Issuu

THURSDAY 27th May, 2021

No. 106373

President Ali: ‘Stop the anguish and grief, get vaccinated’ SEE PAGE 4

More jobs, wealth creation expected across Guyana SEE PAGE

― with impending industrial development, increased investments in agriculture, says President Ali

Heavy rains cause flooding in several regions ―ministers, officials fan out to assess situation

SEE PAGE

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha travelled to Black Bush Polder, Region Six, on Wednesday, to assess the damage caused by flooding in the area. They also distributed relief packages to affected residents. On right, a farmer wades through a muddy dam [See story on Page 10] (Photos courtesy of Office of the Prime Minister)

CSEC, CAPE pushed back to June 28 SEE PAGE

Hundreds brave inclement weather 8 to get vaccinated

SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Heavy rains cause flooding in several regions ―ministers, officials fan out to assess situation

SEVERAL regions of Guyana have been adversely affected by flood waters, as the country continues to grapple with the ongoing rainy season that has already caused significant damage in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). On Wednesday, Bartica in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Black Bush Polder in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne); Mahaicony Creek in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and several areas across Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) were listed among the areas severely affected by flooding. Addressing residents of Bartica through his Facebook page on Wednesday, Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall said: “Hours long heavy rainfall has resulted in extensive flooding in low-lying and other areas. We regret to report that we are expecting the highest tide in a few hours.” Later in the day, he noted that flood waters had receded

but encouraged residents to take all necessary measures to secure property in anticipation of the spring tides. In Region Three, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube; Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Erica Forte and other officials, visited the affected areas to conduct an assessment.

that there could be effective drainage in flooded areas across Region Three. “Much more were deployed across the country to respond to flooding in communities,” he said via a post on his Facebook page. And, in Region Five, Member of Parliament, Faizal Jaffarally, and other stakeholders, visited Ma-

A section of Bartica, Region Seven, that was flooded on Wednesday (Gifford Marshall photo)

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand assessing the flooding in Region Three (Facebook photo)

On Wednesday night, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar said that the government has deployed 10 excavators to clear trenches, culverts and the main drainage arteries so

haicony Creek to assess the situation as a result of flash floods. “Reports are still coming in of other areas which are inundated. Presently, several other areas are being

assessed by regional officials in an effort to bring relief to residents who are affected,” the region’s information department said in a post on its Facebook page.

HEAVY RAINS TO CONTINUE According to an advisory from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), continuous rainfall, measuring up to four and a half inches in some areas, can be expected all across Guyana until Sunday. Additionally, the commission reported that above normal high tides are likely and that these may result in the overtopping of rivers and sea defences. “Heavy winds, lightning and possible flooding are expected and residents should try to safeguard life and property,” the CDC said too.

Already, Region Nine has been severely impacted by flooding. According to reports, few residents in Lethem were forced to evacuate after their homes were inundated. In other areas of the region, crops had been destroyed. Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine, Brian Allicock explained that the flooding is caused by torrential rainfall and increasing water in the Rio Negro and Rio Brancho rivers in Brazil.

An excavator deployed in Region Three to help address the flood situation (Facebook photo)

More jobs, wealth creation expected across Guyana 3

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

--with impending industrial development, increased investments in agriculture, says President Ali

THE creation of numerous jobs and the generation of wealth for citizens can be expected across Guyana, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who highlighted that efforts are being made by the government to realise its national development agenda. During an interview aired on the News Room on Wednesday night, President Ali highlighted that the government, which has been in office for about 10 months, has a national development agenda that is guiding its developmental plans across the country. In this agenda, he related that Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) has been earmarked for the expansion and creation of essential services to support Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector. Here, the western bank of the Demerara river will be used to create shore base facilities and the Wales Development Authority, which will accommodate the natural gas-to-shore project and the new power plant for energy generation. With the creation of the new four-lane highway from Schoonord to Parika, the President also noted that additional industrial development, agro-processing and manufacturing can be expected in this region in the coming years. These developments, he said, will attract investors and result in the stimulation of growth in the regional economy, generating jobs for people and allowing them to generate wealth. “There is a nexus between the developmental agenda and the plans for the government, and investors and where they see plans for the future,” the President posited. Meanwhile, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the President said that construction of new roads and a highway from Ogle to Timehri will similarly open up lands for development. It is envisaged that the currently unoccupied land can be transformed into industrial and residential spaces. And, the President alluded to the creation of Guyana’s new city somewhere here. INCENTIVISING DEVELOPMENT “To support the development of the new city and

what will take place in Region Three, we are going to definitely be tabling two specific legislations that will grant specific investment benefits and incentives for investments in those areas,” the President related. The new laws will be tabled shortly and the resulting incentive regime, he explained, is expected to formalise investment in Regions Three and Four. Additionally, along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) corridor in Region Four and in parts of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the President noted that agricultural activities are expected to intensify. Specifically in the Buxton-Foulis area, he said a highyield livestock programme would soon be rolled out and this will be part of the creation of a new industrial zone along the East Coast corridor. Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is seen as the gateway to the hinterland, largely due to the Linden to Lethem access road. While addressing the development carded for this region, the President highlighted: “We are working tremendously on making Region 10 the frontier for the hinterland (where) all the mechanical electrical engineering services that (are) critical for the mining sector, can be serviced from Region 10.” Creating this frontier is also a crucial component in realising the goal of making Guyana a transhipment point for Brazil, utilising the same Linden to Lethem road. The government has also been eyeing investors in the bauxite sector in Region 10. While development is carded for the populated regions, the President highlighted that a massive hinterland expansion programme is expected to advance infrastructural works and the development of agricultural and tourism activities. And alongside efforts to make the country a transhipment point for Brazil, the President related that the government is also studying how a trading zone can be facilitated in Lethem. This zone would, however, require partnerships with Brazil and Dr. Ali said talks on this possibility are ongoing. INVESTMENTS IN SUGAR

An overhead photo of Kitty, Georgetown (Latchman Singh/ Office of the President photo)

With the sugar industry as an enduring part of economic activities in Guyana, the Pres-

ident said that efforts are being made to improve the sugar estates’ capacities to package

sugar, since packaged sugar carries a higher market price. He also noted that efforts

are being made to modernise the Albion estate in Region Six and the Blairmont Estate in Region Five, and diversify production at the Skeldon Estate in Region Six. “The plans for sugar (are) on stream, we are going to continue to invest to make this industry viable,” the President said. Added to the development of the estates in Region Five and Six, the President posited that there is also massive investor interest in this area of Guyana. This interest is being stimulated by current discussions ongoing on the Corentyne River Bridge, for Region Six and the oil exploration activities occurring offshore in this area. Each investment, the President posited, will lead to the creation of jobs and employment opportunities which will, in turn, lead to the generation of wealth for Guyanese.

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

‘Stop the anguish and grief, get vaccinated’

WITH 75 deaths already recorded for this month, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has urged all eligible Guyanese to get vaccinated

and continue adhering to the COVID-19 safety measures, so that the rates of infection and mortality can be mitigated.

“Like every other country in the world, we are fighting an unseen, but ever-present enemy in the COVID-19 pandemic,” President Ali said, while addressing the nation on the eve of Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary, Tuesday night. In response to this pandemic, he highlighted that the government has been sparing no expense in securing enough vaccines to ensure that the entire population, aged 18 years and older, can be vaccinated. It was recently reported that Guyana has secured enough vaccines to immunise its entire adult population against COVID-19. This, the President said, is significant because developing countries around the world have encountered difficulties in securing adequate vaccine supplies. Already, Guyana has vaccinated about 20 per cent of its population and the President reasoned that returning to a semblance of normalcy is contingent upon the population getting vaccinated. And the President

--President Ali urges Guyanese

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, taking his first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Office of the President photo)

assured Guyanese that vaccines save lives since, for a number of years, the local health authorities have immunised Guyanese against a number of diseases including measles, mumps, typhoid, polio, yellow fever, meningitis, hepatitis, and other communicable

diseases. Still, Guyana now has an overall death toll of 374 while more than 16,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. “We mourn those deaths and sympathise with the families who have lost loved ones,” the President said, adding: “I plead with all to help stop these deaths; stop the tears of anguish; stop the grief.” To help mitigate the spread of the disease, President Ali said that active participation of people is required, especially in relation to observing the protective measures which include wearing masks, physical distancing, hand-

washing and using sanitisers. R e c e n t l y, a m i d t h e significant increase in efforts to enforce the COVID-19 guidelines instituted to help keep the population safe, the President chastised those persons who continue to breach these measures and those who have made light of the enforcement efforts. O n Tu e s d a y n i g h t , he, once again, called on Guyanese to protect themselves against the virus. He also assured the nation that the government would facilitate investments to improve the healthcare sector, as part of efforts to provide highquality medical care to all.

