Issuu

FRIDAY 25th March, 2022

No.106673

United States mulls US$1.5M provision for COVID-19 fight in Caribbean

PAGE

Plenty room for business, 03 investment, trade in Guyana PAGE

–– Minister Mustapha tells Trinidad and Tobago investors

VP Jagdeo: Venezuelan migrants must be treated 03 with dignity and respect PAGE

Direct commodity trade commences 05 between Guyana, Nigeria PAGE

President Dr Irfaan Ali met with Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; the two leaders discussed a number of areas of cooperation. President Ali also engaged other UAE officials while in Dubai for the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF2022) and the Global Business Forum-LATAM (Office of the President photo)

Guyanese engineers in Singapore for FPSO training 14 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Cementing diplomatic ties with the UAE

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, visited Dubai for the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF2022) and Global Business Forum-LATAM. While there, as part of efforts to cement ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dr Ali met with Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other senior officials. (Office of the President photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Plenty room for business, investment, trade in Guyana –– Minister Mustapha tells Trinidad and Tobago investors

EVEN with Guyana having a robust plan to ensure that locals benefit from development across every sector within the country’s economy, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has assured Trinidad and Tobago investors that there is still plenty of room for business, investment and trade. He made this announcement during an address at the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce’s “Opportunities for Doing Business in Guyana” stakeholders’ meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. While on a two-day visit to the twin-island republic, Minister Mustapha met with several Guyanese-born businessmen and women and gave them a glimpse of some of the investment opportunities in the agriculture sector here in Guyana.

Since being elected to office, the government has been adamant about engaging and encouraging Guyanese living overseas to play their part in the country’s development by returning home and investing in the economy. During his address, Minister Mustapha told those in attendance that the growth of Guyana’s economy provides plenty of opportunities for business, investment and trade. He also said that the government was aggressively working on creating an environment conducive to the growth and development of the country. “And as such we invite you to explore the opportunities for doing business in Guyana and invest in not just transforming Guyana’s agri-food system, but the CARICOM region’s agrifood system, as Guyana

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha addressing stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago plays a major role in providing food to the Region,” Minister Mustapha said. While discussing some possible areas for investment in the agriculture sector, the minister said that the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors are expected to expand by some 8.9 per cent this year.

Minister Mustapha also noted that Guyana has seen heightened consumer preferences as a direct result of the influx of expatriates to serve oil and gas and auxiliary sectors. This, he added, has led to an increased demand for processed foods with greater domestic value-added.

“In light of the increasing demand for food, there is a high potential for future growth in the downstream components of the food value chain particularly processing, wholesaling, retailing and logistics. “The Government of Guyana recognises the importance of partnering with the private sector to improve and develop our food systems. As a result, the Government of Guyana has facilitated and created an environment that supports investments across all sectors,” Minister Mustapha said. He added that there are opportunities that would guarantee favourable returns in both the traditional and non-traditional agriculture sectors. “More specifically, in the traditional and non-traditional sectors, there are many investment opportunities. For

example in the rice sector, opportunities exist for rice production in Region Nine, where vast Savannah lands are available. There are also areas for investment for the downstream processing of rice into different kinds of pasta, noodles, cereals, snack foods, etc... “For corn and soya beans, the soil in Guyana’s immediate savannah has adequate soil and climatological conditions for the implementation of largescale grain farming for these crops to about 85,000 acres. There are also areas for investment in the poultry, beef, swine, and small ruminant production sector. Agro-processing and aquaculture are also two subsectors with great promise that would guarantee tremendous returns on your investment,” Minister Mustapha said.

Venezuelan migrants must be treated with dignity and respect –– Vice-President Jagdeo

VENEZUELANS who have migrated to Guyana because of the economic hardship in their homeland must be treated with dignity and respect, Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said while addressing a gathering of residents at the Charity Secondary School, Region Two, on Wednesday. Mr Jagdeo pointed out to the residents, some of whom are Venezuelans migrants, that Guyana in the 1970s and 1980s experienced similar hardships currently confronting the people of Venezuela and many Guyanese who fled the country found a new and accommodating home in Venezuela. Today, Venezuela’s Pres-

ident Nicolás Maduro and the opposition have been locked in a bitter power struggle and for years the country has been experiencing hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicines and other problems. According to a BBC report, more than five million Venezuelans have fled their country because of the economic crisis and growing political discontent. Vice-President Jagdeo told the gathering at the Charity Secondary School that the government will help Guyanese who have returned to Guyana because of the crisis in Venezuela, as well as Venezuelan migrants who have come to these shores. These people, he said,

must be treated as family and should not be discriminated against and all efforts should be made to get the children of the migrants in school. Data from the Ministry of Education indicated that in April and May 2019, some 740 Venezuelan children between the ages of five and 16 were enrolled in the public education system. The government, Mr Jagdeo said, will continue to provide assistance to the migrants, including the provision of healthcare and passports for those with blood relatives in Guyana. REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), between August 3 to August 5, 2021, Guyana’s immigration officials in

A section of the gathering at the meeting at the Charity Secondary School (DPI photo)

Region One registered and documented over 200 Venezuelan refugees and migrants and issued to them government registration certificates. UNHCR has also reported that as of December 2020, there were over 22,000 Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Guyana. Venezuelan migrants have been seeking to build a life in many countries, including Guyana, since the onset of the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. Guyana has seen a consistent influx of citizens from the Spanish-speaking nation and officials here have been working to facilitate them. The government registration certificate issued to migrants and refugees incorporates a legal-stay permit issued and renewed by the Government of Guyana. This permit allows those individuals the chance to not just legally stay in Guyana, but also to work, earn and educate themselves. DISPERSING A large number of Venezuelan migrants have settled in Region One and they have been increasingly making their way into Regions Two, Four, Seven and Nine. However, their stay here has not been without unease to locals. Recently, more

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo than 35 families, all Venezuelan migrants had to be relocated from Arpiaco, Region Two, to Region One after reports surfaced that they had vandalised farmlands in the Pomeroon village. A report carried by this newspaper on March 10 noted that 135 persons of the Warrau tribe from Venezuela were relocated from Arpiaco, Upper Pomeroon, to Region One by ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Defence Force Coast Guard. The group of refugees had reportedly entered the Pomeroon in their canoes in search of shelter and food and decided to stop at Kabakaburi, Upper Pomeroon, where they were given a

piece of land to clear at Arpiaco but in the process vandalised several farms. Regional officials had also responded to the pleas of the Warraus and provided them food hampers and medical care to the sick and those in need of urgent attention. Vice-President Jagdeo urged regional officials on Wednesday to ensure that the migrants in Region One are treated well, that they are properly settled and to see how their children could get into school. International Office for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Robert Natiello in August last year lauded the government’s commitment and treatment of the affected Venezuelans.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Gov’t welcomes US Deputy Assistant Secretary

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, attended a dinner reception last evening in honour of the visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti in the US Department of State, Barbara Feinstein. The reception was hosted by the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, at her residence. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd were also at the function. According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy,

the Deputy Assistant Secretary, while in Guyana, will be meeting with Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; members of the opposition; CARICOM representatives; private sector stakeholders and members of civil society. “Her visit underscores the continued importance the United States places on the U.S./Guyanese partnership,” the U.S. Embassy related. According to the U.S. Department of State, America’s policy with Guyana seeks to develop robust and sustainable democratic institutions, laws, and political practices; support economic growth and development; promote an active, organised, and empowered civil society, and promote stability and security.

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Prime Minister (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President (second from left), other senior officials of the government and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch with visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti in the US Department of State, Barbara Feinstein (third from right)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Direct commodity trade commences between Guyana, Nigeria –– Caribbean-Africa flights expected before year end

THE African-Caribbean Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Nigeria High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago with non-resident accreditation for Guyana, has successfully facilitated the start of direct commodity trading between Guyana and Nigeria. According to a press statement, the chamber – a body focused on improving trade between Africa and the Caribbean Region with its headquarters in Georgetown – directly facilitated and received the first commercial commodity quantity goods on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The 20ft container carrying shea butter, officially marks the start of commodity trading between Guyana and Nigeria and the wider Sub-Saharan region. The chamber also announced that the first

cargo from Guyana is expected to arrive in Nigeria by the end of the year. That inaugural shipment from Guyana will consist largely of rum and rum products. This is being done while the chamber continues intense work to reduce shipping time and make the route more commercially viable. Another significant milestone is the impending start of direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean. According to the chamber, those flights are expected to commence before the end of this year, as routes are being finalised with airlines and regional governments. The framework for exchanges between Guyana and Nigeria is already established through the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps – a framework for the exchange of resources, technology, and

knowledge between Nigeria and countries of the

Africans, Caribbean and Pacific countries. “The African-Caribbean Chamber of Trade,

Commerce and Industry welcomes the expansion of relations between Guyana and the world’s

second-largest and second-most-populous continent,” the chamber said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

A Caring Administration

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has taken a decision to reduce the excise tax on diesel and gasoline. The tax, which was 20 per cent, will now be reduced to zero; this is a clear indication of the commitment by the current administration to cushion the increased cost of living fuelled by rising fuel prices. It should be recalled that when the PPP/C took office in August 2020, the excise tax on fuel was 50 per cent, but it was decreased to 35 per cent in February 2021, then to 20 per cent in the same year. A further reduction was made to 10 per cent in the 2022 budget. Now it has been reduced to zero, which, in effect, meant that the government is prepared to forgo millions of dollars in revenues in order to cushion the effects of higher costs to the consuming public. The cost of fuel impacts directly on the living standards of the Guyanese people. One immediate consequence is higher fares to the commuting public, but it also affects the prices of nearly all consumer items due to higher transportation and production costs.

