THURSDAY 24th June, 2021
No. 106401 SEE PAGE
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Demerara Bank disburses financial support to businesses SEE PAGE
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― through IDB’s US$7M Trade Financing Facility
― Senior Finance Minister urges IDB to ramp up private sector lending in Guyana
Tradewinds’ tactical training vital for Guyana SEE PAGE
― President Ali
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President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, hailed the tactical exercise of Operation Tradewinds 2021, conducted at the Yarrowkabra Range on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, a success. The Head of State was accompanied by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess; National Security Adviser, Captain Gerry Gouveia, and other military officials from participating countries, including the United States (Office of the President photo) SEE PAGE
US$100M cement 8 plant to be constructed at La Resource
Immigration data: Only 3,913 of 42,100 Haitians SEE who arrived in Guyana PAGE 5 departed legally
Two senior GECOM staff walk following alleged breach of contract 9 SEE PAGE
SEE PAGE
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was made to procure the best
utterances distract the minis-
try and force same to undervaccines for Guyanese. 2 “By the time we took a take other types of activities
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
‘I am living my truth,
noed fesHealth, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy stThe former Health Minfi- ister has since labelled these as “out of line” ct. statements and “reckless” while addresss] ing them. He maintained that u- though he has no “quarrel” with anyone, it is his job to ed address vaccine hesitancy er where it exists and “this was not a helpful statement from his either gentlemen.” “I had no intention of ed picking a quarrel with anyor one, but I have a responsibilFORMER People’s National an ity to ensure that any impact Congress/Reform of any statement of(PNC/R) anyone executive member, Thandi would not have any negative n- consequence the vaccinaMc Allister,towho recently campaign in Guyana, or tion resigned from the party she
decision to procure Sputnik V vaccines more than 50 countries had already registered and begun to use them, 10s of millions of people have already been vaccinated with this vaccine,” he said.
WASN’T A LIGHT DECISION “When we took the decision we studied the clinical trial data and we have validation from the Lancet, one of the world’s most prestigious journals, so it wasn’t a light decision,” he added. The Health Ministry’s advisor shared that as of Monday, Guyana would have vaccinated close tothree 50 per served almost deccent of for its adult population ades, said, “I am living my with at least one dose of and “my conscience atruth” COVID-19 vaccine, andis about 20 per cent of the adult cleared”. population has received In an interview with their News
to ensure the willingness of citizens to come forward and take their vaccine is not reduced. “I believe people, because of the instant response to these things were able to see that our vaccines work and people saw the process; we didn’t just go and take the first vaccine that was offered to us. We did our work,” he said. Dr Ramsammy made clear that Guyana is not in a race with any country to see who administers the most vaccines first, but the country is in a race against the deadly COVID-19 virus. He on said that vaccinating Room Tuesday, McAllister the Guyanese population to said she had “given up” her protect against the virus is best years aand energies and considered “plus” for the government. “I am quite satisfied with the “We to make sure work thatwant I’ve done.” that every country in the redidthe communicate to the gion “Iand world, because closest to me in terms inpeople this case if there’s oneof Dr. Irfaan Ali, said during country is not vaccinatmy partythat comrades and so on his inaugural address to ed this virus will of against my intentions, andwe after the have a variant of thatinvirus the 12th Parliament Febsubmission of my resignation, that will then come back to I ruary.all again thought best to let them haunt of us,itso until every adult citizen in the is know,” she said, noting that her The former A world Partnervaccinated weformulated are all going decision was over Nationaldanger,” Unity +a toship be for in constant year ago and was only he said. for Change operaAlliance (APtionalised on June 15. MinThe former Health NU+AFC) government isterMcAllister, highlightedan that Guyattorneyhadhas modified the proposed ana always taken “bold at-law and a maritime profesdecisions” to allow safeguard its project, to formemthe sional, said the PNC/R citizen’s health. He remindbership been vocal about road to has run through Mocha. ed that in the late 1990s when the human immunothe andresulted direction Thisconcerns however, inina deficiency virusis(HIV) was which the party heading. drastic increase in the cost killing the She people sat on theacross Central Exregion, took steps of the Guyana overall project, due Committee of the party. toecutive source and manufacture to the preparatory medication toofcontrol the She saidlevel although her family situation. works realihas deepneeded roots infor thethe party, she
A section of the Eccles to Diamond road
my conscience is cleared’ ― says former PNC/R member, Thandi Mc Allister was not shunned but, instead, was embraced and given the necessary support and respect for her decision. According to McAllister, no one has come forward objecting her decision or from theto Indian Exim expressed their displeasure Bank to fund the road. since they all understood her The loan agreement was decision was based on solid officially signed in 2017 reasons. a member by “Having the then[been] APNU+AFC of the party serving for Minister of and Finance, Winmore than 25 years, I thought ston Jordan. it best to give the party a fair Works on the first chance to see if perhaps if I can phase of with thethe project, align myself direction which thewas paving of whichentails the party being led, andEccles I just couldn’t. I found of an to Diamond that current leadership is link,the commenced shortly not bestthe suited for the 2020 party after August since it does not take into conchange of government; it sideration the best interest of its is slated toand besupport completed membership base,” in July. the attorney explained. She also said that the interests of youths are not given much attention and this was among the principle that informed her decision to leave the party. In offering advice and a message to youths within the party on its current and future leadership, she said, “It is ok to chart or follow a course and path with which they feel comfortable, a path that gives them satisfaction to what they are doing, a path which they believe will lead to the type of results which they desire, a path which they will derive an opportunity in whatever they are looking for, its ok and I
encourage them to follow that path and I encourage them to live their truth.” I AM AT PEACE Reflecting on her journey within the party, she said, “I’ve had ample time to process and deal with the emotions since it was a difficult journey, but I am at peace with that decision, I am living my truth, my conscience is cleared and I believe that for the short period I have been a political youth activist, I have given my best. I have given up my best years and energies and I am quite satisfied with the work that I’ve done”. McAllister also said that progressive thinkers need progressive environments, and “I don’t think that the PNC/R really represent for me the type of environment I would need, and I want to take the time to focus on my career as a lawyer, as a maritime professional and to be able to not only build on what I have started professionally but also to give back to society in other ways.” She said that for her efforts to have an impact, it does not have to be through a political institution or politics. “I have not given any consideration to returning to political activism in the medium or short term, this is an opportunity to really establish myself as a maritime professional and that will require a lot of focus,
Former PNC/R member, Thandi Mc Allister
energy and a lot of my time to set myself apart not only in Guyana, but the Caribbean and the rest of the world,” she elaborated. Meanwhile, commenting on her former President David Granger, she said he served his time. “Perhaps, he has served well when it was most needed but he provided a catalyst for change and I earnestly believe that change in leadership should have taken place for quite a while.” Her resignation comes at a time when there is, reportedly, a fallout in the PNC regarding the non-consultation on the acceptance of two unknown parties called the Guyana Nation Builders Movement and the Equal Rights and Justice Party into the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) by Coalition Leader, David Granger. However, she related that this was of no consequence in her decision to leave the party.
Drunken father stabs son over loud music
A TEENAGER, who was stabbed by his drunken father with a screwdriver, on Monday night, after requesting that the loud music be turned down, is currently in serious condition at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. The 19-year-old was identified as O’Brian Poonai of 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. His 43-yearold father is currently in hiding. According to the victim’s mother, her son resides with his father at Number 55 Village. He told her that, on Monday night, that he returned home
and met his father and his friends consuming alcohol under the house. The teen further related that he retired to bed but could not sleep due to the noise his father and friends were making. As a result, he went downstairs and asked them to quiet down. That triggered an argument between the father and son. The irate father armed himself with a screw driver and dealt the teen one stab to the left side of his chest (under his left arm). As a result, the teen ran out of the yard and was rescued by his neighbour who rushed him to the Skeldon
Public Hospital where he was examined by a doctor on duty. The victim then self-discharged and went to his mother’s residence and told her that he was ok, after which he returned home. His mother further said that, on Tuesday, about 07:30 hours, her son visited her residence and collapsed in front of her gate. As a result, she rushed him to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was seen by a doctor and later transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he is a patient.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
Demerara Bank disburses financial support to businesses
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Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh
― through IDB’s US$7M Trade Financing Facility
― Senior Finance Minister urges IDB to ramp up private sector lending in Guyana By Richard Bhainie THE disbursal of a US$7 million line of credit to Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through their Trade Finance Facilitation Programme (TFFP) is timely as Guyana continues to grapple the “devastating” effects of COVID-19, which has been compounded by the recent unprecedented flooding. These were the sentiments shared by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, at a simple ceremony held at the bank’s corporate office, located at 214 Camp Street, Georgetown, on Tuesday, to hand over the funding to five beneficiaries from the private sector. The beneficiaries are two mining enterprises, Pure Diamonds Incorporated and Dinar Trading; two agricultural enterprises, the Golden Fleece Rice Investment and A Cayume Hack and Sons Rice Milling Complex; and the manufacturing giant, Demerara Distillers Limited Group of Companies. In October last year, DBL was the first Guyanese bank to be incorporated into the IDB TFFP which opened the line of credit to the bank to be used for short-term international trade finance transactions, to support local small and medium enterprises. Dr. Singh explained that the injection of this liquidity comes at an extremely challenging time for not only the Guyanese economy, but the regional and global economy as well, as the world continues to wrestle with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is to the credit of all involved in Guyana – government and private sector, both on the financial and non-financial side – that we have thus far been able to navigate the COVID-19 crisis without major disruptions, notwithstanding the trauma of COVID-19,” Dr. Singh said. He explained that if the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were not devastating enough, over the last few weeks Guyana has been grappling with what he describes as the most devastating flood ever. DEVASTATING SHOCK “Demerara Bank is dis-
bursing this facility at a time when our economy really is facing an extremely devastating shock in the form of the 2021 floods which compound the reality of COVID-19,” he said. “Nobody had any antici-
Pravinchandra Dave acknowledged the challenging times the world is grappling with; however, he asserted that during difficult times, DBL does not halt operations. He explained that the bank is aware that the mining, for-
to see this come to fruition, and it is our sincere hope and expectation that we would see more of this going forward,” he said as he opined that the disbursal is also a manifestation of the IDB’s evolving role in Guyana.
