Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25-03-2021

THURSDAY 25th March, 2021

' No.106311

Vaccination programme ‘ramped up’

–– persons 40 and over can now get COVID-19 vaccine

–– more than 25,000 persons have been vaccinated thus far See story on page 03

Businesses illegally charging VAT put on notice

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Taxi driver gets 21 years behind bars for raping schoolgirl 08 PAGE

400 black

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giant birds for Rupertee village

Get it fixed right and on time

–– Edghill talks tough with Hunter Street, Sheriff/Mandela Road contractors

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Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill (third left), gestures during an inspection of City road works on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Get it fixed right and on time –– Edghill talks tough with Hunter Street, Sheriff/Mandela Road contractors

By Rabindra Rooplall CONSTRUCTION company, Vieira 66 Logistics, is expected to complete works on Hunter Street between West Ruimveldt Front Road to Mandela Avenue, Georgetown by April 14, 2020 after issues identified to be rectified were sorted out Wednesday during a site visit by Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill. Described as one of the main arteries into the City, Minister Edghill inspected the roadworks during a downpour. Hunter Street takes off much of the traffic from the East Bank corridor into Georgetown. Vieira 66 Logistics took over the contract in December last after Surrey Paving and Ideal Engineering, which was awarded the contract in May 2019, failed to complete the project, leaving derelict

and shoddy work behind. The contract awarded to Surrey Paving and Ideal Engineering was terminated. “All the issues identified to be rectified on Hunter Street have been identified, for example, there is need for adjustments for drainage at West Front Road, and we plan to do those works on the Easter Weekend when the traffic is minimised and the road is up to the level of crush and run and we had to get an agreement of how we proceed where Hunter Street ends and where the fourlane highway begins. This morning we were able to get a decision,” Minister Edghill explained. He noted that it makes no sense for Hunter Street to be completed and it cannot be immediately connected to the four-lane highway since the intent is to have a free flow of traffic. “Like any other project

there are teething issues, but instructions are clear, we must get it fixed, we must get value for money and we must get it in good timeline and that is the strong message we are sending,” he said, noting that all contractors are cooperating. Meanwhile, on a visit to the Sherriff/Mandela Road Expansion Project, Minister Edghill said that he is satisfied that work is being done but issues of quality will be addressed by the engineers as the project is behind time and the agreed extension is August 2021. WORK MUST BE DONE He noted that if it rains in the day then work must be done at night. “The fact that the roundabout is not asphalted or paved has caused a snail pace in the traffic on a daily basis. My instruction is that works will commence on Sheriff

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, speaks with contractors while inspecting a section of Mandela Avenue (Adrian Narine photo)

In the downpour, contractor Mark Vieira (in centre) overlooks the measurement of crush and run on the Hunter Street roadway as Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, looks on (Adrian Narine photo)

Street to the cultural centre and works will be done in the night when the curfew hour begins and they should end at 04:00 hours when the curfew is lifted for the movement of traffic,” Minister Edghill said. He related that all contractors and their teams should make use of the nights which will significantly increase the pace of works countrywide. The advancement of the Sheriff Street construction, he explained “will start from next week Monday and we will put out advisories to notify persons of the night work.” He said when the road is finally completed the quality should be exactly like the West Coast Demerara roadway since an international paving firm has been sub-contracted to do add the final touches. All decisions and instructions to contractors, he said, must be done in writing to prevent any misunderstandings. The site visits, he said, was to identify progress on

all road works, bottlenecks, and problems, solutions, and policy interventions to expedite all projects. Additionally, resident engineer and head supervisor of SRKN Consultant Firm, David Blake, said any waviness seen or experienced on the roadways under construction is not the final stage. “The first layer of asphalt is there to even out depressions and bumps and so on, the first layers has its own corrective works in preparation for the final layer which will be done by an international paving company, that comes at the end of the project, before the road marking takes place,” the consultant explained. Local project coordinator of SRKN Engineering, Krishna Narine, said night works will have to be done on the Sheriff Street project since during the day the level of traffic is a lot and if an attempt at paving is done during the day there will be massive disruptions to the traffic. “This will defeat the entire purpose of what we are

trying to accomplish, that is why we are taking advantage of the curfew period to pave it at night, and by doing this we are reconfiguring the timeline for the project. We have the May/June rain coming up and we have to do the paving before the rainy season,” he explained. After the rainy season, he said a final layer of asphalt will be placed on the roadways. Chief Works Officer (ag) within the Ministry of Public Works, Ron Rahaman said works have progressed but there is still a lot to be done and deficiencies in the medians will have to be addressed. “We are pleading with the public to abide with all notices of road closure and cooperation is necessary. We are working with the contractors to ensure that by August the project is significantly completed,” he said. The contractor will be responsible for correcting any defects that may occur within the first year of the road’s completion under the defects liability period of the contract.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Persons 40 and over can now get COVID-19 vaccine –– more than 25,000 persons have been vaccinated thus far

By Rehana Ahamad FROM as early as next week, persons who are 40 years and older will be able to access the COVID-19 vaccines currently being administered to frontline healthcare workers and citizens ages 60 and above. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, made the announcement on Wednesday night during a broadcast address to the nation. As part of the notable expansion of the vaccination programme, the Government is aiming to have at least 10,000 persons vaccinated each day, as means of ensuring Guyana achieves herd immunity. “To aggressively expand the programme, the Government of Guyana has secured 200,000 doses of vaccines and is exploring the further procurement of another 200,000 doses aimed at achieving

herd immunity in the fastest possible timeframe,” Dr. Ali informed. Herd immunity, or community immunity refers to the immunisation of a large section of a population. It is said that that if enough persons become resistant to a specific disease such as the coronavirus, then eventually its spread will be contained. Herd immunity also helps to protect vulnerable groups, such as babies. The President explained that since the vaccination programme commenced on March 5, 2021, in excess of 25,000 persons have been vaccinated throughout the country. Further, he said that since January 2021, his administration approached several governments, manufacturers and agencies to procure vaccines for citizens. These include India, Russia, China, the United

Arabs Emirates (UAE), as well as vaccine producers, AstraZeneca and Pfizer. “In order to store and manage the vaccines, and execute the task, the Ministry of Health has engaged various private sector players with capacity to assist,” President Ali said. He explained that in order to achieve the desired level of immunisation, the Government of Guyana has embarked on an integrated approach which will see the participation of various stakeholders, including local government bodies, civil society groups, medical and nursing students, as well as the medical brigade of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). “These personnel will be trained to assist in documentation of citizens, so as to expedite the vaccination process,” Dr. Ali said, adding that in the coming

days the GDF will provide support in the form of 400 officers who will assist in expediting the registration of citizens. “Students from the medical and nursing programmes will volunteer and lend support to this expanded and aggressive vaccination programme,” the President said. He was quick to note also that all volunteers will be vaccinated as a means of limiting their exposure to the virus. Additionally, Dr. Ali said that an expanded joint operation has been launched to strengthen security at the country’s borders. These efforts will see the input of the country’s immigration department, the GDF, the Guyana Police Force, COVID-19 Task Force and its regional committees, the private sector and other members of civil society.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during his address to the nation on Wednesday night

President urges adherence to COVID-19 guidelines during holidays AS Guyana prepares to usher in a few of its beloved religious festivities, including Phagwah, Easter and the Ramadan, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is encouraging citizens to remain cognisant of the fact that the country, along with the rest of the world, is still fighting a deadly health pandemic. He therefore encouraged religious leaders and citizens to ensure that the auspicious holidays are observed under strict adherence to the approved

COVID-19 guidelines. Phagwah or Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colours, will be observed this weekend, while Easter, along with the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan will be observed in April. Despite being religious holidays, many of these festivals are often celebrated by Guyanese from all walks of life. In the absence of the coronavirus, the 2021 celebrations would have been no different. “The pandemic remains a serious nation-

al issue; a major global health concern,” the President reminded during a broadcast address to the nation on Wednesday night. As he updated the country on the expansion of the national vaccination programme, Dr. Ali underscored the need for Guyanese to continue to follow the instituted guidelines, including the curfew. “I urge you to continue to stay safe, I urge you to continue to protect your families and your com-

munities….We are not ahead of the curve; we are still managing this deadly pandemic,” the President posited. He said that in order to fight the ongoing health crisis, the support of all citizens is imperative. “We need all stakeholders; we need all Guyanese on board,” Dr. Ali emphasised. He noted that while the Government has sought to strike the balance between the economy and the health management of the COVID-19 pandemic,

“we have to be responsible”. The Head of State stressed that businesses must understand that it is critical for them to adhere to the 40 per cent occupancy, as well as other COVID-19 protocols that have been instituted to ensure the safe operations of businesses. President Ali announced that advice has been given to the National COVID-19 Task Force to pursue charges against owners of establishments that are found in breach of

the guidelines. “We have lost too many lives already,” Dr. Ali lamented. He said that the Government will continue to spare no efforts in ensuring that all the citizens of Guyana are vaccinated as quickly as possible. “But we too, all of us, have a responsibility to help in this process,” the President posited. He further warned Guyanese to take the COVID-19 guidelines seriously, to get out of this pandemic as quickly as possible.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Autopsies: Prison escapees, woman died of multiple gunshot injuries

THE woman and two prison escapees who were shot by police on Monday

evening, died as result of multiple gunshot injuries, autopsies on their remains

have confirmed. The dead prisoners were 28-year old Imran Ramsaywack and 26-year old Ryan Jones, who both had escaped from the Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on February 16, 2021. The woman was identified as 49-year-old Savita Rajkumar, called “Debbie”. Imran and Ryan were identified by Principle Prison Officer Two, George Selman and the body of Savitri Rajkumar was identified by the father of her child, Kevin Williams, in the presence of the police. The bodies of Imran and Ryan were handed over to Guyana Prison Service officials for burial while the body of Savitri was handed over to Kevin Williams for cremation. According to information from the Guyana Police Force, the deceased woman was a close acquaintance of

Thursday March 25, 2021 02:30hrs & 13:00hrs Friday March 26, 2021 03:00hrs & 13:30hrs

Dead: Imran Ramsaywack

Imran Ramsaywack. Reports are that investigators found a cellular phone, from which they were able to retrieve valuable information. In a recap of the incident, the police said on Monday that officers received information at around 20:40 hours that the escapees were hiding out in a desolate, swampy