This is just one of several measures implemented by the government to bring down the cost of living. Other interventions include financial assistance to every household in the aftermath of the flood situation last year and the COVID-19 pandemic amounting to over $7.5 billion dollars; $1.73 billion in economic grants to 220 Amerindian communities; $1.3 billion in cash payments to the 5,300 sugar workers whose services were terminated by the previous APNU+AFC administration and $2.2 billion to the 90,000 people currently benefitting from old-age pensions. There is also the return of the “Because We Care programme” which was abruptly discontinued by the Granger-led administration. This programme has now been extended to private schools, which, along with increases to the school uniform grant, will place an additional $3.3 billion in the pockets of parents of children attending public schools and $248.8 million to those with children in private school system. Initiatives such as these are all the more commendable when compared to the actions of the previous APNU-AFC administration to place Value Added

Tax (VAT) on fees payable by students attending private schools. In addition to financial assistance to low-income families, pensioners are now benefitting from water subsidies and credits to electricity charges of which close to 50,000 households are now beneficiaries. It would be recalled that the previous administration not only discontinued the subsidies on water and electricity, but also imposed VAT on these two important utilities which directly impacted on the quality of life of the Guyanese people. The injection of these massive sums of money into the local economy, apart from the direct reliefs to citizens, also have what economists refer to as the “multiplier effect” on the economy, especially at the local level, resulting in a significant boost to business and trade. Meanwhile, during a recent outreach to communities in Region Two, Vice-president, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, re-assured citizens that the PPP/C administration will continue the search to bring further relief to the Guyanese people, especially in light of the current crisis in Ukraine, which has resulted in higher fuel prices and the increased cost

of other food items especially wheat. The creation of employment opportunities was also highlighted by Dr. Jagdeo. In that regard, he announced that 800 temporary jobs will be created for residents of the region. Those jobs will cater for one member per family with the aim of supplementing family incomes. Additionally, the government will be providing assistance to help fund small businesses by way of construction costs, and training and subsidies for provision of Internet services that could impact on job creation. Job creation, according to the Vice-President, is a major focus of the PPP/C administration and revenues from oil and gas will be utilised to enhance the delivery of quality of education and health services, modernising public infrastructure, strengthening other productive sectors and, more particularly, diversification of agriculture. These steps, as Dr. Jagdeo noted, will lay the foundation for Guyana to enjoy prosperity long after oil is gone. This is indeed visionary and forward-looking thinking on the part of the PPP/C administration.

Transforming attitudes could sharply reduce road fatalities and accidents Dear Editor, EVERY human life is precious; it must be protected at all costs. Sadly, the incidence of road fatalities is one indicator that defies this maxim. While the Guyana Police Force (GPF) can present statistics to show that the rate of road fatalities/accidents has declined for 2021 compared with 2020, these statistics fail to capture the catalytic impact road fatalities/ accidents have on human suffering, and the socio-economic loss to families and their communities. How and under what circumstances many of these road fatalities/accidents happen rattles the mind. Nevertheless, from these fatalities/accidents, important lessons could be drawn on how to prevent them, while focusing on the dire need for drivers to embrace good “attitudes”. Lachman Sukham was allegedly racing when his motorcar crashed into a truck at

the Borlam Turn, on the Corentyne that resulted in his death, as well as that of the s co-occupant of his vehicle, Danny Puran. Then there is the other horrific story of three men being killed, and two others injured after being struck by a speeding vehicle driven by a young man at De Willem, West Coast Demerara. With these and other distressing stories making the headlines, the public cannot remain indifferent, but must rally for immediate action to halt this carnage. Rohan Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (r’td) has illustrated a probable cause for road fatalities/accidents through an analysis of data on the granting of drivers’ licences for the years 2016/2017. The various levels of corruption at the GPF Traffic Department have been enumerated, of which two are reported here: (i) 397 persons did not write examinations but received pass marks, and (ii) 1,153 or 20.23 % of all transactions “conducted by the Traffic Department in

all Divisions checked for the period were fraudulent”. While there have been suggestions that road traffic fatalities/accidents might be correlated with questionable issuance of drivers’ licences, such correlation is not necessarily casual. For example, if there exists a correlation (this means that greater corruption in the form of granting licences to unqualified drivers, would lead to higher road fatalities/ accidents. Alternatively, if corruption is reduced, then road fatalities would also be reduced. However, the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill reports on the contrary that road fatalities have declined by 28.7 per cent; that is, from 139 in 2020, to 99 in 2021. There are other intervening variables, like better traffic enforcement and presence of CTV cameras, that could help to explain this drop, other than the lessening of corruption. While further probing into any casual cor-

relation between corruption and road traffic accidents should be pursued, this should not detract from other law enforcement initiatives to reduce fatalities/accidents. Minister Edghill notes: “The vulnerable class of road users (pedal cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians)” comprised 67.7 per cent of the total road deaths in 2021, [while] in 2020, that proportion was 79.9 per cent. Pedal and motorcyclists alone constituted 37.4 per cent of road fatalities, compared with 56.1 per cent in 2020. To reinforce Minister Edghill’s concern, a 31-year-old motorcyclist, Joshua I. Ramdeen, was killed after colliding with a Canter in New Amsterdam on March 22, 2022. And a 37-year-old driver, on March 18, 2022, allegedly fatally struck down two persons on the No. 70 Public Road, Corentyne. Enforcement work should, therefore, zero into these at-risk groups, and then See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Malcom Harripaul’s comments utterly disrespectful to the Hindu community Dear Editor, I FIND Mr. Malcom Harripaul’s letter, published in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News on March 23, 2022 and titled, “Hindu wedding-house violence and ignorance”, offensive and disrespectful to the Hindu community. His statements, which include that “it is Hindus who throw Hinduism into the gutter”, “Hindu wedding houses are characterised by rum and noise and chop up”, “non-Hindus conclude that rum and noise are part of Hindu culture, and chopping up is really blood sacrifice to the Gods”, and that ignorance “is a daily feature of Hindus” are reprehensible. He spews hatred at the Hindu community which reeks of intolerance. Mr. Harripaul must apologise to the Hindu community for his distasteful com-

ments, and his labelling of an entire religious community as ignorant, violent and noise nuisances. The records will show that, on behalf of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, I have issued many public statements, and written to the Guyana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Guyana Police Force, requesting that permission not be granted for alcohol bars at Hindu wedding ceremonies. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has mounted public campaigns on this issue, and our affiliated pandits do not conduct weddings where bars are present. In addition, all events of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha have a strict “no alcohol policy”. Mr. Harripaul speaks from an uninformed position, and seeks to castigate the entire Hindu community, and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha through the most

Transforming attitudes could sharply reduce ...

From page 6

spread out to others who drive under the influence of alcohol. Many accidents are caused by speeding, and with drivers not observing the speed limits. Minister Edghill notes the “reckless and uncaring manner” of some drivers. This concern raises a fundamental point: “Attitude” on the road. If a driver does not have the right attitude and flouts the rules, then the probability of accidents rises. Why is it that men, for example, are more than four times more likely to be involved in accidents than women? One explanation is that there is less women motorists, but this alone cannot explain the difference. The vital variable is “attitude”. Women’ approach to driving is based more on caution and responsibility as well as embracing a favourable attitude. Victims of road fatalities/ accidents want drivers to operate with courtesy and observe road safety rules. They want to weed out corruption from the licensing process and tough enforcement of the road traffic rules. They want a greater role to be played by the National Road Traffic and Safety Council. They also want motor vehicle certifications to be done

by state-licensed mechanic shops, and not by the police. And a special unit of the GRA should issue drivers’ license and not the police. In this way, police could focus on traffic enforcement, crime prevention and detection. There are three major social pathologies that afflict Guyana: road fatalities, murders, and suicides, none of which has a constituency which can rally on victims’ behalf. These social pathologies originate out of “rage”, a condition which the process of social adaptation has failed to tame. Combined with other social ills, they point towards the cracks in the social fabric of society, and which signal the existence of underlying causes that could become explosive if these are not addressed appropriately. And the prospect of a good life to usher with Guyana’s oil wealth, cannot be built upon a social structure that is infected with lethal viruses. Sustained efforts must be made to neutralise these negative forces (road fatalities, murders, and suicides) through attitudinal changes, among others. Yours sincerely, Dr. Tara Singh

disgusting invectives. While the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha does not support bars at Hindu weddings, the sale and provision of alcohol to minors, and the disturbance of communities by loud noise, we will not tolerate abuse and disrespect of the Hindu community and our religious practices, and the suggestion that the conversion of the Hindus is the answer to “rum, noise and chop-up”. I call on all Hindu leaders and the wider community to condemn the sentiments expressed by Mr. Harripaul, and insist that he apologises to the Hindu community, and withdraws these utterly disrespectful statements. Yours sincerely, Vindhya Vasini Persaud President Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Fire destroys bottom flat of building housing D&J Shipping A fire, on Thursday, destroyed D&J Shipping, which is housed in the bottom flat of a two-storey building in Alberttown, Georgetown. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Operations Manager of D&J Shipping, Travis Desir, said the fire started around 07:00 hours in the lounge room of the office area. “I’m not sure what started it, I was not around at the time, but by the time I arrived the fire had taken over the lounge room,” De-

Firefighters at the scene of the fire sir said. He related that by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the fire had already engulfed the entire bottom flat of the building. An employee from a neighbouring company, Al-

fred Johnson, said that one of D&J Shipping’s workers, upon arriving at her place of employment, opened the door and started screaming. “Everybody run out and we got the fire extinguisher then sprayed down

and called the fire service,” Johnson said. Although it is too soon to quantify the losses, Desir said that computers, documents and office equipment were lost in the fire.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Construction ongoing on new GRA Tax Office at Onverwagt –– Mahdia to get regional office in 2023

IN keeping with its mandate to offer services to stakeholders in all regions of Guyana, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has commenced construction of a new Integrated Regional Tax Office (IRTO) at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice. According to GRA, this new office which is slated for completion within 18 months, will expand GRA’s reach to taxpayers in Region Five and will be a full-service tax office, thereby allowing stakeholders within the region to access all services now available at its Head Office in Georgetown. This means that taxpayers will no longer have to travel to

New Amsterdam or Georgetown for access to services such as payments for all tax types, compliances (land, tender, and liability), and issuance of tax refunds, licences, motor vehicle registration, and collection of tax returns. The office will also open employment opportunities for qualified persons in the region, allowing them to build careers in taxation. The revenue authority, as it is, operates at eight established IRTOs, most of which offer the services available at its Georgetown Headquarters. Establishing regional offices is a groundbreaking initiative since taxpayers no longer

need to travel to Georgetown to access GRA’s services. This undoubtedly reduces “wait times” for the processing and completion of transactions, and decreases the congestion at the main office which averages 300,000 taxpayer visits per year. “The GRA is committed to ensuring that its services are delivered efficiently to stakeholders as Guyana’s economic landscape continues to transform. Towards this end, the agency has also provided a virtual space for taxpayers to conduct transactions from the comfort of their homes or offices,” the revenue authority said.