IDB Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen, in delivering her remarks, said that “it’s always a pleasure when you see things come from an embryo, an idea, a first discussion and we’re here and the end users are here with
Seated from left to right are: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Demerara Bank Limited, Pravinchandra Dave; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited, Dr. Yesu Persaud and Inter-American Development Bank Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen. Standing behind them are the representatives of the beneficiaries
pation that we would be experiencing floods such as this. I would like to say that this facility comes at a time when liquidity such as this is extremely valuable and has an extremely important additional contribution to make, bearing in mind what we’re going through today,” he added. Dr Singh also highlighted that as the Guyanese economy continues the “remarkable transformation” under this People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government with the new oil and gas sector, the government will also place much emphasis on the non-oil economy, and in these regards, he opined that the beneficiaries are appropriate. “We don’t want to be a country that is dependent on a single productive sector … having witnessed what other countries have gone through, we feel very strongly as a government that a widely diversified economy, and in particular, the very strong non-oil economy is extremely important to Guyana’s future,” he said. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Demerara Bank,
estry and agriculture sectors are the “priority sectors” in Guyana and disclosed that 25 per cent of the bank’s lending goes towards agriculture. IMPORTANT PARTNERSHIP Dr. Singh congratulated the stakeholders as he opined that the disbursal is a “manifestation of an extremely important partnership” between the domestic financial sector, DBL; a major international institution, the IDB and the domestic private sector, the beneficiaries of the grant. “Somewhere in the background there is government and the role the government plays in ensuring the creation, preservation and continued improvement of an environment conducive to partnerships such as this,” he said. Dr. Singh explained that the PPP/C, even prior to demitting office in 2015, had always and continues to advocate for greater involvement by institutions such as the IDB playing a greater role not just with the public sector but also with the private sector. “I am extremely delighted
us and I think that really talks about success, perseverance.” She said that the IDB recognises the support and growth of not only the public sector, but the private sector as well, as the private sector is critical and fundamental to the country and the IDB is here to support the private sector through initiatives such as the line of credit provided to DBL. “Small businesses play a crucial role in the economy because they are the main source of employment … it is true that they account for a small share of GDP [Gross Domestic Product] and value creation … it is fundamental to support small business growth, improve productivity and all the innovation and key sectors that are critical in the diversification of the economy at this point in time,” she said. Also present at the ceremony was Chairman and founder of the bank, Dr. Yesu Persaud, who reminisced and shared the touching story of the long journey the bank has undertaken to reach to the destination where it is today, since he formalised the concept of the bank and presented the idea to former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
Tradewinds’ tactical training vital for Guyana — President Ali
P R E S I D E N T, D r I r f a a n Ali, on Wednesday, hailed the tactical exercise of Operation Tradewinds 2021, conducted at the Yarrowkabra Range on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, a success. During the adrenaline-packed simulation, the ranks showcased their tactical abilities and demonstrated the skills learnt over the past two weeks. The demonstration culminated as three Black Hawk helicopters swooped down to ferry the ranks to safety, signalling a successful extraction of the troops. The Head of State, who was accompanied by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia and other military officials from participating countries, including the United States, applauded the performance.
“I want to thank you guys; I think this was a great exercise.” President Ali pointed to the importance of strengthening the decision-making capabilities of the ranks in the fields, which he said will allow them to strategise better and better respond to a range of scenarios. The President added that the strategies and teamwork executed by the ranks were needed to combat the changing nature of crime in the region. Prior to arriving at Yarrowkabra, the Commander-in-Chief was given an administrative and logistical briefing at the Ramada Princess Hotel on the two-week operation. He was also provided with a situation update on two enemies’ courses of action as well as three friendly forces’ courses of action by several staff officers. After the briefing, he lauded the ranks for the successful execution of Operation Tradewinds,
During the adrenaline-packed simulation, the ranks showcased their tactical abilities and demonstrated the skills learnt over the past two weeks given the COVID-19 environ- we are in right now.” forces and constabularies to ment in which they operated. This, he added, will be a counter transnational criminal “I would like to see at the critical, progressive and vision- organisations, conduct humanend of the exercise, the heads ary outcome of the exercise and itarian assistance, and disaster come together and maybe de- will pave the way for future relief operations. Tradewinds velop a manual as to how you exercises. exercises also help to develop did it in such an environment for Tradewinds is a US South- strong relationships and reinfuture exercises, and out of that ern Command-sponsored com- force human rights awareness. you can develop a master plan of bined joint exercise conducted This exercise dates back to the best practices in operating and with partner nations to enhance mid-1980s. working in an environment that the collective ability of defence Representatives from the
United States and 12 partner nations, including host nation Guyana, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Netherlands, Brazil, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, are participating in the 36th iteration of Tradewinds. The exercise commenced on June 12 and is scheduled to run until June 25. As hosts, 350 ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were trained in various military skills, including close-quarters combat. Local ranks have also been trained in marksmanship, emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue and recovery responses and mechanical and engineering repairs for both air and water transportation, among other areas. Guyana was scheduled to host Tradewinds in 2020; however, the exercise was cancelled due to COVID-19. (Public Information and Press Services Unit)
Detailed flood assessment commences THE Detailed Damage Sector Assessment (DDSA) which will thoroughly assess the impact of the recent flooding on various sectors, commenced on schedule on Wednesday, with teams from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) travelling to the regions being evaluated. The teams met with the officials from the respective Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), and other stakeholders as part of their data gathering process. The assessment is expected to last at least five days in each region, following which the data gathered will be analysed and a report prepared. CDEMA will be focusing on the assessment and analysis of the health, water and sanitation, infrastructure and housing, agriculture, social, shelter and mining sectors, in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Each respective team will include specialists for each of the sectors identified. The teams include representatives from a number of United Nations (UN) agencies. The CDEMA will be coor-
CDEMA officials engage several Region 10 residents dinating with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in the execution of the assessment, which is estimated to be completed in approximately one month. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, on Wednesday, CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, noted that notwithstanding challenges that the teams may face due to the terrain and geographical constraints, he was confident that there will be a successful completion of the assessment. “This mission is complex in two ways, in that one it’s a flood response [and] secondly we are operating in a COVID-19 environment. The mission is also complex because of the geography of the regions and the different government structures within the different regions identified,” Craig explained. Further, he noted that “It’s important for the teams to un-
derstand the local context of each region, the different mechanism systems, government structures, and the stakeholders that operate in the different regions for this mission to be successful.” Craig noted his confidence in the CDEMA team, and lauded the work that the CDC staff have been doing to ensure the team’s mission is well coordinated. “We have been working tirelessly to ensure all of the necessary logistics are put in place, and we are now focused on the mission and getting all the necessary data to ensure that the report is completed on time,”
guide intervention measures in the short, medium and longterm. The assessment will involve a total of five teams covering the various regions. On Wednesday, teams were deployed to Regions Two, Five, Seven and Ten. Two teams are covering Region Seven, with one team conducting assessments in the Lower and Middle CuyuniMazaruni and the other team covering the Upper CuyuniMazaruni. The team in Region Five will also be conducting the assessment for Region Six. In Region Two, that team was scheduled to visit the communities of Anna Regina, Devonshire, Castle, Bounty Hall, Queenstown, Perseverance, Suddie, and David James Scheme. The Region Five team was scheduled to cover Fort Wellington, Woodley Park, Bath, Rosignol, Ithaca, and Blairmont on the first day. In Region Seven the Upper Cuyuni-Mazaruni team was scheduled to visit Imbamadai/
CDEMA officials with health workers in Region Two Craig said. The assessment will include analysis of the sectors to determine the extent of the damage that has occurred, an analysis of the estimated cost to recover, and a look at how the recovery estimate can lead to additional support for Guyana in rebuilding and long-term recovery. The report will be used to
Omenike and Kambaru, while the Lower Cuyuni-Mazaruni team was expected to visit Bartica, Agatash, and Dagg Point. In Region 10, that team was scheduled to begin its assessment with visits to Block 42, Amelia’s Ward, Rainbow City, Silvertown, and Lower Kara Kara.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
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Only 3,913 of 42,100 Haitians who arrived in Guyana departed legally ― between the period 2015 to 2021, according to immigration data
By Richard Bhainie THE decision by the Government of Guyana to implement a visa requirement for Haitian and Cuban nationals travelling to the country is one that is being taken to tackle and avert Guyana being used as a transshipment destination for human smuggling. According to immigration data provided to the Guyana Chronicle, for the period 2015 to June 17, 2021, there has been an unusually large influx of Haitian nationals who have entered Guyana but failed to leave, at least through the requisite legal channels. The statistics highlight that of the 42,100 arrivals of Haitian nationals for the stated period, some 38,187 of them cannot be accounted for. Only 3,913 have been registered to have legally departed the shores of Guyana. The data shows that from 2015 to 2020, there was a steep and continuous annual increase of Haitian nationals arriving in the country. In 2015, there were some 770 arrivals, while 2016 saw 772, which quickly escalated to 3,515 in 2017, then to 6,165 in 2018 and 20,261 in 2019. The year 2020 saw 9,239 entries and as of June 17, 2021, there have been some 1,378. However, the departure data for the stated period when compared with the arrival data is staggering. In 2015, only 136 of the Haitian nationals departed while in 2016 some 451 left. In 2017, there were some 291 departures; 2018 saw 456 and 2019 1,697. For the year 2020, there were some 717 departures and as of June 17, 2021, there were some 165. Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Tuesday, during his television programme ‘Issues in the News’, disclosed that as a means to stymie this phenomenon, the Government of Guyana will be implementing visa requirements for Haitian and Cuban nationals, as the data is similar for Cubans as well. CANNOT BE TOLERATED “We have to take a position against our country being used as an international smuggling transshipment point,” Nandlall said, as he highlighted that various international agencies which bear responsibility for human trafficking and human smuggling have already been apprised, including but not limited to
the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, INTERPOL and International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
left now to become a charge on the State of Guyana in a hotel room,” Nandlall said. Those individuals are now at the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration where they are being taken care of, as police continue their investigations in an effort to arrest the man, or woman, who have custody of the their documents. On February 28, 2021, the Brazilian Federal Police arrested 26 Haitian nationals and one Cuban, who en-
tered Bom Fim illegally via Guyana’s borders. Nandlall explained that the Brazilian Government has expressed deep concern about Guyana being used as a transshipment point for Haitians and other nationals entering its borders. During his programme, Nandlall also referenced the 26 Haitian nationals who were detained in Guyana in November 2020 after the address they provided to the immigration authorities turned out to be the location
of Suriname Airways, along with an empty lot. The government had come under heavy scrutiny for detention of the said Haitians, with accusations of racial discrimination by a major opposition party. A lawsuit was also subsequently filed by one Allandres Archer on behalf of the Haitians, which he eventually withdrew. Archer, a businessman and ticket agent, had purchased airline tickets which brought the Haitians to Guyana. He had
Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C.
Nandlall explained that Guyana will be joining most Caribbean countries that have already made the decision to impose visa requirements for Haitians and Cubans. According to the website VisaIndex, only three Caribbean countries, namely, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Montserrat, have a visa free immigration policy in relation to the Haitians. “We had already made contact with the American Embassy on a different occasion to complain about Cubans as well as the Haitians; we complained to the Cuban Embassy as well,” he said. Just last week, 10 young Haitian nationals, five females and five males, were found by police at the Swiss Hotel, Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice – Corentyne). They had informed the authorities that the person who brought them reportedly took away their passports, documents, money and other personal belongings. “It has long been suspected that there is a huge trafficking in persons and human smuggling ring, including children, taking place in the region and Guyana is being used as a transit point in this racket.… This is the latest manifestation of this nefarious racket at work which seems to be operating on a daily basis,” a press release from the Government of Guyana on the matter had stated. CLASSIC TRAPPINGS “One of the 10 speak English; these are the classic trappings of a smuggling ring where you have young women, young men, just teenagers and people deposited … they came to Guyana illegally and the person just disappear with their passports and they are
A bar graph comparing the number of Haitians who arrived in Guyana for the period 2015 to 2020, as opposed to those who departed. The graph also shows the difference between the number of arrivals and departures. Such is described as ‘unaccounted’ The blue first bar represents arrivals, while the red second bar represents departures and the green third bar highlights unaccounted
explained that he was “contacted by Attorney-at Law Darren Wade, to give an affidavit to be a witness and it ended up I was the person who was taking the government to court”. Nandlall is of the opinion that the main opposition party, the APNU+AFC, will play the “race card” upon hearing the news that Government of Guyana will be implementing a visa requirement for Haitian nationals. “And of course we will have to deal with the allegations of race because that is all that the APNU+AFC do … they see the world through a racial prism, every decision that this government makes they apply a racial analysis to it,” he said. “Everything for them is about race, if you dismiss somebody is because of their race, if you charge someone is because of their race, if a car hit down somebody is because of their race … these people are diabolical, they are sick,” he added. This is not the first time Government has indicated the intention of imposing visa restrictions on Haitian nationals to eradicate Guyana being a transshipment point for human smuggling. In November last year Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn had shared similar sentiments.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
Looking out for our senior citizens
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T is said that a society is judged by the way it treats with its young and the elderly. Both of these age-cohorts are, in some ways, more vulnerable than those who are actively and gainfully employed and, as such, are much more deserving of assistance from the government and the society as a whole. This is why the current government is putting so much emphasis on the well-being and welfare of senior citizens, who, over the years, would have served their country in one way or the other and are now in the process of enjoying what is sometimes referred to as their ‘golden years’. Since assuming office, the Dr Irfaan-Ali administration has implemented a number of policy interventions to make life easier for our senior citizens. Among these was an increase in Old Age pension, which has now moved from $20,500 to $25,000. The increase of Old Age Pension has benefitted an estimated 60,000 senior citizens, putting a total of $4 billion in disposable income in their hands.
