 sets of 14 volumes published in 2013 built upon the previous undertaking to publish the Guyana Law Reports which was done in 1996 under the auspices of Lions Rotary International to print the reports of 1976. The Attorney General explained that the gigantic undertaking to accumulate all the Guyanese
The cover of ‘the Law Reports of British Guiana 1965’ published in 1971 and edited by then Solicitor-General Mohamed Shahahbuddeen, Esq., Q.C., who was later appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Vice-president of Guyana in 1983
High Court and Appellate Courts decisions from 2007 to 2020 is an expensive and time-consuming exercise, but he understands the importance of the exercise and must “get the work done.” He disclosed that he will be receiving the assistance of Professor Velma Newton from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados, who is also the Regional Director of the Canadian-funded IMPACT Justice Project aimed at improving access to justice in the Caribbean.
French military vessel here for Tradewinds exercise Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, was given a tour of French multipurpose military vessel, Dumont d’Urville, on Sunday. The vessel arrived in Guyana on Sunday as part of Exercise Tradewinds, a multinational ongoing military exercise in the country. While on board the vessel, which is docked at the GuySuCo Sugar Terminal Wharf, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, the senior government official was briefed on its features and mission by Commander of the Ship, Lieutenant Florent d’Autichamp. Additionally, several flood relief items that were sent by the French Red Cross with the ship were handed over to Director General of the Guyana Red Cross, Dorothy Fraser. Prime Minister Phillips said that the government welcomes the relief items and continued good relations with the French Government.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Could you handle it?
SOME of the situations that people share with staff when they visit the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) can be sad and upsetting, but CPA Officers listen intently to assist with the best decisions. Although they are trained social workers who deal with various daily problems, no two problems are the same. The solutions differ according to children’s ages and the willingness of parents to co-operate. Therefore, not every case that comes to the CPA is resolved promptly or with the most favourable results. It is a type of ‘win one lose one’ job where children can fall through the cracks, despite their ardent work. Whether the result is successful or not, Officers still have to go through the necessary procedures required by law, ranging from documentation and follow-up reports on each case to personally visiting and overseeing the well-being of families and children.
One CPA Officer explained. ‘It can be a rewarding or sometimes disheartening job depending on what you’ve achieved that day. When results are forthcoming, it makes it all worthwhile. I may have located a long lost father or reunited some children with relatives; this gives me a sense of satisfaction and a boost. But on occasions, the job is ‘full on’ from the moment I get to work; people waiting to see me; cases to deal with and new cases coming in all the time. The workload is always more than the time we have available. Also, sitting and listening to people’s predicaments can take a toll on your personal life if you don’t know how to separate the two. It took me a while to learn how to do that. Yes, it is a job and one that I enjoy. Still, we are all human, so of course, I am affected when listening to the details of what some children have suffered or when a frustrated father becomes bellig-
erent and starts shouting and carrying on – it can be scary’. Officers also go into the fields: either to check on a child or the progress of a family. Or to follow up on a report of child abuse. For every child abuse case brought to the CPA, there are several more that are never reported”.
The Officer continued, “Most of the time, we have no idea what to expect when out in the field. Once you are in a public-facing role, you meet up with all types of people. Some are hostile, awkward, indifferent, aggressive or just uncooperative. You have to use the right words to communicate effectively,
remembering that a child’s life may be at risk”. Decisions made by the CPA do not always find favour with the people and parents involved but the Agency’s mandate is clear, vulnerable or abused children must be protected. Some adults have a problem with that fact; they believe it is their right to treat their children how they choose. The Agency works along with families; teaching parenting skills for future reunification and helping parents to provide a conducive environment for children. Another CPA Officer shared her thoughts on the job. “The system we work with is tight; there is little room for lapses, but if they occur, it feels like we are being attacked- this is the most challenging part of the job for me. There is little gratitude for the many cases and things that we get right and all the families we’ve helped over the years. Although we are Child Protection Officers, child protection is everyone’s responsibility - it starts in the home with parents. They should be the first line of protection for children; and transcends to communities, schools, and religious organisations. They all have a significant role in protecting children. Officers only become aware of child abuse
cases when members of the public report them to the CPA. Some cases can give you sleepless nights if you don’t know how to shut things out and get some rest. Self-care is essential in this line of work, or you could suffer ‘burnout’, and then you are no use to anybody; I do this job because I want to help others. Ever since I was young, I had a particular aptitude for listening to people and solving their problems, so I naturally gravitated to this type of work. But it is a complex job at times that touches my body, mind and soul. How do you explain to a father why he should not share a bed with his eleven-year-old daughter? Or get over the fact that an innocent toddler was raped? Then you have the mindsets of people to deal with: whether they’re poor, rich, intellectual or famous, they all believe they are right and refuse to see another person’s point of view. The cases where most people are at loggerheads are ‘Visitation Rights’ and ‘Access’. It affects me when I do not have all the resources available to help people – but my satisfaction is when a client or family move from point ‘A’ and reaches a better phase before the intervention period stops. It is a relief to see the improvement and progress, even if it’s slow”. Child Protection is not a run-of-the-mill job. Officers have to build a certain resilience to the cases they handle and balance their living and lifestyle with the challenges and demands of their workload. Could you handle it? If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Drainage, road woes to be addressed in West Coast communities
INFRASTRUCTURAL errors in the West Coast Demerara communities of Blankenburg, Cornelia Ida and Uitvlugt will soon be corrected following an inspection by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Saturday. In these communities, several roads and drains were constructed; however, residents highlighted faults in some of the works done. According to Minister Edghill, persons from these communities reached out to his office seeking the govern-
Residents of the Blankenburg community pointing out issues with drainage to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, during an inspection exercise on Saturday
A road being rehabilitated in Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara
ment’ intervention. “My presence in these communities here this afternoon came as a direct result of letters that were written to me by residents requesting
interventions of different kind or another.” During his visit to Blankenburg, the Public Works Minister explained that a road was constructed without any
provision for drainage and irrigation in the area. This has since resulted in flooding. “At Blankenburg, there are serious issues there with flooding that would have caused damage to livelihoods that has [sic] to be addressed. On the spot, I would have made contact with the regional officials for them to intervene, because it is clear that the private developer has built a road and did not make any providence [sic] for water to cross from one side to the other side. “There are no culverts, there are no drainage systems; that has to be corrected immediately,” Minister Edghill highlighted. Meanwhile, in the community of Cornelia Ida, concerns were raised about a road that was being built. Following an inspection by Minister Edghill, several faults were observed and while the minister did not disclose what these faults were, he assured that they would be corrected. “I was able to come and see the road and see what was being done. I communicated with my chief engineer and there are some issues that we have to address there to bring solutions to that problem.” In Uitvlugt, the minister
and irrigation among other issues were raised. “Here at Uitvlugt, it’s the NDC that is looking to bring community development; they have got issues with drainage, a couple of concerns about a bridge that we looked at that needs to be fixed and they have been doing their own fundraising and looking for support to help with their street-lighting programme.” Residents also highlighted the need for a playground in the community. Meanwhile, the Public Works Minister urged residents to be on the alert when works are being conducted in their communities, noting that his office is accessible and persons should not hesitate to report any issues. “I’d like to say to all the citizens of Guyana, my office remains accessible and open so you can make contact. I can’t give the sun, moon and stars, but whatever is in keeping with what our economy could facilitate at this time, in keeping with government’s priorities, little by little we will bring development to all the communities in a non-discriminatory manner.”