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

‘We will not be cowered, nor will we be bullied’ -- President Ali says on Venezuela border claim

AS Guyana observed its 55th anniversary as an Independent nation, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has assured all Guyanese that the country will not cower, nor will it be bullied by its western neighbour, Venezuela, which claims a significant portion of Guyana’s landmass. While delivering his inaugural Independence anniversary address as President on Tuesday night, Dr. Ali reminded members of the public that since Guyana was able to free itself from the “colonial cord” of Britain in 1966, the Venezuelan Government has falsely claimed two-thirds of Guyana. “They have spent the last fifty-five years of the Independence of all of Guyana pursuing this claim—but international law is not silent,” he said, adding: “The International Court of Justice is the forum where the voice of international law will

be heard, and justice will be determined.” The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, exercised his authority by eventually choosing judicial settlement for the Guyana-Venezuela controversy by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Last year, the ICJ ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the Guyana, Venezuela border controversy case. The judgement was delivered by President of the ICJ, Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, at a public sitting at the Peace Palace in the Hague, Netherland, which by a 12-4 majority ruled that it has jurisdiction to entertain Guyana’s claims. The claims concern the validity of the 1899 Award about the frontier between the two countries and the related question of the definitive settlement

of the land boundary controversy between the territories of the parties. Subsequently, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has granted Guyana one year, until 8 March, 2022, to file written pleadings in its case against Venezuela. Meanwhile, Venezuela has a 2023 deadline for counterarguments “As one people, with one united voice, and a spirit that will not be broken, we will advance the validity of the 122-year-old award that fixed our boundaries,” President Ali said on Tuesday night. INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT Importantly, the President highlighted that Guyana is not alone in its pursuit of reaffirming the validity of the Arbitral Award. Instead, he noted that Guyana is supported by states

Tourism App in the works By Jared Liddell

THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Wilderness Explorers (WE) has announced its ‘Safe Lodges, Safe Guests, Safe Communities Project Ecotourism App’ which will serve as a primary tool for restarting the tourism sector in Guyana following the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. This information was disclosed by Tourism Minister, Oneidge Walrond, during the Virtual Diaspora Conference 2021, which was held on Saturday. The objective of the partly Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded app is to pilot a system for implementation, communication and certification of compliance of health and safety protocols that will safeguard eco-lodge employees, host communities and eco-tourism visitors to Guyana’s North Rupununi eco-tourism circuit. The app which is expected to be developed later in 2021 will target three main beneficiary groups: employees of 10 eco-lodges, micro-en-

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond trepreneurs and residents of 16 host indigenous communities, and tour operators targetting and booking travellers to the North Rupununi in Guyana. Minister Walrond noted that government is cognisant of Guyana’s attractiveness as a tourist destination and noted that strategic steps have been taken to ensure that systems are put in place to ensure that Guyana is made safe for anyone engaging in tourism activities. “The ministry has been working to improve the experience of all visitors, local and international,

through improving the quality of tourism offerings. We are working to make information more readily available to both residents and nonresident visitors by further harnessing the potential of digitization and the application of new technology. In this regard, the GTA along with Wilderness Explorer and an international partner are developing a tourism app that will serve as a primary tool for restarting tourism in Guyana following the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Walrond stated. She noted that this type of information, especially during the pandemic, will greatly benefit, not just the Ministry of Tourism, but any Guyanese or visitor looking to enjoy the unique tourism activities the country has to offer. She explained that the app would allow ease of access to information for all and would serve to boost the accessibility of those tourism businesses. OPEN TO INVESTMENTS Minister Waldron noted that the government, in its vision to improve the tourism products of Guyana, is open to investments.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali giving his inaugural address as President at Guyana’s Independence Anniversary celebrations on Tuesday night (Delano Williams photo) in the Caribbean, the Commonwealth, the Americas and beyond. Just this year, following Venezuela’s detention of Guyanese fishermen and the flight of fighter jets over Guyana, which

were both seen as acts of aggression, a number of countries stood in solidarity with Guyana. President Ali said firmly, “... we will not be cowered, nor will we be bullied.” The Head-of-State em-

“Our administration is very keen on investment on all sectors. In the tourism sector we welcome investment particularly in the outlying regions and we are committed to providing an enabling environment that sends the unmistakable message to investors that we are open to business,” she said. She noted that aligning with government’s vision to position Guyana as a prime destination that is fully prepared for the full resumption of international travel when the COVID-19 virus is brought under control, the ministry is working on developing new attractions and building sustainable low carbon footprint tourism products that coexist with, and preserve, the environment. “In addition to the three eco-friendly tourism products launched in 2020, three new tourism circuits will be developed this year in Moruca, Region One; Essequibo, Region Two; and South Rupununi in Region Nine, to provide tourists with activities such as hiking, bird watching, wildlife spotting and

camping, all ecofriendly,” said Minister Walrond. She noted that these are some of the types of investment opportunities that the Guyanese diaspora can look forward to if it intends to be a part of the tourism sector. Meanwhile, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Carla James said that the importance of the diaspora cannot be understated. She noted that approximately 70% of the visitors who come to Guyana are from the diaspora. She noted that in 2019 alone some $48.9 billion was added to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the 220,308 diaspora visitors to Guyana. She further explained that even while the COVID-19 pandemic has put a major halt on several sectors in the country, Guyanese in the diaspora have been keeping the tourism sector afloat. “During this time of the pandemic, tourism is being sustained through visitation by the diaspora and domestic travellers’ tourism is surviving and thriving with your

phasised that Guyana has not sought any quarrel with Venezuela, at any point in time. Instead, he said that Guyana only wishes to live in harmony and co-operation with all its neighbours. “We hold out not a fist of war but a hand of friendship, based on respect for our borders and theirs,” the President said. Distinguished Guyanese Diplomat and Co-Agent, Sir Shridath Ramphal, who had led the arguments before the ICJ, said the case was significant to the people of Guyana, who are united in defence of their sovereignty and territorial integrity of their homeland. Guyana is seeking to obtain a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela.

support. Despite this pandemic Guyana’s economy has been forecasted for double digit growth. There are many opportunities for the diaspora to be part of this growth and development. One key area is investment. We welcome and need more investment in the tourism sector to meet the existing unmet market demand and the anticipated growth and the market demand especially for luxury travel experiences,” James stated. She further stated that, with Guyana’s unique brand of eco-tourism and the endless opportunities for investments, hospitality industry and Guyana as a whole would not just benefit from increased earnings, but a ripple effect will also be seen as many more jobs will be created to meet the demand of the sector.

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Tackling unemployment amid COVID-19 THE COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on countries the world over with many experiencing loss in production and other economic activities with concomitant loss of jobs. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in an October 2020 report, some 34 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean have lost their jobs due to a decline in production across the region. Here in Guyana, thanks to prudent micro and macroeconomic policies of the incumbent government, the situation here is far from grim compared to other nations in the region. According to the Guyana Bureau of Standards, youth unemployment rate has moved from 29.7 per

cent in the last quarter of 2019 to 30.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2020, indicating a slight increase in unemployment of this category of workers. The report from the Bureau of Standards points to the need for some work to be done to reverse and minimise the decline and, to the government’s credit, work has already started in this regard. Aside from job losses and the other effects of the virus locally, globally, the travails have also been many. Among them include the loss of lives in the millions, notably many in their prime productive years, which represent a loss of the most valuable asset of the affected nations. But there is hope ahead with the approval of vaccines which have so far

had various efficacy rates in beating back the virus. Equally, the ILO report, though alarming, also points to signs of optimism with regards to the labour crisis occasioned by COVID-19. N o t a b l y, t h e r e p o r t also highlighted that as of the third quarter of 2020, recovery in the levels of economic activity was detected and the first data reveal a beginning of recovery in employment and a return to the labour force. “Preliminary signs of recovery are positive news, but the impact of COVID-19 on work and business was enormous, and the road ahead is long. It is essential to re-launch the bases for the reactivation of the economy with health security, ensuring favourable conditions for the operation of businesses and for the creation of more and

better jobs,” Director of ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Vinícius Pinheiro had said. The latter part of Mr Pinheiro’s statement meshes with the approach of the Dr Irfaan Ali-led administration since assuming office some nine months ago. Instead of shutting down the country and bringing production to a screeching halt, the current government has adopted a balanced approach to the pandemic. In this strategy, businesses remain open but emphasis is placed on enforcement of the COVID-19 guidelines and vaccination of all eligible citizens. Today, Guyana is reaping the benefits. While many countries are recording a fall in economic activities, international financial institutions such as the World

Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the InterAmerican Development Bank have forecasted high economic growth rate for Guyana this year. These positive reviews are not only due to the revenues Guyana will earn from oil but also as a result of sound micro and macro-economic policies implemented by the government, which have paved the way for a more business and investorfriendly environment. This is evident by the recent announcement by Go-Invest Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who told this publication that in the past nine months, 25 large-scale investors have begun various projects ranging from agriculture to Information Technology and the energy sectors, and when

completed, will provide more than 1600 jobs for Guyanese. Go-Invest has also recently launched ‘Invest 55’ in observance of Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary, which is a central pillar in promoting opportunities in integrated mega farms, milk plants, corn and soya bean production for stock freed, expansion of call centres and business process outsourcing, manufacturing of equipment and machinery as well as alternative energy projects for hydro, solar and wind power. These, coupled with the extensive roads and other massive infrastructural projects that will unfold, will provide thousands of jobs, both permanent and temporary ones, for Guyanese.

Online learning: catalyst for tertiary education equity and opportunities in Guyana (Part 1) Dear Editor,

MAJOR world events are often an inflection point for rapid innovation and social changes. Just reflect on a few events, such as for example, the change from agrarian economy forged by the industrial revolution; the post-911 worldwide travel restrictions and bans; and the rise of e-commerce post-2002-03 SARS outbreak and the picture should become clear. Now the COVID-19 outbreak sees similar transformations taking place due to its impact on individuals, communities and nations. One transformation in this prolonged COVID-19 applies to education with the sudden, but necessary, shift towards, and increasing growth of online or e-learn-

ing. One thing that has been clear through this pandemic thus far, is the importance of disseminating information and knowledge across all levels of society, institutions, companies, and borders. To such ends, online learning technology has begun to play a vital role, and many institutions and governments are exploring ways of cashing-in on its full potential. The COVID-19 pandemic has, in reality, closed many sectors of the global economy. Isolation and social distance precaution meant that schools and other educational institutions have had to shut down entirely while contemplating and designing or adapting new forms of imparting knowledge. The education sectors and related institutions have since

adapted, refocused and recast educational opportunities afforded the masses. To such ends, many governments and institutions have begun adopting and or strengthening online/distance mode of delivering classes. The primary objective of distance education is to create educational opportunities for the under-represented and for those without access to a traditional educational institution. Online learning, as part of distance education, like other forms of education, should equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to transform them into innovative and efficient individuals, with the capacity for a sustainable future. Distance education is simply a teaching-learning experience where the student and teacher are phys-

ically separated. It utilises any of or a combination of technologies, including correspondence, audio, video, computer, and the Internet. Today’s version of distance education is online education or e-learning, which uses computers and the Internet as the delivery mechanism. Online learning can potentially be the catalyst to create a new, more effective method of educating students. The informed view holds that e-learning will become part of the ‘new normal’ as learners experience the benefits first-hand. It is ‘flexible learning’ with environments for learning that have the following characteristics: convergence of open and distance learning methods, media and classroom strategies; learner-centred philosophy; recognition

of diversity in learning styles and learners’ needs; recognition of the importance of equity in curriculum and pedagogy; use of a variety of learning resources and media; and recognition of diversity in learning styles and learners’ needs that foster lifelong learning habits and skills in learners. Flexible learning provides learners with increased choice, convenience, and personalisation, i.e, choices about where, when, and how learning occurs. Not many people have the opportunity to take time off from work to commit to a full-time university programme, and others often travel for work. For those who still need to juggle working and going back to school, the flexibility of an online programme provides them with the opportunity to

learn while still working and growing professionally. That flexibility allows for a more easily balanced work, life, and school. Distance learning, which traditionally had focused on non-traditional students, such as full-time workers, military personnel, and non-residents or individuals in remote regions who are unable to attend classroom lectures, has broadened in scope to include traditional students and academic disciplines. While a precise figure for the international enrollment in distance learning is unavailable, the enrollment at two of the largest public universities that heavily utilise distance learning methods gives some indication. For example, in the early 21st century, the