In addition, Old Age Pensions are much more payment-friendly today, as the long waits at post offices have now become something of the past. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has also put in place a number of measures whereby payments can be made through the banking system. Under this arrangement, pensions can be deposited into the bank accounts of pensioners within the first five days of every month, provided of course, that their pension books have been surrendered to the Human Services Ministry. The initiative is in keeping with the ministry’s mandate to ensure that all pensioners receive their payments in an environment free from stress and in a timely and predictable manner. There is also the biannual payment plan for pensioners who live in remote areas. In addition, there is the option of redeeming vouchers at Money Gram/Surepay and Bill Express locations countrywide aimed at improving service delivery for the elderly. Government has also commenced direct delivery and payment of pension to shut-in pensioners, including the differently-abled.
To further enhance the quality of life for the elderly, the Guyana Government took a decision to provide potable water, free of cost, to pensioners with effect from January 1, 2021. Pensioners are already benefitting from 10 cubic meters of water free of cost. This is equivalent to five 400-gallon black tanks, which is more than enough to last a pensioner and other dependent or dependents for more than one month. On top of these benefits, the government has removed Value-Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity charges, as well as essential food items which, when taken together, has resulted in a higher level of disposable income not only for our senior citizens but for Guyanese as a whole. Under the previous APNU-AFC administration, VAT was introduced on a wide array of consumer items which included water and electricity. At the macro-level, the government has prioritised an enhanced quality of health care for the elderly with an emphasis on chronic diseases aimed at decreasing co-morbidities and reducing non-commu-
nicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. Steps have been taken to strengthen the delivery of health care to the elderly especially in terms of primary health care and access to free medication and medical supplies. Thanks to improved quality of life and advances in medical technology, people are living longer today than in past decades. Longevity must be celebrated and not be seen as a liability or a drag on our national development. Seniors may not be at the peak of their productive lives, but they still contribute to the economy by way of consumer-spending which provides a boost to the economy. Many, despite their advancing age, still contribute their experiences and skills which go a far way in terms of national growth and development. The Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security must be commended for the several interventions made to make life easier for our senior citizens. They deserve nothing less than the best we can afford as a society.
Efforts to get everyone vaccinated should be commended, not criticised Dear Editor,
O
VER the last week, I have paid keen attention to the issue regarding the procurement of the vaccines which thousands of Guyanese, like me, have gotten vaccinated with. I ask that you permit me to share some thoughts which I have on the matter, so that others can become better informed and get themselves vaccinated as well. Last week, in Parliament, Mr. Harmon made some comments about the source of the vaccines which were purchased by the government, and the price at which they were procured. I admit, I was very intrigued by his comments, and waited patiently for a response from the Minister
of Health and other officials, so that I myself could get some clarity. After tuning in to the Minister of Health’s press conference last Friday, I felt more comfortable, knowing that the vaccines were safe, and were procured through proper channels which were available at the time. The clarification which Minister Anthony offered was definitely needed, and I am sure other Guyanese felt the same. According to the many statements, comments and press conferences I focused on recently, the government initially explored their options with sourcing vaccines from the United States, Europe and multi-lateral COVAX facility. However, their efforts were futile. Nevertheless, they recognised the need for Guyanese to have access to the vac-
cines, hence their efforts to source the vaccines from other suppliers. It was found that the Prince of Dubai, who’d visited Guyana, had connections with a source of the vaccine supply. With existing bilateral rapport, the government requested access to the supply chain, and was readily accommodated. But, the disadvantage was that the price which the vaccines were selling for was higher than that of the recommended WHO price. I fully support the government’s decision to go ahead with the procurement of the vaccines, despite it being more costly, because I personally know how serious this pandemic is. I lost one of my siblings recently to COVID-19, and, therefore, I knew that the only way to prevent losing anyone else was to get vaccinated. The
fact that the government did what they had to do to give us Guyanese access to the vaccines should be commended, rather than criticised. Therefore, I find it disappointing that the Opposition is going to such lengths to chastise the government for giving Guyanese access to the vaccines; the very vaccines which they themselves have taken. It would appear that they are politicising the pandemic to gain some sort of cheap political mileage, and that does not sit right with me. In fact, it ought to be condemned by all Guyanese, as their actions are grossly irresponsible. Yours respectfully, Attiya Baksh
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
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Gov’t engaging financial institutions on behalf of flood-affected clients By Rehana Ahamad
AS part of its ongoing flood response efforts, the Government of Guyana has initiated discussions with several financial institutions to address the flood woes currently being faced by many of their local clients. This was confirmed on Wednesday by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.
side lines of an event hosted at Demerara Bank’s Corporate Office on Camp Street, Georgetown. He noted that the important engagements between government and the financial entities have commenced, even as the process continues to assess and determine the full impact of the floods. “As you know, there are many regions and many areas that are still under water, so
we are hoping we can get the water off the ground as soon as possible, but as we have seen, the rains continue to be heavy,” the Finance Minister said. He indicated too that the discussions with the financial agencies have garnered encouraging responses. “Obviously, the banks have every interest in ensuring that their clients are able to emerge from this crisis, and [are] able to get back on their feet, so it is a conversation
“concrete” commitments from the banking and credit institutions, the minister responded, “not at this stage.” “I think it is still very early to say at this stage,” Dr. Singh added.
the big millers and creditors, to discuss possible aid mechanisms. “… how the government and these people can work together and so on, but that will
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh
It was only earlier in the month that President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the government’s decision to approach financial institutions and creditors as part of the administration’s long-term support for farmers affected by the countrywide flooding. President Ali had also instructed Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, to meet with
For more than three weeks, floodwaters have inundated approximately 300 communities across Guyana, affecting the livelihoods of thousands
“It’s an ongoing discussion that we are having with the financial institutions on what needs to be done, and what might be possible to be done,” Dr. Singh told reporters on the
just the task of understanding exactly the scale of the damages; who is affected, which sectors [are affected] and how seriously they are affected; that process is still underway, and
that is ongoing between government and the financial sector,” Dr. Singh posited. Questioned on whether the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has gotten any
A lot of hot air emanating from the Opposition benches Dear Editor,
A
FTER approximately 10 years of the PNC-led Coalition holding the majority in Parliament, another PPP/C administration is governing the country with equity and fiscal prudence. For approximately two decades, post elections of 1992, the PPP/C worked unremittingly to reverse the destruction and devastation visited upon Guyana and Guyanese by the former PNC regime under first Burnham, then Hoyte’s governance, with magnificent success, with socio-economic development in this country poised to catalyse dramatically within the future, from a base laid by the unrelenting efforts of former president, current Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who is now aptly referred to as ‘The architect of modern Guyana’. But the gains in the nation reversed toward a downward trend when the government of the newly-elected Donald Ramotar administration found itself in a quandary when the PPP/C lost its parliamentary majority to a vengeful joint opposition in the November 2011 general and regional elections. The ludicrous irony of persons who had no input into Guyana’s wealth creation, even those who destroyed Guyana and left it a deeply indebted country, arrogating to themselves the right to abrogate that wealth disposition to the nation and drive the workers
of the country into joblessness, sent shockwaves rippling throughout the country as the implications of the budgetary cuts slowly sank into the unbelieving minds of the nation. Even the private sector was distressed because, apart from other constraining factors, they realised that disposable incomes would be severely reduced in many families and government-run institutions, thus hampering purchasing power, with severe, deleterious ripple effects on the business community. There was no logic to the madness as the opposition wielded its Sword of Damocles on the painstaking work of the Finance Minister, his supporting aides, and the various stakeholders in the nation’s economy. The stunned disbelief of government MPs was replicated in the faces of even opposition media operatives who could not believe the socio-economic dislocations the opposition collective was prepared to visit upon the nation, merely for vindictive spite, and for showing the then government, in Granger’s own words, “who is boss”. A stunned Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, covered his face in agonised dismay as the opposition did the unbelievable, cleanly cutting the budget for the government’s flagship in hinterland development, the LCDS, with all the resultant implications. Former Amerindian Affairs, then Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn
Rodriques-Birkett, sat next to him in solemn anguish as she contemplated the dire consequences of that vindictive budgetary slash to her people, who have always been oppressed by the PNC, in and now out of government. The Amerindian communities and persons who consequently suffered, with many losing their jobs as a consequence of this irrational budgetary cut, was described as “collateral damage” by Khemraj Ramjattan. However, this should not have been an unexpected eventuality when the joint opposition determinedly, exulting in its collective power vested through its one-vote/one-seat majority during the earlier sitting, when supplemental financial paper No. 7 was laid in the National Assembly, voted against its passage, thus leaving incomplete the country’s accounting records, which would be recorded as unresolved in the AG’s audit reports for the budget agencies in which the monies had been spent. According to legal and financial experts, this has never before happened in any other part of the world. So what a relief that the Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C administration could once again conduct the affairs of the nation without hindrance, except for a lot of foul hot air emanating from the opposition benches. Yours very truly, Baldeo Mathura
come after the assessment…. We have to understand what is the total picture; the macro picture. We cannot speak in isolation,” the President told residents of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Continuous assessments have shown that over 36,000 households in approximately 300 communities have been affected by these unprecedented
floods. Further, a preliminary report on the country’s infrastructural damages have revealed billions of dollars in destruction. Based on the initial data, the government approached the National Assembly for a $10 billion Supplemental Budget, which has since been approved to combat issues relating to the floods, and coordinate increased support for affected residents. During the debates for the aforementioned budget, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, highlighted the possibility of government returning to the House for additional monies to respond effectively to the ongoing flood, which has so far progressed to being a national ‘level 2’ disaster. The overall impact of the flood is to be assessed by a team of regional officials who arrived in Guyana on Wednesday. Multiple government officials have said that once the impact results are in, authorities would be better able to mobilise recovery support to those whose livelihoods have been affected, and in some cases, completely destroyed by the ongoing floods.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
US$100M cement plant to be constructed at La Resource ― over 200 persons will be employed
By Indrawattie Natram GUYANESE-owned energy company, Vas Energy Inc. and its subsidiary, Georgetown Cement Company, on Wednesday, turned the sod for the construction of a US$100M state-of-the-art cement plant at La Resource, Essequibo Coast, in Region Two. During the simple sod-turning ceremony held at the construction site, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, said Guyana’s economy is currently booming and there are countless investment opportunities that are available. He emphasised that the ultimate goal of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is the creation of jobs for the people. It is for this reason that he is proud of the investment that is being made to construct the cement plant.