The current state of one of concerns the drains in Blankenburg, WCD (DPI photos) said about drainage
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
City Hall invites bids for leasing of Constab. Training Complex
HAVING received a number of Expressions of Interest from private entities for the use of the defunct Water Street City Constabulary Training Complex, the Mayor and City Council (MCC) of Georgetown has officially advertised the invitation of bids for the leasing of the property, which has been out of operation since 2014. The submission of bids opened on June 16, and interested bidders have until 09:00hrs on June 30 to submit their bids, at which point the bids would be opened in the presence of bidders and their representatives, or anyone else who chooses to attend, at City Hall. Notwithstanding its defunct state, the Training Complex, which is situated at Lot 13 – 14 Water Street, sits on prime waterfront real estate, and the Council has been in discussions since 2020 about the leasing the property, following an offer of $1.5 million from an unknown entity. However, during a statutory meeting in January, 2020, when the issue was
Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore
discussed among the Councillors, several contended that the sum was too small, while others called for a valuation of the property to properly understand its true worth. Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, in the past, has noted that the Council has since been approached by several entities which have expressed their interest in the property, including international companies and public and private businesses. The Mayor has affirmed that the City does not plan to dispose of the property but see it as an apt revenue-generating asset for the cash strapped municipality.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore, confirmed that the municipality decided that it is time to capitalise on the rising prices for waterfront property. “The property is one that has been there for some time, and we haven’t been generating any income from it but we have to provide continuous security, and with the advent of oil and gas, the property is now at a sought-after location,” Mentore related. He further explained that: “So we have been looking at it from that point of view where not that the Council invests in it, but we engage other investors who are willing to have a public-private partnership with us for the property to realise its full potential.” He noted that the Council has already shortlisted a number of investors based on proposals received, and decided to advertise to maximise the offers. “We don’t want to limit ourselves from the opportunities that might be out there, so we decided to get a wider audience to be able
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The City Constabulary Training Complex
to get maximum benefits for the Council. So, this led to the introduction of the advertisement to garner a wider forum to get more offers before a final decision could be made,” Mentore said. Mentore said the municipality will also be seeking its own independent valuation of the property to ensure that the Council gets value for money. “While we seek Expressions of Interest, we will also be seeking someone to give us a comparative
value as relates to if we are getting the best value for money, and we will have a report on that,” Mentore explained. The City’s invitation of bids for the Training Complex follows the leasing of a section of the Merriman’s Mall to SleepIn Hotel and Casino for $1.3 million annually. Mentore alluded that more such public-private partnerships with the Council may very well be on the horizon as the entity contin-
ues to look at ways to generate new income streams. “The Council has been looking at innovative ways to maximise on its assets. Over the years, we’ve had a lot of idle assets and idle properties, and there’s high demand for such things at this time. So, outside of collecting taxes, we’re looking at different ways to generate income to supplement our ability to do work, pay staff and invest in other areas of the Council,” Mentore stated.
‘Stronger fathers create stronger societies’
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, Co-operative Republic of Guyana
“FATHERHOOD is an important part of parenting. Stronger fathers create stronger societies. On this Father’s Day, my wish is for every child to experience comfort, safety, a sense of security, and a father’s unconditional love. To all Guyanese fathers and those who function in the role of caregivers and fathers, I thank you for playing your part in building stronger families and societies. I thank my father, grandfathers and all those who played a fatherly role in my life for their support, love and guidance. May God bless you all.”
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Regal Stationery donates $3.5M in flood-relief supplies
AS the local authorities mobilise resources to provide relief to flood-affected residents in all 10 administrative regions, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre has donated $3.5 million in flood supplies to aid the Civil Defence
Commission (CDC) in providing some redress to those adversely affected. Manager of Regal Business Group, Telesha Ousman, on Saturday handed over the $3.5 million cheque to Deputy Director-General of the CDC, Major
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Loring Benons at the Muslim Youth Organisation on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. The donation to the CDC accumulated to approximately 530 cases of hand soaps, hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays and mulTelesha Ousman (centre) along with Imran Ally (left) and Deputy Director-General of the CDC, Major Loring Benons at the handing over at the Muslim Youth Organisation on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown (DPI photo) tipurpose surface cleaners. Ousman stated that the donation is to help fellow Guyanese recover quickly and safely from the effects of the flood. Ousman further noted that another donation will be done directly to the residents and farmers of Region Five. She noted that it is the vision of Directors of the Regal Business Group,
Ramnarine Krishna Hardyal and Mahendra Anil Hardyal, to see citizens have equal opportunities to live in comfort in their homes, adding that the business directors were pleased to assist the CDC and the government in their relief efforts and insisted that Regal is open to extending an arm where needed.