Dead: Ryan Jones

field surrounded by bushes. The officers, acting on this information, visited the location where they observed that there were three wooden shacks on the field, with two partly constructed. It is alleged that the police entered the first shack but found no one; however, they heard a ‘voice’ emanating from the third shack. But,

before they could act, a male emerged and discharged one round at them before making good his escape. Officers reportedly returned fire, and, in the aftermath of the exchange, they discovered the bodies of the woman, Jones and Ramsaywack, inside the shack. There were visible gunshot wounds on the bodies. Police said that the man, who allegedly fired at the police, escaped, but a sawn-off double-barrel shotgun was found at the scene. Jones and Ramsaywack were among four prisoners who escaped from the Mazaruni Prison after cutting the bars from within their cell and breaking the padlock to the entrance gate. The other escapees are Kenrick Lyte, 44, who is facing a death sentence after being tried for murder and Samuel Gouveia, 26, who is also imprisoned for murder. Lyte’s last known address is Grant Goodintent, Lower Pomeroon River, while Gouveia’s is lot 13 Goedverwagting, East Coast of Demerara (ECD). Ramsaywack, also known as “Kevin Jones”, or “Coolie Boy” was sentenced to death in December 2019, for the murder of 45-yearold US-based Guyanese businesswoman, Samantha Benjamin, whose dismembered body was found at the Buxton Seawalls, East Coast of Demerara in 2015. He was a notorious gang member of Lot 7, Adelphi Village East Canje, Berbice. Ryan Jones, who was a resident of Bartica, was sentenced in July 2018 for the murder of Puranand “Andrew” Baljit. It was reported that Jones confessed to killing Baljit on June 9, 2016, at his Timehri, East Bank of Demerara home. Jones was serving 28 years’ imprisonment and had attempted to escape from the Georgetown Prisons in 2020; he was among two of the masterminds behind the attempted prison-break. Jones’s father, Ralph Jones, was remanded to prison last month after he admitted to aiding the prisoners in their escape.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Rupertee village to receive 400 black giant birds –– also incubator and plant nursery to boost village economy THE Indigenous Village of Rupertee, located in the Annai Sub-District, Region Nine, will soon benefit from a number of Government incentives to boost the village’s economy and agriculture output. According to a release, during an outreach to the several villages in the North Rupununi District, on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, met with representatives to discuss Government’s plans for agricultural development in the region.

with several villagers to listen to some of their requests to improve agriculture. During his engagement, Minister Mustapha disclosed that an additional $3M will be spent to develop agriculture in Rupertee. “We’ll construct fences to enhance your cattle rearing. We’ll construct a well so that you can benefit from a potable water supply. And finally, we’ll build a house, a ‘kapetash’. Your community will be enhanced. We’ll also be working with you to develop your live-

cultivation of non-traditional and high-income earning crops. Areas like Rupertee in Region Nine will be important areas for us because we recognise, over the years, we’ve been importing millions of dollars in corn for the poultry industry. We have the ability to satisfy the local markets and Government has been putting the necessary systems in place to bring Guyana to a place where it can start producing these crops on a large scale,” Minister Mustapha said. Villagers who attend-

er management system for tractors in the region. NO INLAND FISHERIES POLICY “There’s no inland fisheries policy in Guyana. It’s in draft and I know this because I took part in that process to create the document. I would like for this Government to recommence the process to regularise this and make it a reality. We have policies for the other fishing but nothing for inland fisheries. I’ve been speaking with the Chief Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Some of the Black Giant Birds currently at the facility in Rupertee

As part of a packed twoday outreach exercise, Minister Mustapha visited the village’s Black Giant Poultry Project site. Senior village council, Surish Andries, said that with the current facility in place, the project has the ability to expand and further improve the village’s ability to supply poultry to other villages in the region. "The building is currently underutilised. We want to be able to fully utilise this facility. That is our target. We’ve had a few challenges with attacks from the wildlife where animals would come in the pen. This species of bird is very new to us and its serving as a learning experience for us. GLDA has an officer here who is really helping us with the records and so. We also need an incubator; a small one to assist with our production,” Andries said. After visiting the facility, Minister Mustapha also met

stock industry with pasture development and access to improved breeds through artificial insemination and breeding bulls. Soon, we'll be making more donations to all of the villages in Region Nine. Each village in Region Nine will experience some form of development from the Ministry of Agriculture this year because I believe the same benefits farmers on the Coast are receiving, farmers in this region should benefit from as well,” Minister Mustapha said. The subject minister also told the villagers that with the ministry working to develop the non-traditional crops sector, areas like Rupertee and other villages in Region Nine will have to play a major role given the vast amount of land available. TRADITIONAL CROPS “Although we are investing in our traditional crops, we are also promoting the

ed the meeting also told the minister and his team that there were a number of projects that needed Government’s input to further enhance agriculture in the village. Andries also told the minister that the village needed a tractor fitted with a plough as many farmers need assistance with land preparation for their farms and pastures. Another villager spoke about the need for an inland fisheries policy to develop the sector, as well as a prop-

Fisheries Officer on this as well. The only document we have is the Arapaima Management Plan and it is still being breached because the law says that we should not trouble it but people still do. Another thing Mr. Minister is transportation. You heard the Senior Council say that our tractor is down. This is the case for several villages. I’m happy that you said the Government will be giving tractors to several villages but there needs to be a proper management system in place,” the villager said.

While responding to those comments, Minister Mustapha told the villagers that the three tractors fitted with ploughs will be procured for the region this year by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and one of those machines will be stationed in Annai so that villagers from Rupertee will have access to it. As it relates to the need for an inland fisheries policy, the subject minister said that the Fisheries Department is currently working to have systems in place to regularise inland fisheries. He also said that with Government moving apace with its aquaculture master plan, policies regarding all areas of fisheries will be crafted and

implemented in the coming months. Minister Mustapha also told the villagers that he has instructed NDIA’s regional officer to develop a management system for machines assigned to the region and to have persons from the villages who are operating the machines trained to carry out basic repairs, should the need arise. This, he said, will cut back on downtime and ensure works are carried out promptly. After the meeting, Minister Mustapha distributed several farm tools, Acoushi Ants bait, fertilisers, chemicals, and seeds to be used by villagers for agricultural development.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

The land of opportunities

GUYANA has become one of the most attractive investment destinations worldwide, and in the last few months, has been exposed to many business opportunities both on a local and international level and even on a regional level. The Government has put in place many measures to provide potential business owners the opportunity to invest in Guyana to improve the economic level of activity, some of which include tax reductions/removals, incentives, and land accessibility. The Government of Guyana aims to avoid the Dutch disease by focussing on the other sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing and food production, tourism and hospitality, health, education, trade/export and housing/infrastructure. These sectors will have spin off effects on each other. For Guyana to become one of the richest countries in the world and become a developed country, the private sector is needed. The private sector consists of many talented, skilled think tanks that can provide products and services on a level that can help Guyana to be recognised as one of the top investment opportunists. Though the government can only provide assistance to an extent, it is up to these potential investors both locally and in the Guyanese Diaspora to make the necessary

moves to help their homeland. A country does not earn its wealth by draining the pockets of its citizens through taxes, rather it is being able to take less out of the citizens’ pockets but on a larger scale while ensuring that the people of the country have a comfortable standard of living. To put this in simpler terms, by having an array of income makes it easier for the country to earn more than having a limited stream of income where there will be restriction to use the little to suffice. When the taxes were introduced on fertilizers and machinery for agriculture, farmers were faced with financial difficulties which affected the agricultural performance. However, with the removal of those taxes, farmers are able to maximize their outputs and improve their quality of production. New markets have been sought for them internationally and investors from the tourism sectors, who have successfully managed to open new hotels and restaurants locally, will benefit from the farmers’ produce. As the tourism industry grows, the agriculture industry will also grow simultaneously as people need to eat and foreigners want to enjoy the fresh produce of Guyana. This contributes to the creation of jobs. People earn money which they will use to purchase items, invest in other

businesses, build a home, or even save in the bank which increases the bank’s cash supply to offer loans to potential borrowers. This simple process of providing opportunities to create more jobs will result in more money available to be circulated in the economy where the government will be able to earn more revenue at the comfort of its citizens. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Go-invest to provide local businesses access to investment opportunities. With this partnership, GOinvest will notify what incentives can be given to local businesses, unite the companies with international foreign direct investors thereby promoting joint ventures that will benefit both parties. The Canada-Guyana Chambers of Commerce has been established in December 2020 due to the major economic transformation ahead for Guyana along with opportunities that will mutually benefit the countries through trade and other services. This opens doors for local businesses to partner with Canadian businesses to form mutual relationships that will benefit both countries. This increases markets for products internationally along with expanding local markets with the help of foreign investors. The local content policy which the

President refers to as a ‘Living Policy” is currently in preparation with the aim of allowing businesses to reach international standards where they can compete globally and attain greater development levels. This will help local businesses to produce the high-quality products and services that are in great demand around the world. Apart from natural gas power generation, local and foreign investors are interested in the waste-to-energy projects which consist of converting trash into megawatts of power. Since Guyana has a lot of garbage that is increasing tremendously daily, this initiative will help to reduce the waste being exposed around the country and help to provide a service that benefits the country in a great way. With alternative energy projects, operation costs for companies can be reduced dramatically which will improve efficiency and production. Investors interested in agro processing will be able to benefit tremendously from this initiative. It is safe to say that increased taxes on items do not increase revenue. Guyana has the potential to achieve greater heights with its resources and once persons can maximize on these resources, Guyana will be able to earn more revenue from jobs created and from the trade of products and services.