“Although it’s a foreign investment, it’s a local investor and, recently, we put out an Expression of Interest for a hotel around Guyana, and what
we are proud of is that the first two hotels that have started are local Guyanese investors,” Dr. Ramsaroop said. According to Dr. Ramsa-
roop, the anticipated infrastructural boom in Guyana will create a high demand for cement. He told the gathering that the plant is being constructed at an
create employment for hundreds of persons. “You are helping the local region to develop. I think that the scale of investment is what Guyana needs. These investments play an important role apart from the oil and gas,” Dr. Srinivasa added. He said the Government of India will continue to work with the Government of Guyana through the many sectors to assist in developing the country.
sequibo not only because I am from Wakenaam. I think the industrial revolution in Guyana and the people, including businesses, have long forsaken Essequibo. I am seeing agriculture, coconut and rice. We need some manufacturing in the region...this will help to create employment,“ Sukhdeo said. Giving an overview of the project, he explained to the gathering that the plant will have a combination of French
CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop (second from left) and CEO of Georgetown Cement Factory, Vijay Sukhdeo (second from right) turn the sod at the site identified for the cement plant. Also pictured are Prime Minister Representative, Arnold Adams (left) and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. KJ Srinivasa (right)
opportune time. He said with current investments, such as the construction of the plant, and other potential investments, Region Two will be positioned for massive development. Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. KJ Srinivasa, expressed his delight with being associated with this “beneficial” project which will be a great investment given the country’s economic growth. Dr. Srinivasa said the cost of importing construction materials is very expensive and once the plant becomes operational, Guyanese will benefit from reduced costs. The plant is expected to
A billboard showcasing an artist’s impression of the cement factory
Later, Vas Energy’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vijay Sukhdeo, in his remarks, noted that the company and its subsidiary are pleased to be constructing the a state-ofthe-art factory in the county of Essequibo. Sukhdeo, who is originally from Wakenaam Island, told the gathering that Region Two was chosen to not only create employment opportunities for residents, but because of its industrial potential. “I decided to choose Es-
and German technologies that will produce 50,000 metric tons of top-grade grey and white cement. Additionally, the plant, which is expected to be completed in 28 months, will manufacture hydraulic cement that is suitable for sea defence projects. “Within 13 months, the grinding of cement will be produced on site. We will continue to import raw materials for the next 12 months. We, as Guyanese, will like to contribute towards Guyana’s growing economy. The plant will be able to supply the entire Guyana and neighbouring countries if we have excess. Our priority is to supply local Guyanese so the cost will cut,” Sukhdeo said The new cement plant is expected to cut the cost of imported cement by 30%. The company, he said, intends to employ 180-200 employees on a full-time basis and an additional 100 persons indirectly to support businesses in the restaurant and transportation sectors. The Prime Minister’s Representative, Arnold Adams, who represented the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at the ceremony, said the regional administration fully endorses the project. Adams said he is happy that the project will employ hundreds of persons which coincides with the PPP/C’s manifesto.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
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Guyana gets US$6.7M to improve education sector THE World Bank has approved US$6.7 million for the Guyana Education Sector Programme Project, which aims to improve learning in nursery schools, increase the use of technology at the primary level, and improve the overall functionality of the national education management information system. A press release issued on Wednesday explained that the grant is being awarded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), which is said to be the only global partnership and fund dedicated entirely to helping children in lower-income countries get a quality education. Ozan Sevimli, World Bank Resident Representative for Jamaica and Guyana, has indicated that over the last 15 years, Guyana’s education sector has been on an upward trajectory. “There have been improvements; however, the learning outcomes remain low, and improving the quality of education at all levels will be the priority for Guyana to develop its human capital,” Sevimli
said. At the nursery level, the project will support teacher training to improve pedagogy and delivery of a new curriculum. The training will include foundational skills, as well as student-centred pedagogy, formative assessments, and socio-emotional aspects, which
are of particular importance during the pandemic. The project will also provide learning materials and deliver parental education. At the primary level, the financing will equip schools with computer tablets to enable them to use technology for foundational skills like mathematics
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is said to be the only global partnership and fund dedicated entirely to helping children in lower-income countries get a quality education
Two senior GECOM staff walk following alleged breach of contract By Rehana Ahamad
THE Chief Accountant and Legal Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have resigned after being flagged for being in breach of their employment contracts. This is according to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday evening.
PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj
As it relates to the former Chief Accountant, Joseph Eastman, Gunraj related that his contract had expired, and that it had come up for renewal. The Attorney-at-law explained that, during the discussions regarding Eastman’s contract renewal, concerns were raised relating to him being engaged in work outside of GECOM. “... and the proof provided, were actually newspaper advertisements for his private practice, which included a cellphone number, upon which we all contact him,” Gunraj
and literacy, as well as smart classrooms to support learning. Alice Albright, Chief Executive Officer of GPE recognised that the agency’s support to strengthen education in Guyana is far more critical now, given that the notable impacts of the pandemic is still being felt around the world.
explained. Confronted with evidence provided by another PPP/C-nominated Commissioner, Bibi Shadick, Eastman claimed that he received permission from the former Chief Elections Officer, Gocool Boodho. However, he was unable to provide evidence to support this claim. Eastman subsequently submitted a letter indicating that he no longer wished to have his contract with the Elections Commission renewed. “He was there for 10 years,” Gunraj indicated. As it relates to GECOM’s former Legal Officer, Excellence Dazzell, she resigned after being faced with similar allegations, backed by evidence. “Bibi Shadick provided a publication from the official Gazette to show that she was engaged in a practice outside of GECOM,” Gunraj said. He explained that following this revelation, Dazzell, an Attorney-at-law by profession, was issued a letter from the Chairperson of the Commission, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh; in the letter, the GECOM head reportedly asked that Dazzell show cause as to why she should not be disciplined in accordance with her actions. “She claimed in her letter, that she received permission from the then [GECOM] Chairman [Justice (ret’d) James Patterson], but she was unable to provide any documentation to show that she did, in fact, receive permission to engage in a full-fledged legal practice,” Gunraj noted. He said that shortly after, the former television personality resigned. PPP/C’s Gunraj maintained that while he would not express pleasure over East-
man’s and Dazzel’s departure from GECOM, his sole concern was the effective functioning of the elections body. “If you engage in employment with an agency, you ought to dedicate your strengths and energies, towards that agency… in writing, no less,” Gunraj posited.
The breaches were detected and highlighted by PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Bibi Shadick
He argued that the employment conditions are not matters of mere understanding and expectations, but clear contractual obligations and legal instructions that they, as key officials, must not engage in any services outside of GECOM. “In both instances, there were clear breaches of the specific terms of their contracts,” Gunraj noted. He emphasised that “the proper functioning of an organisation depends on the strength and dedication of its employees, and when you have persons, senior managers at that, engaged in this kind of activity, it adds to the rot of the organisation.”
“GPE will continue to help make Guyana’s education system more resilient and effective so that the most vulnerable girls and boys can go to school and learn,” Albright indicated. Given the inequitable access to learning during the school closures, technology-assisted learning can facilitate teaching and cater to more learning styles for students with different needs. Finally, the project will finance the further development and roll out of an integrated education management information system at the national level in the nursery, primary and secondary sectors. This enhanced system will generate information, enabling stakeholders across levels to make informed and evidence-based decisions. “This project will complement two ongoing projects financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association. The Education Sector Improvement Project aims to improve mathematics education and the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Health Sciences,” the press statement
said. The Secondary Education Improvement Project is also strengthening innovative teaching methods, increasing enrollment in secondary schools, and supporting school construction. It was only recently that Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, assured that government will be working assiduously to rebuild the North Ruimveldt Secondary School, which was completely destroyed by fire. The A-Grade institution housed a total of 512 students and 39 teachers. The GPE is a shared commitment to ending the world’s learning crisis. With nearly 20 years’ experience helping partner countries to get more girls and boys in school and learning, GPE convenes teachers, civil society, donors, United Nations agencies, development banks, businesses and philanthropists behind partner country leadership to finance and support solutions so that no child is left behind.
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Jagdeo challenging libel judgement in the Full Court VICE-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has moved to the Demerara Full Court to challenge the decision of High Court Judge, Sandra Kurtzious, to grant a default judgement in a lawsuit filed by former Minister of Communities, Annette Ferguson. In the Notice of Appeal filed on Monday, June 21, by his lawyer, Devindra Kissoon, Jagdeo is asking the court to have the judge’s decision set aside and reversed in its entirety. Jagdeo is seeking an order setting aside the default judgement issued against him on March 11, 2021. He is also seeking an order from the court to allow him leave to file a defence to the action within 7 days of the date of the granting of his application, and extending the relevant case management timelines to allow him to properly defend the claim. Lastly, Jagdeo is asking the court to grant an interim order staying the enforcement of the decision and default judgement pending the hearing and determination of the appeal. In his grounds for appeal, Jagdeo, the appellant, is contending that Justice Kurtzious
erred in law and in fact by finding that he had no real prospect of defending the claim against Ferguson. Another ground contended that the learned judge erred and misdirected herself in law by entering a default judgement against Jagdeo without considering all of the grounds of his defence, including, but not limited to, the defence of justification.
Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo
In these respects, Jagdeo claimed that the judge erred in law by failing to appreciate the overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) in ensuring justice between
both parties. Among other things, the appeal seeks to argue that Justice Kurtzious erred in law and in fact by attempting to assess the evidence and conducting a mini-trial, as opposed to merely finding that the appellant had a real prospect of success, overlooking and failing to assess the facts averred in his pleadings which would be proved at trial.
Former Minister of Housing, Annette Ferguson
On Wednesday, June 16, Justice Kurtzious affirmed her awarding of the default libel judgement against Jagdeo. The judge, at the time, was ruling on an application filed by
Jagdeo to set aside the default judgement. The judge said that Jagdeo presented no evidence to satisfy the court on why his application should be granted. However, she recanted the $20M previously granted, and is expected to assess a new quantum of damages with the parties involved come July 28, 2021. In March, Justice Kurtzious had rendered the default judgement in the libel proceedings filed by Ferguson, who served under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (AFC) administration. The proceedings resulted from statements made by Jagdeo alleging, in December 2019, that Ferguson had acquired significant wealth in only two years of being the housing minister, and used her public office to acquire several plots of land at Eccles, East Bank Demerara on which she was constructing a mansion. That story was published in the Guyana Times newspapers. The libel proceeding against Guyana Times is still ongoing. Ferguson and her team of attorneys had applied for default judgement after Jagdeo had failed to file a defence within the prescribed time outlined in the CPR. In addition to the $20M default judgement, Ferguson was also awarded costs in the sum of $75,000.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
Miner shot dead in Mazaruni camp
SHANE Blake, 30, a miner of Moruca Village, North West District (NWD), was shot dead around 05:20hours on Tuesday, by a 30-year-old suspect at Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven. Police said that, on Tuesday, the victim was asleep in his camp when he was awakened by the armed suspect who ordered him to put on his clothes. Upon being told to do so, the victim armed himself with a cutlass and chopped the suspect to his shoulder. The suspect retaliated by firing a shot in the victim’s direction, which struck him in the area of the upper left side of the chest. The suspect subsequently fled the scene. The victim was escorted by public-spirited citizens to a health post where he succumbed to his injury. Police are investigating the incident.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
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Region Three businesses target foreign investors
― form new organisation to capitalise on business opportunities
OVER 50 major companies in Region Three, on Wednesday, officially came under the umbrella of “Reg.3 Private Sector Inc.” as they answered the call of President, Dr Irfaan Ali to collectively enable themselves to benefit from Government’s Local Content Policy. The founder of the new private sector organisation, Halim Khan, said the region was gearing up for major development, and major companies serious about their business have agreed to form a new organisation which offers a variety of dynamic services. “We have large companies that offer heavy equipment in construction to small companies offering weeding services; we have agricultural companies and major construction companies, hotels, brokerages, hardware suppliers, and a list of service providers,” Khan said. He explained that the organisation is not just about business and increasing the level of business coming to companies, but building the capacity of local companies and preparing them to become internationally competitive.