Foundation being laid for GRA’s Onverwagt Integrated Regional Tax Office

In addition, there is the added convenience of making payments via online banking and Mobile Money Guyana through various partnerships.

The authority which opened the doors to its Mabaruma Tax Office in 2019, expects to commence construction of its Mahdia

regional office during 2023, and to maintain a presence in Eteringbang, thereby providing its essential services to every region in Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Teen driver in De Willem fatal accident released on $1.5M bail

MATTHEW Ambed kar, the teenage driver of the car involved in the horrific accident at De Willem, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was released on a total of $1.5 million bail on Thursday after spending the last week on remand for the incident. The 19-year-old driver, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), is before the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on three counts of

causing death by dangerous driving. He made his first court appearance on March 11 last where he was not required to plead to the charges read to him by Magistrate, Zamilla Seepaul-Ali. On Thursday, the teen made his second court appearance. During that appearance, however, different laws were applied to the matter, and the three charges were re-read to him by the Magistrate.

The deceased persons are 48-year-old fisherman, Kiran Ramprashad of Zeeburg, WCD; 22-year-old Venezuelan, Carlito ‘Carlos’ Gobin of De Willem; and 44-year-old fisherman, Ayube ‘Quarter’ Mohammed of Meten-Meer-Zorg, WCD. Ambedkar was represented by attorneys-at-law, Dexter Todd and Dexter Smartt, who filed a bail application for their client. The Magistrate granted the application, releasing

Ambedkar on $500,000 bail for each count. She also ordered that the accused man lodge his passport at the court. The case was adjourned until April 26. This newspaper had previously reported that the teen, who was driving his father’s Toyota Raum, was allegedly racing another car identified as a Toyota 212. The collision was caught on nearby surveillance cameras. The vehicles appeared to be heading in the direction of Parika, EBE when the Ambedkar’s vehicle careened to the side of the road, crashed into

a parked Nissan X-Trail (PYY 9456), and torpedoed into the Sharmilla Harrikissoon Sports Bar, killing the three persons who were patrons. Ambedkar received injuries to the left side of his face. They were all taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where they were seen and examined by a medical doctor who pronounced Ramprashad, Gobin and Mohammed dead on arrival. The teen driver, who was admitted as a patient, was released from the hospital days after the incident.

ACCUSED: Matthew Ambedkar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Over $107M for maintenance of sea, river defence in several regions

THE protection of Guyana’s sea and river defence remains a priority for the government. Over $107 million in works will soon be executed in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. Invitation for bids is being extended to eligible bidders to undertake the works being advertised by the Ministry of Public Works, Works Services Group. The works to be undertaken include maintenance of earthen embankment and incorporation of timber revetment at Lower and Upper Pomeroon, incorporation of timber revetment at Manicuru Creek, Upper Pomeroon, and maintenance of earthen embankment at Success, Leguan Island and the incorporation of timber revetment along the outfall channel at Wales. The ministry is also seeking to have boulder face protection works at La Grange, maintenance works to the concrete structure along the Georgetown seawall, maintenance of earthen embankment and incorporation of timber revetment at Cambridge, Mahaica, Farm Mahaicony and Overwinning, East Bank Berbice, along with the

incorporation of gabion mattress slope to the river defences at Crabwood Creek. Government, through budget 2022, has allotted $5 billion towards sea and river defence. Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, during the budget debates made it clear that the government’s investment in sea defence is an investment to secure agriculture. “It is not just boulders and riprap sea defence we are thinking about, we are thinking about the thousands of farmers who plant cash crops, rice, sugar, the poultry farmers, the cattle farmers. They have to be able to carry on their trade so we have to keep the sea out. So, we are making the investment to secure agriculture,” Minister Edghill said. In 2021, government invested $4.7 billion in the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of rip-rap sea defence in areas including Fairfield, Naamryck, Zeelugt, Zeelandia and Leguan. Further, the construction of 100 metres of geotextile tube groyne at Non Pariel was completed, along with the planting of 40,000 mangrove seedlings. (DPI)

Riprap structures at Windsor Forest

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

United States mulls US$1.5M provision for COVID-19 fight in Caribbean

THE United States of America (U.S.) is considering the provision of US$1.5 million for “urgent” assistance to coun-

tries in the Easter Caribbean region to help in the fight against COVID-19. This was announced by U.S. Deputy Assistant Sec-

retary (DAS) for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara A. Feinstein, during her engagement with Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier

(Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President. Feinstein, who is on a two-day visit to Guy-

A nurse at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, preparing to administer a dose of the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine to a local healthcare worker (Vishani Ragobeer photo) ana, said the countries that would benefit from this initiative are The Bahamas, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. This assistance will be focused on helping countries with vaccine deployment and readiness, and includes efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and combat vaccine misinformation. According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, the additional support will assist with community vaccination campaigns and engagement activities, strengthen the cold chain environment, train healthcare workers, and develop regional and country specific campaigns to increase vaccine uptake. Activities will be implemented through local, regional, and international organisations such as the local Ministries of Health, local non-governmental organisations, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), UNICEF, and the USAID Country Health Information Systems and Data Use (CHISU) project implemented by JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, remarked: “The United States Government is committed to assisting the government and people of Guyana on the road to recovery after the devasta-

tion of COVID-19.” USAID Regional Representative for the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Clinton. D. White, said: “The funding will fill key gaps to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and strengthen countries’ preparedness for future pandemic threats.” USAID has provided nearly US$63 million in COVID-19 assistance to the Caribbean since the beginning of the pandemic, to address health, humanitarian, and economic impacts. T h i s i n cludes over $7 million for partner countries in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean region. In addition to the over 300,000 vaccine doses from the U.S., Guyana, through the Ministry of Health’s partnership with USAID, has included prevention and vaccination messaging reaching nearly 70 per cent of the population, distribution of critical hygiene and prevention supplies in Indigenous communities, and tents to support mobile vaccination clinics in rural areas to increase vaccine accessibility and availability. “Diseases know no borders. The United States Government is committed to partnering with our Caribbean neighbors, partners, and friends to end the COVID-19 pandemic, save lives, and stop the threat of dangerous new variants,” the U.S. Embassy said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Education Ministry launches inaugural ‘Tech Expo’

Students viewing an exhibit from NAREI (Delano Williams photo) Students stopped by this booth at the Tech Expo to view one of the displays (Ministry of Education photo) By Shamar Meusa THE Ministry of Education, on Thursday, officially launched its first “Tech Expo,” which is aimed at showcasing and exposing students and other persons to technology and how it could be used to improve the education system. The two-day expo, which is the first of its kind, is being hosted by the ministry’s Innovative Technology Unit at the National Centre for Educational Resources Development (NCERD), under the theme: “Embracing Traditional and Non-Traditional Technology.” At the launch, Head of the Management Information System (MIS) Unit at the Education Ministry, Yoganand Indarsingh, said that the aim of the expo is to expose students to various dimensions of technology and how it could be used to solve problems and advance development. The hope is that those persons attending the expo would appreciate the opportunities for technology adoption in the country’s fast-growing economy and also appreciate the role of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) integration into the country’s national curriculum. Indarsingh added: “For education, we need to embrace technology education in the system and, for that, we are looking at the areas of STEM… for us to embrace this, we need to bring in to our classroom, real world examples, real world applications and

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hutson (Ministry of Education photo) appreciation of how scientific discoveries and inventions can play a role in addressing our current needs.” Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, said that the Tech Expo is testimony to the premium that the Education Ministry has placed on technology, as part of plans to establish a world class education system. Dr. Hutson said: “If you have been listening to our leaders, you would have heard from no less than His Excellency the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, speaking about the need to get to that stage where our education system is world-class and I think that we are on our way.” The CEO added that the event is a signature one that shows that the country is on its way to See page 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Guyanese engineers in Singapore for FPSO training

SEVEN local graduate engineers have arrived in Singapore for handson training on the Prosperity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which is being constructed to support the Payara development project in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana. According to a press release from ExxonMobil, the engineers were sent to Singapore as part of an overarching effort to boost

the capacity of Guyanese to cater to the growing demands within the oil and gas sector. The five men and two women, who are employed with SBM Offshore, arrived in Singapore on Monday. In August, last year, they travelled to the Netherlands where they spent six months undergoing training in different areas, while also working with the team designing the vessel.

