Issuu

FRIDAY 26th February, 2021

' No.106284

CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting…

Action plan to be crafted for agriculture SEE PAGE 03

–– to create easier environment, involve young people, and increase access to capital, says President Ali

CDB projects 8.4 per cent GDP growth for Guyana

Minister Dharamlall: Local Government 02 Elections before year-end

PAGE

Coalition fractured 17 ‘every bone’ in economy PAGE

Murder suspect in ‘oral sex’ incident found hiding under bed PAGE

Small States need to access COVID-19 vaccines sooner 05 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Minister Dharamlall: Local Government Elections before year-end By Tamica Garnett LOCAL Government and Regional Development, Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, has confirmed that monies have been budgeted for Local Government Elections in 2021 while Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Minister of Local Government, Ganesh Mahipaul, spoke of the need for house-to-house registration, when the two made their contributions to the budget debate on Thursday. As the minister responsible for setting the date for the LGE, Dharamlall said that he is looking forward to seeing the elections, but said that there are also issues at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which he believes need to be ad-

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall

dressed. “I would like to commend the Honorable Minister [responsible for Finance] for setting aside resources and we are planning LGE for 2021. We have budgeted and we are planning. We

have a lot of work to do, but we really need these elections this year,” Dharamlall declared. He went on however to question the continued tenure of some persons at GECOM, who are currently

Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul

before the courts for alleged fraudulent involvement in the 2020 national elections which resulted in a long delay before the announcement of the elections result. Though the 2020 elections were held on March 2,

the PPP/C was not declared the winning party until August 1, after the elections results saw a protracted delay due to electoral fraud and a number of court cases. Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, the head

of the GECOM Secretariat is currently still before the court facing charges of misconduct in public office. Region Four GECOM Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, is also before the court for similar charges. Also before the court is GECOM Deputy CEO, Roxanne Myers. “Anyone who believes in good governance, transparency and accountability can never have Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo at the Secretariat. As the Minister of LGRD, I have the mandate of announcing that date [for LGE] and I would like to bring to the attention of the public that Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo must go,” Dharamlall stated. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting …

Action plan to be crafted for agriculture –– to create easier environment, involve young people, and increase access to capital, says President Ali

By Navendra Seoraj CAPITALISING on the potential of agriculture in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been a target for years, and while there have been many reports which have outlined the path to progression in this area, the community has taken a firm decision to establish an action plan which will outline vividly the bloc’s strategic approach. The community has decided that the plan, moving forward, entails working through a ministerial taskforce, the private sector and the sub-committee on the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), to establish an action plan to remove barriers affecting intra-regional trade and also identify specific areas where a strategic approach could be developed. “There were extensive discussions and decisions which were aimed at looking at the entire value chain in terms of creating wealth and business opportunities, while improving capacity and output, and making them sustainable to move towards greater food security,” CARICOM’s spokesperson on agriculture, President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said during a virtual press briefing following the conclusion of the 32nd inter-sessional meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, on Thursday. Agriculture, President Ali said, was discussed in the context of food security, commercialisation, and mainstreaming output into

national policy formulation. To this end, Heads of Government discussed the

craft our national budgets, ensuring that we outline strategic targets in our na-

report on the current status of the Caribbean and implications for agriculture

unable to adequately respond to rapidly growing demand for high-standard agri-food

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali outlines CARICOM’s plans for agriculture following the conclusion of the 32nd inter-sessional meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government (Office of the President photo)

responsibilities of individual member states within the region and the region itself, in terms of achieving the strategic targets. “We discussed responsibilities of governments within the region and the region itself in terms of the way we

tional budgets to support agricultural development, to support increase in yield, to support agri-business and agro-processing,” President Ali said. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, in its

policy and strategy, had said that growth in agricultural productivity has been slow and the sector suffers from high trade costs and a low capacity to comply with modern food safety and quality standards. As a consequence, it has been

products from the tourism, processing, and retailing sectors – in- and outside the region. Instead, the growing demand by these sectors in the region is mainly fulfilled by imports. The region’s agricultural sector is also

Minister Dharamlall: Local Government Elections... The eighth speaker of the day, Dharamlall also spent his allotted 30 minutes and five minutes extension, to highlight community developments that the Government has carried out across the country over the short seven months that it has been in office. The minister noted measures

contained in the budget such as an allocation of $70 million for the rehabilitation of the Mon Repos Market and $30 million for rehabilitation works at the Parika Market. He also noted that a number of roads and other infrastructural works are expected to be carried out across the country. Following just behind Dharam-

lall, Mahipaul, like the Opposition MPs before him, clearly outlined that he would not be supporting the 2021 budget. Also like the Opposition MPs preceding him, Mahipaul called on the Government to make an announcement of a fixed percentage of salary increase for public servants,

and called for more spending in some regions. Mahipaul also called on a need for the Government to increase the income tax threshold, and to announce what will be done with the National Resource Fund (NRF). On the issue of issue of LGE, like Dharamlall, Mahipaul said

constrained by large and increasing pressures on natural resources and a high vulnerability to climate change. The FAO said, however, that there is a significant potential for strengthening market linkages and much scope for farmers, fishers, and agri-food businesses to catch up with current best practices and technologies. While not identifying the specific barriers to development, President Ali affirmed that CARICOM has recognised the barriers affecting intra-regional trade, and has decided to work towards addressing them through the potential action plan. Ahead of the creation of an action plan, the community also examined areas where member states have competitive advantages and how they could build a model to mitigate differentials in instances where there is competition. When done, the community will be looking to create an environment which is easier for agro-business, one which promotes the involvement of young people and improves access to capital. Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, said the private sector is confident that it could garner funds to facilitate the movement from report to “hands in the soil,” and increase competitiveness.

FROM PAGE

he is also looking forward to the hosting of the elections. However, Mahipaul called for house-to-house registration. “It is necessary for us as a people to demand of GECOM to hold house-to-house registration for the next elections of this country,” Mahipaul said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Myanmar police raid protest district as World Bank halts some payments Myanmar police launched a crackdown overnight in a Yangon district after breaking up a protest to oppose a military appointed local official, as the World Bank halted payments to projects in the country that were made after the Feb. 1 coup. The Southeast Asian country has been in crisis since the army seized power and detained the civilian government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and much of her party leadership after the military complained of fraud in a November election. There have been daily protests and strikes by pro-democracy supporters for about three weeks, often drawing hundreds of thousands of people across the diverse nation stretching from the country. Violence broke out on the streets of the commercial hub of Yangon on Thursday

after some in a crowd of about 1,000 military loyalists attacked pro-democracy supporters and media. Several people were beaten by groups of men, some armed with knives, others firing catapults and hurling stones, witnesses said. At least two people were stabbed, video footage showed. In a separate incident, riot police fired tear gas into the Tamwe neighbourhood of Yangon to disperse a crowd protesting the replacement of a local official by the military, according to a witness and live-streamed video. Residents later said they heard repeated shots and that police had remained in some parts of the district until around 2 a.m. on Friday. “We were really scared,” said one of the residents, who asked not be named. Suu Kyi supporters post-

Friday February 26, 2021 04:00hrs Saturday February 27, 2021 04:30hrs

Riot police officers stand guard during a rally against the military coup at the University of Yangon, in Yangon, Myanmar, February 25, 2021 (REUTERS/Stringer photo)

ed on social media that they intended to hold another protest in Tamwe on Friday morning. Facebook said that due to the “deadly violence” since the coup it had banned the Myanmar military from using its Facebook and Instagram platforms. Military chief General Min Aung Hlaing says au-

thorities are using minimal force. Nevertheless, at least three protesters and one policeman have been killed in violence. WORLD BANK HALTS PAYMENTS The World Bank has halted payments to projects in Myanmar on withdrawal requests that were made

after the coup, the bank said in a letter to Myanmar’s finance ministry seen by Reuters. World Bank President David Malpass said last week it was taking an “extra cautious” approach to Myanmar but was continuing to execute past projects, including emergency coronavirus relief. Last year, the World Bank approved over $350 million in new loans and grants to aid Myanmar’s pandemic efforts and to support farmers and rural employment. The United States, Britain and others have called for Suu Kyi’s release and the restoration of democracy, and have imposed limited sanctions aimed at members of the junta and its business links. Britain said on Thursday it would sanction six more military figures, adding to 19 previously listed and

including Min Aung Hlaing. “Today’s package of measures sends a clear message to the military regime in Myanmar that those responsible for human rights violations will be held to account,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said. The army said its overthrow of the government was within the constitution after its complaints of fraud in the Nov. 8 election, swept by Suu Kyi’s party, had been ignored. The election commission said the vote was fair. The army has promised a new election after reviewing voter lists. It has not given a date but it imposed a oneyear state of emergency when it seized power. Suu Kyi has been detained incommunicado at her home in the capital Naypyitaw but her party says its November victory must be respected. The question of a new election is at the centre of a diplomatic effort by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a member, aimed at easing the crisis. Indonesia has taken the lead in the attempt and its foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, met her military-appointed Myanmar counterpart, Wunna Maung Lwin, for talks in Thailand this week. But Indonesia’s intervention has raised suspicion among coup opponents who fear it will confer legitimacy on the junta and its bid to scrap the November vote and arrange a re-run. Retno did not mention an election in comments to reporters after her talks but emphasised “an inclusive democratic transition process”. (Reuters)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Health Minister advises against taking COVID, filaria pills together

Small States need to access COVID-19 vaccines sooner –– CARICOM Chair says suppliers unable to accept orders because of purchases from larger countries

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony

HEALTH MINISTER, Dr. Frank Anthony, has advised against the taking of filaria pills on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine as an extra precautionary measure to mitigate against any potential side-effects. “There’s nothing that prevents taking the vaccine if you had filaria pills,” the minister said, but explained that the ministry developed internal protocols “out of an abundance of caution” to monitor any side-effects from the vaccine. The side-effects, he explained, would be difficult to track and monitor once the two medical interventions are taken at the same time. But, he emphasised that there is no evidence to suggest that medical issues may arise if the two are taken together. He also noted that as of Wednesday, 166,000 people from Regions Three and Four have taken their pills. And, nearly 2,000 frontline, healthcare workers have been vaccinated so far. In March, the pills will be distributed in Regions Six and 10, before the health personnel move onto the other regions. The entire distribution should be finished by May. “If we’re successful at getting about 70 per cent of the population to take these tablets, we would be able to eliminate filaria from Guyana,” the Health Minister affirmed previously. In October 2017, the local health authorities launched a reconceptual-

ised, multi-year Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign, seeking to eradicate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), commonly called filaria or “big foot,” in Guyana. Through this, efforts are made to have at least 70 per cent of the population consume the ‘filaria pills’Diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), Albendazole (ALB) and Ivermectin (IVM) – to sterilise and kill the worms that cause filaria. Filaria is caused by bancrofti worms and is transmitted by culex mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it affects the body’s lymphatic system, which functions to remove unwanted fluids from the body and transports ‘lymph’- a fluid which contains white blood cells that help to fight infections. Though Guyana is one of few countries in the Americas to still have this disease, if this year’s MDA is successful, Guyana will be able to eliminate it. The success of this multi-year MDA lies squarely on the population taking these pills, this year. If not, Guyana would have to restart another MDA and try to eliminate LF once again. “If you go beyond a certain time period, we’ll have to start all over again because that first dose medication which was distributed in 2017) would not be all that effective and when you do the second dose, it’s not going to have the same impact,” Dr. Anthony explained.

