Issuu

WEDNESDAY 23rd March, 2022

800 jobs for Region Two residents No.106671

–– 250 small businesses to receive grants

–– $600M to dredge mouth of Pomeroon River, VP Jagdeo announces

PAGE

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Tuesday, announced that the government will be rolling out a plethora of measures to support residents of communities across Region Two (DPI photos)

President Ali: Caribbean GOAL Scholarship 08 $21.5B invested has foundation 02 learners to benefit from to enhance local for a modern economy subsidized internet costs water supply 05 PAGE

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Caribbean has foundation for a modern economy —President Ali says, outlines vast economic potential at CIF2022 in Dubai PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has said that the Caribbean region is a stable platform with all of the components for a modern and emerging economy. The Head of State said this during his keynote address at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF2022), hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, in association with the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), in Dubai. President Ali outlined the region’s economic potential and spoke extensively about opportunities in environmental services, the blue economy, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and other areas of potential and predicted growth. He said: “Once you have the capital, the foresight, access to technology, then the Caribbean region is a destination you should be looking at. It is a destination that offers you an opportunity to

build a complex, multifaceted investment platform. And it’s a region that is looking at being self-sufficient in many areas.” The President said that although the region’s population is small, the market access it provides through its booming tourism industry, allows investments to thrive. Coupled with this, he said that the Caribbean is not only a zone of peace but an “exclusive zone of tolerance and inclusiveness”, built on resilience and diversity. The location of the region and its direct access to South, Central and North America were also highlighted. “In almost each of these areas, we have specific investment agreements and trade arrangements that will give you a distinct advantage in pursuing your business interests,” Dr. Ali said. INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS OP-

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

PORTUNITIES The Head of State related that “a complete rebuild of our logistics and transportation model” is a priority of the region. To this end, he said: “We could create all the goods, but if you don’t have the means to move the goods and the services, then you have a serious problem.” Specific to Guyana, President Ali said his gov-

ernment is in talks with the Emirates on developing a logistics hub, while the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, will be in the UAE to work on a project called the ‘Sea Bridge’. Those projects, the President said, will move people, goods and services throughout the region. He said that every country in the region is committed to providing an incentive mechanism to support this logistics and transportation model. “Unless we fix this problem, in terms of logistics and transportation, we will not be able to capture the results we want to capture. So this, by itself, presents an opportunity, a major opportunity for investors,” Dr. Ali related. He added, too, that every country in the region is on a transformative infrastructural drive. “We are now talking about building a bridge between Guyana and Suriname. Suriname is looking to build a bridge between Su-

riname and French Guiana. We are looking at building an infrastructure that will support the development within the Region… So, there is the opportunity, and that is why today, as leaders in the Region, we are more outward-looking,” the President said. The Head of State added that CARICOM was never able to benefit from all of the agreements it has forged around the world since it lacked the means to infiltrate the larger markets. This is why, he said, the Caribbean is showcasing its investment potential to the Middle East. Dr. Ali said: “You have the capital, we have the environment, and we have the enabling infrastructure to get you into those markets based on existing agreement.” GUYANA’S POTENTIAL President Ali also spoke extensively on Guyana’s current position, its ongoing development, and the country’s future. In addition to the infrastructural and logistics expansion and development, the President spoke of Guyana’s 18.3 million hectares of standing forests covering over 87 per cent of the country’s land. He also highlighted Guyana’s 92.5 gigatonnes of carbon that is conserved (forest stored), which represents a US$195 billion in the carbon market. He also spoke of the country’s non-oil natural resources and about Guyana’s potential in agriculture, especially as it relates

to CARICOM’s reduction of its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 through local agriculture expansion in member states. Guyana, like other CARICOM nations, the President added, is moving forward through the use of renewable energy and through solid, long-term, investments. CIF2022 is a high-level event that offers a range of investment opportunities in AgTech, Hotel and Resort Development, Fintech, Logistics and Transportation. Today, President Ali will be participating in the Global Business Forum LATAM, which will be attended by several regional leaders, including the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro and President of the Republic of Colombia, Ivan Marquez. The Global Business Forum LATAM is being held under the Patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The forum is expected to explore how the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) can bolster each other ’s economies post-pandemic. President Ali is accompanied by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; CEO of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop and Director of Projects in the Office of the President, Marcia Nadir-Sharma. (Office of the President)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

800 jobs for Region Two residents –– 250 small businesses to receive grants, $600M to dredge mouth of Pomeroon River, VP Jagdeo announces

By Tajeram Mohabir VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Tuesday, announced that the government will make available some 800 temporary jobs to residents of Region Two to supplement the income of those “feeling the squeeze” of the increase in cost of living stimulated by external factors beyond Guyana’s control. Region Two is primarily an agriculture-based region and the government is actively looking at ways and means to increase employment in the region, the Vice-President told a receptive gathering that included farmers and GOAL Scholarship awardees at the Anna Regina Multilateral School. The jobs, he said, will be soon advertised. It will not cater for more than one person per family, he said and will include work at government offices and institutions. This aside, he also related that the government will be allocating some 250 grants for small business to persons in the region with viable business proposals.

In addition to those initiatives and in keeping with its vision to create more jobs in

to get them into operation so that they will generate employment for the people

of-the-art hospital will also be built at Anna Regina this year, which the Vice-Pres-

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, addressing the gathering at the Anna Regina Multilateral School (DPI photo) of the Pomeroon River. The latter project is expected to significantly reduce flooding in the Pomeroon. Those projects will improve services to residents, enhance the landscape of the region and will provide jobs for hundreds, many of whom are currently dealing with increase in prices for basic commodities as well as fuel and fertilisers.

A section of the gathering at the Anna Regina Multilateral School, on Tuesday (DPI photo) the region, the government is looking to co-invest with businesses and companies, particularly for the establishment of call centres in the region. Jagdeo told the gathering at the Anna Regina Multilateral School that the government is willing to invest in setting up the shell or building of those businesses and help in other ways feasible

of Region Two. The government is aiming to employ some 1,000 Region Two residents through the establishment of call centres there. This year, it has allocated some $1 billion in the national budget for road projects in the region; this will also create hundreds of jobs for Region Two residents. A US$30 million state-

ident said, will reduce the need for residents of Region Two to travel to Georgetown for critical medical treatment. And these are not all of the major infrastructural works that will be executed

in the region this year. Jagdeo told residents that two water treatment systems will be built in the region, a solar energy project will come on board to enable stable power supply in the region as well as the dredging of the mouth

SPIKE IN PRICES The spike in prices for food, fuel and other commodities are due to a slowdown in the global supply chain as a result of COVID-19 and the current war between Russia and Ukraine. Due to COVID-19, many large companies closed or shrunk their operations, resulting in a See page 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

800 jobs for Region Two ... From page 3

shortfall in production, which has created a demand glut and uncertainty in the global market. And these coupled with transportation costs, have driven

prices up for even basic commodities. This situation, Dr. Jagdeo told the rice farmers, GOAL Scholarship awardees and others gathered at the Anna

March 16, 2022

J 1 3 11 12 27 28 8 March 19, 2022

H 6 8 12 24 25 28 22

Regina Multilateral Secondary, has been exacerbated by the current war between Russia and the Ukraine, both major global supplies of wheat and Russia, a major supplier

22/03/22 - 02 ,11, 22, 24 ,25

of oil and gas. The US, UK and the European Union have all implemented sanctions on Russia, targeting Russia’s economy by weakening its

22/03/22 - 3 4 1

ability to trade with other nations, but those also resulted in upward spiral in prices for oil and gas. POOR ECONOMIC POLICIES This situation, Jagdeo said, has placed an additional strain on Guyana, which, for five years, was put on the back foot by “poor and spiteful” economic policies implemented by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, which saw thousands of Guyanese, from public servants to farmers, put on the bread line. It is estimated that some 30,000 workers lost their jobs under the APNU+AFC government and about 40,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 800 temporary jobs for Region Two residents, Jagdeo noted, is just one in a series of measures that the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government has implemented to support Guyanese in need of help, since assuming office two years ago.

22/03/22 - 1 9 6

The others include the restoration of the Education Cash Grant which was scrapped by the former APNU+AFC government. Aside from restoring the grant, Jagdeo reiterated that his government has increased it to $25,000 and will further increase it to $50,000 before the end of their first term. Some $250,000 has been given to sugar workers who lost their jobs when the APNU+AFC government closed the sugar estates; old age pension has increased by 40 per cent; the sum for school uniform vouchers has been progressively increasing; excise tax on fuel has been reduced to 10 per cent and scores of burdensome taxes implemented by the former government have been removed. The Vice-President was accompanied by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and other officials.