The seven-member team of local graduate engineers who will receive hands-on training to work on the Prosperity FPSO, Guyana’s third oil production vessel. The graduate engineers returned to Guyana in February before the final stint of training. This programme which is geared towards building and developing key competencies needed in the local petroleum industry is a model project that seeks to train, prepare and empower young Guyanese for promising careers in the country’s oil and gas sector. “While in the Netherlands, we were placed into different departments; we worked with engineers on drawings and so on. In Singapore, we will be more focused on construction,” one of the engineers, Tanisha Selby, said. Her colleague, Kishaun Lall, spoke about his expectations for the Singapore leg. “That is where the real excitement is I would say, the construction aspect of it. Being a civil engineer by profession, it would definitely pique my in-

terest to see how all these large modules are being constructed, the different processes a company like SBM Offshore would use on an international scale compared to what we have in Guyana,” Lall said. The other graduate engineers are Malik Lewis, Raymond Luckhoo, Paula Ceres, Daniel Troyer, and Andy Sattan. They were recruited from the University of Guyana in 2021 after undergoing a rigorous vetting process. SBM Offshore has said it intends to repeat the programme given how well it has been going and the clear benefits being derived. At the conclusion of the 18-month programme, the graduates are to be fully immersed in the company’s Guyana operations, in roles that they are firstly most interested in, and secondly, which fit their background and areas of training.

Education Ministry launches inaugural ... From page 13

developing a world class system. “We need to come to a point where we will leap into the future, we cannot afford to be left behind as the world is moving. So, if we embrace technology in whatever we do, especially modern technology, we could only reach our destination faster,” Dr. Hutson related. To this end, he said that technology is an important tool, especially since it could be utilised to increase student engagement. The two-day expo, which concludes today, features exhibitions from NCERD, the National Agriculture Research Education Institute (NAREI), ExxonMobil, the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), among others.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Duo remanded for ‘ganja trafficking’ in Diamond bust

SENIOR Magistrate, Sunil Scarce, on Thursday, remanded two miners to prison for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking following a recent marijuana bust at New Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank of Demerara (EBD). The men are 47-yearold Rayanthony Persaud, also known as ‘Tony’, of Victoria Avenue, Eccles, EBD, and 42-year-old Andrew Carew, also known as ‘Daddo’, of Little Diamond, EBD. They were charged separately when their matter came up at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court. Persaud denied the charge which alleged that he trafficked 5.754 kilogrammes of cannabis on Tuesday last. Carew, on the other hand, received two charges which alleged, firstly, that he supplied the narcotics to Persaud, and, secondly, that he trafficked 530 grams of cannabis on the said date. Carew pleaded not guilty to both charges. Persaud was represented by attorney, Bernard DaSilva, while Carew was represented by attorney, Konyo Sandiford. The attorneys filed bail applications for their clients

Andrew ‘Daddo’ Carew on the grounds of multiple occupancies, citing that several other individuals also have access to the location where the alleged narcotics were found. Counsel DaSilva denied his client had any knowledge of the drugs. He also denied his client transported it. Among other things, the attorney further argued that his client was given a box that contained tools for safekeeping. DaSilva told the court, however, that Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) officers later discovered narcotics at the bottom of the said box. CANU prosecutor, Thalia Thompson strongly objected to the pair being released on bail considering the nature, gravity and penalty of the charges. She disclosed to the

Man found guilty of attempted murder ALFRED Braithwaite, now-convicted of attempted murder, was remanded to prison on Thursday as he awaits his sentencing following a guilty verdict returned by a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court. Braithwaite was on trial before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall for the offence which read that on January 27, 2017, in the county of Demerara, he attempted to murder Chefton Haymer. He had pleaded not guilty at the time and was represented by attorney, Teriq Mohammed. Braithwaite’s bail was revoked as he now awaits his sentencing. According to reports, on the day in question, Braithwaite and Haymer were reportedly gambling with cards. It is alleged that the two had a disagreement over the sequence of cards. It was Haymer who raised this issue, demanding the return of his money. Braithwaite, however, refused and left the game. He later returned with another man, who was reportedly armed with a cutlass. The duo attacked Haymer.

court that CANU officers, acting on information received, conducted a surveillance operation at New Diamond Housing Scheme. The agency’s lawyer said anti-drug officers observed Persaud sitting in a motor car parked in front of an unpainted house. The prosecutor told the court that Persaud exited his car and approached a vehicle that was driven by Carew.

Rayanthony ‘Tony’ Persaud

Counsel Thompson further explained that the anti-drug officers saw Persaud collecting a box from Carew after which the men then entered the unpainted house together. CANU officers then stormed the house and arrested the pair. The box was searched and six parcels of suspected cannabis, valued at $1.7 million, were found inside. According to the prose-

cutor, CANU officers conducted a search on Carew’s home and found an additional 530 grams of cannabis in his room. The Magistrate, considering the arguments presented, instructed that the defence lawyers failed to raise special reasons for bail. The accused men were remanded to prison. Their matter will come up on May 12, 2022.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Paul Dwarka, breaking the stigma against male pageantry

Paul Andrew Dwarka PAUL Andrew Dwarka, a 24-year-old past Mr India Guyana semi-finalist, wants to break the barrier of stigma and discrimination faced by men in pageantry in Guyana. Also a dancer, Paul has been in the entertainment industry since 2019 when he was shortlisted in the Mr India Guyana Pageant. “My interest in pageantry initiated a few years back, but I mustered up the courage to apply for the Mr India Guyana 2020, under the organisation headed by Mr and Mrs Hashim and Melicia Alli,” he told The

Buzz this week. While being a logistics co-ordinator in the oil and gas field, Paul feels that his participation in pageantry helps him be truer to himself. “I took up training for this competition and realised that it was more hard work than people believed it to be. I learned a lot about myself, especially in areas of resilience and discipline,” he expressed. For Paul, venturing into this field was part of his personal goal to try new things. “And it certainly pushed me beyond my limits. I was able to overcome the jitters of public speaking and impromptu speaking,” he mentioned. Most importantly, Paul said he was able to use the opportunity to develop his platform which focused on eradicating poverty one community at a time. “I’ve teamed up with We Care Foundation and Elite

Pageant Company to execute some stationery drive and also donation of toys for the less fortunate,” he shared. Continuing his work in the pageant arena, he someday hopes to walk the international stage. “I’ll work towards that long term goal with hopes to inspire more young men to voice their interests and platform; to use the pageant medium to set standards for themselves and also to lead by example,” Paul said As a young talent and persistent worker for selfgrowth, Paul encourages young people to try new things and gain experience in areas that will push them to be a better version of themselves. “You can never know until you try,” Paul advised, adding: “Make mistakes and just try again. You don’t need to be perfect you only need to be consistent.”

Paul feels that his participation in pageantry helps him be truer to himself

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

You are cancelled!...

‘Maury Show’ ends after 31 seasons By Naomi Parris

AFTER years of scandalous paternity tests and cheating partners, the iconic ‘Maury Show’ has been cancelled. T h e s h o w ’s h o s t , 83-year-old Maury Povich, announced his upcoming retirement in a statement earlier in the week on his social media platforms. It follows logically that the show will be shelfed also. It is expected that the final episode will be aired in September. ‘The Maury Show’ first aired in 1991 and quickly became a daytime sensation. Not your typical day time show, it brought to many televisions screens outrageous dramas and scandalous stories that captured the eyes of a wide, thirst-forscandal audience.

Maury in the early days of his career

The show got high ratings on American cable networks and was even often aired on local television networks in the Caribbean, Guyana being one.

Clips from the show also went viral online even though the show existed long before social media. Nowadays, meme culture has preserved some of the

Megan Thee Stallion countersued by record label in album dispute

Megan Thee Stallion (Photo credited to GETTY IMAGES) (BBC) - Megan Thee by Radio 1 Newsbeat, Stallion’s record label 1501 wants an order in is countersuing the its favour, and damagrapper, weeks after es awarded for claims she filed a lawsuit Megan has “repeatagainst them. edly breached her conIt’s over a row about tracts”. what constitutes an alThe 2021 release bum, with 1501 Cer- d e b u t e d a t n u m b e r tified Entertainment three on the US Billsaying her ‘Something board’s Top R&B/HipFor Thee Hotties’ re- Hop Albums chart in cord does not qualify. its first week of reMegan has already lease. claimed it does meet What is an album? the conditions for an In the original case album. filed by Megan’s lawIn a document seen yers, it says the record

“clearly meets the definition” of an album - stating a length of 45 minutes or more is the only requirement in Megan’s contract to define what an album is. But in its countersuit against Megan, 1501 say the record was not “original material” as it “included freestyles available on YouTube and archival material” - and only amounts to 29 minutes of new recordings featuring her. The label claims Megan’s agreement dictates that “she must include at least 12 new master recordings of her studio performances of previously unreleased musical compositions” to get credit for an album under contract. Megan has responded on Twitter to the TURN TO PAGE 19

wacky dances and shenanigans of men who are famously told the words, “You are… NOT the father!” It wasn’t all golden,

however. The show stirred up a few controversies as Maury had a way of using unconventional methods of telling the most intimate stories of people’s lives. It’s amazing how the show managed to stay alive for so long, but it’s time to say goodbye. Maury in his statement on retirement said: “Six years ago when I was ready to retire, the NBC Universal family asked me to continue the show. Even though I told them I was ready for assisted living, out of loyalty to NBC Universal and my more than 100 staff and crew members, Tracie Wilson and I agreed to one more deal. “I’m so proud of my relationship with NBC Universal and all those who worked on the Maury Show, but as I occasionally tell my

guests on Maury, ‘Enough, already!’” Maury had begun his career as a radio reporter. In the late 1980s, he gained national fame in the United States as the host of tabloid infotainment TV show, ‘A Current Affair’. The show was based at FOX network’s New York flagship station, WNYW. Back to Maury’s origins, he actually began his broadcasting career as a street reporter for the FOX ownedand-operated station, WTTG in Washington, District of Columbia (DC), before transitioning to news coverage, and sports and talk shows. After 15 years in DC, he left and anchored newscasts for various networks in the cities of Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Philadelphia in the United States.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Jah Cure sentenced to six years in prison

Reggae star, Jah Cure (Credited to urbanislandz.com) (JAMAICA OBSERVER) - Reggae star, Jah Cure was convicted of attempted manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison in the Netherlands on Tuesday. The ‘Behind These Prison Walls’ singer was found not guilty of attempted murder by the court, which rejected his self-defence claim. “ T h e 4 3 - y e a r- o l d man was sentenced to six years in prison - with credit for time served - for attempted manslaughter. The court finds him not guilty of attempted murder. “His claim of selfdefence was rejected by the court,” Franklin Wattimena, press officer of the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service, told OBSERVER ONLINE.