HEADS of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have called for the establishment of a mechanism which allows for small countries to have sufficient and early access to vaccines for the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19). A return to some semblance of normalcy after a year plagued by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, hinges on the ability of countries to develop immunity through the vaccination of its people. And, while Member States of CARICOM have all signed on to the highly valued and appreciated COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, the only vaccines received in the region to date were from Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who has donated 100,000 vaccines to Barbados and 70,000 to Dominica through bi-lateral arrangements. Those vaccines have since been shared with other member states. “We have not been able to access vaccines the way we anticipated… suppliers are saying they are unable to accept order from us because the large countries are purchasing them out,” Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, said during a virtual press conference following the conclusion of the 32nd inter-sessional meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, on Thursday. In a statement subsequent to the press conference, CARICOM said it is

Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley

‘dissatisfied’ and ‘deeply’ concerned about the inequitable access to vaccines for Small Developing States, like those of the community. CARICOM, as such, called for equitable access to vaccines in order to curb the impact of the pandemic, to protect its citizens and bolster the regional economy. “As the virus does not discriminate, access to vaccines should not be discriminatory, with a few countries dominating the market with their resources and their volumes,” CARICOM said. Heads of Government noted, too, that even countries with the funds to purchase, have been unable to procure and receive vaccines through commercial arrangements, given the relatively small volumes which they seek. AGREED TO SHARE Dr. Rowley had explained that countries within CARICOM have agreed that whoever gets the vaccine

will share with those who do not have. “It appears as though, for a while, we would not be able to access it in the way we would like,” he lamented. It is for this reason that CARICOM has urged developed countries, especially those whose populations travel frequently to the region, and who host the largest diaspora populations, to make some vaccines available to the community, initially as an interim supply given the immediacy of the need. CARICOM has since taken a decision to write to the Governments of some traditional partners on the matter. Other initiatives, such as the procurement of vaccines through the African Union’s African Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP), as well as bilateral arrangements, are being pursued by some Member States with the support of CARICOM. “We commend the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the African

Union, for having carved out an allocation for CARICOM countries,” the community said. Attention, CARICOM said, is also needed at the multilateral level, so the community has called on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to convene a global summit to address, urgently, the equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for developing countries, which should be held in the context of the WHO’s ACT-A Facilitation Council. It was reported recently that at the halfway point in the World Health Organisation and Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ 100-day challenge, a movement of people and organisations is now uniting together under the banner of vaccine equity. “There is a growing movement behind vaccine equity and I welcome that world leaders are stepping up to the challenge by making new commitments to effectively end this pandemic by sharing doses and increasing funds to COVAX,” Dr. Tedros said, adding: “This can’t be business as usual and there is an urgent need for countries to share doses and technology, scale up manufacturing and ensure that there is a sustainable supply of vaccines so that everyone, everywhere can receive a vaccine."

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Agriculture Sector and Budget 2021 BUDGET 2021 being the largest to ever be set in Guyana, is projected to take the country to greater heights. The agriculture sector was neglected in the last five years and a sector that has massive potential for sustaining food security, not only in Guyana, but regionally and internationally, which also accounts for 27.1 per cent of the non-oil GDP and 21.3 per cent of the non-oil export (2020), should not be taken for granted. The budget aims to minimise the challenges faced by farmers and help them to reach their maximum potential. The agriculture sector which is one of the largest sectors in the country was allocated $22.6 billion in 2021. Guyana has many farmers and over the years they have been facing many challenges such as poor drainage and irrigation systems, poor infrastructure, taxes on machinery and equipment, along with fertilisers and chemicals, limited farming lands, increased land rents and limited markets. GuySuCo having been left to fend for itself under the APNU+AFC government, has been allocated $ 2billion. With a new management team, the compa-

ny will work towards securing new markets and providing new, packaged sugar that the market demands both locally, regionally and internationally, which will be more profitable for the company than the low-value bulk sugar. The government is assessing the cost of rehabilitating the three closed estates into profit-seeking centres and looking into possible public-private partnerships and agro-industrial and agro-energy opportunities, along with product diversification. The government knows the importance of the sugar industry to the economy. GuySuCo employs the majority of the country’s workforce and the closure of sugar will result in another devastating impact on the economy as it did when three of the sugar estates were closed by the APNU+AFC government. The rice industry also has been struggling over the last five years. The government seeks to assist these farmers by reversing the increases in land rents and taxes on agricultural equipment, machinery, fertilisers and chemicals. For instance, the rice farmers under the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary – Agricultural Development Authority

will now see about $1.3 billion back in their hands annually, with the reversal of land-rent increases. The budget accounts for enhanced research and development into areas such as high-yielding varieties of rice, adoption of new technologies to maximise productivity and increased maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems, farm-tomarket-roads and the establishment of new markets. The government will also invest in constructing six dry floors in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six, which are much-needed by the farmers. Value-added rice products are also on the agenda. The government aims to keep the importation of vegetables at a minimum in order to promote locally produced non-traditional crops to reach market demands, and as such, the government is providing resources for 100 shade houses to be constructed throughout the country. Assistance will be provided to farmers who are associated with citrus production in areas such as the Pomeroon, Region Three, and the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Support will also be given to fruit production to satisfy the demands

of domestic fruit juice manufacturers. As such, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) was allocated over $1.2 billion. Three new crops have been introduced to the local market on a wide scale – coconuts, corn and soya. Coconut farmers will benefit from government-funded nurseries in Wakenaam, Leguan, Canal No. 2 and No. 63 Village on the Corentyne, which will each produce 1,500 to 3,000 coconut seedlings every three months. Farmers will also have access to affordable, high-quality planting materials and technical training. Budget 2021 provides over $70 million to support Hope Coconut Estate Limited. Corn farmers will benefit from 100 acres of planting materials at affordable prices. Corn is a staple crop which is highly imported by food sellers. The government aims to have this commodity be readily available for local markets to minimise importation. The government has allocated $500 million in providing support in the production of soya bean and corn. The Intermediate Savannah has massive potential for the agricul-

ture sector. The targeted crops for this area include soya beans, corn, citrus and other fruits, along with aquaculture and cattle rearing. The government has allocated $806 million for the livestock sector, which will be used to establish processing facilities, certification processes and tap into new markets regionally and internationally. Investments will also be made into two abattoirs for pork and pork products (Garden of Eden) and beef and beef products (Onverwagt). In 2021, $12 billion has been allocated for drainage and irrigation works throughout the country such as construction and rehabilitation of pump stations, improving access to farms in the interior regions, along with water-harvesting mechanisms for the dry seasons and reduction of flood-risks initiatives. The agriculture sector will experience major transformation within the next five years. Unlike the previous government, this government will deliver on its promises as it aims to move the country forward in becoming a developed country in the Caribbean.

A very poor budget presentation Dear Editor, AFTER observing the second day’s budget debate, it is unfortunate that I have to write this letter in an attempt to share my thoughts on some of the disturbing comments I heard from Tabitha Sarabo-Halley during her presentation. To begin, it should be noted that the very “rancid rhetoric” which she was referring to in the introductory part of her speech does not even concern the PPP/C government, but rather the APNU+AFC coalition. It was

the opposition that continues every single day to waste time on making racist statements which offer absolutely no context to their speeches that are supposed to be on the budget and the policies therein. It is rather unfortunate that amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which should be one of the main foci of every single government official, that Sarabo-Halley came to parliament, UNPREPARED, and delivered a speech riddled with inaccuracies. She noted that the PPP has absolutely no plan but to wait for a Covid-19 vaccine for its cit-

izens. She even went further to say that the budget does not even cater for these vaccines. The fact that she even said this brings me to ask, did she even read the budget? If so, did she overlook Paragraph 4.113 which states that $750 million has been allocated to support the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccines? Additionally, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley mentioned in her speech that Guyanese continue to witness annihilation of the Public Service and public agencies. My question to this is HOW? In case she is to be reminded, it was the

APNU+AFC who compromised the framework of the entire Public Service when they entered office in 2015. For example, the establishment of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service served little to no purpose, but affected the Public Service framework. Graduates of the college were placed in public agencies as Accounts Clerk IIIs. They received higher salaries than those of Accounts Clerk IIs. However, as they entered these agencies, they simply could not perform as expected. It is a fact that these Clerk IIIs had to be trained

by the very Clerk IIs that are below them. With that being the reality, I ask the question, what the purpose of the training college was if it could not even train these students properly so that they can function effectively as they entered the Public Service. This is a clear example of a visionless approach by the APNU+AFC, which compromised the Public Service and the public agencies. I end by saying that Tabitha Sarabo-Halley’s speech yesterday was disturbing to listen to as a right-minded Guyanese. It

does not go unnoticed that the APNU+AFC coalition continues to approach this budget as a political gimmick and something to bash simply because it was not their brainchild. This shows that they are not focused on the well-being of all Guyanese, but rather on painting the budget in a negative light as much as they can. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley’s speech was a clear indication of such. Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Health Minister commends work of Chinese brigades THE 16th Chinese Medical Brigade Delegation recently paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who expressed to the team his commendation for the excellent work the Chinese brigades have done in Guyana. The team leader of the 16th Brigade, Dr. Qiao Zhiming, Consultant of General surgery; Dr. Zhang Xiangxin, Consultant of Joint Orthopedics; Dr. Qu Hui, Consultant of Anesthesiology; Dr. Chen Ying, Consultant of Radiology; and Dr. Dai Dechun, Consultant of Acupuncture, attended the meeting. The two sides exchanged epidemic prevention and control, clinical medical work, and new forms of foreign medical aid, and among others. They also discussed the possibility of new cooperation in medical education, medicine research, public health and preventive medicine. Minister Anthony expressed his appreciation for the work done by all previous Chinese medical batches over the past 20 years, noting that they had contributed a lot to Guyana, including strengthening relations between the two countries. Dr. Anthony spoke

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony (third left); Captain of the 16th Chinese Medical Brigade, Dr. Qiao Zhiming (second left) and other Brigade members

highly of the important role played by the five centres of the Chinese medical team at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). That’s a good tradition that Chinese specialists share their skills and experience with their counterparts in Guyana. So far, there are five centres of China Medical Team in Guyana. There is a centre for laparoscopic surgery and an eye centre, both established in 2009, and a trauma centre established in 2015 at the GPHC, a centre for laparoscopic surgery was set up at the LHC in 2014, while

anesthesia visualisation technology centre was set up at the GPHC in 2020. At the end of the talks, the minister expressed his best wishes to the Chinese Medical Brigade and their families for the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year of the Ox. The first batch of Chinese medical brigade came to Guyana in 1993 according to the Protocol on Medical Cooperation, which was signed between the two countries on May 26, 1993. DIVERSE SKILLS The 16th Chinese Medical team was comprised of

general surgeons, ophthalmologists, acupuncturists, radiologists, cardiologists, plastic surgeons, pathologists, gynecologists/obstetrician, orthopedists, anesthetists, and cooks, 11 of whom were dispatched at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), while five members were assigned to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). Because of the influence of COVID-19, the 16th Chinese Medical Brigade just arrived at Guyana on October 1, 2020. “After completing the quarantine period and registration examination process, we had officially obtained

the licence of institutional registration of Guyana on November 16th, 2020. Our foreign aid medical work shows outstanding professionalism and compassion for patients, which has won praise and affirmation from Guyanese counterparts. By the end of January 2021, in just two and a half months, we had created countless possibilities. The 16th Chinese Medical Brigade had attended to 1621 outpatient and emergency patients,1159 inpatients, conducted 268 surgeries, treated 55 critically ill patients, carried out acupuncture 216 times, anesthesia 238 times, completed

36 deliveries and reviewed 624 radiology reports at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Linden Hospital Complex (LHC),” Dr. Dechun said. He added: “We believe that the most beautiful scenery is on the road, a better future in the far distance. We love Guyana connected by mountains and rivers, only because our 16 teammates sprinkle our sweat together and leave the footprints of striving.” Chinese Medical Brigade has always kept in mind the great trust and fulfilled its mission. It has spared no effort to do a good job in foreign aid medical work, pass on new technologies and new ideas to Guyana counterparts, and truly build a medical team that cannot be taken away. “We continue to inherit the spirit of the Chinese foreign aid medical team, which is ‘Not afraid of difficulties and dangers, willing to sacrifice, saving the life and healing the wounded and boundless love.’ We endeavour to live up to the trust of the times and our youth, and polish the gold signboard of foreign aid medical team,” Dr. Dechun said.