22/03/22- 1, 4, 6, 13, 15, 18, 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

$21.5B invested to enhance local water supply By Cassandra Khan

Viv & Sebas

OVER the past two years, the government has expended over $21.5 billion to enhance the water supply across Guyana, according to Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. In his address to persons at the Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI)’s World Water Day Exhibition at the National Cultural Centre, on Tuesday, Minister Croal said that the government is cognisant that the delivery of a reliable supply of clean and safe water is a basic right for all citizens. This, he said, is in keeping with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number Six: “Water and sanitation for all by 2030.” The specific targets included in government’s plan to deliver quality, safe and reliable water to citizens are increasing access to potable water from 96 per cent to 100 per cent by 2025; increasing treated water coverage from 52 per cent to 90 per cent on the coast and increasing access to potable water supply from 60 per cent to 100 per cent for hinterland and riverine communities by 2024. So far, efforts to improve the quality of water available, upgrade infrastructure, repair and replace broken mains, expand water coverage to

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

more citizens and replace old transmission mains have resulted in more than 11,000 citizens gaining first-time and improved access to potable water. This year, some $4.9 billion has been set aside in Budget 2022 for the improvement of the water sector. Additionally, $410.7 million was expended in 2021 to increase access and improve the water supply systems in hinterland communities, while $394.5 million is budgeted this year under the Hinterland Water Supply Programme. Improved access to potable and treated water is necessary because, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), contamination of water poses the greatest risk to drinking water safety.

“Globally, at least two billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with faeces. As a result, each year an estimated 485,000 deaths are directly caused by diarrhoea. Emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, PFASs and micro plastics are growing public concerns. More than

two billion people live in water-stressed countries and this is expected to be exacerbated in some regions as a result of climate change and population growth,” Minister Croal said. He added that, annually, there are 1.7 billion cases of diarrhoea among children younger than five years old and there is an estimated 446,000 children younger than five years old that died from diarrhea, mostly in developing countries like Guyana. While noting that the numbers are staggering and scary but are real, he said that the situation requires collective action. Minister Coral said that the large bodies of surface water that Guyana has is easy to be taken for granted. “It is not uncommon for

us to see leaky taps, broken mains, taps that have not been turned off, animals waste contaminating water sources and other similar incidents happening in and around our communities de-

spite the efforts of GWI to educate the populace on the dangers of these practices,” Minister Croal said in his plea for persons to preserve and conserve on water.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Civil Society NO one could deny that civil society has an important role to play in the governance processes of the country. In fact, the PPP/C administration has always embraced civil society as a partner in development and had even incorporated a “civic” component into the party. It could be recalled that prior to the holding of the October 1992 General and Regional Elections, the leadership of the PPP took a decision to invite members of civil society to become part of the leadership of the PPP in a structured way. Following the victory of the PPP/C at the 1992 elections, the civic component of the party became integrally involved in the governance processes, with many of them becoming part of the PPP/C Cabinet and holding senior executive positions. Among those were Samuel Hinds who became the longest-serving Prime Minister in Guyana and who briefly served as President of Guyana following the passing of former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, in 1997. The civic component

of the PPP remains a success story of a partnership between a political party and civil society. The bond between the PPP and its civic component has not only survived time but also grew stronger; this is an indication of the importance the PPP placed on its bonding with civil society. The civic component was the brainchild of the late President Jagan, who wanted to create opportunities for individuals and groups who might not be members or supporters of the PPP or who might not share the political or ideological positions of the party, but who are genuinely committed to the process of national development and wanted to become meaningfully engaged. There is no doubt that the PPP values, very highly, the role of civil society and its contribution to Guyana. As pointed out by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali: “The PPP/C government believes strongly that civil society has an important role to play in any democratic society. But in civil society a role cannot be convenient, or the truth cannot be convenient.

“And we cannot confuse civil society with individual organisations, that is, organisations that are run by individuals or are not open to the wider membership of our country. Those organisations cannot be the conscience or truth or the conscience of society when they are convenient in the way they address issues.” It is no secret that there are a number of individuals and groups under the guise of being members of civil society who attack the PPP/C in ways that are not only unfounded but are clearly partisan, and with only one objective in mind, to denigrate the achievements of the PPP/C administration. Interestingly, many of those very civil society organisations that are now accusing the PPP/C administration of lack of transparency and accountability were silent when attempts were made by forces presumably aligned to the APNU+AFC regime to rig the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections. To now speak about lack of transparency at a time when the country

is on the road to transformation and modernisation does ring hollow and smacks of a fair degree of hypocrisy and political bias. Not so long ago, a number of civil society groups had cause to disassociate themselves from statements made, allegedly, on their behalf. This does not augur well for the credibility of civil society and its image as a serious contributor to the national discourse on the way forward for Guyana. All of this is not to suggest that the PPP/C is beyond criticism or ought to be intolerant of criticisms, especially when such criticisms are constructive and well-meaning. In fact, President Ali has repeatedly said that he welcomes criticism of his administration, but it must be done fairly and objectively and not in a way to score cheap political points. The attacks against the President and his administration are coming from some elements of society who appear concerned that enough is not being done to ensure that Guyanese benefit, in full measure, from the country’s oil and gas

resources. And this is despite the fact that the government had recently enacted legislation to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of the oil sector, to ensure that Guyanese have the first call on those resources to the full limit possible. These are some of those very individuals and groups that were silent when the previous APNU+AFC regime attempted to hide from the public the US$18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil and when the then Finance Minister exercised almost dictatorial control over the oil revenues. The fact is that the PPP/C has been democratically elected to govern based on its elections manifesto and, as such, is accountable to the Guyanese people from whom it derived its political and constitutional mandate. This does not mean that the views of the political opposition or that of civil society should be ignored. In fact, inputs from any segment aimed at enhancing the greater good of society are always wel-

come. President Ali has repeatedly said that his administration welcomes constructive criticisms that are geared towards advancing Guyana as a society. Such criticisms, however, must not violate the principles of healthy debates and exchange of views which would allow for critical examination of policies, programmes, initiatives and plans. Those discussions, according to President Ali, must be rooted in facts and a pragmatic understanding of what is required and not on the basis of selfish agendas, biases, perceptions, propaganda and feelings. Regrettably, there is more than a fair share of negativity among some civil society groups in society, some with dubious constituencies. President Ali and the PPP/C administration must be commended for expanding the space for individuals and members of civil society to participate in the exciting process of national development. And the more, the merrier.

World Water Day 2022: Groundwater invisible but vital to health THE only time many people really think about groundwater is when things have gone terribly wrong; when they hear about community wells drying up, or when toxic chemicals have leached into the groundwater, causing long, arduous walks to distant water supplies or cancers that appear after years of exposure. The reaction is one of horror and sympathy. They look at the water in their glasses differently for a moment. Then they forget. But it’s important to remember that groundwater provides half of all water used by households worldwide, a quarter of all the water drawn for irrigated agriculture, and one-third of the water supply required for industry. This year’s World Water Day aims to make groundwater more visible. The launch of the UN

World Water Development report sounds the alarm on the many current and impending threats to groundwater, exacerbated by climate change and ever-growing demand -- and therefore to the health and wellbeing of billions of people -- and challenges to its safe use. But there are also solutions to these threats that deliver outsized health benefits. It’s time for the world to make good its commitment to fulfil the 2030 sustainable development goal of ensuring universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene.

PROTECTING GROUNDWATER Improving sanitation management can have a profound impact on drinking-water quality from both surface and vulnerable groundwater sources, particularly when sewage or excreta contami-

nate drinking-water sources. Progress on safely managed sanitation needs to accelerate at least four times (many more in some regions) and include greater focus on its impact on groundwater. Efforts must include the application of sanitation safety planning, a risk-based approach for sanitation systems to assess, prioritise and manage public health risks along the entire sanitation chain (i.e., from toilet, containment-storage/ on-site treatment, convey-

ance, treatment to end-use/ disposal) and recommended in WHO’s Guidelines on Sanitation and Health. It’s also vital to address threats like over-abstraction and climate change, both of which are responsible for reducing groundwater levels, and thus groundwater quality and quantity. Detailed guidance is available to support the management of groundwater sources used for drinking water, including water safety planning, a complementary approach to sanitation safety planning, applicable to drinking-water systems, from catchment to consumer. Water safety plans are recommended as the most effective approach to ensure the consistent delivery of a safe and acceptable drinking-water supply in WHO’s Guidelines for drinking-water quality. It’s important to contain

naturally occurring chemicals such as fluoride and arsenic, that could be harmful to health at elevated concentrations. Excessive exposure to manganese from groundwater could be another concern. In these updated Guidelines, the manganese fact sheet has been revised with an updated risk assessment, recommended concentration limits, and expanded risk management advice. More detailed information can be found in the manganese background document for the drinking-water guidelines. IMPROVING SANITATION Strong government leadership and investment in resilient drinking water and sanitation services will also help protect groundwater. The WHO and UNICEF State of the World’s