The new private sector body, Khan said will directly engage government on local content requirements, legal compliance frameworks and developing businesses for local content strategies, while ensuring that all the companies fulfil their corporate social responsibility. Khan, a businessman, said systems would be developed to bridge the gaps in levels of capital, human resource capacity and technology, and create a space for local businesses and local participation in the region. He said that when foreign investors and companies enter Region Three they will find companies that have capacity and others that are building capacity to provide goods and services at excellent standards and competitive prices. The businessman explained that among the key objectives of the Local Content Policy are to promote maximum use of Guyanese in the petroleum sector workforce; enhance the skills and competencies of Guyanese citizens; maximise the use of locally sourced goods and services in the petro-
Stabroek Market vendor stabbed to death AN argument and confrontation between two Stabroek Market vendors, on Tuesday afternoon, turned deadly when one was stabbed multiple times and collapsed at a police mobile outpost, where he ran for assistance.
ing a knife. The argument continued and Bizzette then chased behind the suspect, armed with an axe in his hand while the suspect was armed with the knife. However, the suspect fell to the ground and Bizzette stopped chasing him. As Bizzette was walking
Dead: Robert Bizzette, called “Brick”
Dead is Robert Bizzette, 35, called “Brick”, a food vendor of Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The 46-yearold perpetrator was arrested by police. Police said that on Tuesday, around 16:30 hours, Bizzette and the suspect had an argument about the placement of a stall during which he drew a “jucker” and threatened the suspect. The suspect retaliated by pushing him and draw-
away, the suspect dealt him several stabs to the body. Bizzette then ran to a nearby police mobile outpost where he fell to the ground and was immediately escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he died while receiving treatment. The perpetrator was later contacted and arrested at Camp and New Market Streets by an anti-crime patrol. Investigations are ongoing.
leum sector; and to enhance the capacity of Guyanese businesses and supply chains to become internationally competitive, among other tangible benefits. Further, he said virtual meetings have been held with several Canadian companies and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) has already been contacted, as expressions of interest have been made to invest in Region Three. “The Reg.3 Private Sector Inc. will be a one-stop shop for all investors that are interested in the region,” he added, noting that “Later a magazine will be published to showcase the businesses, suppliers and
companies of Region Three to potential overseas investors.” President Ali, in August last year, established a Local Content Panel to review policy initiatives on local content in the petroleum sector and to develop a local content legislation and policy. This draft Local Content Policy was released in February, 2021. Reports indicated that Government will hire experts to inspect and integrate comments and suggestions emanating from stakeholder meetings into the final policy document that will be presented in the National Assembly.
Founder of Region Three Private Sector Inc. Halim Khan
‘Slay in Purity’
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By Mesha Sealey
PHYSICAL, mental, spiritual and sexual impurity, or immorality, are not foreign concepts to many teens and adults. Many neglect the concept of ‘purity’ for pleasure and self-satisfaction, as well as the satisfaction of others,
in pursuit of seemingly more fulfilling things in life. However, 27-year-old author and worship leader, Alicia Martin, is committed to showing the importance of maintaining purity in one’s lifestyle. Through her recently-launched book, “Slay in Purity”, the vibrant young woman intends to highlight the major
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
-young author launches guide to a spiritually fulfilling lifestyle
role purity plays in one’s life, the discovery of one’s purpose, and the fulfilment thereof. The publication which is available in paperback, focuses on sex, lifestyle practices and purity. The intention, Martin says, is to encourage persons to live their best life, to do what they need to do and what God wants
Author of “Slay in Purity”, Alicia Martin
them to do, while remaining pure. “I know that we all try to win in various areas of our life, which includes our business and careers, and all these things, but purity is an area that the book highlights as very, very important; an area that the book encourages persons to live pure. As much as they want to do everything else, as much as they have other mandates and things they need to do, areas that they want to win in, slay in, and be their best in, purity should be one of those areas as well,” Martin related in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle. Speaking a bit as to where she drew inspiration for her book, Alicia revealed that the book was inspired by struggles of her own, which God helped her through. “I have had struggles with impurities for many years. And there is where the inspiration actually comes from. And this is not just about me only but other persons who would have had struggles with impurity, and staying pure, and all that,” she said. Not only does her book highlight areas of purity with regards to the body, but it also looks at purity from the perspective of the mind, and the heart as well. But, what exactly does “slay in purity” mean? “’Slay’ is a word we like to use when we dress up, when we’re looking good, when we’re doing well in a particular area, or so forth. I wanted to use that word, because it is one that is very catchy, and it’s one that many persons can relate to. We like to say, ‘oh, you’re slaying, you look good’. So I wanted to use that word to help persons to understand, ‘hey, just the way I slay with my looks, the same way I can slay with my purity as well,” Alicia explained. BROAD AUDIENCE Asked who she intended the book to help when she started penning it, Alicia laughingly explained that there was no specific group of people that the book was intended
for. Anyone, she says, is encouraged to read the book as long as they seek to improve their lifestyle. “The target audience is broad. The book is specifically for ministers of the arts, Christian believers, and people who are in various ministries with regards to worship, dance, musicians, and so forth. It’s for those persons who are apostles and pastors and all of this, but, however, it is for persons beyond that as well, because it addresses different areas with regards to standards, and soul ties when it comes to sex and all these things,” she noted. While the title of the book contains “modern lingo”, Alicia advised that the book is not just for young, single persons, but for anyone who wants to make conscious decisions to improve their lifestyle. “As I mentioned, the book is about sex, lifestyle practices and purity. So, there are so many areas with regards to sex that the book talks about; that it’s also for non-Christians. There are so many things in there, so it’s not just for Chris-
A cover of Alicia’s book
tians. The reason I wrote with Christians in mind as well, is because I know that according to God’s word, we‘re not supposed to fornicate, we’re not supposed to commit adultery, and all these things, and these are still things that we find Christians doing. So, this is also appealing to them, but it is for a wider target audience,” she stated. MINIMAL CHALLENGES According to Alicia, the book took her six months or less to write. She said the writing process has helped her to be disciplined, and exercise focus and commitment to any task or assignment she is given. Her only challenge was the fact that she wrote late at night, due to her profession as a public relations officer, which required a lot of her time. “Other than that, I didn’t really have a lot of challenges. Writing for me was fun. Writing for me was a learning process.
It was an adventure, but what I can say is that everything that is in the book are things that God has taken me through as well. I was very authentic with my writing,” she expressed. Due to her love for writing and dance, which she utilises as a form of worship, and as a hobby, she knew that a spiritual work of her own was somewhere in her future. While she wanted to become a writer for a very long time, what she didn’t know was that the opportunity would present itself so soon. Fortunately, with the publication of her first book, more work from Alicia will definitely be coming soon. Asked what she wants readers to take away from her book, Alicia responded: “First off, I want persons to have an open mind as they buy the book. My hope is that their life would be transformed by the content that is in the book, and they would be able to live their very best life, and live a pure life; a life that would reflect God, and who He is.” She credits much of the assistance with her writing process to her parents, and publisher, Denise Allison Harris (DAH) Publishing. She encouraged persons who set out with similar goals, whether to publish a book or go about some other venture to set their fears aside and “go for it”. “Do it. Because you never know who you might be inspiring. You never know who is waiting on you to do that thing that God has called you to do. So, my encouragement to that person is, do it. In spite of the odds and in spite of the challenges, do it,” she urged. Alicia Martin is the director and founder of the Royalty Dance Ministries, the visionary behind the Arise Dance Workshop, and the host and producer of a series for dance ministers, titled, “The Vessel”. She is also a dance instructor. She is the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma in Communication Studies from the University of Guyana (UG). She possesses a Certificate and Diploma in Dance from the Institute of Creative Arts and the National School of Dance, and a certificate in TEN Pageantry from the Eagles International Training Institute, Guyana. Alicia is a motivational speaker and a purpose-driven young woman who strives for excellence in all that she pursues. Anyone desirous of attaining a copy of the book can do so by contacting the author via her Facebook page under the name Alicia Martin; via email at aliciamartinpublicfigure@ gmail.com; or on her cell number, (+592) 693-5664. Persons living in East Berbice, Region Six, can also contact (+592) 614-3369 or (+592) 668-5519, while persons living in Georgetown, Region Four, can contact (+592) 661-3184 or (+592) 610-0479.
Elderly Home Visiting Committee installed 13
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
-- to ensure residential facilities are complying with guidelines
THE Elderly Home Visiting Committee was recently appointed by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to conduct a holistic review of elderly residential facilities to ensure that they are keeping in line with the guidelines set out for them. The visiting committee consists of responsible citizens drawn from society and will be no more than 12 or less than six members who are appointed by subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, for a period of two years, a release said.
In reviewing the activities of the facilities, the committee will be able to provide critical and relevant feedback on the compliance, progress and challenges as it pertains to the implementation of the Minimum Standards for Elderly Residential Facilities. The residential facilities will be provided with at least three days’ notice to conduct inspections and interview staff and residents in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Minimum Standards. The team is expected to prepare and submit a written report to Minister
Chairperson of the Committee, Dr. Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu
Persaud within two weeks of the visit; identifying any violations. The committee will visit
20 per cent of adult population fully vaccinated
ON Tuesday, June 22, the Ministry of Health achieved a milestone in its COVID-19 vaccination campaign after 101, 246 persons or 20.8% of the country’s population were recorded as being fully immunised against the deadly virus. These persons would have received both doses of one of the three available COVID-19 vaccines (the Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm), Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, revealed during his COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Wednesday. “I think this is a milestone worth celebrating, because approximately 20% of our population is now fully immunised. And, as we have said before, in persons with both doses of the vaccines, we have not seen them coming to the hospital,
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony
meaning that they don’t get the severe form of the infection, nor have they been admitted to any of our ICUs, or died from COVID. So, I think that’s a very important thing for people to understand,” he stressed. It was also revealed that 229,053 persons have re-
ceived their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is equivalent to some 47.1% of Guyana’s adult population. Given this information, the minister has urged persons who are due for their second dose of the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines, to return while those are still in stock. He reminded them that one dose was not enough to protect them against the severity of the virus. While Guyana is trying to secure second doses of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine as quickly as possible, Dr Anthony urged persons to go out and get their first dose of the vaccine, as that is still in supply. He had previously surmised that the delay in the vaccine shipment might be due to Moscow’s recent spike in the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Truck driver dies in freak accident at John Fernandes Wharf
The truck that Wilson was driving
Dead: Sheldon Wilson
SHELDON Wilson, 36, of Hand-en-veldt, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, died on Tuesday when the truck he was driving tilt-
ed into the river at John Fernandes Wharf, Water Street, Georgetown. Police said that Wilson was the driver of motor truck, GNN 7207, and, on the aforementioned day, he visited the wharf to collect feed from a boat. After collecting the feed, police said they were told that Wilson began driving, but the
truck rolled over the rails on the wharf and into the river. Several persons jumped into the river to rescue Wilson, who was eventually taken out by a labourer from John Fernandes Wharf and rushed to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police are investigating the incident.
the facilities collectively or in pairs, have free access to every part of the facility and interact with residents. It will also collaborate with the administrator, board and ministry to improve the quality of care provided by the facility. The team will also monitor the facilities to ensure that residents are treated with consideration, respect in full recognition of personal dignity and individuality, and will seek to ensure that the residents receive care, treatment and services which are adequate, appropriate and in compliance with relevant
statutes, policies and rules. Under special circumstances where a request is made, the committee can conduct investigations, and members of the Committee may view other pertinent records where necessary. In order to view such records, though, the Committee will have to get the permission of the resident or their legal representative. The Administrator of the home can give permission if the resident is unable to give consent or has no legal representative. In cases where the Committee has reasonable cause to believe that the Administrator is not acting in the best
interest of an incapacitated resident, the Gerontologist on the Committee can examine the resident and findings can be used in the report submitted to the Ministry; or an examination may be done by a qualified medical officer, identified by the Visiting Committee, to produce a report to the committee. Chairperson of the committee is Dr. Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu and members are Leslyn Holder, Dr. Davendra Sharma, Negla Brandis, Angelina Leitch, Sarah Rahaman, Dr. Melissa Dehaarte, Pastor Patrick Findlay, Pastor Joshua Griffith, and Abeke Samuels as Committee Secretary.