Christopher Jones should apologise to sugar workers Dear Editor, THE GAWU’s attention was drawn to the contribution of Opposition Chief Whip Mr Christopher Jones to the 2021 Budget debate. Mr Jones, during his address to the National Assembly, launched, in our view, a jaundiced and we daresay, vitriolic attack on the sugar industry and by extension the thousands of Guyanese whose lives and livelihoods are supported by the industry. In his remarks, the opposition Chief Whip labelled the sugar industry as the bloodsuckers that live on the backs of the Guyanese taxpayers. From all appearances, Mr Jones’ sordid view extends to Guyanese in the sugar belt. Our union

finds the remarks by such a senior member of the political opposition as disturbing and equally disconcerting. It, in our view, is a vivid demonstration of the level of contempt that Mr Jones holds for sugar workers and whose contribution he clearly undervalues and seemingly despises. It seems the Opposition’s Chief Whip is either unaware or chooses to ignore that the sugar industry for all its travails continues to make several tangible contributions to the nation. He seems to forget, conveniently, that the sugar workers themselves are taxpayers and do not get any ‘free rides’ as he apparently seeks to promote in his message which took on, from our point of a view, a clearly divisive and partisan character. The utterances of Mr

Jones, we hold, are a continuation of the mercilessness the sugar industry was shown during the coalition’s term in office. But Mr Jones’ tirade, as it were, did not stop there. He went on later in his contribution to proclaim that the sugar industry should be buried. Whether this was a deliberate or inadvertent slip of the tongue is unknown, but his remarks sent a clear message that should clear the minds of any of those who held any doubt. That is, had the coalition succeeded in a winning a second term, the sugar industry, in the words of Mr Jones, would have been buried. The Opposition’s Chief Whip outburst is not surprising, but yet again confirms the contemptuous view that the wider opposition holds for the

sugar industry despite utterances to the contrary. This has been pointed out in the past and we are sure we will see such derisive talk in the future as well. We recognise that the denunciation of the sugar industry was seemingly intended to stir up feelings of disenchantment among a certain section of the opposition’s support base, though completely ignoring opposition supporters in the sugar industry. So while Mr Jones was playing to the obvious gallery by his remarks, in our view, he has undermined his credentials as a national leader. In fact, if you ask us, he has demonstrated that he is not a leader for all but just some. It goes on to question his place in the nation’s highest forum which imbues all to

inspire national, not prejudiced, interests. In as much as we understand that the opposition may express disagreement, we believe Mr Jones’ attack, as we see it, crossed the proverbial line. He has insulted and embarrassed a significant contingent of Guyanese who have committed no wrong to deserve such a verbal lynching. Indeed, we believe Mr Jones should do what is honourable and offer an apology. At the same time, we will not hold our breath to expect any modicum of responsibility and decency from the Opposition Chief Whip. Yours sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Access to social services, sustainable development crucial to human rights –– Minister Teixeira tells UN Human Rights Council

INCREASING access to social services and advancing a sustainable development agenda are crucial components needed to advance human rights in Guyana, according to Minister of

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira. “On the assumption of office just six months ago, our Government is committed to making good faith efforts to strengthen democracy, the

rule of law, transparency and accountability in Government, and the advancement of the human rights of our people,” Minister Teixeira highlighted while representing President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, at the 46th

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), on February 23. She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on Guyana and on nations across the world. The impact of COVID-19 permeates each sector of society, and therefore, affects lives and livelihoods. Navigating this pandemic, she reasoned, requires a concerted focus on meeting the needs of people. To mitigate the adverse impact, she highlighted, “The Government of Guyana has increased access to social services, including mental health support services; enforced a strict policy of non-discrimination for COVID-19 treatment; and increased testing centres in all areas, particularly in rural and indigenous communities.” Additionally, she noted that the Government supported families with direct cash and food transfers, introduced monetary measures and, importantly, found novel ways of ensuring access to justice was afforded. “Whilst we intensify our efforts to contain the virus, we are aggressively pursuing every avenue that will lead to the complete vaccination of our population by the end of the year. In this regard, we have signed to every agreement available with the various vaccine providers,” she said.

In keeping with the mandate of protecting the health of the population, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Teixeira highlighted that the Government is trying to improve vaccination capacity. But the minister was keen on highlighting that climate change is yet another issue that threatens to frustrate efforts to ensure that Guyanese can fully enjoy the right to development. GREATER CAPITAL INVESTMENTS “As a low-lying coastal state, Guyana now experiences unpredictable and abnormal weather patterns with increased intensity which can undermine the critical objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” Teixeira said, adding: “These developments have required greater capital investments in sea and river defences and drainage and irrigation and even possible movement to virgin areas on higher ground.” These challenges, she said, require a special onus to renew commitment to the United Nations’ Human Rights Agenda and to exert even greater efforts to improve people’s wellbeing. “The Government of Guyana has taken a studied decision to improve its compliance with its human rights reporting obligations.

We view this as critical not only for compliance but also for the value of systematic reporting in helping us assess where we are and what further steps need to be taken,” she added. While Guyana is poised for exponential economic growth, she said that there must be an equitable distribution of the people’s wealth and equitable access to goods and services by addressing disparities between the different regions in the country to ensure all have equal opportunities. Guyana’s participation in the Spotlight Initiative, the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the advancement of the Indigenous Land Titling project, and the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs in the interior indigenous communities, are all initiatives which will help to advance human rights. Priority will also be given to the formation of a One Guyana Commission, to be headed by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips. Speaking particularly on the LCDS, she said, “We believe that this strategy will allow Guyana to earn substantial revenue that can be utilised to diversify the economy and create employment opportunities for our people as we did previously under the Norway Agreement.” Under this, she explained that the benefits from the Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) to flow to all Guyanese, especially to indigenous communities, where First Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) principles and the Opt-In Mechanism will be strictly observed. The minister also took the opportunity to extend deepest gratitude to the United Nations, its various agencies and Guyana’s international partners for their support and solidarity against the unlawful claim by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to a portion of Guyana’s Sovereign Territory.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Guyanese to be educated on border-related, territorial issues By Richard Bhainie THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will be channelling funds from its $5.8 billion budget this year towards the expansion of diplomatic representations and the establishment of a national public relations committee. This was disclosed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, during his Budget Debate presentation to the National Assembly, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara on Thursday. Todd explained that monies would be allocated for a national public relations committee to educate persons, far and wide, and of all age groups, on border-related and territorial issues. He noted that the matter was already raised in the foreign relations sub-committee where it was agreed that a massive public relations cam-

paign is much-needed to ensure every citizen is au fait and on the same level in relation to territorial matters. “To bring everyone on board to speak with one message to be able to ensure that each and every one understands the value of maintaining and protecting our territorial integrity so we are not going to spare any monies in this effort,” Todd said. In that regards Todd noted that funds will also be committed to regular stakeholder meetings, and he referenced a recent engagement with the media on the Venezuela border controversy. “We felt it was necessary for the media to understand context, history and the process that we’re embarking on so that we all can have a national approach treating to this particular undertaking,” he said. In relation to borders, resources will also be committed to the Guyana-Suriname border commission, which is vital

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd

in maintaining and strengthening Guyana’s relation with Suriname, Todd explained.

Pertaining to the expansion of diplomatic representations, the Government is exploring

the option of establishing a mission in Ghana, an initiative which was started under the previous administration. The Government is now looking at the financial model and the benefits that can be derived from having a mission on the continent, Todd explained. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also highlighted that the recently established embassy in Kuwait has seen significant benefits to Guyana and the Government will be expanding to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. “There’s a lot of private capital in that region; it could help us in capital injection, in terms of Foreign Direct Investment, as well as Public Private Partnerships, and we’re looking to tap into that region through our foreign relations which will drive that process for economic cooperation and integration,” he said. Not only will resources be invested in the setting up of

new missions, but will also be allocated to traditional partners. Of priority is regional and hemispheric integration, Todd noted. “Resources will be committed to strengthening our integration efforts beginning with The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). We’re going to establish a CSME unit headed by an ambassador,” he said. Of the $5.8 billion allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, $1.8 billion is allocated to the ministry’s headquarters here in Georgetown, $3.9 billion to overseas missions and $55.5 million to the Foreign Trade Department. Minister Todd noted that the budgetary allocation “is carefully crafted and aligned to give momentum to Guyana’s foreign policy agenda”.

Three to be retried for murder of fisherman AFTER almost three hours of deliberations, the jury was unable to arrive at a verdict on Thursday, in the murder of a 22-year-old fisherman, who was brutally beaten in 2017, at Ruby, East Bank Essequibo Former Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor, Mandy Sukhdeo, along with her father Surendra Sukhdeo and a neighbour, Rean Ghani, all formerly of Ruby, East Bank Essequibo were on trial for killing 22-yearold fisherman Shereffudeen Mohamed Nazamudeen, called “Sheriff” on February 14, 2017, at Ruby. On Thursday, despite further direction from trial judge, Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court, the 12-member jury could not arrive at a verdict. Given this development, they will have to be retried at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes and

will remain on remand. The State was represented by prosecutor Tiffani Lyken while Attorneys-at-law, Nigel Hughes and his associates Ronald Daniels and Sophia Findlay are on record for the Sukhdeos and Attorney-at-law Khemraj Ramjattan for Ghani. The Guyana Chronicle was made

to understand that Mandy and Nazamudeen are known to each other, since they grew up together in Ruby. Mandy had told the police that on the day in question she was walking along the Ruby Access Road, when Nazamudeen grabbed her bag and ran away. She raised an alarm and her father and neighbour came to

her aid. It is alleged that they managed to corner Nazamudeen in a nearby yard and dealt him several blows about his body. They then tied him up with pieces of wire and rope and continued beating him about his body. Nazamudeen sustained several injuries about his body and was tak-

en to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he subsequently died. Government pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh has confirmed that Nazamudeen died from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple blunt force traumas to his head, chest, and other parts of his body.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Bids opened for construction of Eccles to Mandela four-lane Highway

– over 20 companies submit tenders THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has achieved another key milestone for the construction of the Eccles, East Bank Demerara to Mandela, Georgetown highway, as more than 20 companies have submitted bids for the execution of the project. The bids were opened on Thursday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Main and Urquhart Street, Georgetown. On site were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves; CEO of NPTAB, Arvind

Parag; and Director, Mark Conway, while the bidders joined virtually. The CEO stated that the coming highway is one of many initiatives by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, geared at infrastructure development, as well as, improving and modernising the lives of Guyanese. “Persons traversing the East Bank corridor will be able to do so with much greater ease and comfort. This new four-lane highway will open lands for commercial and residential purposes, and will turn this throughway into a vibrant and bustling

zone,” CEO Greaves said. He further noted that CH&PA is pleased to be the executing agency of the multi-million-dollar project and staff will be ensuring the project is completed in keeping with the set criteria. “We can assure everyone that we will ensure this project is completed successfully, with all the required quality standards in place and all timelines strictly kept. We will hold the contractors accountable as we will accept nothing less than what they have signed up for. Quality will not be sacrificed, over expediency. Our President

CH&PA CEO, Sherwyn Greaves

has made a promise, we will ensure it is kept,” the CEO affirmed. On Wednesday last, CH&PA hosted a pre-bid meeting geared at sensitising bidders on key requirements, environmental impacts, the procurement process, and all other necessary elements in the preparation and execution of this transformational project. Further, the agency held an Inter-agency Coordination Committee (ICC) meeting on Friday, to discuss the construction of the highway. The ICC meeting featured a number of stakeholders from Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Bureau

of Standards, among others, who were given the platform to raise concerns and make recommendations on the way forward. Once completed, the four-lane road will run a length of 2.8 kilometers and width of 3.5 meters. It will also feature 12 reinforced concrete bridges with single walkways. As advertised, works will be divided into six lots: Lot 1- Eccles, East Bank Demerara, Lot 2- Agricola, Lot 3 – Rome, Lot – 4 Houston South, Lot 5 Houston North, and Lot 6- South Ruimveldt. The highway is slated for completion in November 2021. Some $1 billion is being allotted in Budget 2021 to advance the project.