Sanitation report charts an ambitious way forward to achieve universal access to safe sanitation, presents case studies and highlights challenges, successes and best practices. A companion publication on drinking water will be published later this year by WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank. Currently, 2.2 billion people have limited access to safe drinking water, and by 2025, half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas. As climate change (and its hydrological impacts) makes itself increasingly known and as population growth and increased industrialisation magnify existing threats to aquifers and watersheds, it’s increasingly important to highlight the link between groundwater and health - and to take steps to protect them both. (WHO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Transforming agri-food systems: OP-ED from global vision to regional action

By QU Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO THE agri-food systems of Latin America and the Caribbean produce enough food to feed more than its own population of 664 million. This contribution to world food security and nutrition is the result of the rich biodiversity of its land and marine ecosystems, and the resourcefulness of its 18 million farmers and fisher-folk. However, the region’s agri-food systems are under great pressure. The impacts of the climate crisis have led to daunting challenges such as erratic and ever more extreme weather patterns, reduced rainfall and long spells of drought, intense hurricanes, melting glaciers and higher temperatures, to name a few. Our own actions have caused great damage to the region’s biodiversity, and the resulting ecological imbalances have a negative impact on food producers and the society as a whole. Diets have also changed, and this had led to a spike in overweight and obesity that is already the leading cause of premature deaths in the region, while 60 million people go hungry and a quarter of the regional population is moderately or severely food insecure, and tens of millions of rural dwellers have been left behind and live in conditions of poverty and marginalisation. Access to science, modern technologies and digitalisation are uneven, with some farmers and agri-food companies at the forefront of global innovation, and many others excluded from taking advantage of these basic tools, while local and ancestral knowledge is unrecognised. All of these conditions constrain the future development of Latin America and the Caribbean’s agri-food systems. Addressing these challenges is necessary for the region to continue playing its key role in the global community. For this reason, the countries of the region unanimously endorsed the Strategic Framework 2022-31 of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The central mandate of the framework is to support its members in the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient

and sustainable agri-food systems. From March 28 to 1 April 1, all 33 countries in the region will participate in the 37th Session of FAO’s Regional Conference, in Quito, Ecuador, to reach consensus, make recommendations and take the necessary actions to incentivise, support and transform their agri-food systems. In the decades to come, technological, institutional, and social innovation must be at the core of our actions to ensure that the region’s agri-food systems continue playing a leading role in global agriculture, trade and food security. Innovation is needed at the local and national levels, but also at the regional level, because many of the challenges we face require coordinated action; we need to work together in an efficient, effective and coherent manner in order to achieve impactful outcomes on the ground. FAO has the professional and technical capacity to provide the support needed for this collective action. By mobilising knowledge and good practices from every corner of the region, and globally, and by brokering partnerships and fostering synergies and collaboration, the organisation can make innovation readily available to all, to multiply impact. FAO is already doing so through global flagship initiatives such as: the Handin-Hand Initiative, which is accelerating rural investment and development; the 1,000 Digital Villages programme, which is helping villages take a giant leap forward in terms of digitalisation; the Technical Platform for Family Farming, which supports region-to-region cross fertilisation for policy innovation; and the One Country One Priority Product initiative, which accelerates the development of new agricultural products. In Latin America and the Caribbean, FAO is implementing over 400 national, sub-regional, and regional projects, reaching millions of households that participate along the entire agrifood value chain, from till to table. Working with hundreds of partners in government, civil society, the private sector, and the scientific and academic communities, FAO has increased financial resources to enable this

work by almost 80 per cent. Moreover, the organisation has undergone a deep reform not just globally, but also regionally, to become more transparent, responsive, agile, effective, digital and innovative.

We are ready to do more and, above all, to do better, thinking big and acting concrete. We await the deliberations and recommendations emanating from the upcoming Regional Conference that will chart the path to

turn the vision of agri-food transformation into actions deeply rooted in the concrete conditions, priorities and needs of Latin America and the Caribbean. By doing so, the region will rise and face its many

Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, QU Dongyu

challenges, with tangible results leading to better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

GOAL Scholarship learners to benefit from subsidized internet costs By Tajeram Mohabir

IN a bid to ensure GOAL Scholarship beneficiaries study uninterruptedly and with less financial

strain, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the government will subsidize a portion of the cost they pay for internet services and will work si-

multaneously to improve bandwidth countrywide. The Vice-President made this announcement during an interaction with GOAL Scholarship awardees of

Region Two at the Anna Regina Multilateral School, on Tuesday. Dr. Jagdeo did not say the percentage of the cost the government will subsidize,

but noted that the government will examine the cost and determine the amount it will cover. About 500 students from Region Two are studying under the GOAL Scholarship programme. The government has awarded more than 4,000 scholarships through the programme thus far and is expected to exceed this amount in the current year. The scholarship initiative is in keeping with a

Essequibo Coast. They also spoke about the uncertainty of examinations date, switching courses and classes on religious days. Jagdeo underscored that sacrifices are a natural part of studying. One learner complained of the workload in the classroom and the stress of assignments and requested that the latter be curtailed and more attention be given to examinations instead. The query was received

2020 elections manifesto promise made by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to provide 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese learners in areas that support the growth and development of Guyana, in its first term, once elected to office. Guyana’s education system is largely teacher-centred and content-focused, and according to the Vice-President, the GOAL Scholarship initiative seeks to change this approach to learning through placing emphasis on development of research skills, creativity and innovation. The Vice-President, on Tuesday, also reiterated to learners that the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration remains committed to fulfilling it commitments made in its elections manifesto and pointed out that the scholarships have been awarded to all, regardless of whether they voted for his government or not. He said, too, that the government will honour its promise to provide free education at the University of Guyana, pointing out that a key focus of the government is to equip citizens with the skills necessary to transform Guyana into a modern State. During the lively interaction, a few serious and a few interesting questions/queries were raised by learners. Several persons complained about poor internet services and were informed that arrangements will be made for them to utilise government schools for the time being as E-Networks ramps up coverage on the

with amusement by Professor Jacob Opadeyi, who responded tersely, saying, “no pain, no gain.” Another called for the establishment of examination centres in the 10 regions for those who missed examinations, the establishment of student bodies and re-introduction of the One Laptop Per Family Programme. The Vice-President, in responding, said instead of investing in centres, the government is more interested in using the money for investing in services to improve the lives of the citizenry and skills development and that the establishment of student bodies is largely the initiative of the learners. He said, however, that the government could look into cases where persons need a tablet or laptop to do their studies and offer help to those learners. He also requested former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana and head of the GOAL Scholarship initiative, Professor Opadeyi, to set up a team to respond to and address the concerns of learners. Professor Opadeyi reported to the gathering that the scholarships are open to all and the oldest person on the programme is 74 years old. He also noted that some 13 international partners are part of the programme and this number in expected to grow in the years ahead. The scholarships, he said, are vital in helping Guyana to deliver on its vision outlined in the Local Content Act.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

‘Hairstyles do not affect learning’

— basic rights being breached, Minister Manickchand says — national discussion ongoing to decide on way forward with hair policies By Jared Liddell EVEN as the Ministry of Education continues to host consultations with various stakeholders who are affected by the hair rules and regulations in place at public schools across the country, subject minister Priya Manickchand has opined that wearing one’s hair naturally has no negative impact on their ability to learn. Those remarks by the minister come just weeks after the she announced plans to overhaul school rules that disproportionately affect learners, based on gender and ethnicity. This decision was made by the ministry after sections of the public bemoaned a “hairstyle memo” issued by the Ministry of Education, granting a “one-day permission” for the relaxing of hair rules to allow for females to wear their hair as they desire

the rules and regulations implemented by several of those schools across the country have left a negative impact on the lives of persons even after they left school.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand

have for structural changes to them. She related that the ministry currently has a compilation of the rules implemented by several schools, which tend to vary in many instances. “Next week, I will meet teachers, because teachers have their own views on these issues...I have now a collection of what each