Children’s Visiting Committee constituted 14
-- to ensure strict adherence to child rights guidelines
IN an effort to enhance the quality of care being provided in children’s homes across the country, the Children’s Visiting Committee was recently constituted, and held its first meeting on Tuesday with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. The committee, being headed by Chairman, Andre Massiah-Gonsalves and his deputy, Raiza Khan, is responsible for visiting all of the established children’s homes and institutions that provide residential child care for orphans and vulnerable children.
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud
The intention is to ensure that such homes, whether being run by the State or
privately, are strictly compliant with the standards and guidelines that are set out for
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
them, and to further examine how the ministry can lend support. As such, from time to time and at frequent intervals, the team will visit the homes to undertake inspections to ensure that the Minimum Operational Standards are in effect and that the children are treated in a manner in keeping with Child Rights. The committee consists of responsible citizens drawn from society and will not be more than 17 or less than seven members, all appointed by Minister Persaud for a period of three years. It will provide written reports of any violations to Minister Persaud. Vi s i t i n g C o m m i t tee members will visit the homes collectively or in pairs, have free access to every part of the home, and interact with the children. Interaction with the children
Children’s Visiting Committee Chairman, Andre Massiah-Gonsalves
is to be done in keeping with the policy guidelines of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). The Visiting Committee
can work with the administrators of the homes and the CPA to improve or upgrade the standard of any facility. It can also engage in fund raising activities for the home, but only with the approval of Minister Persaud. Committee meetings will usually be held virtually, or in a convenient public place, such as the ministry’s boardroom. The committee members consist of Human Services Ministry representative, Tionna October, and representative from the Ministry of Labour, Michelle Baburam, along with Shameena Haniff, Glenyss James, Shellon Belgrave, Angela Ramahan, Tanya Niamatali, Jennifer Prashad, Jonellor Bowen, Sarojanie Rambaran, Rashree Premnath, Aliyah Hassan, and Dr. Chaitra Singh Mahadeo.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
PYO contributes to flood-relief efforts AS the local authorities continue to mobilise resources to provide much-needed relief to flood-affected residents across Guyana, the East Coast Demerara (ECD) branch of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) on Monday morning made donations to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in an effort to help those adversely affected. Leader of the East Coast arm of the PYO and Assistant Director of Youth at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Suresh Singh made the contribution of 40 cases of bottled water and 72 boxes of surgical face masks, and on behalf of the ECD PYO to Deputy Director-General of the CDC, Major
Leader of the East Coast Demerara Progressive Youth Organisation, and the Assistant Director of Youth at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Suresh Singh making the contribution on behalf of his group to Deputy Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Major Loring Benons at the Muslim Youth Organisation on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown on Monday
Loring Benons at the Muslim Youth Organisation on
Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
Singh told the Guyana Chronicle that upon perusal
of the needs list published by the CDC, he mobilised the 11 distinctive PYO groups which constitute the overall ECD PYO to gather water, as that is an essential item, and face masks, because, with the floods, other sicknesses may arise. “Quickly, the membership responded; they started to ask a few business persons. Some of them went into their pockets and made donations personally, and through that channel, we came up with about 40 cases of water, and we have about 72 boxes of masks, which is about 3,200 pieces,” he said. Singh highlighted that even though the PYO is the youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the groups are also very much active in
community development and volunteer work, as they are also involved in a gamut of activities, including but not limited to, cultural activities, sports, and humanitarian efforts. “Although the organisation is seen as the youth arm of the PPP/C, we’re not only focusing on the political aspect; we are building individuals and youths this way, and making them well-rounded,” he said. “Youths are the future, but we have taken the stance that youths are not only the future, youths are now, and so gradually with simple activities they will build themselves and their requisite skills to take leadership positions,” he added.
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Monkey Mountain residents get flood relief MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and a high-level team from her Ministry, on Monday, paid a visit to the Region Eight community of Monkey Mountain, interacting with residents and offering relief to some of their issues. Top among some of the problems they are encountering is loss of farms due to flooding, and hence food security is a major concern to them at the moment. The visit was to ensure that communities know that Government is committed to supporting them in difficult times, as well as engaging with
them to address their concerns on the ground. Minister Persaud and team took in almost 200 hampers that sought to bring some relief to this and other issues. Together with Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and Principal Personnel Officer, Rafael Boodhoo, and others from the Ministry, Minister Persaud met with the Regional Executive Officer, the Vice-Chairman, Toshao, and other community leaders. Minister Persaud was able to have open, interactive sessions with the residents and receive feedback on how her ministry’s programmes were working in the region, such
as the new pension delivery system. “I was very happy that when we asked people about Old Age Pension, there was hardly any issue with them receiving it; maybe two persons in the whole of Monkey Mountain had minor issues that could easily be fixed,” Minister Persaud related. Residents asked many questions related to school and education and pertaining to damage to crops. “Most of their crops were damaged and they were concerned about food security. But we took in hampers that would provide short-term relief to what they are experiencing,” she further said. The team also had an op-
portunity to look at venues for training that will happen under the Ministry’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Net-
work (WIIN) programme. Many residents opted for courses in information technology, garment construction, and interior
Minister Vindhya Persaud’s visit to Monkey Mountain on Monday
decorating. In fact, quite a few were able to register for them on the spot. Minister Persaud chose to visit Monkey Mountain because she noted that Region Eight was impacted by flooding. “As a government, we are fanning out across the various regions. In this area, there is damage to crops and we were happy to reach out.” She also wanted to check on how the ministry’s programmes were coming along in the community and whether people are really benefitting from them. So far, the people of Monkey Mountain seem excited to be able to participate in WIIN. The ministry is looking at a learning resource centre and venues in Monkey Mountain where training can be done.
Some of the hampers that were distributed
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
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Farmers to have voice at UN Food Summit
THE countries of the Americas took a fundamental step towards defining the convergent messages that will be presented to the rest of the world at the 2021 Food Systems Summit convened by the UN, after representatives of the governments of the hemisphere agreed to bring agriculture and farmers, the guarantors of global food and nutritional security, to the forefront. Consensus was reached after an intense session organised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in which more than 70 experts and officials from the different countries participated, and which closed a cycle of three Virtual Dialogues in Support of the Summit. The participants agreed that it is essential to ensure that the voice of the countries of the Americas is heard at the global meeting. The region is not only the world’s breadbasket but also the backbone of environmental conservation, due to the exceptional richness of its ecosystems and its biodiversity. During this third dialogue, government representatives shared the conclusions reached in their respective national dialogues and exchanged opinions on what the priorities should be in the region’s proposals. “The summit constitutes a unique opportunity for the countries of the Americas to develop a joint vision. These dialogues have allowed us to discover that we have differences, but also common ideas. It is important to offer a counter-narrative to those who want to impose on us our choices of food,” said Cathy McKinnell, Senior Adviser at the Foreign Agricultural Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). For his part, Fernando Zelner, Special Adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil, highlighted that “much progress has been made in these dialogues and the set of messages is very strong and solid. We have managed to establish common points even though our hemisphere is very diverse: the messages reflect the positions of both large food exporters, such as Brazil and Argentina, as well as the small island countries of the Caribbean. We are supported by one billion people who inhabit the Americas”.
WATER Ariel Martínez, Undersecretary of Political Coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, considered that “in addition to strengthening soil protection, which we consider paramount, we must pay special attention to the question of water, which is precisely what sustains soil health. Both are central to agriculture.” The official also congratulated IICA and “our fellow countries for the work they have done to pre-
pare these messages, which are not only fitting in terms of their content, but also ensure that the region reaches the summit with great political force.” IICA has also recently organised numerous debates and preparatory activities for the summit, with different actors from production chains. These events proved useful to strengthen consensus on which actions are necessary to improve the sustainability of agrifood systems. The institute defined three general principles in preparation for the summit: agricultural producers must be duly represented; decisions and policies adopted must be based on science; and agriculture is part of the solution to the main challenges facing humanity. Based on these principles, key messages were drafted that were modified according to contributions received during the in-depth discussion process, and were grouped into four categories: transformation of agrifood systems; consumer demand and nutritional aspects; production strategies and environmental issues; and the role of the Americas. The Peruvian delegation pointed out that “without agricultural production, there are no raw materials that can be transformed into food and, therefore, food security is put at serious risk”. Carlos De los Ríos, Adviser at the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, said that in Peru “family farming is very important for nutritional quality” and added that his country “is characterised by agrodiversity”. The role of the State in educating consumers on the qualities, advantages and disadvantages of different foods was also underscored as a key issue by Santiago Argüello, General Director for the Promotion of Agriculture at the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development of Mexico: “Labelling the products is key; the State must be proactive so that the consumer can make the best decision.” For her part, Angélica Cedeño, Head of Legal Affairs at the Office of Agricultural Trade Agreements (OTCA) of the Dominican Republic, mentioned that in her country, 12 dialogues were held with the public and private sectors, where “much emphasis was placed on food security and protecting farmers, including from natural disasters”. Cedeño awarded special importance to the message focussing on the vulnerability of Caribbean nations. The need to call attention to the fundamental role of soil and water in agriculture and food production was highlighted by Alejandro Pineda, from the Directorate of Water and Soil of the Nicaraguan Ministry of Agriculture. CLIMATE CHANGE “Climate change poses a challenge for us now, as it will
in the future. It is good to talk about the resilience of food systems and it is important to focus on adaptation, as there are many changes in terms of pests, diseases and droughts,” cautioned Miriam Bueno, Technical Food Safety Director at the National
Service of Agrifood Health and Safety (SENASA) of Honduras. Saúl Campos, from the Vice Ministry of Food and Nutritional Security of Guatemala, pointed out the need to include “the concept of integrated management of renewable natural
resources, mainly the management of hydrographic basins and the education of the population of vulnerable areas, in order to mitigate soil and forest degradation”. Based on the contributions and suggestions of the rep-
Countries of the Americas are not only the world’s breadbasket but also the backbone of environmental conservation
resentatives of its thirty-four Member States, IICA’s Executive Committee -- made up of representatives from a dozen nations-- will define the final version of the document at its meeting scheduled for 28 and 29 June. The Food Systems Pre-Summit will be held between 26 and 28 July in Rome, with the participation of IICA, which is part of the Summit Champions Network, and is made up of a group of individuals and organisations committed to fulfilling its objectives. The Institute will be representing the agricultural and rural sectors of North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. The 2021 Food Systems Summit was convened by UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in order to establish global commitments and measures to transform food systems, in a way that guides the world towards the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to bring peace and prosperity to the world’s population. (IICA)
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Golden Jaguars set up camp in Florida THE home-based contingent of Guyana’s senior men’s national squad arrived in the USA yesterday to begin final preparations ahead of their CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminary round qualification match against Guatemala. Golden Jaguars will train and compete in friendly matches in Florida before facing the Central American nation at 21.30hrs on Saturday, July 3 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. “We wish the squad and staff all the best in their quest to qualify for the final rounds of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the second consecutive tournament,” Guyana Football Federation president Wayne Forde stated. According to Forde, GFF “expects Guatemala to prove challenging opponents, but we know our players will leave everything on the pitch and that the entire nation will be roaring with the Golden Jaguars.” The winner of the first round qualification fixture will play either Guadeloupe or The Bahamas on July 6 for a place in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup round-of-16. The 2021 Gold Cup takes place between July 10 and August 1 at various venues across the United States.