Nigerian remanded on fraud-related charges NIGERIAN, Uche Raymond Okoye called “Uche Parker” was, on Wednesday, remanded to prison on a series of fraud-related charges for allegedly swindling $6.1M from his victims. Okoye, whose local address is Delph Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. He was not required to plead to 10 charges which alleged that between October 15- November 16, 2020, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained from two women a total of $6.1M by falsely claiming that he was in possession of a package intended to be sent to them. Okoye was also slapped with one count of obtaining money by false pretence and he pleaded not guilty to that charge. Leslyn Noble, Attorney-at-Law appeared on behalf of the prosecution. According to reports, Okoye is suspected to be part of a criminal network involving Nigerians who collaborate with other associates to solicit cash from

Uche Raymond Okoye called ‘Uche Parker’

their victims by promising high-valued merchandise to be delivered following the payment of a charge or fee. It is allegedly that Okoye befriended his victims on Facebook while using a fake account and promised that the items would be delivered once the monies are paid through bank transfers and

Western Union. The Chief Magistrate remanded Okoye to prison until March 17. Okoye is currently on remand on two counts of obtaining money by false pretence, demanding money by menace and that he entered Guyana illegally.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Coalition appeals CJ’s ruling on elections petition THIRTY-SEVEN days after Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, threw out one of the APNU+AFC’s election petitions, the party has moved to the Court of Appeal claiming that the High Court judge erred in law. On January 18, the Chief Justice struck-out the elections petition, 99 of 2020, filed by Monica Thomas And Brennan Nurse, who argued that the elections were unlawfully conducted and/or that the results, were affected or might have been affected by unlawful acts or omissions. Their intention, as such, was for the court to nullify the outcome of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and to declare that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is occupying the seat of office illegally. The Chief Justice, however, struck out this petition since it was not filed in consonance with the rules outlined in the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act. It is the entrenched principles of elections law that the provision regarding time must be strictly complied

with, as non-adherence to the requisite timeliness was held by courts to result in the nullification of election petitions. The Chief Justice, however, will be proceeding with hearing of petition 88 of 2020 which was filed by Petitioners Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick. That petition seeks the court to determine among other things, questions regarding whether the elections have been lawfully conducted or whether the results have been or may have been affected by any unlawful act or omission and in consequence thereof, whether the seats in the National Assembly have been lawfully allocated. Certain documents such as Statements of Polls and Statements of Recount, which are in the possession of the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM), have been lodged for safekeeping with the registrar of the court. That case will be heard on April 7, 2021. On Wednesday, January 24, attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde, SC, moved to the Court of Appeal to have

Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George

the Chief Justice decision on petition 99 of 2020, set aside. The appeal, among other things is contending that the Chief Justice erred in law and misdirected herself when she misapplied the doctrine of strict compliance by holding that such compliance related to the contents of the Affidavit of Service instead of the filing of the Affidavit of Service in a timely manner. Another ground claims

‘Bird Man’ to know fate soon

Rupert Brown called 'Bird Man'

THE Court of Appeal is expected to hand down, soon, its judgement in the case of Rupert Brown called “Bird Man” who was sentenced to death by hanging in 2014 for the murder of his reputed wife, Seema Singh. Brown, with the aid of his attorney Mark Conway, had moved to the Appeal Court to have his conviction and sentencing overturned. On Thursday, during a zoom hearing, Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards

and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory reserved their judgement in the case. A date has not been set as yet. On October 17, 2014, High Court Justice Brassington Reynolds had imposed the death sentence on Brown after a 12-member jury found him guilty of murdering Singh. Singh, 30, formerly of Richmond Village, Essequibo Coast, was murdered on May 29, 2011, at the Helena Number One Village, Ma-

Seema Singh

haica, East Coast Demerara home, where she went to visit her two children. It is alleged the Brown became enraged after Singh failed to return within a certain time and he went in search of her. Brown reportedly went to Helena Number One Village and met Singh. In a fit of rage, he stabbed Singh about her body with a sharp object. The injured woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she later succumbed.

Attorney-at-law, Roysdale Forde

that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself when she failed to consider the objective of the petition in making her decision on the content of the Affidavit of Service. A date has not been set by the Appeal Court for hearing. The Coalition has named several respondents inclusive of Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield; Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo; and representatives of several political parties. Former President, David Granger, is also named as a respondent.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Guyana could tap IDB multibillion-dollar programme to advance technology, resilience in Caribbean THE Caribbean Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) backed Build Forward, a $3.5 billion multi-year programme to help Caribbean countries sustainably recover while making technological leaps that will bring about a transformational future. The initiative includes a multi-donor facility to provide targetted grant and concessional financing for smart and resilient projects. The facility is expected to mobilise $1.5 billion in resources for a series of activities that include advisory services, project preparation and catalysing private capital for investments in resilient infrastructure, nature and disaster-risk based solutions. IDB management briefed Governors about Build Forward ahead of the Annual Meeting of IDB Group, which will take place March 17-21 in Barranquilla, Colombia, in a virtual format. Governors are the top decision-makers at the IDB – the Caribbean’s biggest provider of development

finance. “We are thrilled to have donors join our Build Forward initiative, which will prepare the people and places of the Caribbean for the future we create together,” said Therese Turner-Jones, the IDB General Manager of the Department of the Caribbean Region. “Build forward is focused on giving citizens of the Caribbean the opportunity to thrive in the more digital future. It will provide better infrastructure services for all citizens, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and bringing much-needed advanced technology into the region.” At the meeting, IDB President Mauricio Claver-Carone presented his strategic vision for the Bank in the 2021-2025 period. Governors were briefed on the human and infrastructure potential of the Caribbean, and on the importance of reforming economic institutions to ensure a sustainable foundation for growth. Many Caribbean economies have been devastated

by a tourism collapse caused by COVID-19, as well as a series of natural disasters. A key part of helping countries grow in ways that benefit all citizens is overcoming large infrastructure investment deficits, estimated at five per cent of GDP for Latin America and the Caribbean. The multi-donor facility and other financing mechanisms will help governments finance key resilient investments at a time of limited fiscal space. BUILD FORWARD Besides the multi-donor

facility, Build Forward will provide advisory services and work with countries to implement national investment plans, project banks and project prototypes. It will create strategic options to ensure that all investment assets are developed to maximise opportunities and minimize risks from climate change over their life span. It will provide advanced digital-based solutions in areas such as schools and hospitals, grid systems, highways and more. Build Forward will foster partnerships that link

private sector investors to smart resilient investments that will yield returns and solve a development challenge. Depending on the need or specific project, Build Forward will dispatch experts in the field, provide training, supply equipment and provide financial assistance. Build Forward is also aiming to coordinate financing from multiple donors, including those participating in today’s announcement before the Governors. It will leverage partnerships with organisations such as the Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator (CCSA) which is already supporting initiatives to build resilience in the region. Build Forward will provide the requisite preparation countries need to better withstand the effects of natural disasters. It will facilitate a smoother recovery process with reduced expenses for repairs and rebuilding after natural disasters. Overall, this initiative will minimize related consequences as a direct result of investing in

smart and resilient solutions. The IDB finances operations and provides technical assistance to its six Caribbean member countries: Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname. It also makes funding available through alliances to other Caribbean countries. Through an ongoing agreement with Caribbean Development Bank, funding will also be made available for nine countries grouped in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.

Woman 'busted' with cocaine in vagina gets four years imprisonment THE 23-year-old woman, who was intercepted recently at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara with cocaine in her

vagina and stomach, was, on Wednesday. sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. Tamarah Melville appeared before Magistrate

Roschelle Liverpool at the Sparedaam Magistrates’ Court. She admitted to having 775 grams of cocaine in her possession on Saturday,

November 20, 2021, for the purpose of trafficking. Magistrate Liverpool sentenced Melville to serve four years in prison, along with a fine of $798,750. TURN TO PAGE

The cocaine and Tamarah Melville

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

PM calls for COVID-19 related debt write-off

–– at Progress and Integration of South America meeting participated in the video conference. Director-General of

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Thursday, called for more to be done to help developing countries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Phillips was, at the time, representing President, Dr Irfaan Ali at a virtual extraordinary summit of Heads of State at the Forum for the Progress and Integration of South America (PROSUR). The meeting focussed on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continent. During his address, Prime

Minister Phillips said that Guyana is looking forward to working with the countries of PROSUR to combat the pandemic and to ensure that adequate relief measures are instituted, such as viable economic and social programmes. He also called for a more collaborative approach within the international financial system to consider debt write offs of COVID-19 related financing and better refinancing conditions to allow developing countries time to recover before having to repay.

Additionally, the Prime Minister asked PROSUR to focus on the surveillance of new variants of the pandemic and to explore opportunities for regional networking in order to access genetic sequencing of the coronavirus and for viruses that may appear in the future. PROSUR, which was created in March 2019, is currently chaired by Ivan Duque, President of Colombia. It includes formal member states, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Guyana. Uruguay and Suriname also

Man accused of knifepoint robbery granted bail A MAN, who was accused of robbing another man of his phone and cash at knifepoint, was, on Wednesday, granted $50,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to plead to the relevant charge. Sherman Plass denied that he, on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Mandela Avenue, East La Penitence, Georgetown, while being in the company of another, and

being armed with a knife, robbed Trevon Davidson of one Samsung Galaxy S8, cellular phone valued $78,000 and $3,000 cash. It is alleged that, on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at about 04:00 hours, Davidson was at Rubis Gas Station waiting for a taxi. As he waited, Plass and his accomplice, who were both armed, Plass with a knife and his accomplice, a bottle, approached Davidson and began to rob him of his valuables. The men escaped and the matter FROM PAGE

Woman 'busted' with cocaine ... Police arrested Melville at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday, November 20, after a search on her body revealed that she was carrying a stuffed condom filled with cocaine. The condom and its contents were later extracted from her vagina. Police headquarters had noted that the suspect, who was booked on Caribbean Airlines flight

#BW 215 destined for Barbados, was requested to be searched after she was observed acting suspiciously. Police said a physical search was done and she passed out the bulky package. She was also questioned and admitted to swallowing 73 cocaine pellets. She was arrested and taken to a hospital to excrete the cocaine-filled pellets.

was immediately reported to ‘cops’ who were in the vicinity. As such, Plass was arrested and charged for the offence. The matter was adjourned until Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

the Pan-American Health Organisation, Carissa F. Etienne; the President of

the Inter-American Development Bank, Mauricio Claver-Carone; and the Director of the IMF’s Western Hemispheric Department, Alejandro Werner were special guests at the meeting. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Two deaths, 28 new COVID-19 cases recorded A MAN, aged 38, and a woman, 79, from Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) respectively, on Wednesday, succumbed to COVID-19 while receiving medical care at a Ministry

of Health facility. These two bring the number of COVID-19 deaths for February to 17, and the total number for the pandemic to 195, with five deaths being recorded within the past 48 hours.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health has recorded 28 new cases of COVID-19 for Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Of these, four were recorded in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 17 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); one in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). No new cases were recorded for Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), or Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). There are currently four persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Thirty-eight persons remain institutionally isolated while 418 persons are isolated at home. Ten persons are institutionally quarantined. The ministry has additionally recorded 56 recoveries, with 657 tests carried out, for Wednesday. The number of active cases is currently 470. All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of

COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated

with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-

1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

Man to spend eight months in prison for stealing from store A MAN, who was found guilty of breaking and entering and larceny, was, on Wednesday, sentenced to eight months in prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The charge states that Andrew Arjune, between Friday, February 19, 2021, and Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, broke and entered the convenience store of Robin Low and stole a quantity of Digicel and GTT Phone cards val-

ued, $626,000, two cellular phones valued, $10,000, and $167,000 cash. On Friday, February 19, 2021, at about 01:40 hours, a security guard, who was on duty at Shell Gas Station, observed Arjune, who she is familiar with due to his frequency in the area, lurking around the gas station. She proceeded to the washroom and upon her return, she made checks at the convenient store and saw Arjune inside. She immediately raised an alarm to the other nearby security personnel. However, by this

time, Arjune was already escaping with the items mentioned in the charge. On Saturday, February 20, 2021, acting on information received, the police contacted Arjune in Alberttown where he was told of the allegation made against him, cautioned, under which he said “Boss I want money so I break the store”. He was arrested and charged for the offence. In addition, one of the missing cellular phones was recovered in Arjune’s possession.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Coalition’s $90M model farm rakes in $1.8M before closing down

SOME $1.8 million was made in 2019 by the Coalition Government’s Model Farm project in Region Five, after more than $90 million was invested into the project from 2016 to 2019. The initiative has since been closed down after a number of farmers won a court case in 2020 against the former Region Five Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ovid Morrison, to have some of the lands returned to them. The farmers had taken Morrison to court after they were removed from the lands when the project had started. Approximately 50 farmers had been occupying the lands at the time. The project was also mired by the theft of some of its equipment, including 10 batteries which cost of $1.006M and two solar panels with a cost of $80,000. The initiative was expected to occupy up to 35 acres of a total 49.7 acres lands at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice owned by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). It was created to demonstrate best farming and integrated farming practices in cash crops and rearing of livestock and was scheduled to be maintained for five years. The project eventually covered 23 acres of land. It was touted as being part of the region’s Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD), an initiative created under the previous government. The project started with budgetary allocations in 2016. “The aim is to promote

farmers fought against removal from the land and took Morrison to court after their produce were bulldozed and structures on the land destroyed when they refused to move. The farmers claimed

Region Five Former REO, Ovid Morrison

crop rotation techniques, proper land utilisation, processing of products, providing agro supplies to schools and hospitals and providing employment for persons in the region. According to the National Estimates, this project is estimated to cost $150M with a planned duration from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020,” the Auditor General 2019 Report had noted about the project. According to the report, as of December, 2019, a total of $90.683 million had been expended on the project; however, a check of the cash book at the farm “revealed that the sum of $1.782M was received during 2019 from the sale of farm produce”. The Audit Report did not say if any money was made from sales by the farm from 2016 – 2018. NOT PROPERLY WRITTEN UP “A Receipts and Payment Cash Book was also

Local Government and Regional Development, Minister Nigel Dharamlall

maintained by the farm. An examination of this Cash Book revealed it was not properly written up. Moreover, information contained therein was not easily comprehensible. As such, we could not determine whether all the proceeds from sales were accounted for,” the Auditor General Report said. It added: “There was no entry of supervisory checks. It should also be noted there was no evidence of reconciliation between the records kept by the farm and the records maintained by the administration.” Funding for the project started in 2016 when amounts totalling $8.341 million was invested, a further $1.286 million were invested in 2017. In 2018, a total of $41.551 million went into the project, while for the year 2019, $39.505 million was invested. The situation of the farm was highlighted by Minister