Continued on page 7

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

PPP administration does not discriminate against any group

Dear Editor, THIS is in reference to missive by one Ms. Farah Ali in a letter in an online publication accusing “Bharrat Jagdeo of exploiting Indo-Guyanese for votes” and not giving them “fair representation in government appointments and public sector employment”. There is nothing further from the truth. During his tenure in office as President and since August 2020 under President Irfaan Ali’s administration, there has been ethnically balanced recruitment and appointment of personnel. The PPP/C has hired Indians, Africans, Mixed, Amerindians, Chinese, and Portuguese and has not discriminated against anyone. The government and all its hiring have fairly reflected the racial composition of the population. A commission of inquiry or an impartial investigation would confirm that there is no discrimination under this PPP/C administration. Ms. Farah Ali quoted the Vice-President as saying during the Diaspora conference (May 23) that employment in State sectors and UG are dominated by Africans to bolster her claim that Indians are marginalised and discriminated against in the state sector. What the VP was saying was that the PPP/C government is accused of discrimination against Africans, and yet an examination

Online learning... From page 6 Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, had an enrollment in excess of 1.5 million students, while the China Central Radio and TV University in Beijing, had more than 500,000 students. In 2018, there were over 6.9 million students enrolled in distance education at degree granting institutions in the U.S. This number reflected an increase from more than 5.6 million university students in the autumn of 2009, and up from 1.6 million in 2002. Globally, enrollments in higher education have been growing faster than any other level of education. The drivers behind the fast growth of online learning are varied and include increased barriers, such as, familial obligations, financial, geographic, to attending a traditional univer-

of the state sector shows that there is a preponderance of Africans and Mixed persons. Any effort to redress ethnic imbalance results in cries of ethnic cleansing even though there is no evidence to substantiate such charge. Those who cry ethnic cleansing are the very ones who practiced and institutionalised racial discrimination in Guyana between 1965 and 1992 and 2015 and 2020. Ms. Farah Ali is right that Africans dominate public sector employment. But it is not the doing of Jagdeo who is also not responsible for the lopsided under-representation of Indians in the public sector. Historically, there has been discrimination against Indians in State employment or the public sector. This under-representation of Indians is rooted in colonial policy and legacy, and it was exacerbated during the PNC’s tenure in office between January 1965 and October 1992 and again between June 2015 and July 2020. Indians were not credentialed for state employment until well after indentureship that ended on January 1, 1920. Portuguese, Coloured, Africans, and Chinese were recruited, trained, and credentialed for State employment. They historically lorded over Indians and Amerindians who were not seriously considered for public service positions. After Indians became qualified through their

own private efforts, not State provided, being trained and credentialed mostly abroad, they were accepted for State employment during the colonial era (particularly between 1930 and 1966). After Guyana obtained Independence in 1966, it was ruled by the African-based PNC, which progressively reduced the number of Indians as well as Amerindians in public employment. Indians are indeed under-represented in several sectors of the State and efforts should be made to bring balance. The ruling PPP/C inherited that situation from colonial rulers in 1957 and tried to address it. Some progress was made with an increase in Indians in the public sector and in the teaching profession. But the PPP/C was ejected from office in December 1964, and proposals for racial balance were ignored by the dictator Forbes Burnham and his ruling PNC. In fact, during PNC tenure, the civil service became ‘racialised’, ‘radicalised’, and ‘militarised’ with its own supporters. The PNC administration was accused of institutionalised racism during its tenure – Indians, Amerindians, Portuguese, Chinese, and even some Coloreds or Mixed were victims. Africans who opposed Burnham and the PNC were harassed and victimised – some physically brutalised and even sent to jail. During the tenures of

sity, increasing accessibility, advances in communication technologies, increasing student demand for online flexible learning, institutional need to maintain a competitive offering of diverse learning platforms, and positive financial gains to institutions and students. Further, from 1995 to 2014, enrollments have grown in primary education by 9.5 per cent, in secondary education by 34.3 per cent, and in higher education by a whopping 60.9 per cent. Such increases also reflected the millennium education goals which focused on increasing enrollments in primary education and gender equality. Meanwhile, the boundaries between conventional higher education and distance education appear to be blurring. This reflects a common theme across many countries, i.e, the strong student-demand for more flexibility because an increasing

number of students want more convenient and accessible education offerings. Despite centuries between the first correspondence/distance learning course and today’s flexible online/e-learning format, and the numerous changes and innovations that have occurred, three characteristic qualities of distance education remain to this day: first, distance education is just as good, valid, and high-quality as in person/traditional learning; second, earning potential increases for anyone who takes a course/programme of study; and third, distance education is scalable to give access to students everywhere. Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh, LLM, MS (Barrister) Deputy Director (Student Affairs), Guyana Online Academy of Learning

Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Donald Ramotar, between November 1992 and May 2015, there was an increase of Indians and Amerindians in the public sector. Indians did not show much interest to work for the State or to join the armed and police forces. Whatever gains were made during the PPP/C tenure to reduce racial imbalance were quickly reversed by the PNC-led Coalition administration of David Granger from June 2015 onwards. Indians were terminated and or replaced supporters of PNC. As an illustration, when the PPP/C was in office thru 2015, around 40 per cent of the Permanent Secretaries (PS) were Indians and Africans, Mixed, and Amerindians were proportionally represented. During the Granger Administration, none of the 17 PS were Indians or Amerindians. Worse, thousands of Indians and Amerindians were terminated under the Coalition regime.

The PPP/C will find it difficult to terminate staff from the public sector. Even with less than 300 political jobs being eliminated, the PPP/C has been accused of “ethnic cleansing.” The PPP/C, like any other government, has the right to terminate political appointees. That is the norm after a change in administration in Guyana and in every country. The PNC-led Coalition got rid of all the political appointees of PPP/C when it governed from May 2015 onwards. Guyana is a complex, divided nation that does not lend itself to easy solutions. As the late Editor-in-Chief of Stabroek News, David de Caires once said, “Guyana is among the most difficult nations to govern. I do not wish the running of this nation on my worst enemy.” It is not easy to have ethnic balance in Guyana. But the government has done well since it came into office in August 2020.

The Irfaan Ali-led administration is ethnically balanced in composition (MPs and ministers) as well as State boards, government agencies, and corporations. Ethnic balance is needed in other institutions. To ease ethnic insecurity among Indians, the government should seek to bring some balance in employment, particularly in the police force and army, without hurting the cause of any group. And yes, I agree that measured efforts should be made to redress the ethnic imbalance if indeed Indians, Amerindians, and other groups continue to express interest in State employment and if they meet the necessary qualifications. I believe a commission of inquiry should be established to examine this issue and make recommendations. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Hundreds brave inclement weather to get vaccinated

―during second round of ‘drive-thru’ vaccination campaign By Richard Bhainie HEAVY rainfall during the course of the day did not prevent persons from turning up in the hundreds to be vaccinated against the deadly COVID-19 virus, at the second ‘drive thru’ event hosted at the National Stadium,

Providence, East Bank of Demerara, on Wednesday. The second ‘drive thru’ vaccination activity was a result of the positive public response to the inaugural vaccination ‘drive thru’ event, which was held on Saturday last. At the first event, some

Michael Young receiving his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the ‘drive thru’ vaccination site, on Wednesday

Long lines of vehicles backed up at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank of Demerara, on Wednesday, as scores of persons turned up at the ‘drive thru’ vaccination site to be administered their COVID-19 ‘jab’ (Adrian Narine Photos)

1,071 persons received either their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. On Wednesday, when the Guyana Chronicle visited the National Stadium, employees of the Ministry of Health, who are responsible for the administration of the vaccines, as well as persons interested in being inoculated against the COVID-19 virus, weathered the heavy rainfall to see the event through. And despite the heavy downpour, the lines of vehicles with persons desirous of being vaccinated against the virus by receiving either the first or

second dose of the OxfordAstraZeneca or Russianmanufactured Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines, stretched all the way to the public road. Jailall Briglall, from Grove, East Bank of Demerara, was administered his first shot on Wednesday. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he learnt of the ‘drive thru’ event through an advertisement by the Ministry of Health, and not even the weather could have stopped him from receiving his ‘jab’. “It’s 100 per cent better than walking in the health centre and have to sit and wait… this is a better move the ministry have made in order to get citizens and persons vaccinated… the ‘drive thru’ tackles the weather, it tackles time, convenience, everything,” he said. Michael Young, of Eccles, East Bank of Demerara, received his second dose at the ‘drive thru’ event; his first shot was administered at the Ministry of Health’s Secretariat at Brickdam, Georgetown. He told the Guyana

Chronicle that he was quite satisfied with the ‘drive thru’ process, noting that while the walk-in process was efficient as well, the ‘drive thru’ is more comfortable. Ashmead Mohammed travelled all the way from Mon Repos, on the East Coast of Demerara to get vaccinated at the ‘drive thru’ vaccination site. He received his second dose. Mohammed spoke about the convenience of the ‘drive thru’ process while acknowledging the efficiency of the walk-in process as well. The novel and innovative ‘drive thru’ vaccination site seeks to make the vaccination process more accessible and convenient, and persons who do not have access to a vehicle can still be vaccinated at these events. The Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, had explained at the first ‘drive thru’ event that it served as a pilot activity to test the feasibility of whether similar initiatives can be implemented throughout the country.