South Africa Racing Tips
Newmarket
Vaal
08:50 hrs Maybury
08:40 hrs Nussply
09:25 hrs Glencora
09:15 hrs Two Fools Col-
10:00 hrs Akkeringa
lide
10:35 hrs Passionova
09:50 hrs Irish Rain
11:10 hrs Ametist
10:25 hrs Serge
11:45 hrs Alabama Boy
11:00 hrs Stormy Winter
12:20 hrs Benefit Street
English Racing Tips
American Racing Tips
Newcastle
Belmont
08:25 hrs The Tide Turns
Race 1 Chloe RTose
09:00 hrs Manhattanville
Race 2 Grand Ave Girl
09:35 hrs Open Mind
Race 3 Digital Future
10:10 hrs Orbaan
Race 4 Blue Paynt
10:45 hrs Confrontational
Race 5 Regal Speaker
11:20 hrs Redesdale Rebel 11:55 hrs Military Man
Canadian Racing Tips
12:30 hrs Lost My Sock
Woodbine Race 1 Naked In The
Nottingham
Woods
08:35 hrs Strongbowe
Race 2 Queen Beach
09:10 hrs Fast Steps
Race 3 Tranquil Sky
09:45 hrs Taraashoq
Race 4 Zoysia
10:20 hrs Dickens
Race 5 Samurai Fighter
10:55 hrs Refuge
Race 6 Lower For Longer
11:30 hrs Stormin Norman
Race 7 Gigi’s Gift Race 8 Summer Load
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
Fully-vaccinated Sebai female football team back in training … Lose Father’s Day clash to U-15 male side ONE of Region One’s best female football teams, the Invincible Talons, Sebai’s sports club team are back in training. The players, who have been fully vaccinated, are hoping to compete in the 2021 Amerindian Heritage Games, if those Games take place in September. In 2019, when the-then Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (now Amerindian Affairs) last held the Games, the Marva Benjamin-captained side had finished as semifinalists. Among the big names who are back on the field are star striker Feona Benjamin (Number 10), Ravina Benjamin and defender Candacy Benjamin. The female players are having sessions with coach Mitchell Hernandez. On Sunday, in a Father’s Day friendly clash, to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, the side battled against the U-15 male team at the Sebai Recreational Ground in Sebai Village. In that clash, the girls started off with dominant plays, but could not keep up the momentum. Ravina Benjamin was the first in the scorebook when she headed in a Marva Benjamin volley in front of goal to the left of keeper Akeem Benjamin. The junior side had a few opportunities with Keon Beharry unable to convert an opportunity in the 18-yard box, while Worrell Benjamin Jr’s shot in the 30th minute was saved by a diving Rumeeza O’Selmo. It took an own goal in the early second half to level the scores, before Worrell Benjamin Jr carried the U-15 side ahead in the 50th minute. Four minutes later the boys sealed the game (3-1) with Beharry converting a penalty stemming from a handball. Candacy Benjamin was adjudged the best female defender of the game.
Sebai U15 footballers Keon Beharry (right) and Worrell Benjamin Jr scored a goal apiece in the Father’s Day clash.
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New Zealand are the Kings of Test Cricket (ESPNCRICINFO) - Even the England weather couldn’t summon enough cruelty to break New Zealand hearts once again. Two years after they lost out on the ODI World Cup without actually losing the final, glorious late-evening sunshine saw New Zealand through to their first world title, the inaugural World
Test Championship. It was well past regulation closing time on the reserve day, the sixth of the match, which featured only three-and-a-half days of actual cricket because of bad weather. But what cricket it was! - Two absolutely high-quality sides in extremely difficult conditions for batting combined to
produce a thrilling contest of cricket in such little time. New Zealand needed to be highly efficient, consistent and skilful if they were to have a chance of winning this, and they managed it just in time. New Zealand began the final day - on which the ICC guaranteed 98 overs weather permitting, never mind the over rates -
needing eight wickets before they could get to bat and knock off the runs conceded plus the 32 India were in the clear at the end of day five. They managed to take a wicket every five-and-a-half overs with precise planning and execution of those plans by a relentless attack. A target of 139 in 53 overs
wasn’t exactly a cake walk: the previous three innings had gone at 2.35, 2.5 and 2.32 an over, and India were not laying anything on the platter. By the time R. Ashwin took out both openers, they had managed just 44 in 17.2 overs. A lesser batting unit might even have taken a risk here and given India a window, but the old firm of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson took them home with a calm yet urgent and unbeaten partnership of 96 in 28.3 overs. It was so tight there was no room for any mistake or further weather disruption. As things got tight, New Zealand’s minds might have gone to the cricketing gods. To the boundary countback, to all the near misses, to the one hour of rain on the fifth morning out of nowhere (it didn’t rain in many other neighbourhoods in Southampton), to the dropped catch of Rishabh Pant on the sixth day, which made it too close for comfort as New Zealand strove to get the final wickets. In the end, India were the side left looking to cricketing gods, having lost yet another knockout match in an ICC tournament, now their sixth without a title since the Champions Trophy in 2013. The uneven bounce on practically a fourth-day track will serve as a teaser of what might have been had Southampton remained dry for the duration of the final. Then they lost the toss after a whole day of rain and got the worst of the conditions. There might be some criticism of India’s batting, which lasted just 73 overs in the second innings, but they were up against a relentless five-man seam attack. That attack knew it would have to prise the wickets out. Not for the first time, Kyle Jamieson raised his hand in the first session. His height and skills made Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara play at balls they have become expert at leaving. The first-innings lbw would have been fresh on Kohli’s mind when one more inswinger from Jamieson hit him on the pad, but a touch too high this time. That was perhaps why Kohli pushed at a short-of-length ball well outside off, edging him through. Immediately after, Pujara chased a length ball just outside off, getting out caught at slip off a fast bowler for the first time since December 2019. With his tail up, Jamieson nearly made it three in quick time with a near replay of Pant’s dismissal of the first innings but Tim Southee spilled it at second slip. Southee, who had an ordinary first spell on day two, had kept New Zealand ahead on day five with an attacking 30 to get them the lead and then two skilful lbws off in-swingers to send back the Indian openers in flat conditions in the evening. Now with the time running out, a
catch was dropped and Pant was tormenting New Zealand with streaky runs. However, cricket gods gave New Zealand one back when Ajinkya Rahane gloved an innocuous Trent Boult delivery down the leg-side half an hour before lunch, making it 109 for 5, a lead of 77. It was about this time that India decided it was going to be a matter of runs and not time with the forecast good for the rest of the match. Pant and Ravindra Jadeja took their chances as Boult and Southee attacked leading into lunch. By lunch it became practically 98 for 5. Now New Zealand could not afford another cameo. Now the pitch looked flat. Now the batters looked comfortable. Now was the time for Neil Wagner. He launched a short-ball barrage that not only shut down the scoring but eventually - in the 10th over of that spell - brought the Jadeja edge to a length ball for a catch that took BJ Watling to No. 7 on the all-time catches list, in his last Test. He took this one with a dislocated ring finger, refusing to go off. Pant, who had been audacious in becoming the top scorer in this innings, finally took one chance too many, skipping down at Boult and getting a massive edge. This looked like it was going to fall safely until Henry Nicholls ran back from point and took it over his shoulder, making the toughest genre of catches look ridiculously simple. Flood gates opened after that, but a chancy 13 from Mohammed Shami made it an asking rate of 2.62 in the last innings. India made a testing start with the new ball before Ashwin breathed life into their spirits with some wizardry to get rid of the openers, both lefthand batters. Tom Latham was stumped off a sharp off-break, Devon Conway lbw to the straighter one. During that spell of play, six overs produced four runs, taking the asking rate to an even three an over for the last 31 overs. It was not all about asking rate. If you went chasing too hard and took your eye off, there was every chance there could be a collapse that could have brought India right back in. New Zealand wanted to score the runs faster but without risking getting into a position where they would have to fight for a draw. Under this pressure, Taylor and Williamson found the right balls. The flagging Shami, bowling his eighth over out of 23 in the innings, provided the first leeway with balls short and wide. Taylor then took Ashwin on and cleared wide mid-on. Now they had the flow in the innings, and all their experience and expertise came to the fore as they first steadied the ship then saw it home at 18.35hrs, ironically, in bright sunlight.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
Archibald signs Malta... From page 32
West Indies cricketer Romario Shepherd (Ginseng Up) as the athletes to (so far) pick up endorsement by Carib Brewery Limited. The contract will make the country’s 2021 South American Senior Championships 100m silver medallist the face of the Malta Carib locally. Archibald, who is on the brink of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Japan, will head to The Bahamas this weekend, compliments of Malta Carib, after the company sponsored his airfare. For Archibald, acquiring the Malta Carib endorsement is a dream come true, adding “I am pleased to receive this sponsorship from Malta Carib and I just want to thank God, my parents and the Brusches family for keeping me grounded to this point in my life.” “This moment is something I wrote down since 2018 as a goal and to receive this is a dream come through. The belief of betting on yourself and hoping that one day someone
sees your hard work paved the way for such a moment. I am thankful for this sponsorship and am looking forward to a long-term partnership with this great company,” Archibald stated at the contract signing. Carib Brewery Limited Country Manager, Kelvin Singh, while highlighting the importance of such relationships with athletes, said the company is “extremely happy to commence this partnership with the very talented Mr Emanuel Archibald that will span for the next twelve months. Emanuel has been one of the top and most consistent athletes during the past couple of years to represent Guyana”. “We believe that these strategic relationships are required to support the athletes and provide sustenance during the year rather than a oneoff sponsorship. I would like to wish Emanuel all the best during the meet in The Bahamas and the rest of the season,” Singh said. Meanwhile, Brand Manager of Malta Carib,
Gabriel Lopes said “Emanuel has the heart and focus it takes to become an exceptional athlete. He is already halfway there and Malta Carib is delighted to be partnering with him to assist in making his dream a reality. “Just look at his track record so far, he was able to set the Guyanese record in the long jump and now he aims for bigger and better (things). We believe that this is just the beginning of greater things to come for him.” Mark Mason’s long jump record of 8.07 metres, which he had set in April of 1993, was broken by Archibald on March 7, 2019 at a meet in Jamaica, after the now Malta Carib athlete had leaped 8.07. Showing that his feat was no fluke, Archibald at the Jamaica Athletics A d m i n i st r a t i v e Association (JAAA) All Comers Meet 1 on May 11, 2019, reset the National Long Jump record to 8.12 metres. Currently, Archibald holds the 29th best jump in the world this year, after posting an impressive 8.10 metres
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 24, 2021)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ridley Jacobs-16 dismissals (16 catches - 5 Tests) (2) Tatenda Taibu-10 dismissals (8 catches; 2 stumpings- 4 Tests)
TODAY’S QUIZ:
(1) Which WI player has contested most Test matches against SL to date? (2) Which SL cricketer has played most Test matches against the WI to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
at the National Track and Field Centre to open his season. At the time it was a world-leading distance in the long jump. Archibald has
represented Guyana at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, chalking up an impressive resumé
in Jamaica where he’s based as part of the Ricketts Performance Centre under coach Kerry-Lee Ricketts. (Rawle Toney)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
Patandin’s second century propels him on top of Caribbean Fest 40-over players’ rankings
FORMER National U-19 cricketer Chris Patandin’s dominance with the bat has propelled him to the top of the players’ rankings of the New York National Cricket League (NYNCL) Caribbean Fest 40-over tournament. After seven games, the Majestic Cricket Club vicecaptain has 1 662 total points stemming from two centuries, which is 40 points more than teammate and fellow Guyanese Derick Narine. Berbician Hemindra Ramdihal from Galaxy CC is third overall with 1 452 points while former Demerara Cricket Club cricketer Dion Choowee-nam is fourth with 1 391 points. Unlike Patandin and Narine who have played seven games and Ramdihal who played six, Choo-wee-nam from Richmond Hill Liberty has only played five games. Meanwhile Everest/ACS’s cricketer Wasim Haslim (three games) is fifth on 1 160 points, while another Guyanese Avi Dhanpaul is sixth with 1 122 points from seven games. Overall, Patandin has scored 451 runs from 318 balls at an average of 75.17.