Girl, four, dies mysteriously THE police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a four-year-old girl of Charity, Essequibo Coast. According to the police, the child was found in the wee hours of Thursday morning in her bed. Enquiries disclosed that on Wednesday, around 16:00hrs, the child was playing cricket with her family and other children. However, she was hit in the abdomen by the ball, but continued playing. About 15 minutes after the child went inside the house and eventually went to sleep. About 19:00hrs, her mother checked in while she was sleeping and everything appeared normal. Soon after midnight on Wednesday, the deceased’s sister went into the said bed. The sister felt that the victim was cold and raised

an alarm. The mother came and when she picked up the child, she observed a white substance coming oozing from her nose. The child was then rushed to the Charity Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Statements have been taken and the police are currently awaiting the post-mortem report.

of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, during his budget debate remarks on Thursday before the National Assembly. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle after his debate, the minister explained that the ministry has requested a special audit of the project by the Auditor General, and is awaiting word of when the audit can be done. Meanwhile, he confirmed that the lands were being returned to the farmers who had won the court case against Morrison. “The farmers were able to get a court order to have the lands back and we are in the process of sorting out, giving it back to the farmers,” Dharamlall said. In 2018, three of the

that they had permission from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to operate on the lands. Attempts made to contact Morrison for a comment proved futile.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

CDB projects 8.4 per cent GDP growth for Guyana WITH Guyana being the only Borrowing Member Country (BMC) to record economic growth (26 per cent), solely due to the start-up of its first oil production, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is projecting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 8.4 per cent for this county, this year. According to a release, after an extremely difficult year in which the economies of its 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) contracted by 12.8 per cent on average due to the onset of COVID-19, the bank is projecting an average GDP growth of 3.8 per cent in 2021. However, this projection made in part one of CDB’s Regional Report: 2020 Review and 2021 Outlook,

released on Thursday, is clouded by the ongoing uncertainty caused by the global pandemic, a release said. In 2020, the majority of BMCs registered double-digit declines in GDP. Countries with significant tourism industries, such as The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cayman Islands, Dominica, and Grenada, were hard-hit by a more than 70 per cent drop in overnight visitors in 2020, which spilled over to affect other economic sectors. An increase in agricultural production in Jamaica could not prevent the economy shrinking by 10.4 per cent. Agriculture in Belize was affected by a severe drought from the previous year, and then a reduction in tourism-related demand. The economy contracted by 13.3 per cent.

Guyana was the only economy to record economic growth (26 per cent), solely due to the start-up of its first oil production. However, growth was lower than expected due to lower global oil prices. Declining oil prices also caused economic contraction of 11.1 per cent in Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana also saw mixed performances in agriculture – sugar production fell while rice production rose. In Haiti, the pandemic affected manufacturing supply chains. This compounded the effect of social unrest on the economy early in the year. Across the region, the fall in economic activity led to a steep decline in government revenues. At the same time, governments increased expenditure to support health sectors, and to provide social

CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith

support and economic stimulus. Primary fiscal balances worsened in every BMC, averaging -4.1 per cent of GDP compared with -1.3 per cent in 2019. Increases in unemployment rates were recorded in many countries, including The Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Grenada, and Jamaica, and are expected in most others. Unemployment rates were generally higher for women and for young people. STAND OUT In 2020, debt rose in every BMC except Guyana. The regional debt-to-GDP average moved from 66.5 per cent to 79.5 per cent. In Barbados, debt reached almost

150 per cent of GDP. While regional debt is projected to continue rising to 81.5 per cent of GDP in 2021, debtto-GDP ratios are expected to fall in seven countries, with the steepest decreases in Barbados by 8.3 points to 141.2 per cent and in Jamaica by 6.7 per cent to 97.4 per cent. While the bank does not expect a return to 2019 tourism levels this year, tourism-dependent BMCs will experience some economic recovery, led by Anguilla, where GDP is expected to increase by 10.9 per cent. This recovery is underpinned by a gradual return of tourists, which is expected in the fourth quarter of the year, and focused efforts to

roll out mass vaccination programmes throughout the region. However, recovery is subject to risks, such as new waves of infection and possible new variants of the virus, and widespread availability of vaccines for some countries. Expected oil price increases along with production expansion should contribute to projected GDP growth of 8.4 per cent for Guyana in 2021. Higher oil prices will also support modest economic growth of 0.3 per cent in Trinidad and Tobago. When the pandemic diminishes, countries must continue to address the enormous economic challenges that confront the region. Accelerated programmes to strengthen macro-fiscal frameworks and broad-based structural reforms are required to address the development constraints limiting productivity and growth. “The pandemic has underscored the importance of building economic and social resilience. We can only reduce the susceptibility to external shocks when we accelerate the diversification of our economies; broaden our productive base; and take appropriate measures to build competitiveness whilst providing adequate safety nets to protect our most vulnerable groups,”CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith said.

Stanley Edwards gets 11 years for stomping fisherman to death STANLEY Edwards, 35, was convicted for manslaughter and sentenced to 11 years in prison by Justice Simone Morris- Ramlall at the Berbice Assizes on Thursday. Edwards had earlier pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Sahadeo Sankar, 40, a fisherman of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, on January 3, 2018. Sankar’s lifeless body was discovered in front of a grocery store in the area. He was stomped to death by Edwards. Both men had been seen consuming alcohol prior

Convicted: Stanley Edwards

to the incident. State Prosecutor, Tuanna Hardy told the court that, on the day in question, the

two men were involved in an altercation during which Sankar fell and Edwards took the opportunity to stomp the defenceless man Handing down the sentence, the judge noted that Sankar’s life was senselessly taken away after an argument while consuming alcohol. Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall started the sentence ceiling at 21 years, deducting seven years for the guilty plea, and three years for time served. The remainder 11 years was imposed as the period of imprisonment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Coalition fractured ‘every bone’ in economy –– Budget 2021 geared at repairing the ‘wounds’, creating avenue for ‘heathy’ economic advancement By Navendra Seoraj DRACONIAN tax measures compounded by imprudent decisions and unconstitutionalities over the past five years have fractured “every bone” in the local economy, leaving the new government with the task of applying a plaster of paris in the form of Budget 2021, to repair those fractures and create a path to healthy economic advancement, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar has said. In a dynamic presentation underpinned by figures and references to past occurrences, Minister Indar took aim at the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition administration’s method of management, which, he said, encompassed heavy taxation and disregard for Guyana’s constitution. He accused the former government, which now occupies the opposition’s side of the National Assembly, of dipping both hands into the pockets of the average Guyanese. In direct response to opposition Parliamentarian Sherod Duncan’s, claims that the government’s proposed $383.1 billion budget does not cater for small businesses, Minister Indar, on day three of the budget debate, argued that it is quite the opposite as the new government has reversed Coalition-instituted tax measures and other ‘hardship’ measures. Premising his argument on available information, the minister said that the former Coalition administration had increased taxes by 67 per cent within four years. “Where is the tax coming

Opposition Member of Parliament, Juretha Fernandes

from? It is paid by households, employees and businesses… if you take 2015 [$135 billion tax revenue] and come to $226.5 billion [2019 tax revenue], it is a 67 per cent increase… this is the record of the former administration. “This is their government putting both hands into the pockets of Guyanese… it came from households, businesses and workers… small businesses already had a regime of increased fees and items which moved from zero-rated to standard-rated, all added costs,” Minister Indar reasoned. He said, therefore, it is an untruth for Duncan to say that the coalition administration had helped small businesses when, in fact, money was extracted from their pockets. Minister Indar reminded the National Assembly that it was the former coalition administration which instituted value added tax (VAT) on utilities, data, food items, farming, mining and fishing equipment, and herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers. Most of those taxes were re-

moved or reversed when the new government presented Budget 2020 to the National Assembly in September last year. REVERSAL OF HARDSHIP MEASURES “When Budget 2020 was presented, we passed the reversal of those measures, those hardship measures,” the minister said. Prior to the removal or reversal of those measures, the situation as explained by Indar, was one of great economic disparity, as the rate of taxation was higher than the country’s earning capacity. His reference to this situation was a specific response to opposition Member of Parliament Juretha Fernandes’ argument that the country experienced ‘explosive’ economic growth under the coalition administration. “She said there was explosive growth of the economy and that the PPP will take years to rebuild that… we recorded a 43.5 per cent increase in GDP [Gross Domestic Product] last years… it has nothing to do with

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar

their plan… non-oil economy went down by 7.1 per cent in 2020, so for them to say 2019 was explosive, that is utter nonsense and misleading,” Minister Indar contended. According to the World Bank, the economy grew 4.4 per cent in 2018 and 5.4 per cent in 2019, but even the latter increase was still lower than the country’s earning capacity, he said. “They were taxing people at a rate of 13.5 per cent and the economy grew 5.4 per cent… the earning capacity was lower than tax, so they were pauperising the state,” Minister Indar lamented. Let alone the tax measures, the minister argued that the former administration was starving the people of resources, since the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) was 30 per cent in 2017. His contention was that the coalition had argued in the National Assembly for funds to execute national programmes, but was still sluggish in implementing same. One particular case of slow implementation was that of the housing aspect

of the former Ministry of Communities, which had an implementation rate of 12 per cent. “To have 12 per cent implementation is institutional laziness,” Minister Indar argued, noting that the same sluggishness will not be replicated by the new government. TEMPLATE FOR DEVELOPMENT Using Budget 2021 as an example of the plans in store for Guyanese, the minister said it is a template for development. Specific to his ministry, Minister Indar said that $39.9 billion, which is 32.9 per cent of the government’s total budgetary allocation for capital works, has been allocated for major infrastructural projects. In a disaggregation of the intended expenditures, the minister said that $7.9 billion has been set aside for miscellaneous roads, $1.1 billion for urban roads, over $1 billion for the Ogle-Eccles four-lane bypass road, $2 billion for the Sheriff-Mandela expansion

project, and $378 million for public and main access roads. Another $150 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, while $200 million was set aside for studies on the potential Schoonord to Parika road link. Minister Indar said too that some $3.5 billion has been budgeted for the Linden-Mabura road project, while $2 billion was budgeted for hinterland roads and $400 million for farm-tomarket access roads. An additional $215 million has also been budgeted for bridges in Better Hope, Cemetery Road, Big and Little Baiboo, Groenveldt and Leonora. Other allocations include $890 million to purchase 20 pontoons and to rehabilitate span-nine of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, $367 million for the procurement of street lights and construction of sidewalks and parking lots, and $310 million for rehabilitation of the stellings at Wakenaam, Fort Island, Parika, Supenaam and Leguan. In the aviation sector, $345 million is directed to the rehabilitation of airstrips, while $2.5 billion will fund the further upgrade and modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). “This is a template for development… this shows how money is spent to create social and economic formation… this is in keeping with the President’s vision of massive infrastructural development, and his promise to build a modern Guyana,” Minister Indar reasoned.

Murder suspect in ‘oral sex’ incident found hiding under bed AFTER four years on the run for the murder of gold miner, Orlando La Cruz, the police, on Thursday, finally nabbed the 57-year-old suspect. According to police report, on February 24, 2021, between 16:30 hours and 17:00 hours – ranks acting on information

received went to the home of a 53-year-old resident of Garrison Hill, Matthews Ridge and conducted a search for arms, ammunition and narcotics During the search, the murder suspect was found hiding under a bed. He was arrested and escorted to the Matthews Ridge

Police Station and is presently in custody. The suspect, along with a 33-year-old Brazilian, is accused of killing La Cruz. On June 15, 2017, at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District (NWD), La Cruz was shot to the right side neck. He was pronounced dead at

the Matthews Ridge District Hospital. Reports indicate that La Cruz was shot after he refused to perform oral sex on one of his drinking buddies at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District. According to reports, the victim was lying in a ham-

mock in his camp when the two suspects visited him after which they began consuming high wine and water. Shortly after, one of the suspects was heard telling La Cruz to perform oral sex on him and when he refused, an argument erupted between the three men.