Three busted with over 5 lbs ganja at 70 KM Checkpoint THREE men, ages 23, 29 and 36, respectively, were, on Saturday, caught with some 2.436 kilograms or about 5.4 pounds of marijuana at the 70 KM checkpoint, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). According to Police Headquarters, ranks conducted a stop-and-search around 01:10hrs of a motor lorry bearing registration number GTT 3751, which was at the time being driven by a 32-year-old male, accompanied by eight other persons on the truck, including two porters. During the search of the lorry, police found a white salt bag which contained three bulky parcels wrapped in transparent plastic, and, upon inspection of the parcels, a quantity of The parcels containing the leaves, seeds and leaves, seeds and stems, stems, suspected to suspected to be cannabis be cannabis, were discovered. Police reported that the occupants were all arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station, Region Seven (Cayuni-Mazaruni), along with the cannabis. As investigations proceeded, it was disclosed that the salt bag was in the possession of three of the eight persons aboard the lorry who were picked up from Buckhall Landing, together. They were subsequently placed in police custody as investigations continue.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Detailed flood-impact assessment to start this week
THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Saturday, held a virtual pre-deployment briefing in conjunction with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) for a Detailed Damage Sector Assessment (DDSA) to be conducted, following the wide-scale flooding here. Saturday’s session followed the arrival of officials from CDEMA, the Regional Security System (RSS) and Pan American Health Organization. The CDC had requested assistance from CDEMA to prepare a damage and loss estimate report which will inform relief and recovery initiatives, compiling information according to the ‘sectors’ of health, agriculture, mining, infrastructure and housing, water and sanitation (WASH) and the social sector. The expected outcomes of the assessment, accord-
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Houses inundated in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)
CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig
CDEMA Executive Director (ag), Elizabeth Riley
ing to the terms of service, are determinations of the overall direct cost of the impact of the floods, rehabilitation and construction needs of each sector, the long-term assistance required, data for use in quantifying indirect costs for inclusion in a mac-
ro-economic assessment report, and data to be fed into other reports. Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said the assessment will cover hardhit areas in Regions Two, Five, Six, Seven and Ten. These regions have been
sentative of the region, distributed hampers to residents during a two-day outreach in the Mabaruma sub-region. Deputy Mayor of Mabaruma, Carolyn Robinson; Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Regional Executive Officer, Teka Bissessar and other officials, also accompanied the minister.
A total of 542 food supply hampers and 542 sanitation packages were distributed at Wanaki, Arauru, Sacred Heart, St. Dominic’s, Koberimo, Kinchee Creek, Aruka Mouth, Smith Creek,Morawhana, and Imbotero. Recent floods have resulted in a number of farmlands being inundated and halted mining
identified as those severely impacted by the floods. Lt. Col. Craig said it is important for the team members to understand the peculiarities of each region, before they start their assessment. He added that the mission is very important to the CDC, and that President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is looking forward for the findings. Executive Director (Ag.) of CDEMA, Ms. Elizabeth Riley, thanked the CDC for keeping her agency informed
about the situation on the ground. This meeting included details on the DDSA methodology and format, reporting requirements, and safety and security matters. There were over 50 participants. Several organisations were represented, including Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Food and Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations Children’s Fund and Caribbean Public Health
Agency. There will be another pre-mission briefing after the CDEMA representatives arrive on Tuesday, with the fully operationalised multi-stakeholder National Emergency Operations Centre. The detailed operational plan for the DDSA will be provided to the sector teams for discussion and feedback. Teams are expected to be deployed across the regions Wednesday. (DPI)
Mabaruma communities get emergency flood relief HUNDREDS of displaced households along the Aruka and Koberimo rivers in Region One (Barima-Waini) have received emergency relief, as the government continues to strengthen its flood response. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who is also the parliamentary repre-
From left to right - Minister Croal, Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, and other regional officials during the hamper distribution at Wanaki
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and other officials distribute the hampers to residents of Sacred Heart operations, which residents are sessment executed by regional remain persistent. Regional heavily dependent on. Through officials. The minister also health officials are also monthe government’s flood relief complimented the local bodies itoring communities for wastrategy, Minister Croal assured for their timely interventions, ter-borne illnesses. residents that continuous efforts which have led to water reThe residents were will be put in place to restore ceding in Smith Creek and also urged by the minister their livelihoods, as part of a Kumaka. to get vaccinated against recovery phase. The communities will con- COVID-19, even as Region The hamper distribution tinue to be monitored, as the One leads the vaccination rate follows a thorough flood as- heavy rainfall and high tides in Guyana.
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Boy, 15, beaten and robbed by ‘friends’ POLICE have arrested two of four men who robbed and beat a 15-year-old boy on Saturday night at Phase Two, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara. Police Headquarters, in a report, noted that the teenager was robbed of a Blu Samsung Galaxy cell phone valued $34,000 and $7,000 in cash, around 22:00hrs. According to the police report, the victim, along with two others, went to a shop about two corners away from their home.