A CoI is the first step towards electoral reform Dear Editor, IN order to reform any proposed system, you must first inquire as to what are the defects of the existing system. It is within this context that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) should be established to review all aspects of the March 2, 2020 elections. The European Union Observer Mission recent calls to urgently address electoral reform brings into the focus the promise made by H.E. President Irfan Ali at his inauguration speech when he so eloquently and ardently proclaimed the following: “All of us are painfully aware of the trauma and anguish that our people endured over the past five months as vigorous attempts were made to destroy our democratic credentials, and deny the

will of the electorate. All of us have an obligation to the nation and to ourselves to ensure that never again should any generation of our people be subjected to such unlawful behaviour. Therefore, a review of events – related to the electoral process over the last five months will begin shortly in order to determine, forensically, exactly what transpired, and to hold accountable any persons who sought to pervert and corrupt the system. More importantly, we will pursue the necessary reforms to make our democracy stronger and our electoral process more transparent.” A CoI into the events of the March 2, 2020 elections should be commissioned by the President as promised and should comprise of at least three distinguished officers from the Commonwealth that have extensive experience with various

electoral processes. The scope and ambit of the CoI should encompass events prior to election day, on the election day and happenings after the fateful election day. Diligent enquiries should be made but not limited to the following areas: The appointment of the Chairman of the elections commission and overall hiring of GECOM secretariat and dayto-day personnel; review of all manuals and standard operating procedures as it relates to registration, voting, statement of polls, ballot boxes etc; selection process for returning officers, polling staff, district and regional officials; distribution of ballots and voting on election day; counting of the votes after close of polls and transmission of results to GECOM headquarters; tabulating and declaration of

results with special emphasis on Region Four; conduct or misconduct of GECOM secretariat in the declaration of the final results of the election; review of the performance or lack thereof by the Chairman of the GECOM; whether the attempts at subverting the elections were systemic in nature or was it the premeditated manipulation by select individuals; and recommendations on electoral reforms. As was stressed by the European Mission, we should begin the process now in order to have sufficient time to reach a consensus on the reforms for the 2025 elections and to hold those who tried to pervert the system accountable. Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Those who engaged in volunteerism and provided funds for social work are true heroes Dear Editor, THOSE who played a role in championing democracy after the rise of the dictatorship in 1966 should be considered for the Order of Democracy. Since 1966, several Guyanese in the diaspora and at home played a critical role in combating electoral fraud and authoritarianism and in lobbying foreign governments and global institutions to restore democratic governance in Guyana in October 1992. In determining who should be honoured, emphasis should be placed on rewarding those who engaged in volunteerism as opposed to those who championed democracy for a couple years and did because of the expected financial rewards that would flow from it. Those who have engaged in volunteerism and provided affordable funds for social work are true heroes. They are unsung heroes who did a million times more than those whose names appear in the media and stood out because of their stature but were paid for their services in advocating for democracy. The unsung heroes don’t crave media attention; the paid activists. Volunteers should be given preference over paid political activists for national honours. The former engages in community work out of love while the latter does it because it

is a paid job – monetary reward. The former does it out of a belief and ideology and a commitment to humanity while the latter is motivated by payment or business proceeds. The former does not look for rewards. The latter expects monetary gains and gets irate if demands are not met. There are several unsung heroes in the diaspora that the Guyana Government should have honoured way back since 1992. They championed democracy ever since it was taken away from the nation in 1966. Without their activism, democracy would not have been restored in 1992. Some of the volunteers have passed on, but a few are still around. I know very well those in America who dedicated almost all of their time to championing democracy in Guyana, almost on a full time basis. They were affiliated with the ACG, the support group of the PPP and I know of their invaluable work since I came to New York as a 16-year-old youngster in 1977 to pursue university education. I was not affiliated with that group but I gave support to their activities. In the 1970s, there were only a few Guyanese who were involved in any political activism relating to Guyana. I immersed myself in the struggle with a few university students since 1977. Soon, we were organising demonstration and picketing exercises in front of the Guyana Consulate on the east

side in Manhattan including for the July 1978 rigged referendum. I was able to engage in an anti-dictatorial struggle because my parents and older brothers and sisters worked and paid the bills freeing up my time for political activism. While there were over a hundred Guyanese students at the campus, only a few of us were interested in Guyana. Just a handful us organised rallies, protests, writing and printing newsletters, and spending afternoons and weekend distributing them at public spaces. We were an independent group unaffiliated with others though we collaborated on protests and rallies. During the 1980s and 1990s as the Guyanese migrant population grew in America, so too did the political activism up to 1992. For the best of my recollection, lonely Arjune Karshan from the US-based diaspora was honoured for his activism; I think it was done by Jagan. Recognition is deserving of the diaspora activists like Baytoram Ramharack, Vassan Ramracha, Flattie Singh, Chuck Mohan, Maner Swami, Abdul Hafiz, Joe Kanhai, two of Karshan nephews (forgot names), Ravi Dev, Errol Arthur, Joe Ragnauth and Yash Pal Soi, among others. I was there from the outset (1970s) reporting in the ethnic media on varied diaspora activities besides organising protests, preparing petitions, and

corresponding with legislators in America and other countries. I know the history of those involved in the struggle for Guyana’s democracy from the US. Vishnu Bandhu played a significant role while in the US before returning to Guyana to launch URP; he fought the Hoyte dictatorship and was in forefront combating 2020 fraud. Leyland Roopnarine fought for democracy in Guyana during Burnhamism and the Hoyte dictatorship before migrating to the USA. Paul Tennassee fought the dictatorship since his return to Guyana in 1984 launching the DLM and remained till his migration after the 1992 elections. Leyland, Tennassee, and Bandhu, among others, are also worthy of national honours. I recall in May 2015 and every year thereafter, the APNU+AFC doled out honours like boxed foods to supporters. Hundreds of known election riggers were ‘honoured’ for their contributions to the nation. The list of honorees included several who unleashed physical brutality on freedom fighters. Those honours should be recalled. And those names of freedom fighters mentioned above should be on the honours list. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Toss up for presidency of Cricket West Indies (CWI) By Oscar Ramjeet AS West Indians are struggling to move up the ladder, there is a keen contest for the leadership of Cricket West Indies (CWI). Elections will be held on Sunday, March 28 and the incumbent Ricky Skerrit of St. Kitts and Kishore Shallow of St Vincent are being challenged by Anand Sanarsie of Guyana and Calvin Hope of Barbados for the presidency and vice presidency respectively after serving only one term -- two years. The incumbent replaced Dave Cameron of Jamaica and Emanuel Nathan who served for six years. Cameron took over from Julian Hunte of St Lucia, who also served six years. Sanarsie the challenger for presidency served for seven years as director of CWI, chairman of the Umpires and Match Referee sub-committee, and several years as Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, and President of the West Demerara Cricket Association and founder of Jaguar Cricket Academy. He is said to be a “go getter”. Over the

years, he had done a fantastic job in promoting cricket in Guyana; hence, the reason why Guyana is the top team in all formats of the game. Hope is a former Barbados youth cricketer and is an attorney by profession. A few days ago, former CWI President, Dave Cameron endorsed Sanarsie, who he said will bring new visionary leadership to the cricketing Body. Unfortunately, he said “Skerrit has failed to deliver the kind of leadership we hoped to see.” Moreover, he added that Guyana and Barbados are leading cricket nations. Skerrit was a minister of the St. Kitts Government and holds a first degree from the University of the Virgin Islands and a Masters Degree from Oxford University. Guyana has produced several world class cricketers like Rohan Kanhai, Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs and outstanding captains like Lloyd, whose remarkable leadership contributed in the Caribbean team winning the first two world cup tournaments in 1975 and 1979. Unfortunately, although the

Co-operative Republic boasts of dozens of test cricketers, the country never had a Guyanese President of the regional board since independence. Research shows that John St Felix Dare served as the West Indies Cricket Board of Control President from 1960-1965. I think he

was the Managing Director of Fogarty. Chetram Singh, who served two decades as President of the Guyana Cricket Board was nominated to be the President of WICB, but withdrew his candidacy over displeasure because he served as Head of a Racing Company. It is high time

that a Guyanese be elected to be at the helm after Independence. The West Indies Cricket Board of Control was established in 1920, the name was changed to West Indies Cricket Board... the words ‘of Control’ were removed and in November 2015 it was renamed Cricket West Indies

(CWI). There are six members of the CWI, namely Barbados Cricket Association, Guyana Cricket Board, Jamaica Cricket Association, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, Leeward Islands Cricket Association and Windward Cricket Board.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Nandlall to sue Ferguson for libel

By Richard Bhainie

ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has expressed his intention to institute legal proceedings against A Partnership for National Unity plus Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, for remarks she made stating that he was distributing identification cards on Elections Day. The allegation that Nandlall had distributed identification cards to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supporters on the March 2, 2020 Elections Day, surfaced on the same day when the remarks were made by General Secretary of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Amna Ally and former Attorney- General, Basil Williams, at the Mon Repos Primary School, East Coast Demerara. Nandlall had previously issued a statement on the matter denouncing a video that was circulating on Facebook in which Ally and Williams made the accusa-

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

tion, noting that on the day in question he was called to the location by PPP/C candidates to observe a crowd misbehaving and abusing persons who were going to cast their vote. “When Basil Williams and Amna Ally entered, I thought I was talking to intelligent, mature, experienced politicians who would have been able to rise above the foolish fray and, low and behold, they were mouthing the identical accusation,”

Nandlall expressed in the statement. In his television programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday, he noted that Ferguson reiterated the remarks while at a high-level discussion hosted by the European Union’s (EU) Election Observer Mission at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Monday last. Ferguson represented the APNU+AFC at the discussion, which was also attended

Businesses illegally charging VAT put on notice

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has warned businesses that the full force of the law will be applied for unscrupulously attaching 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) to items on which VAT has been removed or has been reduced. According to a release, the minister noted that this illegal practice is denying consumers the right to ultimately enjoy reduced prices on various commodities, including construction materials. The minister is reminding the public that when the last 2021 Budget was passed in the National Assembly on March 4, 2021, it would have outlined a number of measures including the VAT zero-rating or reduction of VAT or duty previously charged on a number of commodities. Consequently, Order Number 6 of 2021 of the Value Added Tax Act Cap.81:05 of the Laws of Guyana came into effect immediately for VAT zero-rating of certain construction materials, namely stone imported for construction and housing from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, locally produced pre-stressed concrete piles and locally fabricated mild steel beams for building construction and locally manufac-

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

tured roofing and PVC products for building construction. Import Duty on Industrial Grade Cement was also reduced from 15 per cent to five per cent. Additionally, the VAT zero-rate was also restored to basic food items and household necessities that were previously zero-rated up to May 2015, but switched to ‘standard-rate’ or ‘exempt’ over the past five years, e.g., basic wheaten flour, basic breads, oats, unflavoured cracker biscuits, cooking oil, locally produced bed sheets and pillowcases and toothbrushes. Prior to this, an emergency budget was also passed in Parliament on September 25, 2020. This budget also stipulated the VAT zero rate or removal of VAT on other commodities including the overall removal of VAT on electricity and water.