The suspect allegedly collected a cartridge from the second suspect and loaded his shotgun. He then placed the weapon to the right side of the victim’s neck and pulled the trigger. The two suspects then made good their escape into nearby bushes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Model Ambika Ramraj wearing one of Marcie’s dresses

to launch men’s show room MARCIE De Santos, who has been making waves in the local fashion designing industry over the past several years, is taking her career to new heights with her plans to establish her signature men’s boutique that will among other things, cater for couples seeking matching

outfits. Though mum on the exact launch date, Marcie told The Buzz that plans are moving ahead and that they will soon become a reality. “Clients are always enquiring about men’s wear; some are seeking matching outfits for their partners. So

it is a need that has existed, but only now can I move to fulfill it,” she said. The new showroom will provide polo shirts, other shirts and complete outfits for men of all ages “who are seeking a unique, stylish, classy look and who want to stand out in any

crowd.” The Coronavirus Pandemic has significantly hampered Marcie’s plans but currently, she is working on increasing the variety of fabrics that she’s using, possibly cotton and linens, to satisfy the demands of her clientele and also to attract new ones. Just recently, Marcie said she was honoured to do an outfit for First Lady Arya Ali and loved the fact that photos of the dress went viral. It is this type of encouraging feedback she receives that convinces her that she has a talent for designing. Growing up, Marcie said she has always been interested in fashion and recalled taking note of fashionably dressed women. “I would picture in my mind how I could add some excitement to their wardrobe. I used to create fashion sketches, but could not find any seamstresses to accurately interpret my ideas or give me a perfect fit,” she reflected. This motivated her to become more involved in fashion. “However, it was fate that really caused me to pursue a career in fashion. I was at university and there was a particular course that was only offered on Saturdays, being a Seventh Day Adventist, I was unable to attend. As a result, I took a year’s leave. It was during that year break I began to take fashion seriously.” Her notable achievements include winning the award for the most promising designer at Guyana Fashion Week 2008, being selected by Caribbean Export to participate in the Dominicana Moda 2013 in

Model Wadiya Cummings Alexander displaying one of Marcie’s designs

t h e Dominican Republic, participating in the New York Fashion Week 2014 and being selected to represent Guyana at Carifesta 2017. “Remaining relevant for this long in the fashion industry is in itself a great achievement,” she said. In 2009 Marcie was a member of Guyana’s delegation led by CEO and founder of GFW, acclaimed designer Sonia Noel that participated in the 13th Ningbo International Fashion in Ningbo, China, one of the biggest fashion and trade fairs worldwide. In 2011 she showcased her talent regionally through participation at the US Virgin Islands Fashion Week, and the Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Weekend in October, and the Antigua and Barbuda Fashion Weekend in November. April of the following year saw her participating in the Tobago Fashion Weekend. Despite her schedule and the competitive nature of the fashion design business, Marcie said she ensures that she finds time to give Local Fashion Designer back. Marcie De Santos

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

CEO of Anna Macc Media & Entertainment Network; Jamicia Mc Calman

Anna Macc Media & Entertainment Network is a media and production company headed by Jamicia Mc Calman. Her production company hosted Sing + Sip + Paint & Poetry; an art-driven event on Feb-

event. Persons enjoyed it all; from poetry to singing, painting and being creative and even sipping on their favourite drink,” said Mc Calman. The event was only planned in two weeks but according to those in attendance and

Gospel singer; Yonnick Adolph performing his latest single- “Your Love”

Daniela Araujo performing a spoken word poetry piece (Photos courtesy of Jamicia Mc Calman)

ruary 14. Jamicia recently resigned as a television producer to focus full time on her production company and this is one of many productions and events planned by AMMEN. It was an outdoor event that was held at the Bookland Gardens, Georgetown. Every person in attendance was sanitised, it was mandatory to wear a mask As a committed Christian by faith, Jamicia noticed that there were little to no events that were tailored for Christian audiences. As such, she launched this event as a sober, yet fun occasion for all. “Paint and Sips have become increasingly popular over the years. What made this one different from others was the fact that it was a four-fold

patrons, it was well received and highly reviewed for its authenticity. P e r f o r m a n c e s w e re done by one of Guyana’s raving gospel artists; Yonnick Adolph accompanied by Christian Sobers. Together, they performed Yonnick’s latest hit single; “Your Love”. Tondicka Austin and Daniela Araujo both performed touching spoken word poetry, while Nicasey Gordon- Abrams warmed hearts with a SOEM (what she refers to as a combination of a song and poem). The mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell and her family was also in attendance. Sing + Paint + Sip & Poetry would not have been possible without

the sponsorship and collaborations of businesses such as; Dahlia L’artista, Pressy’s Gift Shop, Flava Unit Kitchen Décor on a

budget, Sach Soap, Massey Distribution and Banks DIH Ltd. Jamicia and her team at Anna Macc Media & Entertainment Network also

mentioned to The Buzz that they are currently working to make this production possible in other regions of Guyana in the coming

months due to the excitement and well received reviews. The team even hopes to make this event a virtual one in the near future.

debut with Time to Dance

BRITISH actress Isabelle Kaif, sister of well-known actress Katrina Kaif, is making her Bollywood debut with ‘Time to Dance’ opposite Hero’s Sooraj Pancholi. Kaif, 30, is portraying a ballroom Latin dancer, alongside Pancholi, also 30, who will be in the role of a street dancer. The dance film is directed by Stanley D’Costa, produced by Bhushan Kumar and also stars Waluscha De Sousa, Saqib Saleem, Rajpal Yadav, and Sammy John Heaney. It is scheduled for a March 12 release. The trailer released last Thursday showing Kaif’s passion for dancing as she finds love in the process. Being on top of her game, an accident caused her to lose everything. Just when she thought she would have to abandon her dreams, Pancholi

steps in to be her partner and help her get back in the groove. Bollywood has seen its fair share of dance genre movies, as latest as last year when Street Dancer 3D was released. Directed by Remo D’Souza, it was also produced by Bhushan Kumar, along with Krishan Kumar and Lizelle D’Souza under the banners T-Series and Remo D’Souza Entertainment. Street Dancer starred Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhu Deva and Nora Fatehi in title roles, and marked Fatehi’s first in a title role. The story explored a dance competition between Indian and Pakistani dancers. Meanwhile, Pancholi is making a come-back with Time to Dance following his Hero movie debut IN 2015 opposite Suniel Shetty’s daughter, Athiya Shetty, for which he received

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Isabelle Kaif

Sooraj Pancholi

the Filmfare Award for Best New Newcomer. Hero is an Indian Hindi-language romantic action film directed by Nikkhil Advani and co-written by Umesh Bist, a remake of Subhash Ghai’s 1983 blockbuster film of the same name, which stars Jackie Shroff. Pancholi’s parents, Zarina Wahab and Aditya Pancholi, are also actors. Pancholi’s career appeared to have been stalled, especially with the baggage he has hanging over his head with the death of his girlfriend Jiah Khan who died by suicide. A note she left had sighted relationship problems between her and Pancholi. Pancholi was subsequently arrested and formally charged with abetting the suicide.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Ruthless Hetmyer, Reifer ...

TURN FROM BACK PAGE boundary for the last 46 deliveries of the innings. “When we dropped Hetty there I think that was the turning point in the game. He’s a really crucial player for them and I think he played a very special innings after that,” said a disappointed Ambris. In reply, the 22-year-old Athanaze put on 54 for the first wicket with Hodge but the partnership required 79 deliveries, placing enormous pressure on the chase and leaving the required rate at nearly seven runs per over. Once Hodge was run out by Imlach’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end in the 14th over, Athanaze put on 23 for the second wicket with Andre Fletcher (8) and another 23 for the third with Ambris, before missing a reverse sweep at Motie and falling lbw in the 27th over after striking four fours and a six. Keron Cotty (11) holed out to long on off off-spinner Kevin Sinclair in the 30th at 113 for four with the required rate at nearly nine and Ambris struck three fours in a run-a-ball knock, in a 31-run fifth wicket stand with Stoute, before becoming Motie’s second wicket in the 35th over. Tottering on 144 for five, the pressure told on Volcanoes lower order and it collapsed beneath the weight.

SCOREBOARD JAGUARS Innings C Hemraj c McSween b John 24 T Imlach c wkp Stewart b Jordan 14 S Hetmyer c wkp Stewart b Stoute 113 C Barnwell lbw b Jordan 8 *L Johnson c Stoute b Jordan 0 R Reifer c Fletcher b John 90 +A Bramble c Fletcher b John 14 R Shepherd not out 11 K Sinclair not out 9 EXTRAS: (lb7, w15) 22 TOTAL: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 305 Did not bat: G Motie, V Permaul. Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-44, 3-63, 4-63, 5-257, 6-273, 7-286. Bowling: McSween 10-2-45-0 (w2), Athanaze 3-0-30-0, John 10-0-42-3 (w1), Jordan 10-1-45-3 (w3), Ambris 6-0-36-0 (w7), Edward 4-0-42-0, Stoute 5-0-35-1, Hodge 2-0-23-0 (w2).

VOLCANOES Innings K Hodge run out 28 A Athanaze lbw b Motie 58 A Fletcher c Imlach b Permaul 8 *S Ambris c wkp Bramble b Motie 27 K Cottoy c Hetmyer b Sinclair 11 K Stoute c wkp Bramble b Motie 28 R John b Hemraj 1 +E Stewart c Barnwell b Motie 14 L Edward not out 21 R Jordan run out 9 P McSween b Hemraj 1 EXTRAS: (w4) 4 TOTAL (all out, 46.2 overs) 210 Fall of wickets: 1-54, 2-77, 3-100, 4-113, 5-144, 6-151, 7-178, 8-178, 9-206, 10-210. Bowling: Hemraj 9.2-0-35-2, Shepherd 7-1-43-0, Sinclair 8-0-33-1, Reifer 5-0-11-0, Permaul 7-0-35-1, Motie 10-0-53-4. Man-of-the-Match: Shimron Hetmyer.

Former U.S. Olympics coach dies by suicide after being charged By Frank Pingue

(REUTERS) - Former U.S. Olympic gymnastics coach John Geddert, who had ties to disgraced team doctor Larry Nassar and was charged earlier on Thursday with human trafficking and sexual assault, has since died by suicide, authorities said. According to court documents filed in Eaton County, Geddert was charged with 20 counts of human trafficking, one count of first-degree sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, criminal enterprise and lying to a police officer. “My office has been notified that the body of John

Geddert was found late this afternoon after taking his own life. This is a tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. Geddert’s attorney’s office confirmed to Reuters that he was deceased but declined further comment when asked about the circumstances surrounding his death. Geddert was coach of the women’s team known as the “Fierce Five” that won gold at the 2012 Olympics and the former owner of the Lansing-area Twistars USA Gymnastics Club for elite athletes where Nassar treated gymnasts. The two sexual assault

charges stem from an incident in 2012, court documents showed. “These allegations focus around multiple acts of verbal, physical and sexual abuse perpetrated by the defendant against multiple young women,” Nessel said in an earlier statement. “I am grateful for these survivors coming forward to cooperate with our investigation and for bravely sharing their stories.” According to the Attorney General’s office, Geddert used his reputation as an Olympic-level coach and promised parents that he could turn his students into world-class athletes. The Attorney General’s office said that under the

guise of coaching, Geddert reportedly subjected multiple young women to an environment of continued abuse, in which he also neglected advice of medical doctors – except that provided by Nassar, who served for around 20 years as Geddert’s team physician. Geddert was suspended by USA Gymnastics in January 2018. Former USA Gymnastics doctor Nassar has been given two prison sentences in Michigan of 40 to 125 years and 40 to 175 years for molesting young female gymnasts. He is also serving a 60year federal term for child pornography convictions.