President’s College students rocking their desired hairstyles on International Women’s Day (Ministry of Education photo)

on International Women’s Day. Since then, the Education Ministry has been actively engaging learners, parents, teachers, and members of the public to decide on an appropriate and acceptable solution to this issue. On March 11, the ministry launched an Online survey to record the opinion of stakeholders on current policies that govern hairstyles in the public school system. Minister Manickchand, in an invited comment, said some 4,000 persons responded to the survey within the first 24 hours, weighing in on the hair regulation policies implemented at schools. Additionally, Minster Manickchand on Monday said that consultations will be held next week with teachers and head teachers of various schools across the country to get their input on the policies, and any potential recommendations that they might

school has; their own rules. And they range from neat and tidy, and a very subjective interpretation of what that means, to no limsy, no muffs, to no Afro, to no plaits, to plaits, to ribbons must be worn, to ribbons must not be worn so that the rules are all over the places in the various schools,” Minister Manickchand said. ONE POLICY The Education Minister related that while persons are suggesting that the ministry decides upon a universal policy, and implements same in all schools across the country, a decision has not yet been taken on if authorities will take this route, since calls are also being made to afford schools the freedom to make the rules they feel would best benefit children. Minister Manickchand said that she believes some of the rules implemented are in

breach of certain basic rights of the learners enrolled at the schools, noting that the ministry is keen on addressing this, and ensuring that it is changed. “There are certain basic rights that are being breached by the individuals who will make the rules at schools, and so we’re trying to balance both. For me, I don’t see that some of the rules, you can’t wear sleeveless in school visits, you can’t wear your hair naturally, these are not things that affect the curriculum in any way. “And going past whether or not it affects learning and reception of information, we’re dealing with a rights issue and a confidence issue a self-esteem issue,” Minister Manickchand said. The Education Minister said that based on some of the responses received by the ministry in its recent survey,

“We’ve seen over the last couple of weeks from persons who have responded, how they themselves have been hurt and how to recover from that… persons after they left schools and if there is one thing we are sure of is that a school should not be a place that is hurting or

in any way causing them to doubt themselves” Minister Manickchand said. Minister Manickchand said that the ministry will, this Saturday, continue discussions on this topic with a roundtable discussion involving authorities and citizens.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, march 23, 2022

Enmore polyclinic to become a full-fledged hospital

THE Enmore polyclinic, the first of its kind in Guyana, will be upgrad-

ed to a hospital to serve residents of communities along the East Coast of

Demerara. According to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank An-

thony, the move is in keeping with the government’s commitment to bring im-

The Enmore polyclinic (DPI) proved healthcare services closer to the people. The minister joined residents and staff of the polyclinic to celebrate the facility’s 20-year anniversary. “After 20 years, I think you have outgrown the polyclinic and what we’ll now do is to make this into a full-fledged hospital,” Dr. Anthony said. The government’s vision for the hospital includes an accident and emergency department, modern laboratories, modern imaging suite for CT scans, outpatient and inpatient services, maternity unit and a minor operating theater. Dr. Anthony said Pres-

will have to expand the staff and that’s something that we have to look at… “And we will be opening up opportunities for training for people to become registered nurses, midwives and so forth,” Dr. Anthony said. He encouraged persons from Enmore and surrounding communities to take advantage of the opportunities to be trained so that they could be part of the new project. Meanwhile, Adviser to the Health Minister and Chairman of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC)’s Board of Directors, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, said construc-

Staff of the Enmore polyclinic and others attending the ceremony (DPI) ident, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has envisioned a world class healthcare system in Guyana. It is for this reason that the Health Ministry is working to deliver improved services to Guyanese. Further, with the population growth in Guyana, the government is working to provide adequate health infrastructure in communities across Guyana. This, he said, will require more human resources in the health sector. “Now, healthcare cannot be delivered by equipment and infrastructure, we need people…so we

tion started on the polyclinic in March 2001. Dr. Ramsammy said the accomplishments of the facility are largely due to the hard and dedicated work of its staff. “The staff here was not just willing to be an ordinary health centre, they were trailblazers and pacesetters,” he said. Present at the ceremony were doctor-incharge of the polyclinic, Dr. Nichole Nedd-Jerrick; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran and other health officials. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Convicted child rapist gets 30 years for teen girl’s rape PREVIOUSLY convicted child molester, Esan Germaine, was, on Tuesday, sentenced to 30 years imprisonment on three counts of child rape committed on a 15-year-old girl. Germaine, a 45-year-old researcher, who is currently serving a 30-year sentence for similar crimes, was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court. On February 3, 2022, Germaine was found guilty of three counts of rape committed on the teen between January and July 2014.

Esan Germaine

Attorney-at-law Clyde Forde was on record for Germaine, while the state’s case was presented by prosecutors Nafeeza Baig, Muntaz Ali, and Latifa Elliott.

The judge, during her sentencing remarks, underscored the physical and psychological trauma the victim has had to face, and continues to face. Among other things, the judge said that Germaine lacked genuine remorse and had maintained his innocence. The judge said that Germaine was previously convicted and is currently serving a sentence for similar crimes. “ This gives an indication of his bad character, his likelihood of reoffending, and that he is unrepentant,” the judge added. The judge delivered sepa-

rate sentences for each count. Germaine was sentenced to 20 years on the first count, 25 years on the second count and 30 years on the final count. The sentences amount to 75 years. The judge ordered that they run concurrently which means Germaine will only serve 30 years. Previously, the victim’s impact statement was read in court by a social worker and was tendered into evidence. The victim, in her statement, said: “Before my matter reached the court I felt like my life was being delayed. After my trial, I felt so free… I thank

God that this is finally over. For the first time, in a long time, I feel amazing; I feel like a brand new woman who has just received her life back.” The social worker told the court that the victim said that the rape has traumatised her and she is unable to trust the opposite sex. Additionally, she is unable to show love and affection which has left her suffering from depression. Germaine, in his probation report which was presented to the court noted that he had maintained his innocence. In 2017, Germaine was convicted of three counts of rape committed on a girl. The

recorded incidents occurred in 2011 when the child was four and continued in 2012 and 2013. After a 12-member jury found him guilty at the Demerara High Court on all three counts, he was sentenced by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall to 15 years, 20 years, and 30 years, respectively. However, the sentences will run concurrently, which means he will spend only 30 years in jail for those crimes. Germaine has since approached the Guyana Court of Appeal to challenge those convictions and sentences.

Man pleads not guilty to attempted murder of pregnant woman A TWELVE-member jury was, on Tuesday, empaneled to hear the attempted murder case of Richard Mohammed, who is accused of brutally chopping a pregnant woman with a cutlass in 2021. Mohammed, 31, of Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), appeared before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court. He denied that on March 25, 2021, Richard Mohammed in the county of Essequibo, he attempted to murder the 23-year-old woman, who was six weeks pregnant at the time. State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken is expected to call a total of nine witnesses during the trial, which is set to commence today. The chopping incident occurred in the wee hours of March 25, 2021. The mother of five lost several fingers and was also chopped to the head and other parts of the body. According to reports, her house was also set ablaze by Mohammed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Atlantic Fuel Inc wins case against GEA

HIGH Court Judge, Franklyn Holder, on Tuesday, ruled that the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) had usurped its powers and acted unlawfully when it cancelled Atlantic Fuel Inc (AFI)’s licence to trade and wholesale fuel. Dr. Richard Van-West Charles was the Director of the company when the licence was cancelled on March 16, 2021. According to AFI’s attorney, Siand Dhurjon, the fuel company had filed a lawsuit against the GEA, seeking aamong other things, an order of certiorari to quash the decision of the GEA and its Chief Executive officer, Mahender Sharma to cancel the licence. The AFI was also seeking an order of mandamus commanding the GEA and Sharma to take all steps necessary to reinstate the company’s Import/Wholesale Licence on the basis that the cancellation was a nullity in law, arbitrary, ultra vires, unreasonable,

irrational, unfair and an abuse of power. Dhurjon related that Justice Holder granted the said orders and ordered that GEA pay costs to his client. Dhurjon said that in Sharma’s sworn affidavit, he mentioned that AFI committed a crime under regulation 70 of the Petroleum Regulations 2014 in that it submitted false information to the GEA knowing it was false. The lawyer said that Sharma stated that the submission of an invoice bearing an incorrect supplier to the GEA triggered the agency’s investigation, the seizure of the fuel and the cancellation of AFI’s fuel import licence. According to Dhurjon, the judge found that Sharma’s cancellation “ran afoul” of the laws and regulations and that the CEO did not have the powers of a court to determine that AFI was guilty of breaching regulation 70 when the summary courts were

exclusively statutorily designated to do so under law. The judge held that every state agency or statutory body ought to act within the powers given by Parliament. “Their role should not be usurped,” he said in his ruling. On July 14, 2021, Justice Holder granted Dhurjon’s application for a mandatory interim in-

junction reinstating AFI’s licence pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter. According to Dhurjon, AFI strongly denied that it had any role in creating the false invoice or any knowledge of the falsity of the invoice. “The cancellation of AFI’s import wholesale licence effectively shut down AFI’s business of importing, trading and

reselling fuel and placed it and its employees on the verge of financial ruination. AFI had to fire employees, move offices and borrow money to stay afloat as a result of Sharma and the GEA’s illegal actions,” Dhurjon said. This is AFI’s second successful lawsuit against a government agency. On March 15, 2021, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George had ordered the

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the GEA to pay $15M to AFI for storage costs associated with the fuel they had unlawfully detained in 2020. The Chief Justice had also ordered the two agencies to return over 600,000 liters of diesel fuel they had unlawfully seized from the company.