Jah Cure’s legal team may choose to appeal the ruling in the Netherlands Court of Appeal. “Both the 43-year-old man and the prosecutor can appeal to the Court of Appeal within two weeks if they disagree with the court’s ruling,” Wattimena said. He was arraigned in a Netherlands court last year, and spent his 43rd birthday as well as Christmas and New Year’s Day behind bars. Jah Cure, whose given name is Siccaturie Alcock, is facing attempted murder, attempted manslaughter, aggravated assault or attempted aggravated assault in relation to an alleged stabbing incident involving event promoter Nicardo ‘Papa’ Blake on October 1 at Dam Square, in the city

centre of Amsterdam. Jah Cure was in Amsterdam for a performance. The ‘True Reflections’ singer has had previous run-ins with the law. He was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, rape and robbery with aggravation and following his conviction, received a 15year sentence in 1999, but was released early in 2007 after serving eight years. Four years later, he went on trial on drug possession charges after police found a small quantity of marijuana in the artiste’s motor vehicle during a spot check in St Andrew. Jah Cure is known for songs including ‘Longing For’, ‘Call On Me’, and ‘Unconditional Love’.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Megan Thee Stallion countersued by record label... FROM PAGE 17

countersuit against her. Her legal team claims the label wants to keep her locked in her contract for longer, so they can profit from her sales. Record deals are usually signed with an agreement of how many albums the artist will release before they can renegotiate or leave the label. In a statement provided to Newsbeat, Megan’s lawyer Brad Hancock said the coun-

tersuit was “yet another absurd attempt by 1501 to disregard Megan’s album and squeeze more money and more free work out of her for as long as possible”. “We will ask the court to protect Megan from this type of abuse.” A public feud This isn’t the first time Megan has had conflict with her record label. In 2020, she started a previous lawsuit against 1501, claiming they were blocking her from releasing new mu-

sic because she wanted to renegotiate the terms of her contract. On Instagram Live at the time, she said: “When I signed, I didn’t really know what was in my contract. “I was young. I think I was like 20, and I ain’t know everything that was in my contract.” That lawsuit has since been dropped, and the label allowed her to release music. The new lawsuit that was filed by Megan isn’t seeking payment from 1501, except le-

gal fees, only recognition that ‘Something for Thee Hotties’ is an

album. 1501 Certified Entertainment has not

yet responded to Newsbeat’s request for further comment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

FROM BACK PAGE

Windies squander... “It definitely was a bit frustrating. We were expecting to get the English guys out way before 200 – we were looking at probably 150 the most but we let them off the hook,” Seales lamented afterwards. “The pitch has a lot in it for the bowlers once you keep the ball on the fuller side. “With that being said, once the ball gets a lot older and softer it’s a bit difficult to get wickets so you have to remain patient and work out plans to get the batters.” West Indies grabbed the second new ball as soon as it became available but even then, Saqib and Leach rode their luck against the home side’s quicks. It meant after West Indies dominated the first two sessions, England won the final one, providing critical momentum ahead of today’s second day at the National Stadium. “We were trying to see off their main bowlers and that was the conversation at the start (of our partnership),” said Saqib, only the 12th number 11 to top score in a Test innings. “And when we got to the second new ball it was just a case of carry on playing the way we are, playing the ball on its merit and if it’s there one to be hit then go all out.” Opting to bowl on a surface which welcomed sideway movement, West Indies’ seamers cashed in as Seales claimed three for 40 and Mayers (2-13), Alzarri Joseph (233) and Kemar Roach (2-41) finished with two wickets each. Mayers, in his first match of the series, proved the unlikely hero in the first session, knocking over the key wickets of Zak Crawley (7) and captain Joe Root without scoring, as England stumbled to lunch

on 46 for three. Crawley drove loosely to captain Kraigg Brathwaite at short cover in the penultimate over before drinks and in the first over afterwards, Mayers got Root to nick an away-swinger to wicketkeeper Josh Da Silva. Seales then returned for a second spell to remove Dan Lawrence, trapped lbw on his crease for eight to one that seamed back, in the penultimate over before lunch. Joseph and Roach toppled England after lunch, taking four of the five wickets to go down in a devastating period for the tourists. In the fourth over after the interval, Ben Stokes provided Joseph with a comfortable return catch after slapping a short ball back down the pitch, adding just two to his blank tally at the break. It was his dismissal which opened the floodgates as England lost their next two wickets with no addition to the score on 53. Alex Lees, unbeaten on lunch at 26, edged Roach behind in the next over to fall for 31 off 97 balls in 143 minutes with five fours. Jonny Bairstow followed without scoring four balls later, also nicking off to wicketkeeper Josh Da Silva off Joseph. Reeling on 53 for six, there was little respite for the visitors as Seales bowled Ben Foakes comprehensively for seven just before drinks and Roach inflicted identical sorrow on Craig Overton (14) five overs later, leaving England in danger of falling below three figures at 90 for eight. Woakes held up West Indies’ progress, however, his 25 coming as part of a 24-run, ninth-wicket stand with Leach before Saqib replaced him to continue England’s revival.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings

A. Lees c wkp. Da Silva b Roach Z. Crawley c Brathwaite b Mayers J. Root c wkp. Da Silva b Mayers D. Lawrence lbw b Seales B. Stokes c & b Joseph J. Bairstow c wkp. Da Silva b Joseph B. Foakes b Seales C. Woakes b Seales C. Overton b Roach J. Leach not out S. Mahmood b Blackwood

31 7 0 8 2 0 7 25 14 41 49

Extras: (b-18, lb-2) 20 Total: (all out, 89.4 overs) 204 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-29, 3-46, 4-53, 5-53, 6-53, 7-67, 8-90, 9-114. Bowling: Roach 18-4-41-2, Seales 17-4-40-3, Holder 15-6-34-0, Mayers 10-7-13-2, Joseph 18-6-33-2, Bonner 5-1-10-0, Blackwood 1.4-1-4-1, Brathwaite 5-2-9-0. WEST INDIES – K. Brathwaite, J. Campbell, S. Brooks, N. Bonner, J. Blackwood, K. Mayers, J. Holder, J. Da Silva, A. Joseph, K. Roach, J. Seales.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Lahore Test evenly poised after Pakistan … Khawaja slams openers make brisk start second ton PAKISTAN’S openers gave their team something to cheer about at the end of a hard day's toil. They ended the fourth day with an unbeaten partnership of 73, setting up an intriguing final day. Australia had set them a target of 351 on the back of

Usman Khawaja's second ton of the series, and made a proactive declaration in the final session but were defied by Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq. The duo survived a couple of close shaves through reviews, but put in a solid stand that laid a good foundation to a stiff chase.

Their solid stand reversed Pakistan's fortunes over the day, but kept up with the larger narrative of bat prevailing over ball, where only three wickets fell on the fourth day on a slow pitch. For Australia with the bat, it was Khawaja who held the innings together with an un-

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 391 PAKISTAN 1st innings Abdullah Shafique c Alex Carey b Nathan Lyon 81 Imam ul-Haq lbw Pat Cummins 11 Azhar Ali c & b Pat Cummins 78 Babar Azam lbw Mitchell Starc 67 Fawad Alam Mitchell Starc 13 Mohammad Rizwan b Mitchell Starc 1 Sajid Khan b Pat Cummins 6 Nauman Ali lbw Pat Cummins 0 Hasan Ali c Steven Smith b Pat Cummins 0 Shaheen Afridi not out 0 Naseem Shah b Mitchell Starc 0 Extras: (b-5, nb-6) 11 Total: (all out, 116.4 overs) 268 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-170, 3-214, 4-248, 5-256, 6-264, 7-268, 8-268, 9-268. Bowling: Mitchell Starc 20.4-6-33-4, Pat Cummins 24-8-56-5 (nb-3), Cameron Green 14-4-37-0 (nb-2), Nathan Lyon 40 - 10-95-1, Mitchell Swepson 18-2-42-0 (nb-1).