There, the victim saw some of his friends who were liming and drinking alcohol. He approached his ‘friends’ but one of the men held him at knife point, while another pushed his hands into his right-side pocket to take out his wallet but the teenager put up a resistance, which caused the other suspects to cuff him about his body. The victim managed to escape; two of the suspects were arrested and are currently in custody assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Two shot in Sophia as bandits rob man of gold chains TWO men are in a stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after they were shot by bandits on Saturday night during a robbery in Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Police report noted that a 25-year-old male and his friend were standing on the northern side of the black and white bridge around 20:30hrs, when two men, one of whom was armed with a gun, approached them. The 25-year-old was held at gunpoint and ordered to hand over his two gold
chains valued at $300,000, but he refused. As a result, the bandit with the gun discharged several rounds and relieved the victim of the chain before escaping. The victim’s friend received a gunshot wound to his right instep, while a 32-yearold passerby of Rasville, Georgetown, received a gunshot wound behind his left leg. Both men were escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they are presently receiving medical attention. An investigations is in progress.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Three more die from ‘COVID’, 123 new cases
EVEN as the fight against the COVID-19 virus continues, the number of COVID-19 related deaths has increased to 447 following the death of three more persons. The Ministry of Health disclosed that the latest fatalities are two males-- A 66-year-old and a 73-yearold-- both from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), who both died on June 17. The third victim is a 43-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who died on June 18. They all died while receiving care at a medical facility. Meanwhile, there are currently 1,577 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 123 new cases as of June 20, 2021. Even as new cases were recorded, 26 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 17,073. The 123 newly con-
firmed cases were recorded in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and 10. Seventy-four of the newly confirmed cases were females with the remaining 49 being males. Region Four accounted for 37 of the new cases; Region Two recorded nine new cases; Region Three recorded 16 new cases; Regions Five recorded six new cases; and Region Six recorded 20 new cases. Regions Nine and 10 recorded 32 and three new cases, respectively. It was reported that the 123 new cases were recorded from a total of 987 tests. The country has now recorded a total of 19,096 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. Twenty-one persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Currently, there are 107
persons in institutional isolation; 1,448 are in home isolation and one person is in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from June 1, 2021, until June 30, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew time is from 22:30 hrs to 04:00 hrs. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
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Gov’t in talks with private sector
…to ramp up supply of construction materials SENIOR MINISTER in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said that the government recognised that high costs and low supply of construction materials were ongoing concerns, and the administration was working to address them. A report by the Department of Public Information (DPI) noted that Minister Singh said challenges in the global marketplace, such as the cost of shipping, are only transitory, and that the market will regulate itself at some point. In the interim, the Government will do what it can to facilitate improvements in supply and cost. “We are tackling this from multiple channels. First of all, we’ve taken off the taxes from most construction materials… But secondly, we’re also working with the private sector,” Dr. Singh was
those options. “There is going to be a tremendous construction boom in Guyana, not just as a result of public sector activity - the buildings, the roads, the bridges, et cetera, the government is building - but also on the private sector side. “You know we will have multiple hotels that are going to start constructing now.
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh
quoted as saying. According to the Finance Minister, the government has a long track record of working closely with the private sector, which it is tapping to encourage additional sources of supply for construction material like steel and cement. He said the private sector has been exploring
CANU ranks reportedly attack civilian, fire weapon as cops shut down party
TWO ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), on Sunday, allegedly assaulted a civilian and discharged a firearm in the air because police attempted to shut down a social gathering, which was in breach of the COVID-19 regulations, at Corriverton, Berbice. Police Headquarters, in a report, noted that a party of policemen visited the Sea Breeze Bar, Corriverton, Berbice where, approximately three hours after the national curfew is supposed to take effect, there was about 100 people consuming alcohol. The ranks informed the proprietor of the premises to close off the bar. However, in the process of doing so one of the CANU officers allegedly questioned the rank as to why he thought he could close off the party and further stated that such was not going to happen. According to the police, because of the CANU officer’s behaviour, a civilian intervened and informed him that he could not disrespect the police. That intervention made him (the CANU officer) angry and caused him to advance towards the young man in an aggressive manner. Another civilian intervened but was allegedly attacked by the aggressive CANU officer. Police reported that a large crowd subsequently gathered and the second CANU officer, who was armed with a service 9MM pistol and 15 live rounds, withdrew his firearm and discharged a round in the air. The shooter’s colleague allegedly received injuries to the left side of the head and was escorted to the Skeldon Hospital where he was treated and sent away. Police did not report what caused the officer’s injuries. The shooter was arrested and placed into custody and the firearm was lodged. One 9MM spent shell was found at the scene and lodged as evidence as the investigation into the matter continues.
You are going to have people taking up their house lots and starting to build their homes.” President Irfaan Ali made similar statements to the private sector during the launch of a Saipem offshore construction facility at Water Street, on June 5. At that event, he said there were attempts to set up as many as 20 large concrete
plants in Guyana. Though the government wants to see the supply of construction materials increase, the President asked why locals cannot be the ones starting up and owning such plants. “What hampers the local chambers of commerce in Region Three to bring together their business leaders and say ‘let’s form a company
and let’s build a concrete plant in Region 3?” The President said Guyanese businesses must address these needs by breaking down their individual approach, in favour of a collective approach. The President encouraged the formation of consortia to meet the new scale of needed investments.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Archibald, Williams stand... From page 24
onds ahead of Akeem Stewart (21.35s) and Nolex Holder
(21.46s). The Lindener made a smooth transition out of the blocks and looked the clear winner as he entered the final 100m of the race. Williams, who is on scholarship at Hinds Community College in the United States of America, said he is just happy to be back on the track after recovering from numerous injuries, and he is looking forward to the upcoming season. The women’s 200m was won by Juvonna Cornette of Titans Athletics in a time of 24.85s ahead of Ruth Sanmoogan (25.13s) and Keliza Smith (25.24s). In the middle-distance event, favourite Devaun Barrington, of the Guyana Defence Force, produced a time of one minute and 53.02 seconds to win the 800m ahead of teammate, Nicholas Daw (1:55.84s) and Anfernee Headecker (1:55.94s). Joanna Archer dominated the female event with a time of two minutes and 12.62 seconds, way ahead of Shaquka Tyrell (2:19.30s) and Tia Azore (2:32.34s). Cleveland Thomas won the 5000m in 16 minutes and 01.72 seconds, to exact revenge on the young Sir Kennard Hartog, who defeated him in the 10,000m. Hartog clocked 16:29.28s for second and Marlon Nicholson (16:40.05s) was third. Meanwhile, Archibald, the national record holder in the Long Jump, had the best leap of 7.82m, which was not close to his season-best of 8.10 meters which he produced earlier in the year at Leonora. Damon Williams (7.57m) and Micaiah Washington (7.57m) were second and third. Despite battling a toe injury, Chantoba Bright completed the ‘double’ as she won the female event with a best leap of 6.28m. Sanmoogan (6.02m) and Toyan Raymond (5.82m) completed the next two podium spots. The women’s shotput event was comfortably won by Anneisa DeAbreu (10.30m) while Teniesah Cort (9.82m) and Main McPherson (9.16m) were the other top three finishers. Julio Sinclair had the best throw of 16.12m, which easily gave him the men’s title as Osafo Dosantos (15.83m) and Jermain Simmons (15.56s) were second and third, respectively. President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, labelled the event as a success and indicated the next will be the National Youth and Junior Championships, tentatively set for July.