Concerted action needed to tackle global issues

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

–– Dr. Singh tells stakeholders at 48th Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC A concerted effort is needed now more than ever to tackle mounting global problems which countries continue to face, according to Senior Minister in the

Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. “First is the question of full and lasting recovery from COVID-19. All our countries

felt the pandemic’s impact, both humanitarian and economic. Effective responses necessitated international collaboration. Likewise, sustainable recovery needs joint

action. Resurgence in any country anywhere, threatens the recovery in all countries everywhere. “As OIC Member States, we need to stay focused on

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh addressing the issues that are critical for safeguarding and sustaining the recovery. These include further strengthening our healthcare systems, and improving access to vaccines and other medical supplies, even as our economies reopen,” Dr. Singh said in his address to stakeholders at the 48th Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Pakistan, which is celebrating its 75th Independence Anniversary. The senior minister went on to say that climate change is another issue which must be confronted more urgently on a global scale, adding that as a low-lying coastal nation, Guyana is amongst the most vulnerable, and the climate crisis threatens not only its development prospects but Guyana’s very existence. “Guyana has outlined a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which places our economy on a path to accelerated sustainable development. Shared commitment and joint action are critical for limiting global warming and we urge adherence to the global agenda for combating this crisis,” Dr. Singh related. He said too that as a heavily forested country, there is need for more meaningful global recognition of the contribution being made by standing forests in the fight against climate change. Minister Singh reminded that more than 800 million people worldwide still go hungry daily and almost 700 million persons worldwide are malnourished, opining that food security is therefore a global imperative. “Within the Caribbean, Guyana is leading efforts to scale up food production and productivity rapidly, and

to strengthen food systems with the aim of improving food security in our region as part of the global effort to tackle this problem,” he told officials, adding: “Additional investment in agriculture by both the public and private sectors, and dismantling of the barriers to trade in agricultural produce, are urgently needed globally.” Dr. Singh reminded that one specific concern of the Government of Guyana and that of all OIC Member States is any form of discrimination against individuals on the basis of their religion which is a violation of their human rights and contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “Guyana was therefore pleased to support the OIC initiative to pursue the designation of 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia which the United Nations General Assembly agreed to do by consensus. “The designation of this day is an important step towards addressing this scourge. It also presents the opportunity to raise awareness on religious intolerance more broadly with a view to promoting understanding and advancing a culture of peace,” he posited. Meanwhile, the senior minister alluded to Guyana’s culture of peace, pointing out that Guyana’s final observation is a reflection on the importance of working to promote peace and stability in the regions to which OIC Member States belong as well as the rest of the world. “On this latter note, the Government of Guyana deplores the threat or use See page 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Health Minister says reopening of schools important

–– assures citizens the authorities will continue to monitor COVID-19 pandemic THE decision to reopen schools after the Easter Holiday, in April, is important, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has said. Speaking during Tuesday’s edition of the COVID-19 update, Dr. Anthony said that it is very important for children to return to school, since they have been out for just around two years. “Children would have been out of school for the past two years or so, and despite our efforts to continue their education, it is not the same as if you’re in a classroom, and teachers are working directly with you,” Dr. Anthony said, adding that the Ministry of Education has reported a significant learning loss, and the reopening of schools is one way of ad-

dressing the situation. While he noted that the pandemic is still ongoing, Dr. Anthony said that the situation has changed quite a bit. “Fortunately, we have not been seeing a lot of cases recently, and we will continue to work and put all the measures in place to monitor and see what is going on with the pandemic in Guyana,” he said. To this end, the health minister said that while cases are being recorded, it is not at a high rate as was observed in previous months. Dr. Anthony said that as schools reopen, the Ministry of Education will ensure that measures are in place to reduce transmission of the virus, so that there wouldn’t be an increase in cases.

Concerted action needed to tackle ... From page 14 of force in international relations and the violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, wherever it may occur. “We therefore remain gravely concerned over recent military intervention in violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty and we reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy. Aggression by any one state against another is a threat to the surrounding region and to countries everywhere,” Dr. Singh said. He concluded that while examining the various resolutions at the forum, Guyana’s delegation took note of the number of conflicts that are still ongoing, and how these conflicts are impeding the advancement of human rights and hindering development. He related Guyana’s stance on the need for political will and concrete actions to resolve these issues. “Guyana expresses its continued unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle to live in peace and dignity,” Dr. Singh said. Guyana, led by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has embraced a philosophy of oneness in the concept of “One Guyana,” aimed at reinforcing the strength Guyanese derive from diversity and promoting the unity and prosperity of all of its people. He then reaffirmed Guyana’s steadfast commitment to the values of the OIC and to contributing to the furtherance of the organisation’s objectives. Also in attendance at the forum as part of Guyana’s delegation was Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraaz Shadood.

A teacher interacting with her charges during a face-to-face session

Guyanese women leading in climate action, advocacy

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

–– Dr. Vindhya Persaud tells UN forum MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud recently said that women

in Guyana are leading in climate action and advocacy, while dominating agricultural sub-sectors and

expanding the low-carbon eco-tourism sector. The minister was at the time speaking on behalf of Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud representing CARICOM at CSW66 the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release, the minister pointed out that the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) has significantly benefitted women through micro and small enterprises, and that the finances procured under the programme have also been used to bridge the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) divide by offering connectivity and related tools. This, she said, is ensuring women and girls are provided access to government services, education and information. In her presentation at the CSW66 forum, which was held under the theme, “Achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes: advancing gender equality through holistic and integrated actions from global to local”, Minister Persaud said Guyana is ensuring the participation of women and girls in the areas highlighted. “Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy, which seeks to transform the economy while combating climate change, promotes the inclusion of women and vulnerable groups in key economic sectors. Since the strategy’s launch in 2009, women have benefitted significantly, including through micro, small enterprise and entrepreneurial projects and job opportunities. Sixty-two per cent of the Low -Carbon cash grants were awarded to women, who were trained in climate-smart agriculture,

sustainable forestry, photography and business development,” she was quoted as saying. The release added that the minister also spoke of the successful free non-traditional technical and vocational programmes being offered with no pre-admission requirements to ensure thousands receive the necessary training and skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Dr. Persaud, according to the release, called for more women to engage in climate change discussions and decision-making at the regional and international levels. She emphasised that Caribbean countries must understand the integral role women play in policy development and risk reduction. “For our part, CARICOM member states recognise that women’s full and effective participation in climate action and disaster risk reduction is critical. Our governments are continuing to mainstream gender into development policy, budgets and planning, as well as national adaptation plans and disaster resilience strategies,” she told the assembly. She also echoed the commitment of CARICOM to create an environment conducive to women’s development. “Our global achievement of gender equality in the context of climate change is heavily reliant on each country’s commitment and genuine desire to mitigate the devastating impact of climate change globally.” The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is an intergovernmental body solely dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment. The event which commenced on the March 16, will conclude on March 25, the release added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

‘Psychological burden’ of pandemic on healthcare workers must be addressed

SUPPORT groups or some form of support system is needed to help healthcare workers deal with the “psychological burden” that was brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to clinical psychotherapist Shane Tull. During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, he said that those

cal stressors, some of which can cause long-lasting effects on the well-being and mental health of workers and can also affect the quality and safety of the care they provide. Additionally, at a recently held mental health workshop, it was revealed that healthcare workers in Guyana were burnt out,

A healthcare worker administering a COVID-19 vaccine at the frontline would have felt the effects of the pandemic like everyone else, and as such will need support in getting their lives back on track. He noted that “helpers” oftentimes forget to help themselves, hence the need for supportive measures for all those who were on the frontline. “People in the helping profession are not very good at asking for help; we are great at giving help,” he said, adding that at the height of the pandemic, healthcare professionals and other frontline workers were asked to go above and beyond the call of duty in response to the national crisis. “I believe that doctors and nurses and other mental health professionals were asked to do everything; all day, every day,” he said. In a recently published documentary, the World Health Organisation (WHO) disclosed that working on the frontline of the pandemic, healthcare workers faced a wide range of psychologi-

and despite the gradual reopening of the country and the decrease in COVID-19 cases, they are still dealing with the stresses that were brought on at the start of the pandemic. The workshop, which was spearheaded by Tull, saw several healthcare workers sharing a space of confidence to vent about the stressors they would have faced in the fight to slow the spread of the highly contagious and deadly virus. “This workshop was not about how you can take these skills and translate with your patient; this workshop was just about them,” he said, adding: “What came out was that they were very overworked; burnt out, but they were very committed to the work they were doing. And they were very grateful for a space where someone was telling them it’s okay to share; it’s okay to be angry [and/or] overwhelmed; it’s okay to be burnt out, and it’s also okay to ask for help.” The outcome, he said, highlighted the need for a

support system for healthcare workers as they continue to navigate the pandemic. Tull is hoping to host a similar workshop on a much wider scale, as well as to collaborate with the relevant

authorities to address mental health among frontline workers in Guyana. “It was really a support group. For two days, we did a lot of experiential exercises, and the reports

have been overwhelming; it gives them this opportunity to feel a sense of validation, and to process what they have been dealing with for the past two years,” he said.