CSEC, CAPE pushed back to June 28 9

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

-SBA submission time extended to June 30

By Jared Liddell THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), on Wednesday, announced that the 2021 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), which were originally slated to begin on June 14, is being pushed back by two weeks and is now expected to commence on June 28. CXC Chairman, Professor, Sir Hilary Beckles, noted that the decision to push back the date stemmed from stakeholder consultations held recently in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the volcanic eruption in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which largely affected the island and several other sister islands,

CXC Chairman, Professor, Sir Hilary Beckles

in Trinidad in respect of the COVID management and all of this including the impact of the volcanic ash on the Barbados environment. So, these were the early, clear and pressing issues that really made it clear to us that there needs to be an adjustment in the timeframe,” stated Beckles. He noted that while the majority of the countries

the region. The majority of the countries were saying we are ready now and we don’t want a delay, but they recognized the specifics of other countries that needed more time for their students,” Beckles explained. Meanwhile, Registrar of CXC, Wayne Wesley, stated that the council being advised from its recent consensus, made its decision for the timeframe of the extension that would benefit all stakeholders involved in an effort to ensure that no student is disenfranchised during the 2021 examinations. He noted that CXC, in addition to the extension for the commencement of the examinations, also decided on several other policy changes to ensure that all students are adequately

Students of the Three Miles Secondary School in Bartica sitting a CSEC exam in 2020

including Barbados. He disclosed that a special council meeting, convened on Tuesday, accepted and reviewed a report from CXC’s School Examinations Committee that made several recommendations on the strategy for the 2021 regional examinations, the major one being the twoweek timeline shift for the examinations. Beckles stated that the council, in making this decision, took into consideration the current health and natural disaster issues across the Caribbean and the potential psychological impacts they could have on student learning and preparedness for the 2021 examinations. “There’s a volcanic situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and then there’s a state of emergency

expressed their country’s readiness, several others noted that their students were not prepared for the examinations and requested as much as a five-week delay. Beckles stated that consultation was held and the decision was taken to have the extension be no more than two weeks. “Some countries wanted a little more than the two weeks, some wanted three weeks, some wanted five weeks, so there was just diversity based on the specifics of each country’s position, but we all realized that practicality was necessary. We had to be practical in each domestic environment and each country but we also had to realize that there was another level of practicality where we had to deliver an examination across

prepared for maximum performance. The council approved the extension for submission of School Based Assessments (SBA) for CSEC and CAPE students to June 30, 2021. Additionally, students who are desirous of not writing the examinations in 2021 have the option of deferring to January or June 2022; the deadline for candidates to register their intent to defer has been further extended to the May 31, 2021. Additionally, Wesley noted that the council has been reviewing the concerns and queries raised by education ministries across the Caribbean in relation to the broad topics for the examinations’ Paper Twos, and intends to provide a review and clarity no later than May 28, 2021. The topics for Pa-

per Two of the examinations were released on May 8, five weeks before the initial June 14, 2021 date for the first examination. He further noted that in addition to the concessions that CXC would have already put in place to facilitate the candidates in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, further consideration will be given during the grading

process to account for the likely psycho-social impacts on students’ performance to ensure that they are not disenfranchised. Additionally, he stated that the 2021 CSEC and CAPE examinations will feature both Papers One and Two for each subject, unlike the unprecedented ‘Paper One only’ that occurred at the 2020 sitting of the examinations owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wi t h t h e e x a m i n a -

tions taking a familiar preCOVID-19 format, students are required to submit SBAs or Internal Assessments (IAs) where necessary; this excludes private candidates who will be undertaking the examinations’ Paper Three. Considering the fact that COVID-19 is still prevalent, the examination council has sought to make work easier by reducing the requirements for SBAs by as much as 50 per cent for some subjects.

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Hampers, machinery for flood-hit Black Bush Polder By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur

AS residents and farmers of Black Bush Polder (BBP) count their losses following several days of continuous heavy rainfall, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Wednesday, said every household will receive food and sanitation hampers. PM Phillips and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, led a high-level delegation to the East Berbice-Corentyne area to get a first-hand look at the flood situation and to make an assessment of the residents’ immediate needs. The two senior government functionaries and regional officials during their time in the BBP, listened to the concerns of the residents. The Prime Minister told the residents that the visit was to assess the situation and make recommendations on the way forward. He made a commitment to send hampers which will be distributed by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in collaboration with the Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils. He stressed that this process will commence as early as Saturday since he recognises the urgent need.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, speaking with residents of Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder A few areas in BPP have been water is knee-high. under water since last Friday and UNPRECEDENTED with the continuous heavy downpour since the weekend, rice, cash RAINFALL crops, livestock and properties are Minister Mustapha explained under water. According to farmers, that the entire country, not only their losses amount to millions of Black Bush Polder, has been dollars and it is anticipated that seeing some unprecedented and they would lose even more if the high-intensity rainfall that has heavy rain continues. placed a strain on the drainage In some areas it is difficult to systems country wide. identify streets and trenches as the In the case of BBP, he noted

that there has been on some days, five - six inches of rainfall. The area’s drainage system can only cater for the drainage of 2 ½ inches of water in a 24-hour period, the minister said, before adding that this situation has necessitated the need for pumps to be used to help drain the water off the lands. “We are trying to boost our drainage system by complementing them with pumps, as a matter of fact we have additional pumps coming up to put into the drainage system in BPP. Hopefully, we can have some relief,” he said. He said that in addition to having the pumps installed, the regulators in Canje Creek were turned off to prevent water from the creek entering BPP. He also committed to have an excavator placed at Lesbeholden, Mibicuri, Johanna and Yakusari to assist in the further cleaning and clearing of canals and drains that are being maintained manually by the Water Users Association (WUA) and private contractors. He highlighted that the WUA and some private contractors were owed money by the previous administration. Those sums were cleared by cabinet last week and

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips listens attentively to a resident clear over 1 million dollar...3000 SEVERELY AFFECTED Meanwhile, residents said pepper plant damage and me get they do not anticipate any return to 5000 head cabbage that comtheir lands for the next two months pletely destroy. All the money or so. They said their livelihood for drugs, fertilisers and suh gone has been severely affected by the down the drain,” he related. He explained to this publicaflood. Jagdesh Jadoonath 36, of Lot tion that whenever the water rose 48 Mibicuri South and his wife in the past, they would normally are large scale cash crop farmers. pump it into the main canal or to They have given up and are now another area but they cannot do waiting for the water to recede to this now because the entire area is flooded.

A flooded street in the Black Bush Polder the outstanding payments would be disbursed so that work can recommence. Further, there has been a change in policy for the maintenance of internal canals and drains. This will be returned to the regional administration so that residents and contractors from within the area can be awarded those contracts. Minister Mustapha also made a commitment to provide some assistance to the flood-affected rice, cash and livestock farmers following the team’s assessment. “As a matter of fact, many persons would have suffered losses in terms of livestock, cash crop, and rice. Our agencies GRDB, GLDA, NARIE will be looking at that. I want to make a commitment here that we will try as much as possible to assist those who would have suffered losses in terms of those areas, by giving them back materials and things like that,” he added.

return to their lands. Their community and several others including Zambia and Johanna were left inundated on Monday morning after the main drainage canal at Johanna overtopped its banks due to heavy rainfall. The drainage pump at Eversham, which was out of operation for several days after experiencing some mechanical difficulties, has since been fixed. When this publication visited the affected community on Monday, an excavator was observed working to seal the breach that was in the vicinity of the Johanna bridge. The Jadoonaths explained to the Guyana Chronicle that the rainfall over the past week has been heavy but the rain from Sunday into Monday morning had caused the water to rise tremendously and everything was now flooded. “Right now me get celery in picking stage and it duck. With the $600 a pound price, me woulda

“Look them bai a ketch hurrie in my bottom house right now. Me give up, we just gah wait and hope the water nah raise more cause then more damages to house and suh. Me nah even know how me guh start the next crop cause all the money invested gone,” Jagdesh said Amzad Ally, a cash and cattle farmer of Johanna said his losses are estimated at more than $1million since all his crops which are at various stages of growth are under water. “This has nothing to do with government. We need help because is one main canal draining this water and it is not enough. They had said they were going to get a separate drainage for Johanna and Yakasuri but nothing yet. The last flood me lose 10 sheep, this one five so far and nah talk about garden cause everybody under water and we need some help. Me done lose over 1 million already,” the farmer said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Pomeroon farms, homes flooded INTENSE rainfall, coupled with high tides, has resulted in several acres of farmlands, yards and houses in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River, in Region Two, being flooded. According to cash crop farmers in Jacklow and Hackney, their lands have been under water since Monday night. Those areas have approximately 4 feet of water on the land, the Guyana Chronicle was told. Residents and farmers of Siriki, Abrams Creek and Dredge Creek in the Upper Pomeroon River, as well as those in Cozier Canal, Strong Hope Canal, Nunes Canal, Friendship, Aber-

deen, St John and Liberty, in the Lower Pomeroon River, are all bracing for the worst. The flooding has affected approximately 500 farmers. Regional Executive Officer (REO), Devanand Ramdatt, said a team from the regional administration has been dispatched to the Pomeroon River to assess the situation. He said that based on that assessment, the necessary recommendations will be made. The team includes the regional engineer, Kawan Suchit. Meanwhile, cash crop farmers, who contacted this publication, said the high tides have caused water to run into their lower flats.