English Racing Tips Chepstow 08:55 hrs Her Way 09:30 hrs Bashful 10:00 hrs Tamaamm 10:30 hrs Accrington Stanley 11:00 hrs Gosnay Gold 11:30 hrs Atty’s Edge 12:00 hrs Leo Davinci 12:30 hrs Our Man In Havana Newton Abbot 08:15 hrs Manor Park 08:45 hrs Thahar Ifraj 09:15 hrs Burristo 09:50 hrs Floral Bouquet 10:20 hrs Ballyegan Hero 10:50 hrs Whiskey Lullaby 11:20 Brianna Rose South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:05 hrs Smart William 08:40 hrs Boogie Shoes 09:20 hrs Montana Sky 09:55 hrs Tom Bombadil 10:25 hrs Duchessofcornwall Irish Racing Tips Ballinrobe 11:40 hrs Alice Kitty
12:10 hrs Umneyaat 12:40 hrs Starting Monday 13:10 HRS Speedy Pix 13:40 hrs Dew Cup 14:10 hrs Only Sky 14:40 hrs Clan Jock 15:10 hrs We’ll Go Again American Racing Tips Delware Park Race 1 Other Things Equal Race 2 What’s The Changes Race 3 Flight Map Race 4 Heartness Race 5 Miami Crockett Race 6 Buy The Best Race 7 Cannon’s Roar Race 8 Texas Reward Canadian Racing Tips Fort Erie Race 1 Waldorf Race 2 Sofia’s Slugger Race 3 Twomanyshots Race 4 Beau’S Beauty Race 5 Souper Deputy Race 6 Natural Habitat Race 7 Un ion Appreciation Race 8 Miss Matilda
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
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Max Verstappen wins French GP and extends title lead MAX Verstappen has extended his championship lead after overcoming Lewis Hamilton in another nail-biting F1 duel at the French GP, superbly passing his title rival on the penultimate lap of the Paul Ricard race. On an afternoon that was eventually dictated by team strategy with the Red Bull and Mercedes cars evenly matched on track, Verstappen used his fresh tyres after his second stop to charge up behind a one-stopping Hamilton in the closing stages and pounced on his prey on Lap 52 of 53. Verstappen swept past a struggling Hamilton on the main DRS straight, as the F1 2021 season continues to serve up decisive wheel-to-wheel battles between its star drivers. It was far from a straight-forward Sunday for
Max Verstappen passed Hamilton on the penultimate lap to win a pulsating French Grand Prix.
either driver - with a pole-starting Verstappen having lost his lead after a mistake into the first chicane, and Hamilton after a Red Bull undercut - but the end result is that Verstappen now holds a 12-point title
lead over the seven-time world champion. And Red Bull have won three races in a row for the first time since 2013 “We had to work hard for it, but very rewarding,” said Verstappen, who also passed Valtteri Bottas on his way to catching Hamilton. While Hamilton stressed that Red Bull had the quicker package, Mercedes told the Englishman “this one’s on us” after questionable strategy calls compared to their main rivals. Bottas was particularly frustrated after frequently telling his team that a one-stop strategy would not work, only to stay out on track and eventually lose positions to both the Red Bulls of Verstappen and Sergio Perez. With both drivers on the
podium, it was therefore a near-perfect day for Red Bull. Behind the top four, McLaren had the best race pace of the midfield and Lando Norris continued his superb season in fifth, ahead of Daniel Ricciardo who enjoyed a much-improved French GP weekend. Pierre Gasly was seventh, while multiple world champions Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel expertly managed their tyre strategies behind. After starting 19th, Lance Stroll completed the top-10 on another strong Sunday for Aston Martin, with Ferrari surprisingly slipping out of contention completely. Carlos Sainz, who started fifth, finished 11th and Charles Leclerc a lowly 16th after a second stop.(Sky Sports)
109 apiece with a second left to force overtime. His toe was judged to be on the three-point line for the late effort as he earned two points instead of three before the Bucks went on to win. They will now play the Atlanta Hawks or the Philadelphia 76ers in the final. “I’ve never been in a game like this,” said Khris Middleton of the Bucks. “We got lucky with his toe being on the line.” The Nets had led 101-96 with four minutes remaining of regulation time but had Durant to thank for taking the game into overtime.
Antetokounmpo then levelled the scores at 111-111 before Middleton put his side 113-111 up and, after Durant missed with an effort, Brook Lopez sealed the win for the Bucks. “I want to be great,” said Antetokounmpo. “We had to give everything. We knew we were going to be tired at the end of the game.” Durant finished on the losing side, despite his tally of 48 being the most points scored in a game seven in NBA history. “We got looks, we just didn’t knock them down,” he said. (BBC Sport).
Matteo Pessina of Italy celebrates (Image credit: Getty Images)
ers can now look forward to a second-round match against Group B’s runners-up in Amsterdam next Saturday. As for Italy, an 11th consecutive win will see them face Group C’s second-placed team at Wembley on the same day. Wales’ nervous wait This turned into a far more anxious afternoon than Wales had envisaged in Rome. Their victory over Turkey last Wednesday had put them within touching distance of the knockout stages, knowing even a defeat was unlikely to halt their progress - but needing a draw to be sure of it. With their probable last-16 tie in mind, Page benched the
Score board from page 24
SCOREBOARD WINDIES BATTERS SOUTH AFRICA 1st Innings 298 West Indies 1st Innings 149 South Africa 2nd Innings A Markram c Holder b Roach 4 *D Elgar c Holder b Roach 10 K Petersen b Mayers 18 R van der Dussen not out 75 K Verreynne c wkp Da Silva b Mayers 6 +Q de Kock c wkp Da Silva b Holder 0 W Mulder c Hope b Mayers 0 K Maharaj c Holder b Seales 6 K Rabada c sub (DM Bravo) b Roach 40 A Nortje c wkp Da Silva b Roach 3 L Ngidi st Da Silva b Brathwaite 6 Extras (b1, lb1, w4) 6 TOTAL (all out, 53 overs) 174 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Markram), 2-33 (Elgar), 3-44 (Petersen), 4-52 (Verreynne), 5-53 (de Kock), 6-54 (Mulder), 7-73 (Maharaj), 8-143 (Rabada), 9-152 (Nortje), 10-174 (Ngidi) Bowlers: Roach 13-1-52-4 (w1), Gabriel 6-0-28-0 (w1), Seales 11-334-1 (w1), Mayers 9-2-24-3, Holder 11-2-24-1, Brathwaite 3-0-10-1.