Clinical psychotherapist Shane Tull

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 23, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 23, 2022

South Africa Racing Tips Durbanville 08:35 hrs Anywhichway 09:10 hrs Line Of Duty 09:50 hrs I Want It All 10:25 hrs Little Doe 11:00 hrs Solar Power American Racing Tips Gulfstream Race 1 Poetic Code Race 2 Simplify Race 3 Z First Race 4 Miss California Race 5 Miss Greer Race 6 Drillomatic

Race 7 Smarmy Race 8 Cocoa Icing English Racing Tips Haydock 09:00 hrs Parisencore 09:35 hrs Brief Ambition 10:10 hrs Sacre Pierre 10:45 hrs Chef D'oeuvre 11:55 hrs Godrevy Point Ffos Las 09:55 hrs Rossbeigh Strand 10:30 hrs Happy Du Mesnil 11:05 hrs Rosearelli 11:40 hrs Django 12:50 hrs Picadilly Lilly 13:25 hrs You Say Nothing Ludlow 10:20 hrs Whizz Kid 10:55 hrs Hamilton Dici 12:05 hrs Guy 12:40 hrs Timberman 13:10 hrs Crystal Gazing 13:40 hrs Stratagem Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:00 hrs Adams Barbour 13:30 hrs Fox Leicester 14:00 hrs Drakensberg 14:30 hrs French Company 15:00 hrs Incrimination 15:30 hrs Teddy Boy 16:00 hrs Sarin Snake 16:30 hrs Capla Knight

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 23, 2022

Shafique, Azhar solidify after seamers engineer collapse THE final Test between Australia and Pakistan is in the balance after a seesaw second day that ended with Pakistan trailing by 301 runs with nine wickets in hand. Much like the opening day, Australia once again squandered an opportunity to dominate the game as they collapsed to lose their final five wickets for just 50 runs. In reply, Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali guided the home side to 90-1 by stumps. The day began with Cameron Green and Alex Carey frustrating the Pakistan attack in the morning session. The two batters took little time to get going as Carey first hit Naseem Shah

through the covers for his first boundary of the day which was followed by Green punching Shaheen Afridi through point three balls later. The introduction of Nauman Ali and Hasan Ali at the same time didn't make a difference either as Carey and Green once again picked a boundary each. Carey had a slice of luck as well when a yorker failed to rearrange the stumps despite making contact and the wicketkeeper-batter made full use of the opportunity to help himself to a third Test fifty. Green, on the other hand, was very watchful in his approach and reached his landmark soon after as the duo raised more than

100 for the sixth wicket. They kept the Pakistan attack at bay for the entire session and looked good to extend the home side's misery post lunch as well. However, Pakistan staged a spirited fightback once again, similar to the one in the final session on the first day. Carey was first trapped leg-before-wicket off Nauman and that was the opening the hosts needed. Naseem and Shaheen found plenty of reverse swing to make life difficult for the lower order. The writing was on the wall the moment Naseem breached Green's defence as Australia eventually lost their way to get bowled out for 391. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-Haq blunted the

attack as Pat Cummins was forced to bring on Green and Nathan Lyon very early into the innings. After handing three overs to Green with the brand new cherry, Cum-

mins brought himself back into the attack to try and force a breakthrough and the move paid off. The ball came back in from around the wicket after pitching to rap the batter on his

pads and Imam didn't even bother reviewing the call. From thereon, it was all Pakistan though as Shafique and Azhar frustrated the visitors. (Cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD

AUSTRALIA 1st innings

David Warner lbw Shaheen Afridi 7 Usman Khawaja c Babar Azam b Sajid Khan 91 Marnus Labuschagne c Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Afridi 0 Steven Smith lbw Naseem Shah 59 Travis Head c Mohammad Rizwan b Naseem Shah 26 Cameron Green b Naseem Shah 79 Alex Carey lbw Nauman Ali 67 Mitchell Starc c Nauman Ali b Shaheen Afridi 13 Pat Cummins not out 11 Nathan Lyon b Naseem Shah 4 Mitchell Swepson b Shaheen Afridi 9 Extras: (b-13 lb-4, nb-8) 25 Total: (all out, 133.3 overs) 391 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-8, 3-146, 4-187, 5-206,

6-341, 7-353, 8-369, 9-374. Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 24.3 3-79-4, Hasan Ali 20-5-61-0 (nb-3), Naseem Shah 31-13-58-4 (nb-2), Nauman Ali 24-4-77-1(nb-3), Sajid Khan 33-4-97-1. PAKISTAN 1st innings Abdullah Shafique not out 45 Imam ul-Haq lbw Pat Cummins 11 Azhar Ali not out 30 Extras: (b-1, nb-3) 4 Total: (one wkt, 39.0 overs) 90 Fall of wickets: 1-20. Bowling: Mitchell Starc 8-3-10-0, Pat Cummins 10-2-27-1 (nb-1), Cameron Green 7-2-17-0 (nb-1), Nathan Lyon 8-2-15-0, Mitchell Swepson 6-1-20-0 (nb-1).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 23, 2022

Lanning century keeps Australia Women unbeaten MEG Lanning struck an unbeaten 135 from 130 balls to lead Australia to a five-wicket win over South Africa at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The result ensured Australia remain unbeaten in the tournament. South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt fell 10 runs short of a century of her own as her side set a target of 272 to win in Wellington, but they were no match for an imperious Lanning as she steered Australia to a dominant win which ensured they will finish no lower than second in

the pool stage. Having been put in to bat, Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee reached 88 runs for South Africa's highest opening partnership of the tournament before Lee fell lbw to Alana King. Lara Goodall, who came into the side for a struggling Tazmin Brits, timed the ball well but could make only 15 before she provided King with a routine catch off the bowling of Annabel Sutherland. Wolvaardt and Sune Luus put on 91 for the third wicket as Wolvaardt reached her

fourth consecutive World Cup half-century. However, the former would eventually fall to Ashleigh Gardner for 90. Luus went not long after following a quick-fire 52 from 51 balls, with Tahlia McGrath taking her second catch of the day - this one much simpler than the catch to dismiss Wolvaardt. Mignon du Preez was then dismissed for 14 following a superb catch from Gardner, but Marizanne Kapp (30 not out, 21 balls) and Chloe Tryon (17 not out, nine balls) added valuable

Meg Lanning celebrates after reaching her century in Australia's win over South Africa

runs in the closing stages as South Africa reached 271-5

from their 50 overs. Australia began their chase in a similarly positive manner, taking 14 off the first two overs before Alyssa Healy (5) was caught behind by Trisha Chetty off Shabnim Ismail. That brought Lanning to the crease though, and alongside vice-captain Rachael Haynes put Australia in a strong position at 45-1 after the powerplay. Haynes then departed for 17, with du Preez taking a stunning catch off Tryon's bowling.