no result) in Group B. Everest/ACS (nine points) are second in a three-way tie with Punjabi Lions and MetenMeer-Zorg NY.
GUYANESE TEAM DOMINANCE Guyanese teams Galaxy CC and Majestic CC are tied for the top spot in Group A of the tournament with 12 points from six wins in seven games, while Richmond Hill Liberty, the only unbeaten side left in the league sit on 13 points from seven matches (six wins and a
OUTSTANDING PATANDIN In his latest clash, 32-yearold Patandin led Majestic CC to a 54-run victory. At Baisley Pond on Sunday, the eventual winners won the toss and opted to bat first. Led by a brutal unbeaten 135 from Patandin, which included seven fours and nine sixes off 100 balls, Majestic CC were able to push their total to 270-6 in a reduced 35-over clash against Melbourne NY Alliance. University of Guyana cricketer Damian Vantull, who travelled up for the competition, also batted well for 40 runs (1x4, 5x6) from 18 balls. In reply, Melbourne had a solid start with the first three batsmen leading the attack. By the 24th over, they were comfortably placed at 3-156 with Richie Balkarran hitting 54 (7x4, 3x6) and skipper Ryan Girdhary scoring an innings-high 64 (7x4, 1x6, but Narine and Patandin got into the attack, Girdhary was bowled and caught by Narine, while middle-order batsman Parasram Beepat (28) lost his wicket via the same route off the bowling of Patandin. In the end, the side fell short at 216-9. Skipper Narine finished with 2-32 from five overs and Patandin 2-34 from seven overs.
ON Sunday, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held its elections and Aubrey Hutson was elected to serve his third consecutive term as president. In speaking to the media, Hutson called out members from his previous council for their lack of involvement and for that reason he does not give the entire council a good grade on performance. “There are few workers and the more workers come on
board, it is the better it will be; but they are few people working, and more people talking. So, I would like to give us an A-grade in the future but if the same thing continues, we will continue to fail our athletes. So, I will take it as average, I will give it a C”, the AAG head expressed. Earlier in the year, Hutson expressed the desire to have more athletes qualify for the Olympic Games and stated it would be a “bad reflection”
Trinidad’s Aaron Prince to set up camp in Guyana ahead of Tokyo
Trinidad and Tobago Olympian Aaron Prince
Chris Patandin has scored 451 runs in his seven games this season.
TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympian, Aaron Prince, will be setting up a one-week camp in Guyana as part of his preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Prince is just the fourth Trinidad and Tobago boxer to qualify for the Olympics and joins Kurt Sinette, USA-born Carlos Suarez and Rio 2016 qualifier Nigel Paul. The middleweight boxer is expected to arrive in Guyana today, along with his coach Reynold Cox, where they will engage some of Guyana’s Caribbean champions to fine-tune ahead of Japan. “They will leave on July 1. They will be here to help prepare for the Olympics. We’re happy that they could have chosen Guyana. There are many other countries that they could have chosen. This also shows the close alliance that we have,” Steve Ninvalle, president of the Guyana Boxing Association told Chronicle Sport yesterday. Meanwhile, Ninvalle updated that Keevin Allicock, along with his coach Sebert Blake, is set to depart Guyana next week for Russia, to attend a highintensity training camp. Allicock will be the first boxer, since John Douglas at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, to represent Guyana at the Olympic Games. (Rawle Toney)
More people talking than working cannot continue , says AAG re-elected president on the tenure to send less than they did in 2016. However, when questioned on the matter only one track and field athlete has qualified to date. In 2016, four qualified. The president said it is not a failure but rather another wake-up call for the need to develop an Elite Programme. “We have to look back at how we finish our elite programme, how do we deal with our elite athletes, how do we get them to be up there with the rest of the
world because these World Championships and Olympic Games (have) over 200 countries vying for those same positions.” He added, “We have to find a way; do we after our junior programmes send our athletes to the USA to be in the college system which basically grinds them out and they are no good for us? There are some college athletes who came back to Guyana where their coaches tell them don’t come to this National
Senior Championships, so we have those situations to deal with.” He has the view they could copy the Jamaican formula where they don’t send their “serious athletes” to the US college system but ensure local coaches are further qualified. “What we have to start doing is developing our coaches locally and giving them the necessary knowledge of how to deal with elite athletes, try to get a lot more clubs
in the process of developing athletes. “ “We have to have a broader foundation and you will see our pyramid peak higher and will have an elite programme. I am disappointed that we didn’t have more athletes qualify for the Olympics but I don’t think it is a failure on my part I think what we need to is find that solution of getting more of them out there,” the AAG head contended.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 24, 2021
Adams challenges WI batsmen to be ‘ruthless’ in preparation
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, wants West Indian batsmen to put in the hard yards in the off-season in addressing weak areas of their game in order to be consistent at the international level. Adams, who on Tuesday evening was speaking on Barbadian radio programme, Mason and Guests, lamented the batting performance in the two Tests against South Africa where the Caribbean side’s highest total was 165. Jermaine Blackwood’s total aggregate of 88 runs after four innings was the leading runscorer for the home side in the two Tests. Roston Chase, who just had three innings due to injury, had the best average of 24.66 and a top score of 62. One other halfcentury was scored by opener Kieran Powell. On Monday, head coach Phil Simmons said he expects there will be intra-squad matches within the regional franchise then ‘Best v Best’ matches ahead of the two-Test series against
West Indies struggled against the short-pitched bowling from the South African pacers during the two Tests in St Lucia. Pakistan which starts August 12 in Jamaica. Adams contended that top players need to do remedial work soon, as they feel there is a “chink in the amour” and it is whether the West Indies Elite players have
that mindset to improve. The former West Indies captain expressed that in the modern era it is faster to be knowledgeable of one’s weak areas and felt the region’s batsmen should adopt an approach that
says “I am taking ownership of such (weak areas), (and) as soon I get spare time, I am attacking myself on my weakness”. He added, “The opposition is going to be ruthless on us and maybe sometimes we need to
de Kock back at No. 10
South African rises in ICC Test rankings
Quinton de Kock had scores of 141* and 96 in two of his three innings in the West Indies. (AFP/Getty Images)
be that much more ruthless to ourselves in preparation for that.” The Jamaican who featured in 54 Tests said he was more disappointed in the manner West Indies lost in St Lucia, more than the 0-2 series result. “I feel disappointment … it is not so much the loss, but what would have been disappointing for me is really not seeing the batting unit fight, and fall below 200 in four consecutive innings, I think it was not what we would like to see. So, hopefully, we can get something of a bounce back when we resume Test cricket against Pakistan”, he expressed. Asked to assess why there is dire inconsistency with the batting and the clear discomfort against the bodyline tactics by the South African seamers, Adams said it is a combination of issues from pitches and exposure. “I look at the conditions and the quality of the fastbowling from South Africa, and I look at our regional cricket in terms of pitches, in terms of regional attacks, and I am not making any excuses for cricketers. I do think there is an
urgent need to start ensuring we have consistent hard-through wickets and just start asking franchises to deliver.” Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite is on the opposing end to the view that his fellow batsmen are struggling against the short-ball. The director of cricket felt it is imperative that exposure begins from the youth level in order to enhance the ability to combat such at the senior level. “South Africa would have come as favourites, and with that said, home advantage does count for something. When you have to dig in - backs against the wall - is easier to do at home because usually, you have that inspiration … losing in that manner; I know guys are trying but definitely like to see more fight from the batting unit.” The former batsman called on West Indies to feel confident against aggressive bowling since it is probable Pakistan will come with similar tactics given success of South Africa.
(ESPNCRICINFO) Quinton de Kock’s 96 in the first innings of the second Test, after he scored 141 in the first, against West Indies, has put him back in the top ten - at No. 10 - in the Test rankings for batters. He was last in the top ten back in December 2019, but after top-scoring with 237 runs in the twoTest series, which South Africa won 2-0, he has moved above Babar Azam and Dimuth Karunaratne. Rassie van der Dussen was a distant second to de Kock in the run-scorers’ list, with 125, while Jermaine Blackwood was third with 88, Dean Elgar fourth with 87; and the three of them made gains on the table too. Elgar was up one spot to No. 19, van der Dussen up 31 spots to No. 43, and Blackwood one place behind him at No. 44, a rise of 12 positions. Jason Holder started the series as the top-ranked all-rounder in Tests but
made average returns - 34 runs in four innings and six wickets (four of them in the first, which was before the period used in the latest rankings) have pushed him down to second place behind Ravindra Jadeja, who is currently playing the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton. Kagiso Rabada was the player-of-the-match in the second Test for his haul of five wickets, and moved up one place to sixth as a result while Keshav Maharaj’s seven wickets, including a hattrick, helped him go three places up to 28th. Lungi Ngidi also picked up three wickets in the game, and went up three places to No. 41. Kemar Roach was by far the best West Indies bowler on show, returning 3 for 45 and 4 for 52, and that took him close to the top ten for bowlers, as he finished at 12th place.
Adams challenges WI batsmen to be ‘ruthless’ in preparation See Page 31
More people talking than working cannot continue , says AAG re-elected president
Golden Jaguars set up camp in Florida
See Page 30
See Page 26 Members of the local-based Golden Jaguars squad and coach staff prior to their departure for the USA.
Archibald signs Malta Carib endorsement
Athletics Association of Guyana president Aubrey Hutson
CBL Country Manager Kelvin Singh; Brand Manager of Malta Carib Gabriel Lopes and National Long Jump Champion Emanuel Archibald.
GUYANA’S long jump record-holder and National 100-metre and long jump champion, Emanuel Archibald, signed a one-year endorsement deal with Carib
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Brewery Limited under its Malta Carib brand. Archibald now joins table tennis star Chelsea Edghill (Smalta) and See Page 29
| THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021