WEST INDIES 2nd Innings (target: 324 runs) *K Brathwaite not out 5 K Powell not out 9 Extras (lb1) 1 TOTAL (6 overs, without loss) 15 To bat: S Hope, R Chase, K Mayers, J Blackwood, J Holder, +J Da Silva, K Roach, J Seales, S Gabriel. Bowling: Rabada 3-1-5-0, Ngidi 2-0-6-0, Maharaj 1-0-3-0. Position: West Indies require a further 309 for victory with all 10 second innings wickets intact
Bucks beat Nets in thrilling NBA semi-final decider CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
Antetokounmpo shot 15-of-24 and had five assists in the decider against the Nets.
GIANNIS Antetokounmpo’s 40 points helped the Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA Eastern Conference semi-fi-
nal decider 115-111 against the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant scored 48 points for the Nets and made it
WALES demonstrated great resolve in defeat against Italy as they clung on with 10 men for a result which was enough to secure their place in the second round of Euro 2020. Their automatic qualification was under threat with Switzerland beating Turkey 3-1 in Group A’s other fixture, but Wales withstood relentless Italian pressure to scrape through in second place on goal difference. Italy had already qualified for the last 16 and, despite making eight changes to their team, they were still utterly dominant, Matteo Pessina’s goal giving them a 1-0 halftime lead which scarcely reflected their superiority.
Wales were forced to play the final half an hour a man down after Ethan Ampadu was sent off for a lunge on Federico Bernardeschi, intensifying the Italian onslaught. And although Italy’s win was never in doubt - this was their 30th consecutive match without defeat, equalling their national record - Wales dug deep to ensure the margin of victory was not too damaging. Finishing third may well have been enough for Wales to progress as one of the tournament’s four best third-placed teams, but this result ensured they kept their destiny in their own hands. Robert Page and his play-
(Monday June 21, 2021)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shane Shillinfors-19 wickets (2 Tests) (2) Ray Price-24 wickets (5 Tests)
TODAY’S QUIZ:
(1) What are the best innings figures by a WI in a Test versus ZIM to date? (2) What are the best innings figures by a ZIM in a Test against the WI to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Euro 2020.. Wales into last 16 despite defeat in Romee three players - Kieffer Moore, Ben Davies and Chris Mepham - who were one yellow card away from suspension. There was also a change of formation as Wales switched to a 3-4-3 where a back three became very much a back five during their long spells without possession against an impressive Italy side. The Azzurri dominated from kick-off, controlling the ball and hemming Wales into their own half for what felt like the duration of the match. Page’s side were living dangerously, with Italian shots deflecting wide or into the hands of Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward, before their luck
finally ran out when Pessina flicked in from Marco Verratti’s free-kick. There was a myriad of other chances but, like a battered boxer threatening to land one decisive blow, Wales had opportunities of their own with Chris Gunter heading over and Gareth Bale wastefully clearing the bar with a left-footed volley. Snatching a draw at Stadio Olimpico would have been a heist of the highest order, but those misses proved academic thanks to the goalkeeping of Ward and the bloody-minded defending of those in front of him.(BBC Sport)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
Jamieson, Conway put New Zealand ahead in WTC final
NEW Zealand wrestled the initiative from India on a fascinating third day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Black Caps battled through India’s constant pressure to close on 101-2, 116 runs behind in Southampton. India began in a good position at 146-3 but lost captain Virat Kohli lbw to Kyle Jamieson in the third full over of the day for his overnight score of 44. Jamieson took a superb 5-31, including the wickets of Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah in consecutive balls. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who foolishly succumbed to Neil Wagner’s short-ball trap, top scored with 49 in India’s 217 all out. New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham then grittily repelled India’s attack, putting on 70 before Latham hit spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to Kohli at short extra cover. In the day’s closing mo-
Kyle Jamieson claimed his fifth five-wicket haul in just his eighth Test match appearance.
ments, Ishant boosted India by prising out left-hander Conway for 54, two balls before the players were taken off for bad light. It left the showpiece final tightly poised, with New Zealand slight favourites to be crowned as the International Cricket Council’s first Test world champions. But, more rain is forecast on Monday which, along with the time already lost to the weather, may prevent either side being able to force a win - even with the addition of a sixth
SCOREBOARD
KIWIS WRESTLE. INDIA 1st innings Rohit Sharma c Tim Southee b Kyle Jamieson 34 Shubman Gill c BJ Watling b Neil Wagner 28 Cheteshwar Pujara lbw Trent Boult 8 Virat Kohli lbw Kyle Jamieson 44 Ajinkya Rahane c Tom Latham b Neil Wagner 49 Rishabh Pant c Tom Latham b Kyle Jamieson 4 Ravindra Jadeja c BJ Watling b Trent Boult 15 Ravichandran Ashwin c Tom Latham b Tim Southee 22 Ishant Sharma c Ross Taylor b Kyle Jamieson 4 Jasprit Bumrah lbw Kyle Jamieson 0 Mohammed Shami Not Out 4 Extras 0b 3lb 2nb 0pen 0w 5 Total (92.1 overs) 217 all out Fall of Wickets: 1-62 Sharma, 2-63 Gill, 3-88 Pujara, 4-149 Kohli, 5-156 Pant, 6-182 Rahane, 7-205 Ashwin, 8-213 Sharma, 9-213 Bumrah, 10-217 Jadeja Bowling: Tim Southee 22 - 6 - 64 - 1, Trent Boult 21.1 - 4 - 47 - 2, Kyle Jamieson 22 - 12 - 31 - 5 (1nb), Colin de Grandhomme 12 - 6 - 32 - 0, Neil Wagner 15 - 5 - 40 - 2 (1nb) NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Tom Latham c Virat Kohli b Ravichandran Ashwin 30 Devon Conway c Mohammed Shami b Ishant Sharma 54 Kane Williamson Not Out 12 Ross Taylor Not Out 0 Extras 0b 3lb 2nb 0pen 0w 5 Total (49.0 overs) 101-2 Fall of Wickets: 1-70 Latham, 2-101 Conway To Bat: Nicholls, Watling, de Grandhomme, Jamieson, Southee, Wagner, Boult Bowling: Ishant Sharma 12 - 4 - 19 - 1, Jasprit Bumrah 11 - 3 - 34 - 0 (1nb). Mohammed Shami 11 - 4 - 19 - 0, Ravichandran Ashwin 12 5 20 1 1.67 Ravindra Jadeja 3 - 1 - 6 - 0 (1nb)
day. Test comes to life on fascinating day Day three showed how these sides are capable of providing an encounter fitting of the occasions after two frustrating days - the first washed out entirely and the second blighted by bad light. New Zealand’s bowlers - the 6ft 8ins Jamieson in particular - were exceptional. There were as many maidens as runs in the first half hour and New Zealand’s slip fielders backed up the bowling brilliantly. After Rishabh Pant had first been tied down and then tempted into a wild drive to become Jamieson’s third victim, caught at second slip for four, Ashwin provided a brief counter-attack. His 27-ball 22 took India to a respectable total given the conditions. Who is NZ’s 6ft 8ins star Kyle Jamieson? It was soon New Zealand’s turn to be probed under cloudy skies - the vocal, 3,000-strong crowd engaged in the contest. Shami was the most impressive of India’s vaunted attack on his return following injury, and twice came close to having Latham caught in the gully. Eventually, the lefthander’s wicket came as a surprise when, shortly after drinks and on 32, he drove a slightly slower ball from Ashwin and Kohli took a smart catch above his head. India continued to press for wickets, Bumrah bowling a good spell, and were rewarded late on through pace bowler Ishant. Conway, rarely troubled previously, skewed a flick off his pads to mid-on as the darkness closed in. Jamieson wins Kohli duel Jamieson’s performance continued his remarkable start to Test cricket. He has taken five five-wicket hauls in his first eight Tests, a feat only six men have achieved since the First World War. Bowling from a tower-