Lanning was typically ruthless in her pursuit of leading her side to victory, taking on World Cup debutant Tumi Sekhukhune as she brought up 52 from 57 balls. Sekhukhune made amends in the field, producing a direct hit to run-out Beth Mooney - batting at four in place of the injured Ellyse Perry - for 21, but Lanning brought up her 15th ODI century with a four off Ayabonga Khaka, strengthening her grip on the most hundreds in women's ODIs. After twice being dropped, McGrath was finally caught by Kapp for 32 off Ismail's bowling and Gardner would then depart for 22 as Tryon grabbed a second wicket. However, Australia were always comfortable at 241-5 with 10 overs remaining, and Lanning was there at the end with Sutherland hitting the winning runs to earn their sixth win in as many games. (Sky Sports)

Rana runs through Bangladesh as India snare crucial win INDIA have kept their World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a comfortable 110-run victory over Bangladesh in Hamilton. Yastika Bhatia's half-century was the standout knock in India's 229-7, though Ritu Moni's 3-37 – including two in two balls – gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. But Sneh Rana (4-30) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (1-15 from 10 overs) left the Tigresses in a spin and they never recovered from a slow start despite the best efforts of Salma Khatun, who made a brisk 32, to be all out for 119. Mithali Raj opted to bat upon winning the toss and India made a strong start, Smriti Mandhana getting the scoreboard moving with back-to-back boundaries to conclude the second over. Her opening partner Shafali Verma went one better in the ninth, striking Nahida Akter for what would turn out to be the only six of the innings over long-on, and three boundaries in the following over saw India

end the powerplay well set on 52-0. Bangladesh got their first wicket when Mandhana picked out Fargana Hoque at square leg to fall for 30 and end the opening partnership on 74. One became three in the blink of an eye, Moni accounting for Verma and Raj in consecutive deliveries in the next over as a jubilant Bangladesh checked India's momentum. Bhatia and Harmanpreet Kaur were tasked with the rebuilding job and the pair proceeded cautiously before Kaur was dismissed for 14, courtesy of a direct hit from Fargana at mid-on Bhatia brought up a patient 79-ball half-century but fell to the next delivery, leaving India 6-176, but useful late cameos from Pooja Vastrakar (30 not out) and Rana (27 from 23) pushed them above 200. Bangladesh, in return, were 19-2 at the 10-over mark and never really recovered to mount any challenge. (AAP)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 23, 2022

LeBron leads the LA Lakers to victory against former side Cleveland LeBron James top scored with 38 points for the Los Angeles Lakers on the way to a triple-double in their 131-120 victory against his former side the Cleveland Cavaliers. The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, who left the Cavs for the Lakers in 2018, also provided 12 assists and pulled down 11 rebounds against the side he led to the 2016 championship. Victory was just the Lakers' second in six games. "We needed that one," James said "To be able to play how we played, I was able to contribute a little bit and we get a Dub [win], finished the trip off, that's all that mattered to me." James' decisive 38-point contribution in Cleveland,

victory in seven games. Jayson Tatum scored 36 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 132-123 road win over Oklahoma

Lebron James started hi NBA career with Cleveland in 2003

where he spent 11 years of his NBA career over two spells, came just a day after he become the league's second all-time leading scorer. The 37-year-old played down the notion that victory felt more meaningful against his hometown side. "Just wanted to get a win," James said. "That's all that mattered to me." Russell Westbrook added 20 points and 11 assists

and DJ Augustin came off the bench to score 20 points for the Lakers, who are ninth in the Western Conference. Darius Garland scored with 29 points and came up with a game-high 17 assists for the Cavs, who are sixth in the Eastern Conference. Elsewhere, Kevin Durant scored 15 of his 37 points in the third quarter as the Brooklyn Nets beat the Utah Jazz 114-106 for their sixth

Ukraine's Yaroslava Mahuchikh wins emotional high jump gold at World Indoor Championships YAROSLOVA Mahuchikh said she was fighting for Ukraine in the stadium after she won gold in high jump at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade. Mahuchikh was forced to flee her home in Dnipro after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 20-year-old, who is the reigning European Indoor high jump champion and won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, spent days sheltering in a cellar before travelling for three days by car to reach Serbia, a trip of nearly 2 000 kilometres. Mahuchikh won gold with a leap of 2.02 metres on Saturday, with Australia's El-

Yaroslava Mahuchikh poses with her gold medal

eanor Patterson taking silver and Nadezhda Dubovitskaya of Kazakhstan claiming bronze. "It was very important for me, my family, my country," Mahuchikh told BBC Sport.

"I don't think about competition, training. For me, coming here was difficult - three days by car -- and to jump here was so difficult psychologically because my heart remains in my country. "It's so difficult but I think I've done very well for my country because I protect my country on the track. I think it's a very important thing for my country." Mariya Lasitskene, who won gold in the Olympics representing the Russian Olympic Committee team, was ruled out of the competition after World Athletics banned athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus. (Reuters)

City, while DeMar DeRozan scored 26 points against his former side to help the Chicago Bulls to a 113-99 win against the Toronto Raptors.

Zach LaVine also hit 26 points for the Bulls as Toronto's six-game winning streak was brought to an end.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 23, 2022

Liverpool and Manchester mayors want FA Cup semi-final moved The FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Manchester City should be moved from Wembley, say the mayors of both cities. The game is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 16 and 17 April. However, engineering works mean no trains are running from either city to or from London from 15 to 18 April. Andy Burnham, the may-

or of Greater Manchester, and Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram both say the game needs to be at a "more accessible stadium". In a joint letter to the Football Association, Mr Burnham and Mr Rotheram said: "Without quick, direct trains, many people will be left with no option but to drive, fly, make overly complex rail journeys or book overnight accommodation.

"When you factor in the rising costs of fuel, it is clear that supporters of both clubs attending this game will face excessive cost and inconvenience - and that is before any environmental impact is considered. "There are also significant logistical and safety considerations. With thousands of fans making the long journey south, there will be huge numbers converging

Wembley is used to host both the FA Cup semi-finals

on the M6, which is likely to be stretched to capacity by bank holiday traffic. "A single accident would risk the entire motorway being brought to a standstill and fans missing the kickoff." The pair said they understood the engineering works had "been scheduled since

2019 and that the FA was explicably made aware of them last autumn". They added: "Over the last year, we have heard the slogan 'football without fans is nothing' many times. If this decision is left to stand, and people are either priced out of this game or unable to attend for other reasons,

those words will be meaningless to many. "We believe the most obvious solution is to move the game to a more accessible stadium and offer to work constructively with you to make that happen." Prior to the letter, the FA said it was liaising with both clubs and working with Network Rail and National Express to find a solution "so that supporters of both teams are able to travel to and from the fixture with as minimal disruption as possible". The other FA Cup semi-final is between London clubs Chelsea and Crystal Palace so there is no issue over the venue. Everything you need to know about your Premier League team banner. (BBC sPORT)

Edison Chouest Offshore renews support for YBG EDISON Chouest Offshore and G-Boats Guyana has recommitted its support for Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) for the third consecutive year. In a simple sponsorship handing-over ceremony at the company's local office, Brickdam, co-Director of YBG, Chris Bowman, expressed gratitude for the investment, emphasising that

Ross Chouest, handed over the sponsorship cheque to YBG’s Chris Bowman, with Daniel LaFont and Rayad Boyce, co-Director YBG, looking on

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday March 23, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Zak Crawley & Jason Holder (2) 673 deliveries Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs for the WI in the just-concluded second Test against ENG? (2) Who compiled most runs for England? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

because of partners like G-Boats, the organisation had been able, for the last three years, to sustain youth basketball development through the Pandemic. Bowman said YBG is now able to safely transition back into a full calendar of school and youth basketball tournaments. Daniel LaFont, speaking on behalf of Chouest Offshore and G-Boats, noted that the company was well pleased to be supporting YBG, because of its own experience and affinity to basketball which makes youth basketball a natural fit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 23, 2022

Hennessy pours support for Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic in Linden ANSA McAl Trading Limited, behind the world’s most popular cognac, Hennessy, has pledged its support towards the Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic (Linden edition), which is set for April 23 in Richmond Hill. Hennessy made a grand entrance towards its support of basketball in Guyana, when the company refurbished and beautified the storied Burnham Basketball Court in January. Atina Samad, Hennessy, Moet and Wines Manager, also pointed out that the brand plans to “continue to refurbish courts throughout the communities and will continue to sponsor similar initiatives in terms of basketball.”

Hennessy was also one of the key sponsors for the February 19-20 Rawle Toney 3X3 at Burnham Court and according to Samad, Ansa McAl will continue to support basketball. She added, “Hennessy recently signed on to basketball, specifically the NBA and one of the things they’re planning to do is to prove the sport aspect of basketball throughout the Caribbean and other countries.” “We’ve recently sponsored the Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic and we will continue to sponsor and support the tournaments. One of our drivers is to align entertainment with sports and that’s one of our biggest takeaways this

year,” Samad said. Toney thanked Hennessy for their support, explaining that “Ansa McAl and Hennessy didn’t hesitate to offer support. And that says a lot about the belief in what I’m trying to achieve in Linden with my 3X3 event.” Meanwhile, Toney said the event in Linden, which is set to take place at Kashif Muhammad’s residence, will feature Barbados recording artiste, ‘Mole de Chief’, whom he said will be visiting Guyana for the first time to perform. “The idea is to fuse entertainment and basketball and I think for the first time, we’ll see that happening in Guyana. 3X3 Basketball is the

Fickle batting has finally caught up with us, says Windies bowling coach WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CMC) – West Indies Women’s bowling coach Corey Collymore believes a defeat like the one to Pakistan Women had always been on the cards, especially with the Caribbean side failing to resolve their inconsistency with the bat. Favoured to beat Pakistan on Monday in Hamilton, the Stafanie Taylor-led unit once again produced a feeble effort in a contest reduced to 20 overs because of a five-hour rain delay at the start, and crashed to an eight-wicket defeat. The loss was their third in six matches after starting the tournament with successive wins over New Zealand and reigning champions England. “I honestly think we were struggling all (through the) tournament. I think it’s finally caught up with us. We didn’t bat well enough (against Pakistan) and at some stage if you keep playing like that it will catch up with you,” said Collymore, a former frontline Test seamer for West Indies. “I think even from that first game (against New Zealand), we didn’t get consistent performances from our batters and you know in 50-over cricket, you’re always talking about one batter batting right