Therefore, since then, VAT has also been removed from hinterland travel and cell phones, as well as building and construction materials. The Senior Finance Minister recalled that all of these measures were intended to benefit consumers and ease the expense aligned to these previously burdensome tax measures and with their removal or reduction, the expectancy was that it would have ultimately allowed for the reduction in the cost of living of Guyanese generally. “It has come to my attention through various reports from members of the public that a number of hardware stores have since refused to comply and are still unscrupulously charging VAT on several items,” the minister said. He added that he is, therefore, warning such establishments that this illegality will not be tolerated. As such, he pointed out that he has already instructed the relevant agency -the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)-- to ensure that countrywide checks are made to enforce compliance. The Senior Finance Minister then warned that the businesses found flouting the laws and continuing to deprive consumers and customers of these benefits will be dealt with according to law.

APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson

by the diplomatic corps, other political parties and stakeholders from the civil society, while Nandlall, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira and Minister of Home Affair, Robeson Benn represented the government. SHOCKED BUT ELATED “In the presence of all those people, she makes the allegation against me that I was seen sharing out ID cards

on Elections Day. Well, I was shocked as well as elated: shocked that, that kind of behaviour is thought fit by her to exhibit at such a forum, but elated that they have now said it outside of the Parliament,” Nandlall said. The Attorney-General explained that while members of the APNU+AFC Coalition have uttered the sentiments on numerous occasions while in Parliament, they enjoyed Parliamentary immunity on those occasions.

“Well, she said it outside the Parliament in this meeting, in the presence of a number of persons and I am happy that she did so because I am already in the process of preparing legal proceedings to sue her,” he said. Nandlall is awaiting a transcript of the recorded meeting to file libel proceedings against Ferguson where the burden of proof will be on her to prove before a judge in the High Court that the accusations she made are truthful. “I don’t want when I go to court she denies saying so, although she said it in a whole room of people. I will have the recording with her voice on it so the judge will not have to be in doubt and I will not have to go to any great length in providing that these words were uttered and were uttered by her,” he said. “She will go and explain to a judge of the High Court very soon how she knows that I was sharing out ID cards. Let them bring the person who saw me or let them bring evidence that they have that I was sharing out ID cards on Elections Day,” he added.

Taxi driver gets 21 years behind bars for raping schoolgirl THIRTY-ONE-yearold taxi driver, Sahadeo Pooran, called “Omesh”, on Wednesday sobbed in court after being sentenced to 21 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old schoolgirl in 2019. Pooran was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow in the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court and was, earlier this month, found guilty by a jury for the indictment which read that on September 27, 2019, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child who was under the age of 16. The State was represented by prosecutors, Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig Poorna, while Pooran was represented by Attorney-at-law, Euclin Gomes. State Prosecutor, Nafeeza Baig, asked the court to consider the prevalence of the offence and the fact that Pooran showed no remorse for his action. Pooran’s attorney asked the court to temper justice with mercy and to also consider that Pooran is the sole breadwinner for his family. The attorney also related that Pooran’s wife is currently pregnant. Sobbing unconsolably, Pooran, during his address to the court, said “I would

Sahadeo Pooran called “Omesh”

like to say that I am very sorry. I am an innocent person over this situation. My wife getting a baby for me, and I don’t want this to be my punishment.” In sentencing, Justice Barlow took into consideration the circumstances, such as the trust the victim’s parents had in Pooran as it relates to the transportation of their children. The judge also considered the traumatic impact the incident had left on the victim and also the fact that Pooran showed no remorse for his actions. Justice Barlow then sentenced Pooran to 21 years in prison and ordered that the convict be exposed to counselling for sex offenders. According to reports, on the day in question, the victim left her home for school

around 08:00hrs. She was standing on the roadway waiting on a taxi to take her to the road head, where she would board a minibus. Pooran stopped his motor car and offered the girl a drop. She got into the front passenger seat of the vehicle and Pooran drove off. During the journey, he picked up two other passengers and dropped them off. Pooran later took the child to his home. He dragged her into the home, locked her inside and left. The child tried to escape but the windows were barred with pieces of wood. It was while going through a tablet that she learnt that the name of her attacker was Sahadeo Pooran. An hour later, Pooran returned. He placed a mattress on the ground, threw the victim onto it and raped her. When he was finished, he told the child to tell the teacher that she was involved in an accident. The child was able to escape. She made her way to her school where she told the lie to the teacher. However, the teacher contacted her mother. The child subsequently recounted the ordeal. The matter was reported to the police and Pooran was arrested.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Differing Daag Point residents break deadlock

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, addressing residents of the community of Agatash

By Richard Bhainie THE deadlock between residents of Daag Point, Region Seven, which resulted in recent protests, has been broken with representatives agreeing to work together, for the development of the community. Recently, it was reported in the media that residents of Daag Point took to the streets of Bartica, Region Seven, to protest the installation of an Interim Management Committee. During a visit to the community by Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, on Monday, residents aired their concerns regarding the Interim Management Committee. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Michael Singh, the newly-elected Chairman of the Daag Point Community Development Council (CDC), explained that elections for the new CDC was conducted on February 14, 2021; however, the elected members were yet to be sworn in. “The reason for the protest is that the people them want the new body to swear in, the new council, and we don’t want no interim thing,” Singh explained. Further, Andrea Cumberbatch, a newly-elected assistant secretary/treasurer for the CDC noted that the protest was as a result of residents being misinformed regarding what exactly the IMC is, and objecting to the Constituency Nine Representative, Shellon John, spearheading the IMC. Minister Dharamlall explained that the Interim Management Committee was

a temporary measure that was implemented to have oversight of the community affairs until an audit of the former CDC was conducted and to prevent any tampering of the audit by the former CDC councillors. With the audit to be soon completed, the minister informed the residents that the members of the community must consult with Regional Executive Officer (REO), Kerwin Ward, to decide on the way forward, and set a date for the swearing-in of the councillors. Consequent to the intervention of the minister, an agreement was reached by members of the community that the swearing-in will be held on Wednesday morning. SATISFIED “I feel satisfied right now that the minister is here and addressed our issue and I am satisfied with all his comments and I’m pleased,” Singh said. “I am very happy and I am pleased with the minister and his ruling, and we are grateful for what the minister has done and we are willing to work with the minister,” Cumberbatch told this publication. Constituency Nine Representative, Shellon John and the newly-elected Chairman of the Daag Point CDC, Michael Singh, pledged their commitment to put aside their differences and to work together for the development of the community. Residents of the community of Agatash, Region Seven, were also a part of the protest action. When the minister visited the community on Monday, the residents registered similar

Lucile King, 85, a resident of Agatash, receiving the first hamper from Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall (Richard Bhainie photo)

Constituency Nine Representative, Shellon John (left), and the newly- elected Chairman of Daag Point Community Development Council, Michael Singh (right) have decided to work together (Richard Bhainie photo)

concerns. An IMC was also implemented in this community, as an audit into the former Agatash Community Development Council is underway as well.

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Neil Tracy, a resident of the community told the Guyana Chronicle that the protest was as a result of “misinformation”. He explained that residents were informed that the IMC will

be performing the role of the CDC, something that did not sit well with residents. The residents also took the opportunity to highlight issues that they were facing in the community, which

included lack of access to potable water and no electricity in some areas. Minister Dharamlall, in addressing the concerns of the residents, noted that he welcomes protest. He appealed to the residents to protest for the development of their community, such as for better education and healthcare. It was brought to the minister’s attention that schoolchildren in the community were often faced with difficulty regarding transportation to and from school. In response, he announced that the Government will provide a boat for school children from the community. During his visits to the communities of Daag Point and Agatash, Minister Dharamlall distributed over 200 hampers to residents there.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

‘Banish darkness with your light ’

–– Howard University President tells UG grads SOME 207 students from the College of Medical Science and 336 from the Faculty of Natural Sciences have entered the job market when the University of Guyana hosted its second in a series of virtual Convocation ceremonies last Saturday This is in addition to the 556 students -- 293 from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology; 51 from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and 212 from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation

(SEBI) – who had graduated the previous evening. According to a release, close to 2,500 students are set to graduate from the University’s Turkeyen and Berbice campuses and from the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education Programmes. There will be two more graduation ceremonies this Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to view the proceedings at https://www.facebook.com/ uniofguyana/. In a powerful and inspirational speech on Saturday evening, Howard

University President, Dr. Wayne Frederick, a distinguished scholar, cancer surgeon and administrator, told the graduates that now that they have qualified themselves in the various fields of Science and medicine, there is an ample opportunity for them to help shape the world as they see fit. “As you move forward in your careers, may you remember the power of science as a force of social good and your ability to influence the world around you when you embrace your full potential as

a scientist,” he said. Frederick is the first Black and Caribbean President of the 228-year-old Howard University. Howard is the university which also recently fielded the first woman and woman of colour as US Vice-President, Kamala Harris. President Frederick reminded the graduates that they are patrons and torch bearers of science, and it is up to them to “banish the darkness with your light and lead us forward to days of greater, global health and prosperity.” He noted that part of the graduates’ responsibility would be to ensure that science continues to lead. “Where there is myth you must counter it with fact. Where there is misinformation, you must counter it with fact. Where there is a culture of denialism, you must again counter it with fact. In some ways your role is simple, just tell the truth. Find the truth and promote it,” he said. The distinguished author observed that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people in all parts of the world allowed their actions to be governed by forces other than the truth; they acted based on emotion and fear, anger, and in some cases intolerance. He expressed that when COVID-19 is finally subdued, “it will be thanks to science that we prevailed”. SETBACKS According to Dr Frederick, in a world where questions demand answers before answers are ready to be given, setbacks are guaranteed to occur. But he insisted that adherence to science is a guarantor that the balance of social progress will be forward rather than backward. He reasoned that the graduates are the arbitrators of science, as a result, they are the trusted messengers who can deliver the truth to the people.