GCB elections to go ahead today at Umana Yana By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE deeply divisive administrative struggle, which at times has threatened the future of cricket locally, is almost over after Justice Franklyn Holder quashed an application to prevent the holding of a free and fair election of executive members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

As a result of this, the elections will go ahead for the first time in 11 years, which will end the politicking, controversies, and drama that have been regular features in the administration of the game locally. Information reaching Chronicle Sport last evening indicated that an application for the injunction to stop the GCB elections was refused by Justice Holder yesterday afternoon on the basis of no reasonable grounds. The election process is billed for noon today at the Umana Yana, and from all indications, businessman Bissoondyal Singh is favoured to win the top post. Up to late last evening, Singh, who is the current Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) president, and also president of the legally installed East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), remains the lone presidential candidate. Singh is expected to garner all nine votes from both DCB and Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), the two County boards which were in full compliance with the Cricket Ombudsman, Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran’s notice, where the three boards were asked to provide their list of delegates

at 16:00hrs yesterday. The Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) which also has nine votes at the GCB elections, failed to submit their list of delegates when the deadline for submission expired. It is somewhat surprising that the ECB decided not to take part in today’s GCB elections, since they have done so in every other election in the past. Meanwhile, all attempts to ascertain why the ECB decided against the submission of delegates proved futile. Both the secretary Otto Christiani and the board’s marketing manager, Andy Ramnarine, refused to respond when asked on issue. Only yesterday, former Essequibo cricket administrators, Elroy Stephney and Sheik Ahmad, who have endorsed Singh as “absolutely the right man” to lead the local governing body for cricket, called on the ECB to be a part of the electoral process, taking into consideration the enormous challenges facing the game both on and off the field in the Cinderella County. Today’s long-awaited election was set by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. The minister’s move stems

from consultations with CWI, pursuant to the requirements of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act and on the heels of the DCB elections held last Friday. Elections at the GCB level have not been held since 2012. The Cricket Administration Act was restored to its original condition last September. It clearly states that the first elections of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) by law should be called by the Minister of Sport in consultation with the West Indies Cricket Board (now Cricket West Indies). A section of the Act also addressed the issue of phantom voting for the election of persons for administrative positions and at the same time will give limited power to the Minister of Sport. The role of the minister under the legislation will be only to appoint the Ombudsman and his role ceases. The Act, as a previous article in Chronicle Sport had pointed out, also provides for better financial accountability with the cricket board being required to present timely audited financial reports to the National Assembly as well as the National Sports Commission (NSC).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

India win astonishing third Test in two days By Matthew Henry

ENGLAND succumbed to a 10-wicket defeat against India inside two days of an astonishing third Test in Ahmedabad. On a scarcely believable day when both sides collapsed and 17 wickets fell in two sessions, India completed the quickest Test win since 1935 not long into the final session. England began the day with a thrilling fightback, turning India’s overnight 99-3 into 145 all out. But, faced with a first-innings deficit of 33, England were bowled out for 81 as India’s spinners ran riot once again. In a frenzied start to their second innings, England lost Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow within three balls - both bowled by Axar Patel. Ben Stokes and Joe Root briefly calmed the raucous atmosphere but their dismissals in consecutive overs sparked a sorry procession to England’s lowest Test total in India. Spinners were respon-

sible for every wicket to fall on the day - and 28 of the 30 in the match - Joe Root taking 5-8 in the first session, Axar 5-32 and Ravichandran Ashwin 4-48, including his 400th Test scalp.

ENGLAND BLOWN AWAY ON WILD DAY If the first day of this Test was remarkable - England bowled out for 112 despite winning the toss - the second

England have been bowled out for less than 200 in five consecutive innings

India cruised to their target of 49 inside eight overs, an incredible game wrapped up before the floodlit conditions of a day-night Test could have an impact. Victory gave India, who lost the first Test, an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series with one match to play and ended England’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final this summer.

Guptill hits 97 as Kiwis beat Aussies in T20 thriller Martin Guptill has scored 2 718 runs at an average of 31.97 in 96 T20s for New Zealand

MARTIN Guptill fell three runs short of a third Twenty20 international century as he helped New Zealand to a thrilling four-run win over Australia in Dunedin. The opener smashed eight sixes and six fours on his way to 97 off 50 balls as the hosts posted 219-7. Australia rallied from 113-6 with Marcus Stoinis hitting 78 off 37 deliveries before he was caught off the penultimate ball of the game. Victory gave New Zealand a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The third game takes place in Wellington on Wednesday. New Zealand lost Tim Seifert early before Guptill shared a 131-run stand with captain Kane Williamson, who made 53, in front of a sell-out crowd at University Oval. Mitchell Santner reduced Australia to 113-6, dismissing Ashton Agar and Mitchell Marsh for ducks with consecutive balls on his way to figures of 4-31. But Australia rallied with powerful batting from Stoinis and Daniel Sams, who scored 41, as they targetted the short boundaries in a rapid partnership of 92. The tourists needed 15 off the last over but Jimmy Neesham had Sams caught at deep mid-wicket with the first ball, before Stoinis - needing a six and a four off the last two deliveries to win - holed out at long-on. (BBC Sport)

was one of the most incredible in recent memory. Neither side got to grips with a turning pitch, at least not until India’s chase when England were demoralised after their second collapse of the game. The 17 wickets fell in 53 overs for the loss of 127 runs, the match over with almost 30 overs remaining on the second day. The fact that Root,

a part-time off-spinner, claimed such extraordinary figures showed the difficulties faced by batsmen. The spinners found extravagant turn but wickets often fell to deliveries that skidded on. Although England’s fightback brought them back into the contest, the skill and relentless accuracy of Axar and Ashwin proved too much for a side that also collapsed twice in the second-Test defeat. Had England mustered another 100 runs India would have had a difficult chase. Instead, under little pressure, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma cantered to victory in one-day mode to the delight of the crowd in the world’s largest cricket stadium.

ENGLAND’S DEFEAT IN NUMBERS England lasted 476 balls across two innings - the fifth fewest in their Test history. England scored less than 200 runs in the game for only the seventh time, and the third since 1904. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings 112 INDIA 1st innings o/n 99-3 Rohit Sharma lbw Jack Leach 66 Shubman Gill c Zak Crawley b Jofra Archer 11 Cheteshwar Pujara lbw Jack Leach 0 Virat Kohli b Jack Leach 27 Ajinkya Rahane lbw Jack Leach 7 Rishabh Pant c Ben Foakes b Joe Root 1 Ravichandran Ashwin c Zak Crawley b Joe Root 17 Washington Sundar b Joe Root 0 Axar Patel c Dominic Sibley b Joe Root 0 Ishant Sharma not out 10 Jasprit Bumrah lbw Joe Root 1 EXTRAS: (b-2, lb-2, w-1) 5 TOTAL: (all out, 53.2 overs) 145 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-34, 3-98, 4-114, 5-115, 6-117, 7-125, 8-125, 9-134. Bowling: James Anderson 13-8-20-0, Stuart Broad 6-1-16-0, Jofra Archer 5-2-24-1, Jack Leach 20-2-54-4, Ben Stokes 3-0-19-0, (w-1), Joe Root 6.2-3-8-5.

ENGLAND 2nd innings Zak Crawley b Axar Patel 0 Dominic Sibley c Rishabh Pant b Axar Patel 7 Jonny Bairstow b Axar Patel 0 Joe Root lbw Axar Patel 19 Ben Stokes lbw Ravichandran Ashwin 25 Ollie Pope b Ravichandran Ashwin 12 Ben Foakes lbw Axar Patel 8 Jofra Archer lbw Ravichandran Ashwin 0 Jack Leach c Ajinkya Rahane b Ravichandran Ashwin 9 Stuart Broad not out 1 James Anderson c Rishabh Pant b Washington Sundar 0 EXTRAS: 0 TOTAL: (all out, 30.4 overs) 81 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-0, 3-19, 4-50, 5-56 Root, 6-66, 7-68, 8-80, 9-80. Bowling: Axar Patel 15-0-32-5, Ravichandran Ashwin 15-348-4, Washington Sundar 0.4-0-1-1. INDIA 2nd innings Rohit Sharma not out Shubman Gill not out EXTRAS: (b-8, lb-1) TOTAL: (7.4 overs) Bowling: Jack Leach 4-1-15-0, Joe Root 3.4-0-25-0.

25 15 9 49

England ask match referee for ‘consistency’ amid third-umpire frustrations By George Dobell ENGLAND captain and coach have asked the match referee to ensure “consistency” in the process by which the TV umpire comes to decisions after more contentious moments on the first day of the third Test in Ahmedabad. Joe Root and Chris Silverwood went to see Javagal Srinath, ICC match referee, after the end of the first day’s play to register their frustrations after two decisions - both of which went India’s way - were made, in their view, unusually quickly. In the first instance, Shubman Gill was reprieved by the TV umpire, C, Shamshuddin, when replays suggested Ben Stokes, at slip, may have failed to complete a catch cleanly. In the second, Rohit Sharma was adjudged not out after an appeal for a stumping. On both occasions, Shamshuddin appeared to come to his decision surprisingly quickly and without recourse to the numerous angles which usually accompany the decision-making process. At one stage, Root could be heard on the stump mics asking the on-field umpires why only one camera angle had been utilised when he felt a different one could have provided more certainty. By contrast, when Jack Leach edged a low chance earlier in the day, Shamshuddin was

provided with various angles - including one from a stump camera - before coming to his decision. These incidents follow those in the second Test where Ajinkya Rahane survived a review for a bat-pad catch when the TV umpire on that occasion, Anil Chaudhary, failed to review the correct passage of play. Rohit also survived another close call for a stumping with only one angle of the incident available.

consistency in the process. The match referee said the captain was asking the right questions of the umpires.” ICC officials have been contacted for comment England have clashed with Shamshuddin previously. He stood down - reportedly due to ill health - from a T20I series decider between England and India in 2017 after Eoin Morgan expressed “extreme frustration” with his performance. Zak Crawley, the one England batsman who emerged from the wreckage of a poor batting performance with any credit, admitted his side’s “frustrations.” “When we batted, Jack Leach had a similar sort of one (low catch, similar to the

Stokes dismissal) where it didn’t quite carry and it seemed like they looked at it from five or six different angles,” Crawley said. “When we were fielding it seemed like they looked at it from one angle “That’s where the frustrations lie. I can’t say whether they were out or not out, but I think the frustrations lie with not checking more thoroughly.” The ICC have decided to dispense with neutral umpires during the COVID-19 pandemic in light of the difficulties with international travel. They have attempted to compensate for any possibility of unconscious bias by providing teams with an extra review per innings.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

England cricket coach Chris Silverwood

As a result, Root and Silverwood went to see Srinath after stumps. “The England captain and head coach spoke with the match referee after play,” an England team spokesperson said. “The captain and head coach acknowledged the challenges the umpires faced and asked respectfully that in making any decisions there was

Friday, February 26, 2021 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

(1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Courtney Walsh-5/1 (Sharjah, 1986) Farveez Maharoof-6/14 (Mumbai, 2006)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI has scored most ODI runs against SL to date? (2) Which SL has compiled most ODI runs against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

S. Jagmohan Hardware and Construction Edwards - first female president of England’s cricketers union Services tourney officially launched

LGC president Patanjilee Persaud (left) stands alongside LGC PRO Anasha Ally who receives the sponsorship cheque from a S. Jagmohan representative in the presence of Project Manager Vidya Mangalram

THE S. Jagmohan Hardware and Construction Services (SJHCS) Company, assured of their social responsibilities, officially launched the S. Jagmohan Hardware and Construction Golf Tournament yesterday at the company’s office located in Campbellville. The tournament, which is organised by the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), is scheduled for tomorrow at the Lusignan Golf Course under strict COVID-19 guidelines and tees off at 12:00hrs (noon). This will be the Club’s third golf tournament of the year operating under the pandemic parameters. Yesterday’s simple ceremony included representatives of the sponsor who pledged their continued support to the sport in the presence of the executives of the LGC. Project Coordinator of the company, Vidya Mangalram, stated that they are elated to honour some aspects of their core social responsibilities, stating that they were ecstatic to present the cheque to support the tournament. President of LGC, Patanjilee Persaud, was grateful for the backing of the sponsors and noted that all COVID-19 precaution-

Charlotte Edwards made 309 appearances for England and captained them on 220 occasions

ary measures will be in place for the tournament. He also added that special prizes will also be up for grabs. Upon receiving the sponsorship cheque, the Club’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Anasha Ally, said, “As a representative of the Lusignan Golf Club I am very happy to be the recipient of this cheque, to what promises to be a grand tournament on Saturday (tomorrow). We look forward to the participation of many of our members and other golfers and the presence of this esteemed company.” SJHCS has been in operation for over 20 years and has now grown to become one of the largest construction companies in Guyana. The company continues to expand and diversify its investments and while focussing primarily on infrastructure projects SJHCS has ventured into sawmilling and potable water wells construction. With growing investments in infrastructural projects in Guyana and the increased demand for asphalt, the company is currently constructing a concrete lant and its second asphaltic concrete plant.