Windies captain Stafanie Taylor has struggled with the bat

through, or two or three batters getting scores. “And even that game (in which) Hayley (Matthews) got a hundred (against New Zealand), I think Deandra (Dottin) got a score (against India) and one game the captain got a score (and) another game (Shemaine) Campbell got a score. “So (we) haven’t been putting consistent performances together as a batting group.” Opener Matthews (226) has been the only West Indies batter to pass 200 runs at an average of 37 while middle-order batter Shemaine Campbelle has gathered 177

runs courtesy of two half-centuries, at an average of 35. However, despite scoring a half-century, Dottin has averaged only 27 and most disappointing of all, Taylor has managed only a single fifty in scraping 103 runs, while averaging 17. It means West Indies now lie fourth on six points and have found themselves in a mad scramble for the remaining three semi-final places, with unbeaten leaders Australia already through. South Africa, whom West Indies face in their final group stage game here tomorrow at the Basin Reserve, are second on eight points while India are third on six. England and New Zealand, both of whom have had disappointing campaigns, are outside the top four on four points each. Collymore said West Indies’ final game would be a critical one. “We’ve got two days that we need to sit down, have a chat and discuss how we’re going to go,” he said. “One more game is still another World Cup game and is still another international game, so you have to go in it with a positive mindset and look to win the game.”

Rawle Toney (L) and Hennessy, Moet and Wines Manager, Atina Samad

only sport that can give you non-stop music throughout the night while enjoying the game. Afterward, we’ll have a nice concert,” Toney said. Eight teams will compete for $100 000 and other prizes. Each team will also receive an appearance fee of $25 000. Toney said, “The idea is to set a precedent in Basketball, where similarly to what is done in the Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament, teams are given a fee to participate. It might seem farfetched to some, but you have to respect the players; they’re the commodity.” Jump-ball time is 18:00hrs, with live entertainment right after the basketball aspect of the event.

Raina, Shastri set to join IPL commentary panel THE 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will start on March 26 (Saturday) with the previous edition’s champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and the runners-up, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), locking horns with each other. As the latest edition of the IPL comes closer, Disney Star Networks, who have the rights of broadcasting the IPL, have announced a star-studded list of 80 commentators. The commentators are expected to describe the events with passion, excitement, thrill, and definitely a dash of humour. To note, Ravi Shastri will join the commentators’ panel for the first time in seven years. Shastri is a famous broadcaster whose voice during live matches is loved by the fans. The former India head coach is making a comeback to commentary after his seven years of duty with the Indian cricket team. Meanwhile, Suresh Raina, who did not find any bidder for his name during the IPL 2022 mega auction, will also be seen donning the commentator’s hat for the first time in the tournament.

Former India Test all-rounder Ravi Shastri will be joining the IPL commentary for the first time in seven years

The world’s biggest cricketing league will be broadcast in eight different languages - Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, and Bengali. Following is the list of commentators for IPL 2022: World Feed: Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, Murali Kartik, Deep Dasgupta, Anjum Chopra, Ian Bishop, Alan Wilkins, Mbangwa, Nicholas Knight, Danny Morrison, Simon Doull, Matthew Hayden and Kevin Pietersen Dugout: Anant Tyagi, Neroli Meadows, Scott Styris, Graeme Swann. Hindi: Aakash Chopra,

Irfan Pathan, Gautam Gambhir, Parthiv Patel, Nikhil Chopra, Tanya Purohit, Kiran More, Jatin Sapru, Suren Sundaram, Ravi Shastri, and Suresh Raina. Tamil: Muthuraman R, RK Bhavna, RJ Balaji, S Badrinath, Abhinav Mukund, S Ramesh, Nanee, and K Srikkanth. Kannada: Madhu Mailankody, Kiran Srinivas, Srinivasa Murthy P, Vijay Bharadwaj, Bharath Chipli, GK Anil Kumar, Venkatesh Prasad, Veda Krishnamurthy, Sumesh Goni, and Vinay Kumar Marathi: Kunal Date, Prasanna Sant, Chaitanya Sant, Snehal Pradhan, Sandeep Patil Malayalam: Vishnu Hariharan, Shiyas Mohammed, Tinu Yohannan, Raiphi Gomez, and C M Deepak. Telugu: M A S Krishna, N Matcha, V V Medapati, MSK Prasad, A Reddy, K N Chakravarthy, S Avulapalli, Kalyan Krishna D, Venugopalarao, and T Suman. Bengali: Sanjeeb Mukherjea, Saradindu Mukherjee, Gautam Bhattacharya, Joydeep Mukherjee, and Debasish Datta. (CricTracker)

Danns, Ondaan return to Golden Jaguars squad

… Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad to clash at COURTS Caribbean Classic ROMANIA-based forward, Terell Ondaan, along with former Crystal Palace midfield maestro, Neil Danns, are among six overseas-based players named by Golden Jaguars head coach, Jamaal Shabazz, in his squad for the COURTS Caribbean Classic in Trinidad and Tobago, which kicks off this weekend. The COURTS Caribbean Classic will see Guyana take on Barbados on Sunday, March 27, and hosts Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, March 29 in a Tri-Nation international friendly tournament. The competition is designed to prepare the regional rivals for their upcoming CONCACAF Nations League B fixtures in June. “Our goal in these matches is to integrate the local core from the Suriname trip with some of the overseas-based,” said head coach Shabazz. “We want to test the patterns of play we've been working on and rekindle our rivalry with Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago.” “The local-based players and staff have shown tremendous commitment, rising above a few challenges,” Shabazz added. “And the guys who have committed from overseas have my admiration.”

Danns has enjoyed a successful season in England with North West Counties League Premier Division0 champions Macclesfield, while Ondaan has been plying his trade in the top flight of Romanian football. The squad will also feature Berbician Kevin Layne and Akel Clarke, from professional Jamaican side Mount Pleasant Football Academy, along with Bournemouth AFC’s Nathan Moriah-Welsh. Terell Ondaan in Guyana participated in a action for Guyana friendly, three-team tournament during the 2019 with Suriname and Barbados Gold Cup in January, but the competition was cut short by the discovery of COVID-19 cases. As such, performances. the COURTS Caribbean Classic will be a cruMeanwhile, GFF president Wayne Forde cial stepping stone towards the CONCACAF said the competition underlined the federNations League this year. ation’s sustained commitment to investing The Golden Jaguars coach urged the in the Golden Jaguars as it seeks to chart a Guyanese community at home and abroad, course to Guyana’s first appearance at a FIFA including the public and private sectors, to World Cup this decade. rally behind the squad to drive improved According to Forde, the GFF is looking

FLASHBACK: Neil Danns in celebratory mode after scoring against Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF Gold Cup (Samuel Maughn photo)

forward “to seeing progress from the squad during this exciting new tournament. We know the Guyana-based players and staff have been working hard in training and these matches will provide an opportunity for the whole squad to gel and build together for the challenge of the CONCACAF Nations League in June.”

GCA, GISE 2-Day cricket tournament launched

GISE's Verlene Van Lange presents the sponsorship cheque to GCA boss Neil Barry in the presence of executive Roger Harper

THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), in partnership with Guyana Industrial & Supplies Enterprise (GISE), yesterday launched their 2-Day senior cricket tournament which is set to bowl off soon. Yadram Rajkumar, the founder of GISE, had maintained a lifetime passion for the sport, thus ensuring his sponsorship affords young cricketers to have the opportunity he was once deprived of as a youth himself, according to company representative Mrs Verlene Van Lange. She went on to say that sports and academics are important and crucial for balancing going forward to be successful in both worlds. Van Lange then challenged the GCA to further mould players for both the professional and sports world.

GCA president Neil Barry, upon accepting the cheque, thanked the sponsor for the support, adding that the sponsorship has been a mainstay over the years, with regard to the necessary expansion of cricket across all levels. The concept of the 2-Day fixture is where players learn to craft their skills and develop while helping them to prepare for the shorter versions of the game, most notably T20 and 50-Overs. Meanwhile, according to Barry, GCA has plans to launch a primary schools’ programme, while targeting young females in the process. The GCA president also highlighted the association's plans to further boost cricket to produce the next generation of Guyana and West Indies players. (Clifton Ross)

Fickle batting has finally caught up with us, says Windies bowling coach 35 PAGE

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022