They said this has occurred despite efforts to build up their land. “Year after year we are facing this flooding situation; we asked for block drainage and is still every time we have to start all over again. It’s really sad for our Pomeroon people,” said Garry France, a farmer. Another cash crop farmer, Joseph Garraway, said that on Monday morning he began moving his electrical appliances to higher grounds. He said he placed several sandbags at the entrance to his home and at various points in his yard but the water kept gushing in. Garraway said he has

A flooded farm in the Upper Pomeroon River

Four arrested after police find firearms, ammunition in separate operations

FOUR men were arrested during the wee hours of Independence Day, after police discovered guns and ammunition following separate searches at Main Street and Brickdam. Law enforcement officers, acting on reports received about 3:40 hours on Wednesday, visited Main Street, where they intercepted a male, who is said to be from D’Urban Street, L o d g e , George-

The gun found on the suspect at Main Street, Georgetown

town. One police officer identified himself to the suspect and requested to conduct a search on his person, to which he agreed. During the search, one 9mm glock-19 pistol with serial number FLD 741, along with one matching round of ammunition was found in the suspect’s pants. The suspect was told of the allegation, arrested and escorted to the Brickdam Police Station where the firearm and ammunition was marked, sealed and lodged. Meanwhile, acting on fur-

ther information, about 04:30 hours, officers travelled to Brickdam, in the vicinity of St. Stanislaus College, where three men were seen in a white Toyota Axio motorcar bearing registration number PYY-5049. After observing the men for some time, officers approached the vehicle and carried out a search on the men but nothing illegal was found. A search of the vehicle was subsequently done and one .32 taurus pistol with two matching rounds of ammunition were found under the driver’s seat. The suspects were arrested and escorted to the Brickdam Police Station, where they remain in custody amid further investigations.

The gun and ammunition found under the car seat

over 5 acres of farmlands underwater. He said his pumpkin, pear, and watermelon plants are all submerged. The farmers are calling on the Ministry of Agricul-

ture to immediately visit the area and bring relief to them and the residents. Several months ago, several farms in the P o m e ro o n R i v e r a n d parts of Charity were

flooded. The Ministry of Agriculture had distributed fertilizer, as well as planting materials, to the farmers to help them in the replanting of their crops.

A house in the Lower Pomeroon River surrounded by floodwater

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Six persons die of COVID-19 in two days ―236 new cases recorded in 24 hours

THE Ministry of Health, on Wednesday, announced that seven more persons have lost their lives due to the deadly COVID-19. The deaths, which were recorded between May 24 and 25, have taken the total COVID-19 related fatalities to 374 since the novel coronavirus was first detected in Guyana-- March last year. According to the Ministry of Health, the persons, prior to their demise, were admitted to a local health facility. Test samples were taken at the time of admission, and those were subsequently returned as positive. They all died while receiving care at one of the ministry’s medical facilities. Among those dead are four individuals from Region Four (Demerara – Mahaica) – two being females, ages 53 and 60; and two males, ages 67 and 73, respectively; and two individuals-- one female, age 47 and one male, age 80-- from Region Nine (Upper Takutu – Upper Esequibo). The six deaths, which were added to the total count of COVID-19 fatalities, have taken the number of deaths

recorded for the month of May to 75, making it the deadliest month since the pandemic reached Guyana. Some 236 new cases were recorded within the past 24 hours and there are currently 20 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 100 persons in institutional isolation, 1,918 in home isolation and five are in institutional quarantine. Some 14,144 persons have recovered and some 148,436 tests have been conducted to date. 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-foot physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

Stolen car found abandoned on Upper Corentyne dam

THE Toyota IST motorcar that was, on Monday, reported stolen from a Friendship, East BerbiceCorentyne yard, was recovered hours later at Little Africa, Corriverton. According to reports, the car bearing registration number PRR 9094, with the words “Chocolate City” written in front, was found abandoned on a dam in the Upper-Corentyne community around 19: 45 hours. Its owner, Avinash Ramlakhan, expressed gratitude to the public for the response and to those who shared information regarding where the vehicle was spotted. He stressed that without that help, he would not have known where to start looking and may have never found the vehicle. He said based on surveillance information provided, they were certain that the vehicle was in the

Corriverton area. A major search was launched by family members throughout the day and based on the information provided, they were able to locate the vehicle. “We received a call that the vehicle was seen at a gas station during the day with the occupant purchasing gas. Other persons who tracked it called us indicating it was going through a street, so those who were searching went based on that information”. He noted that some documents belonging to them were found on the Number 59 Village Public Road, and residents who found it made contact with the family. Additionally, all other documents and driver’s licence were found in the car when it was recovered. The police were informed and ranks who arrived at the scene took the

vehicle to the Springlands Police Station. It was later handed over to the owner. On Monday morning, at around 05:30 hours, Ramlakhan and his wife, Shelly Singh-Ramlakhan, were shocked to find their vehicle missing and a strange white Toyota 212 Carina parked in front of their yard. The white car bearing registration number HB 8907 was reportedly stolen between 21:00 hours on May 22 and 06:00 hours on May 23 from Mount Sinai in New Amsterdam. Scattered on the front passenger seat of that vehicle were important documents, including a driver’s licence which belonged to the owner, M. Sugrim. Another driver’s licence was in the back seat of the car along with a bag containing several lights that were taken from a trampoline in the Ramlakhans’ yard.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Greater emphasis to be placed on tackling child abuse ―as Childcare and Protection Agency enhances partnership with police

Approximately 60 officers were updated on the work of the Childcare and Protection Agency (DPI photos)

AN enhanced approach to tackling child abuse is expected, as the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) has taken steps to strengthen its partnership with the Guyana Police Force (GPF). To boost the collaborative effort between the two institutions and create synergies, the CPA conducted a cross-training exercise with approximately 60 officers at the Police Training Centre, on Tuesday. Director of Children’s Services and Head of the CPA, Ann Greene and Legal Counsel at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Telisha Williams, facilitated the session. The exercise is in keeping with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud’s vision for effective childcare in Guyana, and her plans to roll out several projects to aid in the protection of children. “We have to collaborate with key partners to keep children safe, and the GPF is a key partner. Child protec-

lished in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) through a collaborative effort among the ministry through CPA, Child Link and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). One was opened at Whim and the other at Springlands. The ministry has been conducting robust public engagements aimed at creating Director of Children Services, Ann Greene, addressing members of the GPF recently

tion cannot be done in isolation,” Greene said, adding that the exercise served to sensitise the officers on the work of the CPA. Further, she said: “Safeguarding children is a shared responsibility – everyone’s responsibility. Children can only be safe if families, communities, non-professional and professionals work together. Professionals such as the police, health workers, teachers and social services officers are a must.” “There must be government and private partnerships and collaboration at the community level; but a very

important partnership is with the family,” Greene related. Based on available statistics, for the first quarter of this year alone, a total of 404 boys have been abused, with the figure for girls being 635. The types of abuse reported include physical, sexual, verbal, neglect, and abandonment. In maintaining the aggressive campaign against child abuse in Guyana, Minister Persaud opened two one-stop child advocacy centres for the reporting of child sexual abuse and the treatment of victims. The centres were estab-

linkages between the people and the government. Minister Persaud had said that the aim of reaching out in this way is to ensure that the public has access to key services being offered by the state. “From where I sit, I would like to assure you that our systems from the ministry function efficiently and effectively. So, this

gives us an opportunity to assess the performance of our officers across the country because from people you get feedback – Did you go to the office? Were you given a hard time? Did you have a run-around? – so that we can fix those things because you’re only as good as the way you serve people,” Dr. Persaud said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Deplorable Cane Grove roads get $300M facelift

RESIDENTS of Cane Grove, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), are now able to better ‘navigate’ the roads in the village, following the initiation of rehabilitative works valuing $300 million. The work, which is being administered through the Ministry of Public Works, has already improved the lives of many villagers who have since expressed their gratitude to the government. Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), a teacher, Padmini Seeraj, said: “Since I was a small girl growing up in Cane Grove, the road was very terrible and I am very happy there has been some development in our village… I would just like to encourage the government and everyone to keep developing the community and the country.”

For Mizoon Baksh, who lives just outside of Cane Grove, the upgrades are welcomed as she visits the community’s health centre often.

on the news they doing the Cane Grove road going straight out to market which is very, very good,” the woman said. Baksh added that she

costs since expenses related to vehicular maintenance will decrease. Smooth access to the health centre was also an important issue for

The Cane Grove roads have been easier to navigate since the commencement of rehabilitative works (DPI photo)

“This road was very bad compared to what I see alyuh doing and I see

is relieved because the roadworks will contribute to reduced transportation

Donald Mahasse, who is a small business owner. Mahasse said: “It will

benefit people going to the health centre… The government is trying as far as I am concerned.” Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Keshni Rooplall also gave the road projects her stamp of approval. “Being the Chair for the last three years and being on the Council [NDC] for the last six years, these roads were in a deplorable state, which I would say also would make the lives of our residents one of inconvenience,” Rooplall said. In the lead up to the presentation of the Budget 2020, Minister Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, had engaged the NDC to assess the community’s infrastructural needs. “Roads will be done in phases. So, that’s one

of the initiatives that I would welcome as the NDC Chair and I am sure that my council shares the same sentiments,” Rooplall said. On the main access road, nearly $200 million in road upgrades are 20 per cent complete. Within the community, the rehabilitation of Mandir and Health Centre Streets stand at 70 per cent and 45 per cent completed, respectively. Those works were contracted to the tune of $62 million. Over at Bendulla Dam, the $62 million contractual works are 45 per cent completed. Under the 2021 Budget, $25.6 billion has been allotted to rehabilitate and construct roads and bridges. Some $9 billion has also been set aside to advance the ministry’s miscellaneous roads programme in each region. (DPI photo)

Mining community embraces COVID-19 vaccination drive

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

―Troy Resources leads by facilitating immunisation of employees, villagers

TROY Resources Guyana Inc., an Australian-owned mining company, in partnership with the Ministry of Health hosted a threeday vaccination drive at the company’s site in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The company facilitated

accommodations, access to their medical centre and transportation to the project site and nearby communities, to ensure that the employees of the company and residents of remote communities have easy and equal access to the vaccines. During the activities,

some 23 residents of Kaburi Village were vaccinated, 19 with their first dose and four with their second. At 14 Mile landing, eight persons were given their first dose of the vaccine. Over at the company’s site, 91 employees were vaccinated. The company expects

A resident of Kaburi getting vaccinated

Some of the vaccinated persons at Troy Resources Inc.’s site in Region Seven

Another charged with murder of Sophia boy

A 29-year-old ‘A’ Field, Sophia resident, was, on Tuesday, remanded to prison for the murder of 10-year-old Anthony Cort, who was gunned down during an armed robbery. Kenrick Cozier called “Bullaboy” appeared before Magistrate Roshell Liverpool at the Spare n d a a m M a g i s t r a t e ’s Court and was not required to plead to the capital offence. Particulars of the charge alleged that Cozier, on March 11, 2021, at ‘C’ Field Sophia, while being in the company of another, murdered Cort in the furtherance of a robbery. He was remanded to prison until July 9, 2021. On March 19, a 16-year-old boy from Sophia appeared in court for the crime and is currently on remand at the juvenile

holding centre. According to reports, on the day in question, Cort was playing in the upper flat of his mother’s friend’s home at Packet Corner, ‘C’ Field, Sophia, when bandits invaded the property in search of valuables. After looting the downstairs shop, one of the bandits stayed behind,

Dead: Anthony Cort

holding Cort’s mother and baby sister at gunpoint, while the other gunman escorted the homeowner upstairs in search of more valuables. Before the woman could begin her search for more items for the robbers, Cort exited the room where he had been playing and the bandit opened fire. After shooting the young boy, the bandits fled the scene, jumping a zinc fence at the back of the yard. President Irfaan Ali, the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Commander Pareshram had visited the child’s home to offer condolences to his mother and siblings. President Ali had promised the family that he would do everything in his power to bring Cort’s killers to justice.

that when it’s time for the second dose more people will come forward to be vaccinated, as they will continue their project to raise awareness about COVID-19.