Howard University President, Dr Wayne Frederick, delivered the keynote speech at the University of Guyana’s second in a series of virtual graduation ceremonies last Saturday (UG photo)

On this basis, he urged them to use that standing in society to do the most good when they can in the way it is most natural to their character, and befitting of their passions. Additionally, the accomplished academician reminded the graduates that their role as men and women will never be truly simple, adding that they will always have to look beyond the science and what purpose the science is directed towards. “It is not enough to conduct a research or write a study and leave the impacts of that study to other people… it is good to be passionate about your work, vital even, but I want you to be equally passionate about its purpose. While you’re all students of the sciences, I hope you all become students of the world. Because within the power of science and having that at your disposal, you have the capacity to change the world around you,” he added. Dr Frederick further pointed out that science can also generate new ways to provide health care. He explained that while the pandemic revealed how unequal the global healthcare infrastructure is, and has been, this critical, inflection point can be used to ensure that all people, regardless of their race, or where they happen to

be, access the care they need, when they need it the most. “Whether it’s through telemedicine, mobile health care providers, strategically rethinking and redeploying, our existing health care system or some other innovation to be developed, science has a role to play in refashioning this critical part of our society,” he argued. Dr. Frederick was appointed the Seventeenth President of Howard University in 2014. He previously served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Most recently, the Howard University Board of Trustees selected him to serve as the distinguished Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery. A distinguished scholar and administrator, Dr. Frederick has advanced Howard University’s commitment to student opportunity, academic innovation, public service, and fiscal stability. Early in his tenure as President, Dr. Frederick pursued initiatives to streamline and strengthen university operations. He has overseen a series of reform efforts, including the expansion of academic offerings, establishing innovative programmes to support student success and the modernisation of university facilities.

Three years’ imprisonment for man who stabbed cousin RANDY Benjamin of East Ruimveldt Squatting area was found guilty of stabbing his cousin and sentenced to three years in prison by Magistrate Delon Bess, when he made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

on Wednesday. The charge states that Benjamin, on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Carlos Oliver with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or to cause grievous

bodily harm. According to prosecutor Harris, Oliver and Benjamin are cousins. Oliver alleged that during the month of September 2020, Benjamin stole his phone. TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Fibre Tech’s fibreglass tub, shower units receive quality certification

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), on Tuesday, certified fiberglass bathtub and shower units manufactured by Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP). According to a release, these locally manufactured products are now, for the first time, certified under the Standard Body’s Product Certification Programme after they were found to be in conformance with requirements of the Guyana Standard for plastic bathtub and shower units (GYS 557:2020) Through Product Certification Programme, and by virtue of the GNBS Act No. 11 of 1984 Subsections 17 and 19 respectively, FTIP is now permitted to affix the National Standards Mark to bathtubs and shower units it manufactures. The certificate, which is valid for one year, was presented by Al Donavon Fraser, Head of the Certification Department to Amrita Panday, Chief Executive Officer of FTIP at the Company’s location, Triumph, East Coast Demerara. During the handing-over ceremony, Fraser stated that the certification of products

ensures conformance to standards and provides the assurance of quality to consumers. In addition, he lauded FTIP for being the first to certify such products and encouraged more companies to certify their products. Meanwhile, Somat Ali, Managing Director of FTIP, proclaimed that company will now be confidently able to export its fibre glass products to countries in the CARICOM region and beyond. In addition, he said with increased local business from

“I am very happy. It makes an impact when you’ve been certified by the National Standards Body,” Ali said. ?FTIP’s journey towards certification of its fibreglass bathtubs and showers units commenced in 2019 when the company approached the bureau. Thereafter, the bureau, in collaboration with the company, worked to adopt the Standard from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the

the oil and gas sector and the boom in construction, it is ideal for local manufacturers to have their products certified. Ali expressed gratitude to the GNBS and the FTIP teams for making the certification a reality.

American National Standard Institute (ANSI). Other products currently certified to National Standards are PVC pipes, gold jewellery and concrete hollow blocks. More manufacturers are being encour-

aged to have their products certified under the Product Certification Programme to give consumers assurance that they provide quality products. As the GNBS continues its mandate to create a culture of quality in Guyana, it

offers product certification as a voluntary programme, under which local manufacturers can claim that their products are made to consistent quality. The aim of the programme is to implement and monitor systems within participat-

ing companies based on requirements of national standards. This gives an assurance of quality to buyers of these products and provides a competitive edge to manufacturers in local and international markets.

CDB: Road to economic recovery arduous, but not impossible to navigate THE President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Warren Smith, highlighted three priorities for charting economic recovery and securing resilience to counter the COVID-19 fallout. Making his comments at the 10th UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum on March 18, 2021, Smith said that giving a bigger role to the private sector, building buffers and diversifying economies was the way forward. While optimism is slowly rising that the worst of the pandemic crisis is almost over, due to the vaccination programme, the CDB President cautioned that the road to full recovery would be arduous and daunting. With the start of the hurricane season less than three months away, Smith cautioned that natural disasters are not challenges that can be put on hold. From 2000 to 2019, the region experienced 190 natural disaster events, directly affecting 14.5 million persons. The Carib-

bean, therefore, will have to deal with the consequences of COVID-19 and the existential threat of climate change concurrently. President Smith stressed that, “Our bias should be towards a larger role for the private sector in stimulating economic growth, providing jobs, and earning foreign exchange through exports.” In that regard, regional governments need to scale up efforts to create an ecosystem that responds especially to the needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as these businesses account for over 70 per cent of all enterprises; 60 to 70 per cent of gross domestic product, and 50 per cent of employment, including poor and marginalised groups. Smith added that “Government policy and regulatory frameworks must foster agility, innovation and value creation and incentivise CARICOM businesses to improve their competitiveness in order to successfully

CDB President, Dr Warren Smith

penetrate regional and international markets.” The CDB President was among the speakers at the virtual forum, which was chaired by Lord Tariq Ahmad, UK Minister of State for the Foreign Commonwealth

and Development Office. The meeting was convened for high-level talks on priority issues for the region, including climate change, COVID-19 response, security, and trade. Smith also noted that the bank is determined to play

a bigger role in unleashing the potential of MSMEs. As a specific response to the COVID-19 crisis, the bank announced a number of initiatives to assist MSMEs, including allowing them to utilise resources from existing lines of credit for working capital purposes in order to continue operations during the downturn. Smith also stressed the need to build buffers to achieve environmental, economic and social resilience. Some governments have already been taking measures to improve fiscal responsibility and debt sustainability through the adoption of fiscal rules and the setting of targets for the primary balance, overall balance, and debt. In addition, regional governments can use risk transfer arrangements, such as that offered by the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, and catastrophe bonds (CAT bonds) to deal with disasters. He informed the meeting that CDB had been using

a variety of instruments to respond to country needs following a disaster and most recently had set an aggressive target of using 25 to 30 per cent of own resources for climate adaptation and mitigation by 2024. Finally, noting that small economies with no reserve currencies need to export for their people to enjoy sustainable advances in their standards of living, Smith said that there was an urgent need for economic diversification to reduce the region’s susceptibility to external shocks. A diversified production structure will help small economies to build resilience by reducing susceptibility to price and output fluctuations and increasing competitiveness, the CDB President concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Queenstown ranger Autopsy: ‘Paper Shorts’ died from found dead in home over a dozen gunshot injuries DEODAT Persaud, 50, of Columbia, Region Two, was found dead in his home on Tuesday evening. Persaud, who for most of his life battled epilepsy, was discovered by a relative who went to check on his whereabouts after family members did not see him for several days. Persaud was attached to

the Queenstown Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) as a ranger, and according to workers there, he did not report for work over the past three days. They also related that several calls to his mobile went unanswered. Persaud was the brother of Parmanand Persaud, the former Chairman of Region

Two. He was living alone at the time of the incident. Deodat Persaud had separated from his wife. The body was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where a doctor certified him dead. There were no marks of violence on his body, which is at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting post mortem.

Three years’ imprisonment ... On Thursday, October 22, 2020, Oliver took the police to Benjamin’s home to have him arrested. However, Benjamin managed to escape. Later that day, when Oliver returned home

from the East Ruimveldt Police Station, Oliver was approached by Benjamin with a knife. Benjamin dealt Oliver a stab to the left side of his body which caused him to be hospi-

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talised. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched which resulted in Benjamin being arrested and charged for the offence.

RICARDO Fagundes, 42, called “Paper Shorts,” died as a result of multiple gunshot injuries as three metal fragments were retrieved from his body, an autopsy done on his remains, on Wednesday, has confirmed. Fagundes was shot dead on Main Street, Georgetown, last Sunday. Reports indicate that the autopsy showed that Fagundes was shot more than a dozen times. Police are hunting two men who were caught on surveillance camera gunning down the popular gold dealer and biker. The CCTV footage showed Fagundes walking towards a black vehicle, after exiting the Palm Court nightclub, when two gunmen jumped out of a parked white car across the road and opened fire on him. Fagundes was seen lying

Dead: Ricardo Fagundes

on the roadway as the two men stood over him and riddled his body with bullets before escaping in the white vehicle. Police said the murder occurred around 22:00hrs and that Fagundes, of Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was at Palm Court drinking with a known colleague when he received

a telephone call. He came under a hail of bullets shortly after. Police retrieved several spent shells at the scene while he was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor from the EMT Ambulance Services attached to the Stabroek Fire Station. Fagundes’ body is at the Lyken Funeral Home. The same night Fagundes was executed, a white Toyota wagon was found ablaze in the village of Swan on the Soesdyke Linden Highway. Investigators are positive that it was the same getaway car used by the assassins. Fagundes is no stranger to the police. In April 2017, he was arrested by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) as part of an investigation into a moneylaundering scheme but he was never charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

‘Twins’ celebrates 50th anniversary with charity drive

Managing Director of Twins Manufacturing Chemists, Shaheed Mohammed Ferouse, handing over some of the products to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill

LOCAL manufacturing company, Twins Manufacturing Chemists, on Tuesday, awarded a series of cash donations to help persons in need, to commemorate the occasion of their 50th anniversary. The donation was conducted at the company’s location, Industrial Estate, Ruimveldt, and saw local organisations, including the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Bless the Children Home, Guyana Cancer Foundation, the Dharm Shala and Rose for Relief, an organisation in Berbice, which assists single mothers, receiving various amounts of cash. Several products were also handed over to the Ministry of Public Works, for distribution within communities in Linden. The donation comes one year after the arrival of COVID-19 in Guyana and at time when some persons and organisations are still struggling to make ends meet. The donation is part of a bid by the manufacturing company to give back to 15 charities, outreaches and medical programmes, to thank their customers for their ongoing support.