AUSTRALIA 2nd innings Usman Khawaja not out 104 David Warner b Shaheen Afridi 51 Marnus Labuschagne c Sajid Khan b Nauman Ali 36 Steven Smith c Mohammad Rizwan b Naseem Shah 17 Travis Head not out 11 Extras: (b-5 lb-2, nb-1) 8 Total: (three wkts decl., 60.0 overs) 27 Fall of wickets: 1-96, 2-161, 3-216. Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 11-2-45-1, Naseem Shah 12 3-23-1 (nb-1), Hasan Ali 11-3-37-0, Sajid Khan 16-1-60-0, Nauman Ali 10 0-55-1. PAKISTAN 2nd innings Abdullah Shafique not out 27 Imam ul-Haq not out 42 Extras: (b-1, lb-2, w-1) 4 Total: (no wkt, 27.0 overs) 73 Bowling: Mitchell Starc 5-2-9-0, Pat Cummins 4-2-6-0, Nathan Lyon 9-2-23- 0, Mitchell Swepson 5-0-23-0, Cameron Green 3-1-5-0 (w-1).

beaten 101. He added useful partnerships worth 96 and 64 with David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne respectively as Australia took themselves to a commanding position. The tone was set early in the day by the Australia openers who were largely untroubled right through the first session, despite a few misbehaving deliveries. And although Pakistan bowlers tried to bowl straight, restrictive lines they were unable to check the boundaries, that were easy to pick off when there was even a slight error. Both batters were adept at playing to their strengths. Warner got to his second fifty of the series after accelerating through the forties with a slog-swept six against left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who came in only late in the first session. Warner attempted no other big shot until then. However, he had kick-started the

day with three boundaries off a Usman Khawaja in action Shaheen Afridi over that put the during his unbeaten 104 on pressure on early. day four in Lahore He had a slice of luck too, on 16, when a thin outside edge take on the spinners. But gradwas not spotted by anyone on the ually, both he and Khawaja hit field. Hasan Ali, the bowler, was their stride in the second session. The biggest threat that Khaleft dismayed on spotting it on waja faced was when the pacers the replays. Pakistan's rotten luck continued against Khawaja as got a few balls to keep low, but well, who was bowled on 31 by survived some tense moments to Naseem Shah only for the third stroke his way through to a memumpire to intervene with a no-ball orable hundred. Labsuchagne, call. Khawaja soon also survived who was intent on getting on top an lbw review against the same of the spinners, finally perished bowler when replays confirmed while trying to sweep out of the rough, and giving Nauman his a thin outside edge. Afridi finally got something first wicket. But Khawaja and Smith to go Pakistan's way with a peach of an away-seaming delivery got Australia past 300 and gave knocking back Warner's off- it another boost for about half stump minutes before the break. an hour into the final session Labuschagne, who came in before Pat Cummins declared. next, had his fair share of nervous Their domination, however, moments and was even dropped was left incomplete after Pakiby Nauman Ali while trying to stan's defiance late in the day. (Cricbuzz)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Smith becomes fastest man to 8,000 Test runs

STEVE Smith's legacy as a Test great continues to grow. When Australia's number four reached seven in the second innings of the third Test against Pakistan, Smith became the fastest man to 8 000 runs, reaching the milestone in his 151st innings. Smith eclipsed Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, who reached the mark in his 152nd innings. All-time great Sachin Tendulkar rounds out the po-

dium, after the 'Little Master' brought up 8 000 Test runs in his 154th innings in 2002.. Boasting an overall Test batting average of over 60 with 27 centuries, the 32-yearold Smith will have plenty more records in his sight. In 2019, Smith became the fastest to 7 000 Test runs in a home Test match against Pakistan. The latest milestone for Smith comes despite a recent lean period, by his lofty standards.

Since the 2019 Ashes series, Smith has scored just one century in his 29 innings prior to the current match in Lahore. Among the other Australians to pass 8 000 Test runs, Smith soared past Matthew Hayden (164 innings), Ricky Ponting (165), Michael Clarke (172), Allan Border (184) and Steve Waugh (194). During the recently-concluded Ashes series, England captain Joe Root heralded Smith's ability to keep churn-

ing out the runs. "Steve, I think is a brilliant problem-solver," Root told cricket.com.au. "He works guys out, he learns how to master each condition and the different surfaces he comes up against. "If you pose a plan to him, he finds a way to get through it.” Fastest players to 8 000

The- 32-yearold Steve Smith has rewritten another page in Test Cricket’s book

Test runs 151 innings - Steve Smith (Australia) 152 - Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) 154 - Sachin Tendulkar

(India) 157 - Garfield Sobers (West Indies) 158 - Rahul Dravid (India).Cricket.com.au)

Decoding Usman Khawaja's emphatic numbers VETERAN Australian batter Usman Khawaja has been enjoying a dream run of form with the bat since making a return to the side for the fourth Ashes Test in January 2022. Khawaja, who had replaced Travis Head, scored twin centuries in the fourth Test. In the ongoing Test series versus Pakistan, Khawaja has been scoring freely. We decode his numbers. ASHES Khawaja dazzled in the fourth Ashes Test Khawaja made a stunning return, slamming twin centuries in the fourth Ashes Test. He scored 137 and 101* for the Aussies. With twin centuries in an Ashes Test, Khawaja became just the ninth player to achieve this mark. Khawaja also became just the third player to register a century in both innings of a Test match at the SCG. PAKISTAN vs AUSTRALIA Khawaja has been superb versus Pakistan Khawaja has been in prime form versus Pakistan in the ongoing three-match series. He scored 97 in the first Test and followed it up with knocks of 160 and 44*. In the first innings of the third Test,

Khawaja slammed 91 from 219 balls. Overall, he has 392 runs in this series at an average of 130.66. RUNS WTC 2021-23: Khawaja is the second-highest scorer In the WTC 2021-23 cycle, Khawaja is placed second in terms of runs scored. He has notched 647 runs at a sensational average of 107.83. Khawaja has slammed three centuries and two fifties from five Tests so far. He is only behind England's Joe Root in terms of runs scored (1 170). He is also one of the three players with 600-plus runs. NUMBERS Khawaja's overall Test stats and performance versus Pakistan Khawaja has registered 3 534 runs in Test cricket at 45.89. He has notched 11 tons and 16 fifties so far with the best score of 174. In eight Tests versus Pakistan, the southpaw has hammered a total of 888 runs at 88.80. He has two tons and six fifties versus Pakistan. Against England as well, Khawaja has managed 800plus runs. (NewsBytes)

England on course for semi-finals after thumping Pakistan

ENGLAND are one win away from reaching the Women's World Cup semi-finals following a nine-wicket thumping of Pakistan in Christchurch. Victory over Bangladesh this weekend in their final group fixture will secure Heather Knight's team a spot in the last four and complete some turnaround after the defending champions lost their first three games. Defeats to Australia, West Indies and South Africa left England's hopes of reaching the knockout phase hanging by a thread but they have since rallied to see off India, New Zealand and Pakistan, with their latest win moving them up to fourth in

England seamer Katherine Brunt took 3-17

the standings, above India on net run-rate. Pakistan were rolled for 105 in 41.3 overs at Hagley Oval as seamer Katherine Brunt (3-17) made her first major impact of the tournament and spinner Sophie Ecclestone (3-18) also took

three wickets. Opener Danni Wyatt then punished Pakistan for dropping her on four with a dashing 76 not out from 68 balls as England reached their target with 184 balls to spare - Wyatt sharing an unbroken second-wicket stand of 87 from 89 deliveries with skipper Knight (24 n.o. off 36). Yesterday's earlier washout between South Africa and West Indies means the Proteas have joined Australia in securing a semi-final place, with the final two spots now really between England, West Indies and India, although New Zealand do have a slim outside chance. (Sky Sports)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

Jadeja named CSK captain after MS Dhoni steps down

MS Dhoni has stepped down as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain before the Indian Premier League (IPL) , and will be replaced by India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. There were rumours that Dhoni, 40, will retire at the end of last season but the wicketkeeper was retained before this season's mega auction. The former India captain is the most

successful IPL captain in history in terms of wins, with 121 from 204 games. He led Chennai to titles in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021. A Chennai statement said Dhoni "will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond". Jadeja, who has taken 127 wickets and scored 2 386 runs in 200 IPL matches, said: "I'm feeling good. I am filling

big boots - he's got a big legacy and I need to carry that forward. But I don't want to worry too much because he's still here and he'll be my go-to person for any questions." The 2022 IPL starts tomorrow with defending champions Chennai facing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening game in a repeat of last season's final. (BBC Sport)

Queen’s Baton Relay goes to Linden tomorrow By Joe Chapman THE mining town of Linden will be privileged to witness the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay during its brief stop in Guyana tomorrow when the symbolic baton, which has a built-in 360 degrees range camera, is taken by chosen baton-bearers through communities across the town. According to Regional Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Deron Adams, who has been coordinating the efforts for a splendid showing by the regional participants, he is pleased with the preparations. The relay starts at 08:00hrs with the UNICEF representative at the Bamia Outpost on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway and will make 37 stops along the way. Bearers include Adams, Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindell, Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira,

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national female champion cyclist Suzan Hamilton, Junior national table tennis player Ibo McNeil, athletics coach Johnny Gravesande, wheelchair-bound Setra O’Selmo, former outstanding national basketball player Shanna Chester and youth athlete Shaka Tyrell among others. The route in Mackenzie will be from Bamia Police Outpost to Mille’s Hideout, to Empire Drive. Phase 2 Amelia’s Ward entrance, to Police Outpost at Amelia’s Ward, Well Road, GuyOil Gas Station to Lovers’ Lane, Amelia’s Ward Hill Top, to Kara Kara Bridge to Old Guyana Stores building, Kara Kara Call Centre to GTT entrance as they leave the Linden Highway. The baton-bearers are to be supported by their groups along the route and residents are encouraged to come out and witness the relay. The baton will then be taken from Water Tank on Independence Avenue Dundalk 13:00 hrs Collective Power 13:30 hrs Dances With Stars 14:00 hrs Philly's Hope 14:30 hrs Patrick Street 15:00 hrs Elzaam Blue 15:30 hrs Inflection Point 16:00 hrs Mullacash Buzz 16:30 hrs Eskimo Komet English Racing Tips Newton Abbot 09:55 hrs Gerolamo Cardano 11:05 hrs Bolintiea 12:15 hrs Ramanor 12:50 hrs Hymac Newcastle 13:40 hrs Jems Bond 14:15 hrs Boulivar 14:45 hrs Robert Walpole 15:15 hrs Loose Lips 15:45 hrs Murbib 16:15 hrs Lynn's Boy

to Five Corner, to North Gate, Mackenzie Post Office on Republic Avenue, to Linden Museum on Coop Crescent, to outside the Regional Chairman’s Office at the RDC building then turn onto Greenheart Street to Republic Avenue, head outside the Mayor’s Office, around the Cenotaph to Old Mother Hubbard’s House in Speightland head towards the YMCA and the Mackenzie High School in Retrieve. From there, the contingent journeys past the Linden Centre for Disabled Children, Mackenzie Sports Club and Five Corner before heading up the Washer Pond Road to pass the Linden Fund Office and the Linden bauxite operations, the Linden Electricity Inc. Office, the Centennial Park, Linden Hospital Complex then towards the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge. The baton will be taken across the bridge to Hamilton’s Sawmill, past the Wismar Market on Burnham Drive, St Aidan’s Anglican Church, St Aidan’s Anglican School, Poker Street and past the Son Chapman Memorial site, to the Christianburg Waterwheel, then up Cholmondeley Hill, passing the Ice Cream Parlour to the Upper Demerara Hospital down the Back Road towards Potto’s Corner to the Christian Church. The relay ends at the Bayrock Synthetic Track. The Queen's Baton leaves Guyana on Sunday for Grenada and the relay finally concludes at the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, where the final baton-bearer will return the Baton to Her Majesty the Queen.