Andre McCarthy joins illustrious company By Charwayne Walker

SINCE sponsored Regional one-day cricket (the Gillette Cup) started in 1976, eight bowlers have captured hat-tricks. Andre McCarthy became the first Jamaican to achieve the feat joining Eldine Baptiste, Malcolm Marshall, John (The Dentist) Maynard, Rajendra Dhanraj, Kieron Pollard, Anthony Martin, Sunil Narine and Clinton Pestano. First to achieve the feat was Antiguan Leeward Islands Eldine (Soca) Baptiste. Playing in the 1982 Geddes Grant Harrison Line final against Barbados at the Antigua Recreation Ground,. Baptiste dismissed Desmond Haynes, Alvin Greenidge and Carlisle Best with consecutive deliveries. The late great Malcolm Denzil Marshall emulated Baptiste’s feat in 1983 against Guyana at the (Mecca) Kensington Oval. The master victims were William Whyte, Kamal Singh and Roger Harper. Leeward Islands Nev-

isian John (The Dentist) Maynard joined the hat-trick list with spectacular debut against Trinidad and Tobago at Grove Park in Charlestown Nevis. His victims were Michael Carew, Narine Bidhesi and Anthony Gray.

neth Wong and Roger Harper. Dhanraj’s compatriot Kieron Pollard became the fifth Regional bowler to perform the hat-trick in 2008 vs the Leeward Islands and GCC, Bourda

Andre McCarthy becomes the first Jamaican to achieve a hat-trick Regional one-day cricket

Trinidadian leg-spinner Rajendra Dhanraj added his name to the hat-trick list with a sensational performance against Guyana at GCC, Bourda in the 1996 Shell Sandals Final that Trinidad and Tobago won by 9 runs. His victims were Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ken-

was the venue again. His victims were Wilden Cornwall, Devon Thomas and Justin Athanaze. Leeward Islands (Antiguan) leg-spinner Anthony Martin was next on the hattrick list 2010 vs arch rivals Windward Islands at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamai-

ca. Lynden James, Shane Shillingford and Mervin Matthew were his victims. Another spinner, mystery-man Sunil Narine added his name to the coveted list in February 2018 vs Windward Islands at the 3Ws Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Narine’s victims were Kavern Hodge, Delorn Johnson and Kesrick Williams. Guyanese fast bowler Clinton Pestano silenced the Brian Lara Academy in October 2018 when he sent packing Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard and the champ Dwayne Bravo with consecutive deliveries - a performance that propelled Guyana to a 75-run victory. Three years later - 2021 - Jamaican Andre McCarthy had fans in Kingston dancing and fans in Bridgetown crying with a magical spell of 6 for 16 that included a hat-trick. His victims were Ashley Nurse, Akeem Jordan and Chemar Holder. All of this magic happened at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

ENGLAND great Charlotte Edwards has become the first female president of the Professional Cricketers’ Association. An outstanding top-order batsman, Edwards scored over 10 000 runs in more than 300 matches during an international career that lasted from 1996 to 2016. Edwards, who succeeds Graham Gooch, another former England captain, was elected for an initial two-year term at yesterday’s annual general meeting of the PCA, which represents all professional cricketers playing in England. “I’m hugely honoured to be given such a prestigious title in being the president of the PCA,” said Edwards in a statement. “It’s an exciting time for women’s cricket and I’m really excited about what I can bring to the role.” A four-time Ashes winner, Edwards was England captain when they won both limited-overs World Cups in 2009 while she remains the country’s leading run-scorer in both women’s one-day internationals and Twenty20s. Edwards is now the coach of the Southern Vipers and will take up a similar role with the women’s team at the Southern Brave in English domestic cricket’s new Hundred competition, which gets underway in the upcoming 2021 season. The 41-year-old was among the first female cricketers to receive an England central contract in 2014. And she takes up her new post just a few months after the England and Wales Cricket Board handed out full-time domestic deals to 41 female players. “I think the introduction of 41 new female members to the PCA has shown it’s the right time to have a female PCA president, but I’m passionate about looking after the interests of the men’s game as well in order to help cricket thrive as a whole,” said Edwards.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 2021

Nicola Ramdyhan among top athletes honoured in Atlanta during Black History Month By Rawle Toney

GUYANA’S Nicola Ramdyhan is one of six student-athletes in Georgia from among the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), to be highlighted during the celebration of Black History Month. High above downtown Atlanta on Tuesday, Nicola Ramdyhan’s face could be seen all over the city’s skyline as streams of people rolled into the South’s largest city. “It’s so cool,” Ramdyhan said while looking up at the building. “I’m really excited. I’ve never seen myself on a building like this. It’s really a big deal.” Nicola, daughter of lo-

Nicola Ramdyhan points to her name boldly displayed on a building in Atlanta, in recognition for outstanding achievement in tennis in the the State of Georgia

Ashwin becomes 2nd quickest to 400th Test wicket mark

cal tennis coach Shelly-Daly Ramdyhan, is on a Tennis scholarship at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), which competes within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division II. Fittingly, Ramdyhan said she wants this honour to be something that others in her home country can reach for. reward “It’s just a sight that I hope will encourage athletes back home, especially the younger tennis players, that there are a lot of opportunities out there,” she said. “You just have to believe in yourself and that you can achieve anything above and beyond. “Clark Atlanta has given me a whole lot of opportunities that I didn’t think were even existent before,” Ramdyhan said, adding that “it’s a pretty big deal”. According to Ramdyhan, the initiative is that of Georgia’s Own Credit Union, to highlight HBCU student-athletes.

“One of Atlanta’s greatest resources is its HBCUs and we wanted to find a unique way to honour the people that make these institutions so vibrant during Black History Month,” said Dave Preter, president and CEO of Georgia’s Own Credit Union. Ramdyhan was also one of the two people, from the six athletes, to receive a $1 000 grant from the Credit Union. The 23-year-old will wrap-up her four years at the University in May with a degree in Accounting and plans to pursue her Masters in the same field. Ramdyhan has been shining brightly during her time with the Panthers. The former St Joseph and Bishops’ High student has been on her University’s Dean List and has been a scholar athlete every semester since she stepped on campus. A member of Phi Kappa Phi honour fraternity, Ramdyhan is also a member of the CAU Isabella

T. Jenkins Honours and Scholars Programme and has been an All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All Academic pick every year. She was one of all eight members of the CAU tennis team who were last summer named to the 2020 Division II Women’s Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s All-Academic Team and who were named ITA Scholar Athletes. On the court she was the SIAC’s Freshman-ofthe-Year in 2018 after going 14-4 in singles competition and was a key member of the Lady Panthers’ 2019 SIAC championship squad. Ramdyhan also finds time to volunteer her time teaching tennis basics to youngsters in Southwest Atlanta’s Healing Community Centre and serving as a VITA volunteer tax preparer in Atlanta’s West End community. And now, for at least one day, she is part of the Atlanta skyline on a building taller than any in Guyana.

GFF pays tribute to former Golden Jaguar Ashwin surpasses Hadlee, Steyn to achieve 400 Test wickets; becomes 2nd quickest to the mark

INDIA off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin achieved a huge feat on Day 2 of the 3rd Test against England at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, when he dismissed England all-rounder Jofra Archer for a duck. The right-hander was trapped on the legs as the Indian team made a huge appeal. The umpire gave it out - but Archer decided to review the call. But the replays showed that the ball was hitting the stumps, and Archer had to walk back. With the wicket, Ashwin claimed his 400th Test

wicket, becoming the 2nd fastest bowler in history to reach the milestone, only after Sri Lanka Muttiah’s Muralitharan. While Muralitharan had taken 73 Tests to reach the milestone, Ashwin took 77 Tests. He surpassed New Zealand pacer Richard Hadlee and South Africa’s Dale Steyn in the list of bowlers quickest to claim 400 Test wickets. Both Hadlee and Steyn had taken 80 Tests to achieve the feat. Additionally, Ashwin becomes the sixth spinner to take 400 wickets, and is

only the third Indian spinner to get to the mark after Anil Kumble (619) and Harbhajan Singh (417). In the course of his match-winning performance in the 2nd Test, Ashwin overtook Harbhajan to become the second most prolific spinner for India at home. He now has 266 victims at home in the longest format of the game in just 45 Tests at an outstanding average of 22.64. Former India captain Anil Kumble leads the list with 350 wickets from 62 matches in India. (Indian Express)

GUYANA continues to mourn the loss of a true stalwart footballer. The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on yesterday paid tribute to the life and achievements of former Golden Jaguars international and Georgetown Football Club (GFC)

Bobby Fernandes

president Robert ‘Bobby’ Fernandes, who sadly passed away last week. In a release from the Federation, it stated: “Bobby and his powerful left foot

are legendary in the history of Guyanese football,” GFF president Wayne Forde said. “His exemplary service to the game as a player and, later, as an administrator set a fine example for others to follow, both on and off the pitch.” Fernandes, born in 1947 as the youngest of 14 boys, fulfilled his boyhood dream to represent Guyana in 1967 when national team coach August Wootar picked him to play against Suriname. The midfielder-turned-striker made his debut for GFC as a schoolboy in 1965. “Bobby was a larger-than-life character who will be greatly missed by the Caribbean football community, but his memory and considerable achievements will live on to inspire us. The entire GFF family would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, friends and family at this time,” said Forde. Fernandes’ international career lasted until 1973. At the age of 29, he married and relocated to the interior, which effectively brought his journey as a player to a close. Later, Fernandes served the development of club football with distinction as GFC president.

, r e y m t e H s s e l h t Ru e m a t Reifer o t s e o n a c l o V n i s r a u g a J t pu l a n i f p u C 0 5 r e p u S ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies batting star Shimron Hetmyer sparkled with his seventh List A hundred while starring in a record fifth wicket stand, as Guyana Jaguars clobbered Windward Islands Volcanoes by 95 runs to secure their berth in Saturday’s final of the Regional Super50 Cup. With his side floundering on 63 for four in the 13th over after being asked to bat first in the second semi-final at Coolidge Cricket Ground here Thursday, the 24-year-old produced an innings of the highest class to hit 113 off 80 deliveries and propel Jaguars to 305 for seven off their 50 overs. West Indies all-rounder, Raymon Reifer, in his first outing of the tournament following the Test series in Bangladesh, struck an entertaining career-best 90 off 104 balls in an innings of no less importance. Together, he and Hetmyer plundered the Volcanoes bowling especially in the middle overs, posting 194 to break a 23-year-old Guyana record for the fifth wicket.

In reply, the left-handed Alick Athanaze top-scored with 58 off 75 deliveries but found no support, and Volcanoes were dismissed for a disappointing 210 with 22 balls remaining. Kavem Hodge, also in his first match after returning from Bangladesh, chipped with 28 along with Kevin Stoute while captain Sunil Ambris got 27, but Volcanoes declined quickly from 144 for four in the 35th over, losing their last six wickets for 66 runs. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, Jaguars’ leading bowler in the tournament, grabbed the key wickets to finish with four for 53 while another left-armer, Chandrapaul Hemraj, weighed in with two for 35. With the victory, Jaguars set up a meeting in the final with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, who brushed aside Jamaica Scorpions on Wednesday night. Jaguars captain Leon Johnson afterwards praised the effort by Hetmyer and Reifer, noting they had taken responsibility as senior players.

Shimron Hetmyer raises his bat after a blistering 113 off 80 balls and shared a record 194 for the 5th wicket with Raymon Reifer (90)

“We had a wobble there in the middle and we lost four quick wickets but our international players, Hetty and Raymon showed [their] class today. They dug us out of that hole,” said Johnson. “We’ve asked the senior players to put their hands up at crucial times and they did that today.” It was fast bowler Ray Jordan (3-45) who shook up Jaguars with a hostile spell, accounting for opener Tevin Imlach (14), all-rounder Chris Barnwell for eight and the prized wicket of Johnson for a first ball ‘duck’. Fellow seamer Ryan John, who claimed three for 42, knocked over Chandrapaul Hemraj for a breezy 24, caught at short third man in the eighth over after putting on 34 for the first wicket with Imlach. Jordan then had Imlach caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Emmanuel Stewart off an innocuous delivery in the 11th over before removing Barnwell and Johnson in successive deliveries in his next over.

GCB elections to go ahead today at Umana Yana … Justice Holder quashes application to stop the process; ECB fails to submit list of delegates

Businessman Bissoondyal Singh

Cricket Ombudsman, Attorney-at-Law, Kamal Ramkarran

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Former U.S. Olympics coach dies by suicide after being charged

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Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

He pinned Barnwell lbw with a yorker on leg stump with the fourth delivery of the 13th over before getting Johnson to top-edge the very next ball for Stoute to take an excellent diving catch at fine leg. Dropped on 12 by wicketkeeper Emmanuel Stewart off Jordan diving to his left, Hetmyer made the most of the opportunity to belt 11 fours and five sixes in a remarkable combination of power and finesse, while Reifer stroked eight fours and three sixes. Hetmyer moved to 99 with a cover-driven four off left-arm spinner Larry Edward in the 39th over before following up with a single to long off to reach triple figures. The left-hander eventually perished to a catch at the wicket off seamer Stoute in the 41st over and when Reifer holed out to deep cover 17 balls later off John, the innings fell away with Jaguars managing only 49 runs from the last 10 overs and going without a single

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Former U.S. Olympic gymnastics coach John Geddert

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

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| FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021