ing height, he was metronomic and trapped Kohli in front of the stumps with a ball that nipped back off the seam. It was an intriguing battle with a player signed by Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise for the India Premier League earlier this year. During the pace bowler’s stint with RCB, Kohli suggested that he and Jamieson have a red-ball net, but Jamieson declined with the intimation that he did so to prevent India’s superstar batsman getting a closer look at his action. Jamieson’s line, awkward bounce, and movement in the air and off the pitch proved too good for Ishant, who edged to first slip, and Bumrah, who fell lbw first ball, although last man Mohammed Shami denied the 26-year-old a hat-trick by driving his first delivery through extra cover for four. ‘Jamieson is just getting better’ - reaction Ex-New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney on BBC Test Match Special: “The game is poised. I know New Zealand haven’t lost loads of wickets today, but Taylor and Nicholls are still a bit uncertain and the same thing could happen to New Zealand as what happened to India this morning. “Jamieson is just getting better every time he plays. He’s not the quickest but it’s the height that creates such an awkward bounce.” New Zealand bowler Kyle Jamieson, speaking to Sky Sports: “I still don’t think Test cricket has come easily. I ride the coat-tails of the other guys. The pressure they build up, I ride on. It means if we can keep doing that, one of us comes away with some wickets.” India opener Shubman Gill: “[Conway] was a crucial wicket for us. When the play will start tomorrow, we’ll have a slight edge on them because both of them [batsmen] are relatively new on the crease.” (BBC Sport)
Windies women to host Pakistan and first-ever A team tour
ST JOHN’S, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Sunday announced an eight-match white-ball series between the West Indies Women and Pakistan Women and a historic six match white-ball series between the West Indies Women A Team and Pakistan Women A Team, with both series taking place in Antigua from June 30 to July 18. CWI Director of Cricket The Tour will see the return Jimmy Adams of Women’s international cricket to the Caribbean for the first time in nineteen months due to the impact of COVID-19. Pakistan will arrive in the Caribbean on June 23 ahead of the T20 International (T20I) Series, which starts on June 30. The T20Is and T20 A Team matches will be played on the same day and at the same venues as “double-headers”. The teams will then switch gears as they head into a fivematch CG Insurance One Day International (ODI) Series and three-match CG Insurance A Team One-Day Series starting on July 7 and 10 respectively. All matches will take place at the two ICC accredited grounds in Antigua, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and the Coolidge Cricket Ground. The ODI series will be vital preparation for both teams as they will face each other in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers that are due to take place in Sri Lanka in December for one of the three remaining qualifying spots for the Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, 2022. CWI’s investment in Women’s cricket is one of eight key initiatives within CWI’s strategic plan, designed to develop the next generation of women cricketers, increase participation in the sport and generate additional opportunities for competition at the highest level. CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams said: “This is a very significant home tour for our women and we are delighted that our counterparts at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have worked with us to arrange these two series despite all the challenges we face with COVID-19. CWI continues to invest in our international Women’ program by hosting extended High-Performance camps between tours, two of which have already been held this year. In addition, the opportunity to host our first ever ‘A” Team Series is brilliant, as it means that our developing players will get the chance to compete against high-quality international opponents and push for selection to the senior team. The series is also an important part of our preparation for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in December. Our goal post this Pakistan series, is to have our squad play against more international opposition and take part in our Regional Tournament before heading to the Qualifiers in Sri Lanka at the end of the year.” The West Indies Women last played in the Caribbean in a bilateral series against India in November 2019, following which all home cricket was postponed in 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19. The West Indies Women last played on the Sandals West Indies Women’s Tour to England in September 2020 in a five-match T20I Series. (CWI)
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 21, 2021
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Richmond Hill and Everest/ACS remain flawless in NYNCL 30-over tournament RICHMOND Hill Liberty Cricket Club and Everest/ ACS remain flawless in the New York National Cricket League 30-over Saturday tournament with wins in their latest clashes. Both US-based predominantly Guyanese teams are on top of their respective groups (Group A and Group B) with 14 points from seven wins. At Baisley Pond on Saturday, a Man-of-the-Match performance from Dion Choowee-nam propelled Liberty to a 63-run victory over Friend’s X1. Liberty won the toss and opted to bat first. Former Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) cricketer, Choo-wee-nam, who has been phenomenal this year, led the charge. His aggressive batting resulted in him belting 65 runs from 25 balls with six sixes and seven fours, at a strike rate of 260. Friend’s X1 were able to wrest back some amount of control in the middle overs, but a solid 46-run unbeaten ninth-wicket partnership between Keron Sewnarine with 30 runs from 28 balls (2X4s, 1X6) and Michael Sultan with 21 from 13 balls (2X4s, 1X6) pushed the side to 212-8 from 30-overs. At the crease, Friend’s X1 started off with two solid partnerships, which propelled them to 92-2 halfway through their innings, but Choo-wee-nam, with his off-spin, undermined
the middle order to pick up 3-43 from six overs. Sewnarine, who got the wicket of opener and top-scorer Supreet Madaan (42 from 46 balls), finished with 3-25 from four overs, while Javein Thomas took 2-14 from 1.3 overs to help restrict Friend’s X1 to 149 in 23.3 overs. PATANDIN’S ALL-ROUND EFFORTS At Lido Beach, King’smen CC won the toss and opted to bat first, but they were undermined by eventual man-of-the-match, Chris Patandin. The former National U-19 cricketer, who has also been in good form with both bat and ball, grabbed 3-27 from six overs, while former Guyana U-19 left-arm spinner, Kheshram Seyhodan, nabbed 2-16 from six overs to lead Everest/ACS’s charge. A few batsmen had starts, including Carlon Whyte (39) and skipper Andrew Whyte, but none went on to make a big score, which restricted King’smen CC to 150-8 from their allotted 30 overs. In reply, Patandin started aggressively as he belted seven fours and two sixes in a score of 44 (24 balls). Marinaro Dixon led the way with 45 from 17 balls (4X4s, 4X6s), while Freddy Pestano added 23 from 12 balls (3X4s, 1X6), which resulted in Everest/ACS reaching 151-3 in 14 overs.