MS Dhoni has won 46 more IPL games than any other captain

Guyana’s Kevin Rameshwar wins South America No Bull Cross fit games GUYANA’S Kevin Christopher Rameshwar captured the first place for South America in the 2022 No Bull Cross Fit games, an achievement which also saw him being ranked 22nd among 500 other teens in the 16-17 age division. The 16-year-old Rameshwar is a proud Guyanese who was raised in the humble village of Windsor Forest and currently attends the West Demerara Secondary School at the fifth form level. Kevin started his cross fit journey at the Kares Cross Fit Gym in Anira Street, Queenstown, Georgetown when he was 13 years old. He considered cross fit as

Kevin Rameshwar in action

an extra curricular activity (in addition to cricket) and as a means of being active and physically healthy. Juggling his academics and his cross fit career were indeed a challenge for Kevin

Glasgow score... nior, U-20 and U-17 age levels. Glasgow has earned four caps for the Guyana senior team, most recently participating in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against the Bahamas (4-0), St. Kitts and Nevis (0-3) and Puerto Rico (0-2). Meanwhile, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde congratulated Glasgow on his signing, adding “we’re very proud of him. As you know he’s one of our exciting players, developed through our academy programme over the past couple of years.” With Glasgow and Kellman being two of the GFF’s most prized young players who picked up professional contracts so far this year, Forde said their move would show that the Federation is “working very hard behind the scenes to have more players go out. “The U16 Boys will head out to Europe in April is part of a broader strategy to create some network within Europe as well. “We want to see our players

who is currently a CSEC student, but he has managed. Kevin’s cousin Haresh Rameshwar managed third place while second place went to 16-year-old Brazilian Luis Fernando. FROM PAGE 27

in some of the highest leagues around the world. It has been proved that in those leagues when they come back to participate in the Regional tournaments, they will do very well. We’ve seen evidence of that in Canada, the USA and Mexico, which are the strongest three nations in our confederation and

there’s no reason why Guyana shouldn’t be part of that small group,” Forde said. The GFF boss pointed out that Guyana’s new-found wealth can provide the necessary resources that can allow them to develop players robustly in the next couple of years.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 25, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Veerasammy Permaul-5 wickets (2) Jack Leach-6 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI made the highest individual score in the recent second Test against ENG? (2) Which ENG player made the highest individual score? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

592 Beer Skills for Cash football tournament launched

GUYANA Breweries Inc., through its 592 Beer brand, will be the title sponsor of this year’s ‘Skills for Cash’ 7-Aside Football Tournament, which gets underway tomorrow at the #5 Ground, West Coast, Berbice. Cougars, Rosignol United, Monedderlust United, Hopetown, #30 Village, #42 Village, Paradise United, Airy Hall, Mahaica Determinatiors, Ann’s Grove United, Victoria Kings United, Golden Stars, Paradise and Melanie FC will compete for the tournament’s first-place prize of $300 000. The second-place team will pocket $200 000, third-place $100 000 and fourth-place $50 000. Organised by Cool Crew Promotion and Virgil Watts Construction, the tournament is in its third edition, having missed the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Melinda Telesford, Guyana Breweries Inc.’s Marketing Manager, said the company

is aware that “football is a well-loved sport in the participating communities, and it is our goal to keep the football spirit alive through partnerships like these. I’d like to congratulate the promoters of this event for organising in such a big way to deliver a thrilling experience to the players and fans of football.” Lynton Luke, head of Cool Crew Promotion, thanked the importers and distributors of 592 Beer for the collaboration, adding “this year our competition will match skills from East Coast Demerara and West and East Berbice.” He explained that “teams are allowed three guess players to help strengthen the side. Games will also be played in different venues on the West Coast and East Coast of Berbice.” Matches will be played at the #5 Village ground, Rosignol ground and Victoria Community Centre ground.

Co-Organiser Virgil Watts receives the sponsor’s cheque from Guyana Breweries Inc.’s Marketing Manager, Melinda Telesford. Also in photo is Seweon McGarrell, Head of Trade Marketing (first from right) and Co-Organiser Lynton Luke, head of Cool Crew Promotion.

Another Hall-of-Fame recognition Rob Key confirms running for for Guyana’s Praim Persaud ECB’s new Managing Director By Frederick Halley TWO years after being inducted into the USA Cricket Hall of Fame, Guyana-born businessman and cricket administrator extraordinaire, Praim Persaud, will be prestigiously honoured once again, this time with the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2022. According to the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame Committee, “after reviewing all nominations received and upon evaluation we are pleased to offer our congratulations on this most deserved honour earned through your contributions to cricket”. The committee pointed out that “we are pleased to advise that we will be recognising you for your many accomplishments and contributions to sport in our community at our annual Induction Ceremony at the Rose Theatre, Brampton, on the evening of Tuesday, May 3, 2022”. A staunch cricket administrator and former player, Persaud was inducted into the USA Cricket Hall-of-Fame in October 2020, which recognises those individuals who played the sunshine game at the highest level and have dedicated their lives to the promotion and preservation of the ideals of cricket. Persaud has been a servant

USA Cricket Hall-of-Famer Praim Persaud to be honoured again

of cricket, both as a player and administrator for the past 45 years and still continues to do so at various levels. He is credited to have contributed to the growth, development and visibility of cricket in two Canadian provinces – Montreal, Quebec, for almost 10 years and Ontario, mainly in the Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Etobicoke and other cities and districts for the last 35 plus years and counting. Persaud is also a Special Adviser on Cricket to the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, and has successfully forged a very rewarding partnership with the City Council and all respective stakeholders of planning, development, infrastructure and funding, as well as parks and maintenance, all of whom are now committed to working on the current and future growth of cricket in the city.

Currently the vice-president of Cricket Ontario, after serving previously as president, Persaud pointed out that he intends to continue his voluntary services to the sport at both the League and Cricket Ontario at the Provincial Level and to ensure that cricket is finally recognised by all government, municipalities and city administrations as one of the main stream sports that deserve both the respect and due attention as other mainline Canadian recognised sports. Persaud also wants to focus his energies in building an Ontario administration that is functional under and ‘open’ governance philosophy and is inclusive to all who are willing to volunteer their services under the guidelines of transparency, co-operation and for the benefit of all and not drive by self-interest and self-motivations. “I will also concentrate on the development of a strong and vibrant women and youth development in Ontario as we move forward as the PSO of the province.” Persaud told the Hallof-Fame Committee that he thinks he has the will and determination and have demonstrated his determination and abilities in both his professional and cricketing life to date – that he will be an asset to the organisation.

AFTER Alec Stewart pulled himself out of the contention on Wednesday, Rob Key is the latest contender to take the position of England’s new Managing Director. After a massive downfall at the Ashes this year, Ashley Giles was taken down from the Managing Director’s position last month, and Andrew Strauss filled the position on an interim basis. Strauss, who was undertaking the role of the Managing Director till 2018, was assigned the task of filling in the position with a permanent recruit. It has come to notice that Rob Key’s name has emerged to take the responsibilities. The former England batter and Sky Sports commentator represented his country in 15 games from 2002 to 2005 in the Test format. His highest score of 221 came up against the West Indies at the iconic Lord’s in the year 2004. He also led Kent for nine seasons till 2015 and has been a popular name in the sport. Though his candidacy came out of nowhere, a report, by the Evening Standard, suggested that his name was included, among others, in the list of interviewees. The other names in the

Rob Key’s highest Test score of 221 came against West Indies

list are that of Ed Smith, the former National Selector of the team, Marcus North, Director of Cricket at Durham and Tom Moody, Director of Cricket at Sri Lanka. “There’s a lot of speculation around … there’s a lot of jobs up for grabs in English cricket,” Key was quoted as per ESPNcricinfo. “A fair few people have been asked, a fair few people are going for these jobs. The thing I have is that you have to weigh up how much golf you can get in doing some of these. For me, the lifestyle thing is the big issue,” he added. Key is currently 42, and he suffered a transient ischaemic attack two years ago, as a result, will look into the responsibilities before taking

up the role full-time. After recovering from stroke, he had mentioned that he would look into why it happened to him at that age. Strauss, the interim Managing Director, commented on why he is unlikely to take up the position, again, full time. He said: “I haven’t considered that really. I’ve got unique personal circumstances that make doing that role difficult and quite frankly there’s always value in getting a new perspective and new views. “Nothing ever stays the same or goes backward. I’m certain there’s going to be some good candidates for this role.” ECB invited applications on March 14, with the due date being March 27. (CricTracker)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

North Macedonia stun Italy as European champions miss out on World Cup EUROPEAN champions Italy will not play in the 2022 World Cup after being stunned by North Macedonia in their play-off in Palermo. Aleksandar Trajkovski picked up the loose ball in the 92nd minute, drove forward and fired a sensational winner from outside the area. The goal sparked wild celebrations on the North Macedonia bench, while Italy's players and coaching staff dropped to their knees in front of their home fans. It means Italy have failed to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup, ensuring the Azzurri will endure at least 12 years between appearances at football's showpiece event. It is just eight months since Roberto Mancini's side celebrated one of their greatest triumphs - beating England at Wembley to win

Euro 2020 having been considered outsiders going into the tournament. But they have now paid the price for a disjointed - if previously unbeaten - World Cup qualification campaign during which they finished runners-up to Switzerland in their group, winning four and drawing four of their eight matches. As expected Italy dominated possession on Thursday but failed to penetrate the resolute North Macedonia defence, registering five shots on target from 32 attempts. The visitors, ranked 67th in the world, are rewarded for their defensive display with a play-off final against Portugal, who beat Turkey 3-1. North Macedonia are 90 minutes away from reaching consecutive tournaments, having never reached a Euros or World Cup before qualifying

chances.