Through this initiative, flyers and brochures will be distributed at the project site and in surrounding communities, and masks and sanitisers will be donated.

Troy Resources Inc., in a statement, said it will continue to promote health and safety education, and urged everyone to get vaccinated and stay safe.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Franchises opt for youth... From page 28

left-handed Goolie, who turned 24 earlier this month, has so far played four first-class matches and has a highest score of 128. Left-arm spinner Barbadian Joshua Bishop, who bowled impressively in this year’s CG Insurance Super50 Cup, was snapped up by Barbados Pride. Pride’s second pick was another Barbadian, seam bowler Akeem Jordan, who, like Bishop, took a five-wicket haul in the marquee 50-over event earlier this year. Windward Islands Volcanoes has also chosen youthful talents in Darius Martin, a fast bowler from St Vincent and the Grenadines and Gilon Tyson, a Dominican fast bowler who is a capable lower order batsman. Guyana Jaguars went for the more experienced Guyanese duo of wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble and fast bowler Keon Joseph; while Leeward Islands Hurricanes chose seamer, Antiguan Nino Henry and Daniel Doram from St Maarten, a tall

left-arm spinner. Jamaica Scorpions have put their faith in Jamaicans, Nicholson Gordon, the livewire fast bowler with eight first-class matches under his belt, as well as Alwyn Williams, a medium-fast bowler who bats left-handed, and who had so far made five appearances at first-class level. Starting July 1, a total of 90 professional cricketers inclusive of the 12 cricketers drafted today will receive regional retainer contracts for the next twelve months. The draft was conducted over two rounds, with each franchise allocated 90 seconds to make their pick. Round one picks were completed in the reverse order of the tournament standings at the end of the 2019/2020 West Indies Championship, won by Barbados Pride, meaning Leeward Island Hurricanes had the first pick. The draft was independently supervised by BDO Eastern Caribbean. Full squads for West Indies Championship 2021/2022:

McPherson delighted ... From page 28

always good to have people to cheer you on.” It was another Jamaican, Shanieka Ricketts, who stole the show after winning the women’s triple jump with a leap of 14.40m.

English Racing Tips Haydock 09:15 hrs Olympic Theatre 09:50 hrs Kingmax 10:25 hrs Jadhlaan 10:55 hrs Dan De Light 11:30 hrs Pretty Boy Floyd 12:00 hrs Lexington Knight 12:35 hrs Richard R H B

11:50 hrs Schone Aussicht 12:20 hrs Bal De Rio 12:55 hrs Baltic Moon 13:30 hrs Oscer Romero 14:05 hrs Rathnaleen Tou 14:40 hrs Mes Harper 15:10 hrs Monishter Are Hwee

in. I am grateful to come out here and finish injury-free,” McPherson said. “To see people back in the stands is exciting and it’s

Ripon 08:55 hrs Purple Bling 09:30 hrs Livia The Empress 10:05 hrs Jean Baptiste 10:35 hrs Bendalid 11:05 hrs Camerily Joe 11:40 hrs Moorbik 12:15 hrs Van Gerwen

Anerucan Racing Tips Thistledown Race 1 Princess Tiznow Race 2 Ihadadream Race 3 Templenent Race 4 Fat Daddy Race 5 High Fire Race 6 Thursdsy Frost Race 7 Authentic Cowtown Race 8 Light In the Dark

Sandown 12:45 hrs Bad Company 13:15 hrs Navello 13:50 hrs Ocean Wind 14:25 hrs Sangarius 15:00 hrs History Writer 15:30 hrs Urban Violet

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:35 hrs Castle Corner 09:10 hrs Weddubg Bliss 09:45 hrs Curfew 10:20 hrs Tree Tumbo 10:50 hrs Love Lies

Irish Racing Tips Limerick 11:20 hrs The Getaway Star

Leeward Islands Hurricanes: Colin Archibald, Sheno Berridge, Keacy Carthy, Jahmar Hamilton, Amir Jangoo OHT, Kofi James, Kian Pemberton, Ross Powell Jeremiah Louis, Devon Thomas, Damion Williams, Tyron Williams, Terance Ward, Nino Henry*, Daniel Doram* Windward Islands Volcanoes: Sunil Ambris, Alick Athanaze, Keron Cottoy, Ken-

neth Dember, Larry Edward, Kavem Hodge, Ryan John, Obed McCoy, Desron Malony, Preston McSween, Kimani Melius, Denis Smith, Devon Smith, Darius Martin, Gilon Tyson Jamaica Scorpions: John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Akim Fraser, Patrick Harty, Brandon King, Andre McCarthy, Jamie Merchant, Marquino Mindley, Paul Palmer, Rovman Powell, Jeavor Royal, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Nicholson Gordon*, Alwyn Williams*

Guyana Jaguars: Kelvon Anderson, Christopher Barnwell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Leon Johnson, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Anthony Bramble*, Keon Joseph* Trinidad &Tobago Red Force: Bryan Charles, Terrance Hinds, Imran Khan, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jason Mohammed, Uthman Muhammed,

Isaiah Rajah, Denesh Ramdin, Jayden Seales, Keegan Simmons, Jeremy Solozano, Tion Webster, Jyd Goolie*, Kirstan Kallicharan* Barbados Pride: Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Jonathan Carter, Dominic Drakes, Shane Dowrich, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Kyle Hope, Shayne Moseley, Raymon Reifer Ashley Nurse, Jomel Warrican, Akeem Jordan*, Joshua Bishop* (Courtesy CWI)

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Fury describes Wilder as just a ‘cheesecake’

TYSON Fury sent a message yesterday on his preparation for his trilogy match against Deontay Wilder on July 24 saying the ‘Bronze Bomber’ is just a “cheesecake”. The trilogy match between WBC heavyweight champion Fury and former WBC champ Wilder (42-11, 41 KOs) is being staged at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fury’s promoters at Top Rank are counting on a large crowd to attend the fight in the huge 65 000 seat stadium. Fury posted a short clip on social media of a plate of cheesecake and ice cream, and he said, “He’s nothing but a cheesecake himself with ice cream on the side.” Given that Fury has only two months to train before his July 24 trilogy with Wilder, it would be a good idea for him to lighten up on the sweets. He’s got to trim down that flabby belly if he does want Wilder to take advantage of his soft midsection. In a recent workout video posted by the Bronze Bomber’s new coach Malik Scott, Wilder was aiming a lot of punches downstairs. Malik is the modern-day Michelangelo, who is looking to create a masterpiece in rebuilding Wilder with his expert training. It’s clear from looking at Wilder’s training footage that he’s going to be looking to

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury

land shots to the breadbasket of Fury to take advantage of his fat stomach. Fury’s opponents rarely throw body shots at him for some reason, which is surprising because that’s an area that you would think they would be going after. The last guy that directed his shots at Fury’s body on a consistent basis during a fight was ‘Big’ John McDermott in their first fight in 2009. McDermott was working Fury’s body over something fierce and had him worn out in the second half of the contest. When it was announced afterward that Fury had won a 10-round decision, the crowd booed the results

loudly. Interestingly, Fury (300-1, 21 KOs) doesn’t seem to be taking the news of him losing out on his August 14 fight against Anthony Joshua very hard. As Eddie Hearn says, Fury seems “happy as Larry” that the fight with Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) is now off. Fury has arguably lost a lot of boxing fans in the last week with the news of his August 14 fight with Joshua falling apart due to him losing the arbitration case. What bothers the fan is that Fury’s team didn’t attempt to save the fight with Joshua by offering Wilder a step aside. Indeed, Joshua’s

promoter Eddie Hearn was incredulous that no attempt was made by Team Fury to find a number that Wilder would agree on to step aside. If Wilder destroys the distracted, disengaged Fury on July 24, Hearn may never get the ‘Gypsy King’ for Joshua to fight. A brutal knockout loss for Fury would knock him down a peg or two, and put him in a position where he would need to claw his way back. With Fury’s history of getting down on himself it’s hard to predict how he would deal with suffering his first career defeat. (Boxing News 24)

Real, Barca and Juventus stand firm on Super League

(REUTERS) - Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus released a joint statement yesterday saying they would not bow down to pressure from European soccer governing body UEFA to put an end to their attempts to launch a breakaway Super League. The clubs are the only three of the original 12 to have not distanced themselves from the project following fierce criticism from fans, soccer governing bodies and even governments.