Former national U-19 cricketer, Chris Patandin, led Everest ACS to victory.
Dion Choo-wee-nam propelled Richmond Hill Liberty to a 63-run victory over Friend’s X1 in their 30-over clash.
Archibald, Williams stand out on final day of Senior Athletics Championships Emanuel Archibald won the men’s Long Jump with a best leap of 7.82m
Daniel Williams (left) ran a silkysmooth race to win the men’s 200m
EMANUEL Archibald leaped to the men’s Long Jump title while Daniel Williams powered to the 200m title at the National Senior Athletics Championships, which concluded on Sunday at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora. The 21-year-old Williams, back on the track after injury, surged to the top spot on the podium in a time of 21.06 sec-
Continued on page 20
Windies batsmen face stern test after bowlers dismantle South Africa
GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – West Indies quicks spectacularly demolished South Africa on a dramatic, abbreviated third day here Sunday, leaving themselves with a victory target of 322 and setting up a grandstand finish to the decisive third Test at the Daren Sammy National Stadium. Wet conditions caused by overnight and morning rain forced the abandonment of the first session but any lingering gloom was quickly erased as the home side stunned the Proteas for 174 in their second innings, in a clinical exhibition of bowling and catching. They were spearheaded by the superb Kemar Roach who claimed four for 52 while Kyle Mayers put aside his struggles with the bat to snare three for 24 with his medium pace. Rassie van der Dussen, in at number four, underpinned South Africa’s limited resistance with an excellent unbeaten 75 while tailender Kagiso Rabada struck a breezy 40 but the visitors never really recovered once they tumbled to 63 for six at tea.
Facing a difficult late period in fading light, openers Kieran Powell (9 not out) and Kraigg Brathwaite (5 not out) survived the six overs possible to take West Indies to 15 without loss. West Indies require a further 309 for victory with two days remaining in the contest, and will have to complete their joint fifth highest successful run chase in Tests, in order to level the series. Fast bowler Kemar Roach sends down a delivery during his four-wicket haul on Sunday’s third day of the second Test. The run chase has revived memories of the second Test at Leeds four years ago when West Indies chased down 322 for victory on the final day, after ending the penultimate day on five without loss with the same openers – Brathwaite and Powell – at the crease. Roach said the key to victory would be the mental strength of the Windies batsman against a high quality South Africa attack. “The first hour [is important]. Obviously we have to come here tomorrow mentally prepared to grind,” Roach said following the close.
“The South Africa team has a fantastic bowling line up so it’s all about getting yourself in and staying in,
that’s what’s important tomorrow. “The guys are raring to go. We have some very men-
tally strong guys in there so once we get them on the park, we should be in for a good Test match.”
Fast bowler Kemar Roach sends down a delivery during his four-wicket haul on Sunday’s third day of the second Test. He finished with four for 52.
Facing a daunting first innings deficit of 149 after being dismissed for 149 at the close on Saturday’s second day, West Indies wasted little time in rebounding. Roach found Aiden Markram’s (4) edge with just the third ball of the innings with four runs on the board, for Holder to take the first of three catches low at second slip. Captain Dean Elgar (10) put on 29 for the second wicket with Keegan Petersen (18) but Roach intervened again, combining with Holder to remove the left-handed Elgar. Petersen had spent 35 balls at the crease and struck two fours when he chopped on to Mayers, who then got the similarly inexperienced Kyle Verreynne (6) to edge one that held its line for wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva to pouch a regulation catch at 52 for four. With a single run added four balls later, Holder claimed the dangerous Quinton de Kock to a catch at the
wicket without scoring, and Mayers turned the innings on its head with his third wicket in his next over, having Wiaan Mulder caught by Shai Hope at gully also without scoring. After rained forced an early tea, West Indies kept up their momentum in the third over following the resumption, Holder pulling off an astonishing one-handed catch diving full-length to his right, to get rid of Keshav Maharaj for six off 19-year-old pacer Jayden Seales. But Van der Dussen, who faced 142 balls and stroked five fours and a six, resisted stoutly and found an ally in Rabada to post 70 for the eighth wicket which frustrated West Indies. Rabada played with gay abandon, smashing five fours and a six in career-best knock which lasted 48 balls before holing out to backward point off Roach, and the last three wickets then perished for 31 runs, as South Africa eked out precious runs at the end.
(See Score board on page 21)
Jamieson, Conway put New Zealand ahead in WTC final
See page 22
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| MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021