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Selected quote from Dr Cheddi Jagan "When the idea of a local university first took hold of me, I knew that one day, if we persisted, this institution would play a pivotal role in our development and be, so to speak, the "brain of our nation". Today, I can say with pride that the University of Guyana has come of age and it has a glorious future ahead of it." March 18, 1993

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Parish inaugurated

IN the year and on the solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, last Friday, history in the life of the Catholic Church in Guyana was made. A first for his Lordship Bishop Francis Alleyne, OSB in his tenure as Bishop of the Diocese of Georgetown, the diocesan Bishop installed the St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Parish, according to the Code of Cannon Law, Canon 515. His Lordship explained that the process is a very formal one where a decree has been made stating that St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, East Bank Demerara, is now a parish. He also explained that part of the process included petitions from parishioners giving sound reasons why this should be a parish. He then consulted with his presbyteral council (council of priests) who gave their affirmation. This historic event took place during the Solemnity day Mass of St. Joseph Husband of Mary in Little Diamond. Bishop Francis, along with his priests, Frs.Terrence Montrose, Britto Arockiam, Paul Martin, Joel Ratna and

Fr Britto (new parish priest), Bishop Francis and Fr Montrose (Parish priest of Meadowbank) at the inauguration ceremony

Steven celebrated the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, His Lordship spoke of his first visit to St. Joseph Little Diamond in 2004. At that time, he said, the church feared being suppressed entirely because of varying factors. Today, he

said members have moved to becoming a parish. This, he said, can only be accomplished by courage and determination, noting that there are clear signs of growth which he encouraged. Fr. Terrence Montrose, Chancellor of the Diocese of

Georgetown, read the decree outlining clauses pertaining to becoming a new parish. He is also the parish priest of Meadowbank, which is the mother parish for the St. Joseph Husband of Mary parish. The boundaries of the new parish will be from the Arch (Agricola) and all the areas served by the East Bank and the Linden Soesdyke Highway as far as KuruKuru (KuruKuru Training College). UNIQUE IN STRUCTURE The new parish is unique in structure: seven communities of Sts. Peter and Paul

– Peter’s Hall; St. Joseph, Husband of Mary – Little Diamond; St. Jerome – Supply, Little Flower- Land of Canaan; St. Teresa of Calcutta – Timehri; St. CatherineKurukururu and St. Michael – Yarrowkabra, make one parish. St. Joseph’s church in Little Diamond will be functioning as the main parish church, where all the parish records will be stored. The faithful have already set up a parish hall and the place of residence for their parish priest. Father Britto Arockiam, SJ, has been working tirelessly in the East Bank

cluster communities as a priest in charge for the past six years and was appointed the first parish priest of the St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Parish by his Lordship Bishop Francis according to Canon 526. Father Britto, in accepting his oath of fidelity, promised to be faithful to his office, the pastoral and priestly needs of those entrusted to him and to the local and universal church. He sealed his commitment and act of faith with the recitation of the Nicene Creed and all formal documentation were signed. Registers which were updated and kept at Meadow Bank were also handed over to Father Britto. Father Britto, the newly appointed parish priest, extended gratitude to all who would have made this day a reality. These included Bishop Francis, past and present regional Jesuit superiors and fellow priests, the faithful of the different communities and his family. Father Britto, in his closing remarks, extended an invitation to all the faithful living within the East bank corridors to join for worship in the new parish whenever they can, while continuing to worship to whichever parish they are already part of it. The celebration culminated with an air of joy and purpose as the faithful partook in snacks. All COVID-19 protocols were observed and the event was lived streamed on Catholic media.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

PAHO warns of COVID-19 surge in Americas PAN AMERICAN Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Carissa F. Etienne, applauded the arrival of over 2.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, procured through COVAX, but warned that the virus is surging dangerously in many countries in the region. COVAX, the global alliance to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, has helped deliver over 2.2 million doses to the region so far, including more than one million doses that arrived in hard-hit Brazil on Sunday. More doses are expected to arrive this week in Suriname and Belize, and an additional 1.2 million doses have been procured through COVAX. But “the COVID-19 virus is not receding, nor is the pandemic starting to go away,” Dr. Etienne warned in her weekly media briefing. “Vaccines are coming but they are still several months away for most people in our region,” she said, urging people to continue to respect public health measures – masks, hand washing, and social distancing – especially during upcoming holidays. “People cannot let down their guard by engaging in close contact with others.” “Although scale-up has begun, we know it’s not enough,” she continued. “We do not yet have the vaccines we need to protect everyone. It’s what happens when the whole world must rely on too few manufacturers. We must also find ways to share vaccines more equitably among countries.” As the recognised procurement agent for COVAX in Latin America and the Caribbean, PAHO’s Revolving Fund negotiates, purchases, and handles shipment logistics on behalf of the 36 countries participating in COVAX. In the past week, over 1.2 million people were infected with COVID-19 in the Americas, more than during the previous week, while 31,272 people died of the virus, Dr. Etienne reported. The pandemic is particularly dire in South America, where infection is reported to be spiking in Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. “In Paraguay, a majority of ICU beds are occupied, and the health system is buckling under the pressure,” Dr. Etienne said.

“The virus continues to surge dangerously across Brazil,” she continued. “Cases and deaths are increasing, and ICU bed occupancy is very high in many states.” In neighbouring Venezuela, infection is on the rise, particularly in the border states of Bolivar and Amazonas. Bolivia has reported an increase in cases in the Pando department, while “ICU bed occupancy remains very high in Loreto, Peru.” The pandemic is accelerating elsewhere in the Americas, including Guatemala, where increasing cases and hospitalisations are “straining hospital bed capacity due to the influx of patients,” Dr. Etienne said. CASES ARE INCREASING In the Caribbean, cases are increasing in Cuba, Aruba, Curacao, and Antigua and Barbuda, she said. In Jamaica, cases have risen steadily for several weeks. In Canada, Ontario state has reported increased cases in the last two weeks while the U.S. states of Minnesota and West Virginia have reported rising deaths. “What I’ve just described is an active public health emergency,” Dr. Etienne said. “As the virus surges and hospitalisations rise,” she continued, “we urgently need to scale up vaccination among our most vulnerable populations.” Over 155.8 million doses of the vaccine, including the COVAX deliveries, have been rolled out in the Americas, and in the Caribbean and Latin America, immunisation campaigns are underway in 33 of the 35 countries that are members of PAHO. PAHO is assisting the two countries, Haiti and Cuba, that have yet to start immunisation. “The doses that were delivered are helping us start to protect health workers and other vulnerable communities, and we expect more doses to arrive every week,” Dr. Etienne said, reporting that acceptance of vaccines has been high. “These WHO-approved vaccines are safe, and they work,” she said. “When it’s your turn, don’t hesitate. Get vaccinated.” Pointing out the Americas’ long history of successful immunization against polio, measles, flu, and yellow fever, she said, “once our supply increases, there is not another

PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne

region in the world better prepared to deliver vaccines swiftly and safely.” “Our

health workers have special expertise driving large-scale vaccination campaigns that

cover diverse geographies.” “PAHO has been providing training and technical support to countries so they have stronger capacity to track adverse events, which will be critical as new vaccines are developed and introduced into the region,” Dr. Etienne highlighted. “This is a remarkable achievement, and a credit to countries for making vaccination a priority and to health workers for their commitment to keeping our region safe.” She also reminded countries of the March 24 World Tuberculosis Day, a global event to raise awareness about the devastating impact of TB

and embrace the WHO goal of eliminating the disease by 2050. “We need to uphold our commitments to reduce the burden of TB in our region and around the world,” she said. “If there’s one thing I hope we take from this pandemic, it’s an appreciation for the power of health – and how good health is central to the well-being of societies…. Equal access to good health. That should be our focus. That’s how we end TB. That’s how we beat COVID-19.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Juveniles receive certificates in academic, skills training THE Ministry of Home Affairs Juvenile Justice Department, in collaboration with the University of Guyana, conducted a five-month Academic and Skills Training Programme for juveniles at the Juvenile Holding Centre. Twelve juveniles participated in the programme and were awarded certificates on Friday, March 19, 2021. The programme was aimed at supporting the education, rehabilitation and re-integration of juveniles, through a Skills Development Project and Educational Workshop. The juveniles were trained in the areas of phonics, Mathematics, English, self-awareness, goals setting,

the effects of drug abuse, anger management, and conflict and conflict resolution, among others. Skills training included art and craft, cement craft and photo editing. During the closing ceremony held last Friday at the Juvenile Holding Centre, the Administrator, Yvette Sancho, noted that the ministry was pleased to have collaborated with the university. She thanked the social work students for their professional execution of the training programme, which has contributed to the overall development of the juveniles. With similar sentiments, Debbie Hopkinson, Coordinator of post-graduate studies at the University of Guyana, Department of Sociology,

encouraged the juveniles to use the skills they have learnt as a pathway to becoming constructive members of society when the time comes. The juveniles displayed some of their art and craft work during the closing ceremony. According to the Home Affairs Ministry, it is committed to providing young offenders with the opportunity to develop their skills and potentials, which will allow them to lead productive, law-abiding life styles upon re-integration into society, while reducing recidivism.

Debbie Hopkinson, Coordinator of post-graduate studies, University of Guyana, Department of Sociology, presenting a certificate to one of the juveniles

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Linden businessman arrested with illegal firearm

A 47-year-old Linden businessman was arrested on Tuesday after the mother of his child reported to the police that he threatened to harm her. In police custody is Toriano Jeffers of Lot 556 Block 22, Wis-

mar, Linden. According to police, after a report on the threat was made against Jeffers by the mother of his child, he attempted to flee but was apprehended. “A search was conducted on

his person but nothing was found. A search was then conducted in the haversack he was carrying on his back and one suspected .32 silver and black Lorgin L390 pistol with serial# 243966 with one magazine inserted, and containing

two .38 ammunition, were found in the said haversack,” police said. He was arrested and escorted to the McKenzie Police Station, along with the firearm, magazine and ammunition. Charges are expected to be instituted shortly.