Aleksandar Trajkovski's injury-time winner sparked celebrations with the North Macedonia bench

for Euro 2020. Four-time World Cup winners Italy, who are ranked sixth in the world, will watch events in Qatar in November and December from afar. The shock of 2022 As the players emerged from the tunnel and the national anthems played, this was billed as a routine victory for Italy.

The mouth-watering prospect of veteran superstars Giorgio Chiellini and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo meeting in the play-off final loomed large. But it was anything but routine. Mancini's side started brightly and Marco Verratti kept them ticking, but they struggled to translate their possession into clear-cut

North Macedonia came to Italy with a defensive gameplan and they threw everything in the way of the ball, as Visar Musliu caught the full force of a Domenico Berardi volley in the groin. Berardi was a rare bright spark for Italy but when he was gifted possession by North Macedonia keeper Stole Dimitrievski, who had left his goal momentarily unguarded, the Sassuolo forward could not get the ball out of his feet in time to roll it into the net. That theme continued into the second half as Berardi's movement again proved to be a threat without the final product. As he rolled his marker just outside of the area with ease, he could only fire his effort over the bar with just

the keeper to beat. North Macedonia had just 34% possession and four shots over 90 minutes, but they took their opportunity against the run of play clinically. As the ball bounced up inside the Italian half, Trajkovski, who used to play for Palermo, chested the ball away from two blue shirts and set off towards Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal. The Paris St-Germain keeper had virtually nothing to do for 90 minutes, but he was too slow to react to Trajkovski's fizzing effort as it nestled into the bottom corner. The journey is not yet complete for North Macedonia, who face Italy's predecessors as European champions in the final, but this is unquestionably the upset of the play-offs. (BBC Sport)

Rain leaves Windies Women with Glasgow scores MLS NEXT Pro contract with anxious wait after no-result

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CMC) – West Indies Women’s hopes of a semi-final spot were left hanging by a string after rain forced a no-result in their all-important final group stage game against South Africa here yesterday. Needing full points to remain firmly in the battle for one of three top four spots, West Indies were forced to share the two points as rain allowed only 65 deliveries at the Basin Reserve, in a contest already reduced to 26 overs per side. West Indies lie third in the standings on seven points, with unbeaten leaders Australia on 12, and second-placed South Africa on nine, already through to the semi-finals. However England and India, fourth and fifth respectively on six points, have one game left, and can still both overtake West Indies in the table. “The girls are still in good spirits, we always have that never-say-die attitude,” all-rounder Deandra Dottin said afterwards. “We look at things as – yeah, we had a good start to the tournament but we look at it as like, everything happens for a reason. “So it’s not the result that we wanted but we can only control what we can actually control at the time. “It’s just to look forward and just take the positives from here, and the tournament is still playing so all isn’t

Chicago Fire FC

Bowler Chinelle Henry (second from left) hugs Deandra Dottin in celebration after they combined to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt

lost yet.” Winning the toss and opting to bat following a four-hour delayed start, West Indies had reduced South Africa to 61 for four after nearly 11 overs when the rain returned to end the game prematurely. Mignon du Preez, who smashed half-dozen fours in an unbeaten 38 off 31 balls, was leading South Africa’s fightback after seamer Chinelle Henry’s three-wicket burst crippled the innings at 22 for four in the sixth over. Henry, who finished with three for 19 from her five overs, claimed the first wicket in the second over of the innings when Dottin dived low to her left at point to pull off a stunning catch to send back Laura Wolvaardt for three.

Fast bowler Shamilia Connell followed up in the next over, getting Lizelle Lee to sky to Karishma Ramharack at short mid-on for nine and Henry grabbed her second in the fourth over when captain Sune Luus scooped to her opposite number Stafanie Taylor at point to depart for one. When Tazmin Brits perished in the sixth over, slicing an aerial catch to Ramharack at cover off Henry, South Africa were in disarray but du Preez dominated a 39-run, fifth-wicket stand with Marizanne Kapp (5 not out) to stabilise the innings. West Indies will now await the outcome of England’s clash with Bangladesh and India’s against South Africa tomorrow, before knowing if they will be heading home early.

FLASHBACK! Omari Glasgow celebrates after scoring for Guyana during a Group D match of the CONCACAF Men´s Under-20 qualifying at Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal on November 8, 2021

MAJOR League Soccer (MLS) club, Chicago Fire FC, yesterday announced that the Club has signed Guyana’s Omari Glasgow to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract, pending league and US Soccer Federation approval and receipt of his ITC and P1 visa. Glasgow, according to Chicago Fire, will be under contract through the 2023 season, with a Club option for 2024. His Financial terms were not disclosed. The 18-year-old forward will join another Guyanese, Curtez Kellman, who picked up an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract with Sport-

ing Kansas City in February. “Omari is a quick winger who has the quality to make an impact with the first team in the coming seasons,” said Chicago Fire FC Technical Director Sebastian Pelzer. Pelzer added that Glasgow “has an understanding of the game that can project at the MLS level and we look forward to continuing his development.” Glasgow, who hails from Beterverwagting (BV), joins Chicago Fire from Western Tigers, having also played for Fruta Conquerors. Internationally, Glasgow has represented Guyana at the SeTURN TO PAGE 25

Saqib Mahmood and Jack Leach batted together for 36.2 overs

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – A historic last-wicket stand between Saqib Mahmood and Jack Leach utterly deflated West Indies, eroding their momentum and offering England a way back on the opening day of the decisive third Test here yesterday. On the ropes at 114 for nine when the impressive 20-yearold Jayden Seales shattered Chris Woakes’ stumps for 25 with

Windies squander advantage after Saqib, Leach heroics

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 25, 2022

the second ball after tea, England mustered a sterling response in the last session through Saqib and Leach as the pair put on a precious 90 to get the visitors to 204 all out. Number 11 Saqib, who made his Test debut in the Barbados second Test last week, made a career-best 49 off 118 balls in nearly 2-½ hours and struck four fours and a six. Leach, in at 10, struck an unbeaten 41 in an innings span-

ning 141 deliveries and a shade over 3-¼ hours, and which included five fours. Notably, it was the first time number 10 and 11 had topscored in a Test innings in 127 years. Saqib agonisingly missed out on a half-century when he chopped on to a long hop from part-time off-spinner Jermaine Blackwood in the day’s final over. TURN TO PAGE 22

GMR&SC Quarter Mile Return … Guyana welcomes the Queen’s Baton today ahead Frames Optical puts up cash of Commonwealth Games prize for 12-second class winner THE Queen’s Baton arrives in Guyana today on its journey around the Commonwealth before returning to Birmingham ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games. The Queen’s Baton Relay has been a feature since the inaugural Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips will join other officials of Government, Diplomats and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) at a cocktail reception at the residence of the British High Commissioner, to usher in the start of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Guyana. The Relay began on October 7, 2021, with Her Majesty The Queen placing her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. President of GOA, Kalam Juman-Yassin will officially welcome the Baton as it arrives at its 46th destination. According to GOA, during its time in Guyana, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Linden, Iwokrama River Lodge, River View and Annai and will experience historical locations in Region 10, the Canopy Walkway and the hinterland. During its stay in Guyana, the organisers have planned a busy schedule of activities and events with opportunities to

Guyana’s Olympic bronze medallist, Michael Anthony Parris, was one of the few who carried the Queen’s Baton during its last visit in 2018

showcase untold stories from Baton-bearers, athletes, and young people who are striving for change in their community. The Queen’s Baton will be carried by representatives of UNICEF and the British High Commission, athletes, schoolchildren and several persons in the indigenous communities.

DRAG-RACERS for the 12-second class of action will have the added bonus of a ‘cash pot’ for the winner, with Frames Optical sponsoring a cash prize. The company yesterday handed over sponsorship to the tune of $50 000 to go directly to the winner of the 12-second class of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Quarter Mile Return. Owner Vevik Joshi, himself a racer, handed over the cash to GMR&SC Executive Member, Paul Jiwanram. Meanwhile, cars from Suriname are expected later today with the final number expected to be at least five. They will come to do battle with the best of Guyana’s cars including the Team Mohamed’s GTR’s, Transpacific Alteeza and the S&D Performance Caldina as well as the KONG Supra. Tickets cost $2 000 for adults; $500 for kids, and are on sale at the club’s Albert Street & Thomas Lands venue; Mohamed’s Enterprise, 29 Lombard Street, Georgetown; Motor Trend Service Centre; Area L Foulis Public Road ECD; West Coast Customs Wash Bay, Vreed-en-Hoop, WCD; Massive Audio, Parika, EBE; Homeline Furnishing, 592 New Amsterdam, Berbice; Sukhpaul’s

Frames Optical owner, Vevik Joshi, (left) hands over cash to GMR&SC executive member, Paul Jiwanram

Business Enterprise & Auto Sales, Lot 7-8 Strand New Amsterdam, Berbice and Sukhpaul’s Service Station, Corriverton, Berbice. Racing action begins at 09:00hrs with qualifying, after which the event will move into the knockout phase.

North Macedonia stun Italy as 27 European champions miss out on World Cup PAGE

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FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022