Australians likely to miss remainder of IPL in September -October window

U E FA o p e n e d d i sciplinary proceedings against the three clubs on Tuesday but the teams said they rejected the “insistent coercion” the body has maintained while the matter is still in court. A Madrid court has asked the European Court of Justice to establish if FIFA and UEFA are breaching EU competition law by preventing clubs from creating a breakaway European Super League. “This alarming attitude constitutes a flagrant breach of the decision

of the courts of justice, which have already made a clear statement warning UEFA to refrain from taking any action that could penalise the founding clubs of the Super League while the legal proceedings are ongoing,” the statement read. “Therefore, the opening of disciplinary proceedings by UEFA is incomprehensible and is a direct attack against the rule of law... while constituting a lack of respect toward the authority of the courts of justice themselves.

“Instead of exploring ways of modernising football through open dialogue, UEFA expects us to withdraw the ongoing court proceedings that question their monopoly over European football.” The Super League was launched with 12 clubs as founding members but Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid have since backed out and reached a deal with UEFA.

Australia opener David Warner

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking for possible options to hold the reminder of Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE in the September and October window. The 14th edition of IPL came to a grinding halt on May 4 as cases within the bio-bubble surged, which made the BCCI postpone it. Apparently, BCCI’s interim CEO Hemang Amin had come up with two plans to hold the remaining 31 matches either in England or the UAE. Amin, though, stated in the plan that he is keener to resume the IPL in the UAE, considering its massive success last year which made the stakeholders happy. The BCCI is most likely to make an official announcement after their Special General Meeting (SGM) on May 29. The IPL is likely to restart around the third week of September after India’s tour to England that concludes on September 14, as reported in the Times of India. The BCCI is also likely to conclude the high-profile tournament in early October as the scheduled ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin in the same month. This resumption of IPL in Sep-

tember-October is not good news for the Australian players as they have a packed schedule ahead of the T20 World Cup. First up, the Men in Yellow are set to travel to the Caribbean Islands to take on West Indies in a five-match T20I series, with a few of their players already not travelling due to bio-bubble fatigue and various other personal reasons. Pat Cummins, David Warner and Daniel Sams are the ones missing from the 23-member squad. The IPL-bound Australia players had to undergo a lot after the IPL was suspended as their government had closed the borders. The players, supporting staff and broadcasters of close to 40 people had arrived in Sydney on a charter flight arranged by the Indian authorities after quarantining themselves for a week in Maldives. Australia are also set to tour Bangladesh as chairman of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Akram Khan confirmed. The two teams will play five T20Is in August. With such a packed schedule, it seems less likely that the Australian players will participate in the remainder of IPL 2021. (CricTracker)

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Liverpool say Hillsborough campaigners Chavez Jr. wants Canelo rematch have been let down again after Silva LONDON, England (Reuters) - Liverpool football club said campaigners had been let down again after the acquittal yesterday of two ex-policemen and a lawyer charged with perverting the course of justice following the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium disaster. Ninety-six Liverpool supporters were crushed to death in an over-crowded and fenced-in enclosure at the stadium in Sheffield before an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The BBC reported that Judge William Davis ruled the men, accused of altering statements, had no case to answer, because a non-statutory enquiry was not a “course of public justice” that could be perverted. Retired former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent Donald Denton, the force’s ex-detective chief inspector Alan Foster and lawyer Peter Metcalf had denied the charges. Liverpool issued a statement on the club website www.liverpoolfc.com noting the latest developments with ‘huge disappointment’.

L-R: Alan Foster, Donald Denton and Peter Metcalf were accused of altering police statements

“While it would not be our place, legally or otherwise, to comment on those proceedings as they pertain to individuals, it is incumbent on us to forcefully point out that the 96 victims, their families, survivors and all those who suffered as a result of the Hillsborough tragedy have continuously failed in their pursuit for justice,” the club said. “We salute all those who have campaigned for justice. They have been let down yet

again. “We have a situation in which 96 people were unlawfully killed and yet no individual or group has been deemed legally culpable for their deaths.” The Premier League club emphasised that the behaviour of Liverpool fans was not a contributory factor in the disaster -- “a truth for which the bereaved families had to fight for over a quarter of a century”. Police at first blamed the

Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir

“I am very surprised because Amir is a very experienced bowler and one of the best in the world in T20 cricket. Personally, I think he should be in Pakistan’s World T20 squad,” Akram told a TV channel, reported by Firstpost. Akram, also a former Pakistan skipper, was clear

cut in saying that Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket was personal and no offence should be taken from the same. “Other players have done it but no one says anything about them. So why Amir? I think if he is available for other formats he should be playing for Pakistan.” Amir is a part of the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where Akram is the director of cricket and the head coach of the team. Akram said that Pakistan need a bowler of Amir’s calibre to guide the young generation. “In World Cup events you need experienced bowlers who can also advise and guide the younger bowlers,” Akram feels.

ability throughout his career. But, Jr. says he is now laser-focused and looking to get back in the ring with the best fighters in the world. “Of course I want to have [a Canelo rematch] on my mind. That’s what makes this fight such a big deal for me. It’s gonna give me the opportunity to get these rematches with Canelo or Danny Jacobs.” Of course, Chavez Jr. previously fought Canelo

disaster on drunken fans, an explanation always rejected by survivors, relatives of the victims and the wider Liverpool community who spent years fighting to find out what had happened. Later inquests and an independent inquiry absolved the fans of any responsibility. Former chief superintendent David Duckenfield, who was in charge of police operations at Hillsborough, was found not guilty of manslaughter in 2019.

Akram feels Mohammad Amir should be in Pakistan T20 World Cup squad FORMER Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram reckons that Mohammad Amir should be included in the national squad for the T20 World Cup later this year. Back in December 2020, Amir announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29, and the same created a lot of ruckus in the Pakistan cricket fraternity. Later Amir withdrew his retirement, but lashed out, saying that until and unless the current team management is present, he won’t be making a comeback. In the meantime, Akram, Pakistan’s all-time highest wicket-taker, rapped the national team management for keeping Amir on the sidelines regarding selection in the team.

JULIO Cesar Chavez Jr. is predicting a fourthround victory over Anderson Silva … and he wants to follow it up with a rematch against Canelo Alvarez!! TMZ Sports broke the story … 35-year-old Chavez — 52-5-1 as a pro boxer — is taking on the MMA legend in Mexico on June 19 … a fight Anderson believes he can win. We spoke to Chavez Jr. who told us Silva’s delu-

Akram said that too much fuss is being created over Amir’s personal calls. Speaking on the same, the veteran said, “Other players also take time off for the birth of their child so what is the big deal.” With the situation in India deteriorating due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a chance for the T20 World Cup to be shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As per Akram, Pakistan could have the edge if the mega event takes place in the gulf country. “We need to have more impact players in the T20 squad, those who can play without fear of failure only then can we do well,” Akram added. (CricTracker)

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

sional … and he’s predicting a short and violent end to The Spider’s foray into boxing. “[The Silva matchup] has all the ingredients to be an exciting fight. I predict I can finish him after the third or fourth round. That’s when I get in the groove and start feeling myself in the ring.” Julio then doubled down on the prognostication … “Look, I predict that after the fourth round I’ll be able to knock him out. And, if he lasts longer than that, that’s gonna be his fault because that’s gonna be a beating.” Julio — son of boxing Hall of Famer Julio Cesar Chavez — admits he relied too heavily on his natural

back in May 2017 … and lost via unanimous decision in a 12-round scrap. Julio says he isn’t just content with getting back in the ring with Alvarez … he wants to — and believes he can — truly win the fight. “I think that I do have the style to win the [Canelo] fight because I attack. I try to not give him too much space to move around because he’s a great boxer,” Chavez Jr. says. “I just think it’ll be a better fight, but yes, I think I could beat Canelo. I’m thinking I have to get past Silva more than anything first. After Silva, I’m thinking 1 more fight, then I’ll be prepared to face Canelo.” (Fightnews)

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Inter Milan part company with title-winning manager Antonio Conte ANTONIO Conte has left his role as Inter Milan manager - three weeks after leading the club to a first Serie A title in 11 years. The 51-year-old Italian spent two years in charge of Inter and had one year remaining on his contract. In a statement, Inter thanked Conte for his “extraordinary work” at the club. Conte has recently been linked with Real Madrid, amid speculation Zinedine Zidane will leave this summer, and the vacancy at Tottenham. Inter added that the decision to terminate the former Chelsea manager’s contract was mutual. Despite helping Inter end Juventus’ dominance of the Italian top flight, there has been speculation over Con-

te’s future at the club for months. Inter’s owner, the Chinese retail group Suning, is reportedly suffering financial pressure which is expected to lead to cost-cutting at the club and player sales this summer. In February, Jiangsu FC, also owned by Suning, folded just three months after winning their first Chinese Super League title. Former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri and current Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi have both been named by the Italian press as potential successors to Conte . But several high-profile signings including Romelu Lukaku, Christian Eriksen and Ashley Young had a transformative effect in his

Antonio Conte (centre) has won domestic league titles with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan

first season at the helm. Inter reached the Europa League final and ended up just a point behind Juve in 2019-20, serving a warning of what was to follow this term. A superb domestic campaign saw Inter claim their 19th Scudetto with four games remaining, while their points tally of 91 is the sec-

ond highest in the club’s history after the 97 they amassed in 2006-07. It also means that Conte, who won three Serie A titles with Juve, is the only manager to have gained 90 points or more with two different sides since three points for a win was introduced in the Italian top flight in 1994.(BBC Sport)

Foakes out; Hameed, Billings in England’s first Test squad

Ben Foakes (left) averages 31.53 in eight Tests, Haseeb Hameed (centre) has two fifties in three Tests and Sam Billings is uncapped at Test level,

ENGLAND wicketkeeper Ben Foakes will miss the two Tests against New Zealand in June with a hamstring injury, while opener Haseeb Hameed and keeper Sam Billings have been added to the squad. Surrey’s Foakes slipped in the dressing room after their County Championship match against Middlesex on Sunday. Nottinghamshire’s Hameed played three Tests in 2016 before several lean years but has impressed so far this season. Foakes’ injury means

that Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is now set to make his Test debut as England’s wicketkeeper at Lord’s. Bracey, 24, was acting as both the keeping and batting reserve in the original 15-man squad, but with him now likely to be in the starting side, the hosts required cover for both. Foakes, 28, is expected to be out of action for at least three months and remains yet to play a Test at home, having made a Test ton on debut in Sri Lanka in 2018 before playing in the West Indies and India.