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The seized firearm and ammunition

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

West Indies face uphill task on final day (CMC) – Weary West Indies were left staring at yet another formidable but intriguing final day run chase after Pathum Nissanka became only the fourth Sri Lankan to hit a century on debut, to lead the touring side’s domination of the penultimate day of the opening Test here yesterday. The 22-year-old stroked a near flawless 103 as Sri Lanka piled up a massive 475 all out in their second innings, to wrestle control of the contest at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and install themselves as favourites for victory. Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella perished agonisingly short of his maiden Test hundred with a charmed 96 while Dhanajaya de Silva hit exactly 50, allowing Sri Lanka to dictate 2-½ sessions and frustrate the hosts, before being dismissed nearly an hour after tea. Tasked with surviving just under an hour-and-a-half, West Indies lost left-hander John Campbell for 11 in the sixth over before crawling to the close on 34 for one with Nkrumah Bonner unbeaten on 15 and captain Kraigg Brathwaite on eight. Campbell faced 15 deliv-

Alzarri Joseph struck early on the fourth day for West Indies, v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, North Sound, 4th day, March 24, 2021. eries before nicking a Vishwa Fernando out-swinger to Dickwella with 12 runs on the board. West Indies now face the onerous task of scoring a further 341 runs today in order to win the match but will back themselves especially following their recent exploits in Bangladesh last month. Set 395 to win the Chattogram first Test, the Caribbean side finished the fourth day on 110 for three before gathering the remaining 285 runs on the final day behind

debutant Kyle Mayers’ unbeaten double-hundred. Speaking following the close, West Indies batting coach Monty Desai refused to rule out a successful run chase by his side. “I wouldn’t say (a draw or a win). The way we look at it at the moment is that we want to take it one ball at a time,” Desai said. “Once we come in the morning, we will be batting with the intent of batting properly. More importantly, once there are loose balls, we must cash (in on them).”

He added: “I’m very keen and excited about the fact that our batting now needs to bat on day five and that is what we’re meant for as a Test team.” West Indies brandished dreams of a brighter day when fast bowler Alzarri Joseph re-arranged Dhananjaya’s stumps with the fifth ball of the morning after Sri Lanka resumed on 255 for four. Unbeaten on 46 overnight, the right-hander clipped the third ball of the over to the square-leg bound-

Tri State U-15 team scheduled to arrive in Guyana today next Tuesday to challenge home team GCC, while on Wednesday they will compete against home team Everest Cricket Club. On April 1, the U.S. side is scheduled to meet Transport at the GCC ground, while on April 3 they will face DCC at home. On April 4, they will play home team MYO, before they face a GCA Executive

Shiloh Adams will be another local youth to watch

Dave Mohabir is expected to play in at least one match for the locals

THE US-based Tri State U-15 team is scheduled to arrive this afternoon in Guyana for ten 50-over matches and one two-day encounter against clubs in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), selected sides and a team from Essequibo. According to information from the GCA, the first youth match is billed for tomorrow against the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO).

The visitors will then play Essequibo on Saturday in another 50-over clash. That game is scheduled for the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground. On Sunday, Tri-State,, made up of players from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, would face off against a GCA President XI team in a day-and-night encounter from 13:30hrs. After a day’s rest, the visitors will travel to Bourda

XI on April 6-7 in a two-day encounter (the lone two-day game of the tour) at the GCC ground. The visiting side’s final two clashes will be more 50-over battles. On April 9, they face Bel Air RUBiS at LBI, and on April 10 another GCA mixed team at the DCC ground. The side is scheduled to depart Guyana on April 11.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 25, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Curtly Ambrose-5/37 (ARG, 1997) (2) Muttiah Muralitharan-5/34 (ARG, 1997)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many players have now captained the WI against SL in Tests? (2) How many players have now led SL in Tests against the WI?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ary to reach his eighth Test half-century before playing all around the fifth. That proved the last taste of success for West Indies over the better part of the next three sessions, as Nissanka and Dickwella cashed in on loose bowling on a flat deck to put on 179 for the sixth wicket. Nissanka struck half-dozen fours in an innings spanning 252 deliveries and just under 5-¾ hours while the left-handed Dickwella faced 163 balls in a shade over 4-½ hours and counted eight fours. Behind their efforts, Sri Lanka plundered 104 runs in the first session to reach lunch on 359 for five and then added a further 76 in the second session, to find themselves well placed at tea on 435 without further loss. Starting the day on 21, Nissanka reached his maiden Test-fifty when he steered fast bowler Shannon Gabriel to the ropes at backward point in the first over following the first drinks break, to be unbeaten at lunch on 74 with Dickwella on 38. Nissanka eventually reached triple figures in the penultimate over before tea when he edged part-time off-spinner Jermaine Black-

wood wide of slip for a couple. Perched on 101 at the break, he lasted only a further six balls on resumption before top-edging a slogsweep at off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall (3-137) to be taken at deep backward square by Kemar Roach in the second over. Dickwella, dropped by Bonner at gully off fast bowler Jason Holder on 44, reached his 17th Test half-century approaching the first hour after lunch with a single to mid-wicket off Cornwall. He was again fortunate on 74 when he tickled a legside catch to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva only for Joseph’s appeal to find no support from his teammates or umpire. On 81 at tea, Nissanka looked set to finally reach the elusive hundred when he moved into the 90s on resumption but was eventually bowled by Roach (3-74) nearly 40 minutes after the interval at 460 for seven, trying to guide a delivery to third man. Cornwall then picked up two of the last three wickets to fall as Sri Lanka lost their last five wickets for 40 runs.

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings 169 WEST INDIES 1st innings 271 SRI LANKA 2nd innings (o/n 255 for four) L. Thirimanne b Roach 76 D. Karunaratne c Campbell b Roach 3 O. Fernando c wkp. Da Silva b Mayers 91 D. Chandimal c wkp. Da Silva b Mayers 4 D. de Silva b Joseph 50 P. Nissanka c Roach b Cornwall 103 N. Dickwella b Roach 96 S. Lakmal run-out 8 D. Chameera c Mayers b Cornwall 6 L. Embuldeniya c Holder b Cornwall 10 V. Fernando not out 0 Extras: (b-13, lb-5, nb-11) 29 Total: (all out, 149.5 overs) 476 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-170, 3-178, 4-189, 5-259, 6-438, 7-460, 8-462, 9-476.. Bowling: Roach 27-3-74-3 (nb-6), Gabriel 18-267-0, Holder 22-4-40-0 (nb-1), Joseph 21-2-831, Cornwall 42.5-4-137-3, Brathwaite 9-1-30-0, Mayers 9-1-24-2 (nb-3), Blackwood 1-0-3-0. WEST INDIES 2nd innings (target: 375 runs) K. Brathwaite not out 8 J. Campbell c wkp. Dickwella b V Fernando 11 N. Bonner not out 15 Total: (1 wkt, 20 overs) 34 Fall of wickets: 1-12. Bowling: Lakmal 7-4-4-0, V. Fernando 6-0-21-1, Embuldeniya 4-2-5-0, Chameera 2-1-4-0, Dhananjaya 1-1-0-0. Position: West Indies require 341 runs for victory with nine wickets intact. Toss: West Indies. Umpires: G. Brathwaite, J Wilson; TV – N Duguid.

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Devin Permaul representing Archery Guyana at Pan American Championships MORE than a year ago, Archery Guyana reported on two members, Devin Persaud Permaul and Wayne DeAbreu who would have been participating in the Olympic Qualification process. Then unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic

ships which will be open to all countries. However, with travel plans uncertain, and the Global pandemic still of great concern, this competition in Monterrey might be the last chance for some of the athletes, and especially for Guyana to qualify for the Games.

Devin Permaul hit globally. Right now, however, in the world of Archery, there is some glimmer of hope as things return to a new ‘normalcy” and Guyana is once again back on track to seek to secure spots in the Tokyo Games for Archery. Yesterday in Monterrey, Mexico, 20 countries sent representatives to shoot at the Pan American Championships under strict pandemic regulations as set by World Archery and the local health authorities. At present, in Monterrey, Mexico is Guyana’s very own Devin Permaul flying the Golden Arrowhead amidst fierce competition for the quota places. There are three quota places reserved in these Pan American Championships which are reserved for countries in the Americas and can only be won by countries who have not already secured a place and each nation can only collect a maximum of one quota place per gender in Monterrey, Mexico. There is only one last qualification tournament, which will take place in Paris in June after these continental champion-

The pressure on our archer and countryman is high – and the battle for these quota places will be intense. The Board of Directors wishes Devin Permaul all the best and urges all of Guyana to rally around him and send positive energy across the miles for Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Golden Jaguars ready to battle Soca Warriors tonight … Cox, Maximo make rallying call for support ahead of 2022 World Cup Qualifiers By Rawle Toney THE battle lines have been drawn and the Golden Warriors are ready to go to war with regional rivals, Trinidad and Tobago, tonight from 19:00hrs in the Dominican Republic. The battle call was made by coach Marcio Maximo and captain Sam Cox, who told the media at a press conference yesterday, that they are leaving everything on the pitch when the two nemeses clash in their opening FIFA World Cup Qualifying fixture. Guyana are placed in Group F of the CONCACAF qualifiers alongside Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, St Kitts and Nevis and Puerto Rico. The team arrived in the Dominican Republic one week ahead of their opening fixture and captain Sam Cox said they have all settled-in ready to return to the pitch for the first time since their 1-1 draw with Jamaica on November 19, 2019. Dating back to their first meeting in 1978, the Golden Jaguars roared 22 times against Trinidad and Tobago, losing 14 of those clashes, drawing six and walking

away victorious twice. Guyana last faced Trinidad and Tobago in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup where the two sides ended the contest with an entertaining 1–1 draw. Though the composition of Trinidad’s team has not seen any significant changes as compared to their team that faced Guyana in Kansas City, USA almost two years ago, Maximo believes that the playing style of Soca Warriors head coach and former England International Terry Fenwick is the game changer. While Maximo didn’t give any information with regard to what Golden Jaguars will look like tonight, he was adamant that speed, quickness and physicality will be the order of the game. “That’s why we changed some players to put in more speed, more objective, because in our view of the Guyanese players, our players are fast and you should make a system for them to adapt. But I can say that we have a very good team and we will give a good performance,” Maximo said. Meanwhile, though having 24 outings for Guyana since his debut in 2015, Cox would have only faced Trin-

idad and Tobago twice; both games ended in a 1-1 draw. Noting the year-long battle in the TTFA administration, the installation of a Normalisation Committee to oversee the affairs of the game on the island, Cox pointed to the vast experience in the Soca Warriors camp, but was also quick to point out Guyana’s advantage of youth. “We’ve done a bit on the board and video analyst on their game but our strengths are going to be our speed and tactical understanding. We’ve got something up our sleeve, we’ve made some changes from the last camp … but it’s going to be a highly competitive game and we’re ready to go to war against Trinidad and Tobago,” the UK-based skipper said. Apart from Cox (Hampton & Richmond FC), the team will see UK-based Nathan Moriah-Welsh (AFC Bournemouth) , Miguel Scarlett (unattached) and Bayli Spencer-Adams (Watford FC) make their International debut. Terrence Vancooten (Stevenage FC), Mathew Briggs (Vijle Boldk), Callum Harriott (Colchester United),

Trinidad player tests positive for COVID-19 … TTFA immediately isolates A PLAYER from Trinidad and Tobago has tested positive for COVID-19, just 24 hours before Soca Warriors take on the Golden Jaguars in the Dominican Republic in the CONCACAF 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. According to a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), following the latest set of COVID-19 PCR testing for all members of the Men’s National Team contingent in Santo Domingo, there was a positive result for a player on the night of Tuesday, March 23. The individual tested positive and was immediately isolated at the team’s hotel. All COVID-19 protocols are being followed, the TTFA said, and he is currently awaiting a retest for confirmation purposes. Strict contact tracing was then performed and all primary contacts have been quarantined. They would then be tested accordingly following the player’s retest results. The TTFA said the player is asymptomatic. The identity of the player is not known, as the TTFA stated they are respecting the confidentiality wishes of the player.

Emery Welshman (Hapoel Raanana), Keanu MarshBrown (Gloucester City FC), Akel Clarke (Mount Pleasant Academy), Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Cambridge United FC) and Kadell Daniel (Margate FC) are the other overseas-based players selected. Kelsey Benjamin (Guyana Defence Force FC), Omari Glasgow (Fruta Conquerors), Ryan Hackett (Guyana Defence Force), Nicholas McArthur (Fruta Conquerors FC), Jeremy Garrett (Guyana Defence Force), Daniel Wilson (Guyana Police Force), Trayon Bobb (Uitvlugt Warriors), Pernell Schultz (Guyana Police Force FC), Nicolai Andrews (Santos FC) and Shawn Adonis (Guyana Police Force FC) are the locally-based players selected. The UK Government’s travel restrictions on persons visiting Guyana, coupled with other logical arrangements that were not favourable to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), saw the Wayne Forde-led body decide to play their ‘home’ fixture against The Bahamas in the Dominican Republic. That match is set for March 30. Supreme 13:35 hrs Polla Milano

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 25, 2021

Twenty-eight schools in Region Six commence GGA Introduction to Golf programme THE Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/Nexgen Golf Academy, along with the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Unit, continued its schools introductory programme, this time reaching the students and teachers of Region Six. Speaking at the launch of the programme, Satish Udit, representing the Regional Education District Officer said, “When we thought of golf, it was never something that I ever thought I would be able to experience, much less provide our children with such a wonderful opportunity, especially when we have to find activities that are COVID-19 compliant.” Meanwhile Miss Lorraine Barker-King of the Allied Arts stated “The efforts of Mr Hussain and the GGA will always impact the memories and life of thousands of Berbicians who are finally able to do something they’ve seen on TV, without leaving their own country”. Barker-King and Nicholas Fraser were the driving force behind the implementation of the COVID-19 compliant sport that is on the CXC/ CAPE syllabus. Both expressed their thanks to Ms June Ann Gonsalves, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary Schools) for her

support and guidance. Ms Gonsalves stated “The discipline and integrity that golf brings to our kids, especially in the schools that normally have no access to such a top sport gives us great hope for the prospects of developing a strong national team from areas that normally don’t have great opportunities.” GGA president Aleem Hussain thanked the government for their support and lauded the overwhelming number of sponsors both corporate and private for investing heavily into the students. “This was a vision that no one else in Guyana believed in, other than some of my staunchest supporters Assuria General Insurance, Copa Airlines, Trophy Stall, Nexgen Global Marketing Group, AR Printery, and Colin Ming locally, with Anwar ‘Buddy’ Shaffie, Imtiaz Hanif, a few other Guyanese overseas golfers and the Shafura Hussain Foundation. This new venture in Region Six, now brings the total number of schools participating to 42 and 18 set to be added from Regions Two and Three soon. With an average of 100 students per school being involved, Guyana will soon become the leader in Youth Golf development in the region.

The Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/Nexgen Golf Academy moved into Region Six.

All-rounder Paul joins CWI, ECB announce expanded Everest Cricket Club England Men’s Tour of Windies ...

GUYANA and West Indies star all-rounder Keemo Paul has made it to the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) ahead of the Speaker’s T20 Club Championship tournament. The official announcement was made Tuesday at the club in the presence of V-Net Communications chief executive officer, Safraz Sheriffudeen, and ECC president and Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. While the club’s management is ecstatic about recruiting the services of one of Guyana’s blossoming talents, for Paul it is a precursor for him on the ‘return to play’ policy after being out of competitive action for three months due to injury and

work management concerns by West Indies. Paul, who has been taking some time off from action, said he is happy to join a club which has such a rich cricket history and hopes to represent them to the best of his ability. The Speaker’s Club Championship starts April 3 and Everest are drawn in the ‘group of death’ with formidable sides such as Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Albion along with Canal Number Two and Cornelia Ida. Speaker Nadir said, “We are honoured that Keemo has chosen to join the ECC. Keemo is a rising international star and a national cricketing hero. We are strengthened by his talent.”

The ECC president further added, “He (Paul) is no stranger to Everest; He has been associated with us and executives of the club for a while. He joins a strong team that includes Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Bashkar Yadram, Assad Fudadin, and youth player Mathew Nandu.” According to Nadir, the Guyana Amazon Warriors player, now being a part of the historic club, will not only significantly boost their efforts but will also contribute towards the mentoring of our youths. “We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with our stars and towards the development of our young cricketers.” he ended.

From left: Everest’s assistant treasurer Safraz Sheriffudeen, national cricketer Keemo Paul, Everest president Manzoor Nadir, and ECC manager Krista Norton on Tuesday at the club

From back page news for West Indies Cricket and for the region’s tourism economy. “It has come about because of the special relationship that has been developed between our respective boards and we are looking forward to working with ECB Chair Ian Watmore, and CEO Tom Harrison, to expand our partnership even further into new areas of cooperation and support. “We have already begun discussions on how the ECB can help us in our development programmes and I am pleased that ECB has been showing so much appetite and goodwill to assist.” Adding to Skerritt’s sentiments, Johnny Grave CWI CEO, said, “We are delighted that the ECB have agreed to increase the number of matches in their tour to the Caribbean next year. An England Tour to the West Indies is a special event, so by adding a third Test match and two T20Is to the original schedule it will enable more fans to watch the teams do battle and afford more of our countries the opportunity to host matches.” Ian Watmore, Chair, England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We hugely appreciated the support of CWI and all its men’s and women’s players, in helping us host a full season of international cricket in the summer of 2020. “Following the conclusion of those tours to England we have been in discussions with CWI to understand how we can best support them moving forward and one way was to extend our existing England men’s tours to the Caribbean in 2022.” Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of England and Wales Cricket Board, during his statement, said, “A tour to the Caribbean is one of the most iconic for both England players and fans alike. So, we are delighted to confirm that our England men’s team will play two additional IT20s and one more Test match as part of their planned

tours in January and March respectively”. “The three Test Match series will form part of the next ICC World Test Championship, whilst the additional IT20s will provide our England men’s team with valuable preparation ahead of the ICC World T20, which takes place in Australia later that year.” Overall value of England Tour to the Region Each Test match is worth between US$20M$25M in economic impact country, or circa US$4M T20I match day (Source: 2016 and 2019 Independent Research from YouGov). Also, the whole tour will be worth nearly US$100M to the region – media value of over US$35M in West Indies tourism promotion around the world while strengthening ties between CWI and ECB. The venues for the matches are expected to be announced by the end of April. West Indies and England restarted the international cricket schedule following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic when West Indies toured England in July 2020. The teams played a three-match ICC World Test Championship Series in a bio-secure bubble at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Match Schedule Friday, January 28: 1st T20 International Sunday, January 30: 2nd T20 International Wednesday, February 2: 3rd T20 International Friday, February 4: 4th T20 International Saturday, February 5: 5th T20 International Tuesday, March 1 to Friday, March 4: warm-up match Tuesday, Mar 8 to Saturday, March 12: 1st Test Match Wednesday, March 16 to Saturday, March 20: 2nd Test Match Thursday, March 24 to Monday, March 28: 3rd Test Match

Pathum Nissanka and Niroshan Dickwella produced a century stand before lunch on day four, v West Indies, 1st Test, North Sound, 4th day, March 23, 2021.

West Indies face uphill task on final day

See story on page 25

Golden Jaguars ready to battle Soca Warriors tonight … Cox, Maximo make rallying call for support ahead of 2022 World Cup Qualifiers

See story on page 26

GOLDEN JAGUARS READY!

CWI, ECB announce expanded England Men’s Tour of Windies in 2022 … Boards keen on strengthening ties

ON Wednesday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced their proposed scheduled match dates for the 2022 tour of the Caribbean. The tour is part of the scheduled International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Programme (FTP) and will see five T20 Internationals (T20Is) increased from three matches, to be followed by England returning to the Caribbean for three Test matches in March, an increase from the originally allotted two Test matches. The Test series will also be the first in which the two teams compete for the newly commissioned ‘Richards-Botham Trophy’, named in honour of West Indies

batting icon Sir Vivian Richards and England’s great all-rounder Lord Botham. The new trophy pays tribute to the two legends whose rivalry and friendship embody the close relationship and mutual respect between the two sides. The T20I Series will be the biggest series to date between the two teams in the shortest form of the game and will be part of the preparations building up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia in October 2022. Meanwhile, Ricky Skerritt, CWI president said, “This expansion of next year’s England tour to the Caribbean is welcome See page 27

West Indies and England will continue their historic battle with a mega tour of the Caribbean set for 2022.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021