England’s next Test series will be against India, starting on August 4. Hameed, 24, became the youngest debutant to open for England in a Test in the first match against India at Rajkot in November 2016, aged 19. He scored his maiden Test fifty in that game and a second half-century in the second innings of the third Test, despite breaking his finger in the first innings, which required him to miss the rest of the tour. He subsequently struggled at Lancashire before joining Nottinghamshire for the 2020 season. This year he has scored 474 runs at an average of 52.66 in the County Championship, including two centuries in the same match against Worcestershire in April. Kent captain Billings, 29, has played 22 one-day internationals and 30 Twenty20 internationals for England. He has six first-class

hundreds, but has played only one County Championship match for Kent so far this season, scoring 11 runs against Glamorgan earlier this month. J o s B u t t l e r, C h r i s Woakes, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow were left out, having only recently returned from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ben Stokes (broken finger) and Jofra Archer (elbow injury) are also absent. Squad: Joe Root (Yorkshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Sam Billings (Kent), James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Zak Crawley (Kent), Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Craig Overton (Somerset), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham)BBC Sport)

England, NZ Edgbaston Test pilot event to accommodate 70 per cent crowd ENGLAND will host New Zealand in a two-match Test series, starting from June 2. Both sides have different significance for this series, and one can witness a tight contest. While New Zealand will look to adapt the local conditions ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against India, the Three Lions would not want to disappoint the home crowd. However, apart from cricket action, the series will also be remembered for some other reasons. The second Test match,

England team a huge boost as nothing beats the atmosphere that crowds create here,” Stuart Cain, Chief Executive at Edgbaston, said in a statement. Notably, the Edgbaston stadium will be able to accommodate around 18,000 spectators each day, 70 percent of the total stadium capacity. All of them must have a negative COVID-19 result from an NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test. The England Cricket Board (ECB) is also planning to invite a larger crowd in the coming months. “Having crowds back into

Flashback: England players applauded the Barmy Army before leaving the field.

which will take place at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham from 10 to June 14, will be the first pilot event within the second phase of the Government’s world-leading Events Research Programme. The event will be conducted to analyse testing protocols for all spectators, the use of social distancing and face coverings and other factors regarding safety. As part of these government protocols, all ticket holders will need to be aged 16 and over. “Whilst public health is the priority, the first stage pilots have shown how people can safely start to enjoy the things they love; live sport and music. It will be great to welcome cricket fans to Edgbaston and give the

cricket grounds is so important for the game and for our fans too. The last 15 months have shown just how big a role cricket plays in many people’s lives, and we cannot wait to welcome a growing number of fans back to our stadia over the coming months,” Tom Harrison, Chief Executive of the ECB, said in a statement. Meanwhile, visitors New Zealand are deemed favourites to win this series as they have been doing exceptionally well in red-ball cricket lately. On top of that, ECB has rested many key players like Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali for the series. Hence, Joe Root’s men will need a substantial effort to emerge victorious. (CricTracker)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday May 27, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ian Healey-78 dismissals (72 catches; 6 stumpings-28 M) (2) Jeff Dujon-84 dismissals (83 catches; 1 stumping-23M)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI has played most Test matches against IND to date? (2) Which Indian has played most Test matches against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 27, 2021

Lakers beat Phoenix Suns as Narine slams ton as Majestic Brooklyn Nets win again CC destroy Intruders

ANTHONY Davis scored 34 points as Los Angeles Lakers beat Phoenix Suns 109-102 to level their NBA Western Conference first round play-off series. Davis, 28, also served up 10 rebounds while LeBron James added 23 points for Lakers to level the series at 1-1. “I put it on myself as all leaders do and wanted to make sure I made a statement in this game,” said Davis. “Since last year, LeBron has been on me about perfection, playing hard and playing in environments like this.” The Lakers will now switch to their home court at the Staples Center for game three of the best-of-seven series to-

Anthony Davis and LeBron James both starred as the Lakers took control of their play-off series.

morrow. Elsewhere on Tuesday, Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic scored 39 points against Los Angeles Clippers, adding seven assists and seven rebounds in a 127-121 win.

D o n c i c ’s s e c o n d straight 30-plus-point game leaves the Mavericks 2-0 up in their Western Conference series, which now heads back to Dallas for game three tomorrow and game four on Sunday.

Kevin Durant scored 26 points and Joe Harris added 25 as Brooklyn Nets eased to a 130-108 win over Boston Celtics to lead their Eastern Conference play-off series 2-0. (BBC Sport)

Guyana’s Harriott, Jamaican Brown released by Colchester

Guyana international Callum Harriott

LONDON, (CMC) – Leading goalscorers Callum Harriott, a Guyana international, and former Young Reggae Boyz attacking midfielder Jevani Brown are both looking for new clubs after being released by English League Two club Colchester United. The pair, who joined the Essex outfit in 2019, are among 11 players let go after a disappointing season in which the club flirted with relegation

to the fifth-tier National League before finishing 20th of 24 teams. “There are not many we’re retaining for next season and there is an exciting opportunity for some new players to come in. There’s going to be a fair bit of movement this year,” new head coach Hayden Mullins said. Brown, 26, started the season with a bang, scoring 11 goals in all competitions,

including seven in the league. He bagged two hat-tricks in a week, but failed to add to his tally after November. In February he was told by then head coach Steve Ball that he had to work hard to force his way back into Colchester’s squad. “There’s definitely a feeling of disappointment at leaving Colchester,” said Brown, who previously played for Colchester’s rivals, Cambridge United. “I had an option on my contract but the club said that they probably wouldn’t take it up. “Having not played as much in the last few months, maybe I was thinking my time might have been coming to an end.” Harriott, meanwhile, scored nine goals – all in the league. The 27-year-old, who received his first call-up to the Guyana Jaguars in 2019, said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for us all and I’ve loved

fighting every game with this (Colchester) team. “My time has come to an end. Good luck to Hayden as the new manager.” Harriott also featured for Charlton Athletic and Reading over the last decade.

FORMER Berbice Inter-county cricketer Derick Narine slammed a huge ton in quick time to lift Majestic Cricket Club to a 291-run win over Intruders when action in the New York National Cricket League Caribbean Fest 40-over competition continued recently. Majestic Cricket Club won the toss and opted to take first strike. With skipper Narine leading the charge, they were able to smash 417-7 from 30 overs (restricted due to heat). Narine and former National Under-19 cricketer Chris Patandin put together 127-run for the opening wicket before the latter fell for 46 from 27 balls (9x4, 1x6). Yutesh Dhanpaul (former Zeeburg CC cricketer) then partnered with Narine and the pair added a further 96 runs. Dhanpaul finished with 37 runs (4x4, 2x6) from 20 balls. When Narine fell for 164 off of just 62 balls with 21 fours and nine sixes at an astonishing 264.52 strike rate, Damion Vantull and Dedinauth Persaud took over. UG and Tucber Park CC cricketer Vantull (who

Derick Narine scored 164 runs off just 62 balls.

travelled from Guyana for the competition), scored 45 runs from just 14 balls after hitting six sixes and two fours, while Persaud struck 56 (5x4, 4x6) from 24 balls to push the score past the 400 mark. In reply, Dhaniram Sewnarain finished with 3-12 from three overs, Narine took down the openers to finish with 2-32 from four overs, while Dhanpaul was miserly against the middle order with 2-8 from six overs to lead Majestic. Two of the Intruders’ batsmen reached double figures, but none had adequate firepower as the side succumbed for 126 in 27 overs.

FIFA launches consultation process to improve future of the game (REUTERS)- World soccer governing body FIFA said on Wednesday it is launching a consultation on the future of the sport with particular attention being given to aspects such as match calendars, improving fan experience and the laws of the game. The consultation process will involve various stakeholders like players, coaches, clubs, leagues, medical staff, media and commercial partners and fans, with FIFA’s chief of global football development Arsene Wenger leading the study. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive analysis taking into account the diverse views and interests of

global football, with no predetermined objectives, and with an open mind in search of better solutions for the common good of the game,” FIFA said. The consultation process will focus on aspects such as organising “meaningful competitions” without adding dates to the match calendar and ensuring sporting merit is given a priority to give every country and player a fair chance. Preserving the well-being and health of players will also be discussed while investigating the laws of the game as well as the introduction of new technologies to make sure the game evolves will be a priority. FIFA’s chief of global football development Arsene Wenge (right) with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.(FIFA Image)

Franchises opt for youth, experience in CWI professional cricketers draft

McPherson delighted to see fans back in stands

Jamaica quarter-miler Stephenie-Ann McPherson had to settle for second place in the Wanda Diamond League opener in Gateshead last weekend.

Guyana Jaguars batsman Kevlon Anderson

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) hosted the Professional Cricketers Draft for the 2021-2022 season, which took place over two rounds via a video call with representatives from all six Territorial Board Franchises on Tuesday.

Several teams drafted young, emerging players to complete their 15-member squads, while others chose to boost their ranks with more experienced players. Among those drafted are several former West Indies Under-19 players, two of whom won the ICC U-19 World Cup in

2016. Batsmen Jyd Goolie and Kirstan Kallicharan, who were both members of the team which won the world title in Bangladesh, were drafted by their native T&T to the Red Force team. The

Continued on page 23

JAMAICA quarter-miler Stephenie-Ann McPherson has expressed delight at seeing fans return to the seats after a year of empty stadiums brought about due to the coronavirus pandemic. Lower case counts across the UK and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s confirmation that the next stage of the

government’s roadmap out of lockdown was on track last week meant that 2 000 fans were allowed to attend the Wanda Diamond League opener in Gateshead. In cold wet conditions, McPherson, the 4x400m relay Olympic silver medallist, had to settle for second behind the United States’ Kendal Ellis who crossed

the line in 51.86. McPherson, who finished second in 51.96, however, admitted that conditions were difficult but turned her attention to other things. “I came out here just to see where I’m at but it wasn’t good conditions to run

Continued on page 23

Liverpool say Hillsborough campaigners have been let down again

See page 25

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