Issuu

SATURDAY 17 th April , 2021

’ No. 106333

Emergency relief for flood-affected Mahaicony rice farmers

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350 more persons closer to home ownership PAGE

–– websites now allow for easier access to housing services

More fraud charges for senior police officers 10 PAGE

Repatriation for Guyanese in St. Vincent 08 being assessed PAGE

COVID-19 in 05 younger persons is cause for concern PAGE

NOT ONLY A MAN’S JOB: This rice farmer expertly manoeuvres her speedboat down the Mahaicony Creek, after a farmers’ meeting hosted by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha in Mahaicony on Friday afternoon (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Emergency works for flood-affected Mahaicony rice farmers

–– NDIA, MMA to assess damage over the weekend; additional machines to be sent to assist with works

INSTANCES of heavy rainfall over the last few weeks have resulted in several rice farmers in Regions Five being affected by flooding. The constant heavy downpours have also caused several dams that were recently rehabilitated to once again become impassable, leaving many rice farmers looking to the government for urgent help. After receiving several cries for help from a number of rice farmers in the Mahaicony area, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday afternoon met with a group of farmers to listen to their issues, and put systems in place to deliver some amount of relief to those who would have suffered losses. Chatram Deoraj, 68, of Mahaicony River said that his field is currently under

water, and sought assistance from the minister to provide an excavator to clear the channel so that his field can be drained. The farmer said that he has already lost some of his cultivation due to flooding, and has been using a pump to assist with drainage. Deoraj said that that system was not effective, due to the amount of water in his field, and the only way to remedy the situation is to have the channel cleared. Another farmer, Deowan Kumar, also from the Mahaicony River, said that incomplete works on the access dam have delayed reaping. “We have 100 acres of rice that is ready to be reaped, but the access dam is not finished as yet for the truck and the combine to come in and cut the rice,” Kumar said, adding: “A

GRDB staff is here; they can tell you when the GRDB 12 paddy is ready to reap. It is 125 days right now; I know there were some hiccups with the machine that was supposed to come here, but I’m appealing for you to see what can be done to assist us.” Ethan Bowen, a rice farmer from Strat Campbell, said that due to road works in the area, rice farmers are finding it difficult to access their fields. “We have a farm-to-market road, and the street has asphalt. And after that, we have the dam. The contractor came to do the street; he excavated the street. The rains came, and now we cannot get access to the rice field, so we stand to lose rice there,” Bowen said. “Those works started over three weeks ago,

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha engaging a Mahaicony farmer on Friday and he hasn’t been coming to do much work; he would just come and throw some sand and leave. And we need something to be done, so that we can have access to our fields,” he added. FARM-TO-MARKET ROADS Farmers present also appealed for more farm-tomarket roads. After listening to what the farmers had to say, Minister Mustapha said that emergency works to repair the dams and clear clogged channels will commence over the weekend. The subject minister also promised that a team from the GRDB and NDIA will be in the area over the weekend to conduct an assessment of the works needed. “We have two excavators in the area; I just spoke to my two technical officers to assess the amount of

work needed in the area, and we’ll put another one or two machines here to complete the works. These works should be completed within a week,” Minister Mustapha said. “I’ve also instructed the GRDB and the NDIA to carry out an assessment over the weekend, and provide me with a report by Monday. I know some of you, your fields are under water, and we are working around-theclock to put mechanisms in place to assist you. We recently started some work in the ‘Creek’, and we will be carrying out several other projects in the area as time progresses,” he added. He also urged the farmers to be more responsible in their use of the structures during the rainy season. “Although we know some of the problems affecting the farmers, you too, have to cooperate with us, because oftentimes some farmers operate selfishly. If

you have your animals on the dams, or use heavy machinery to transport your paddy when the rains are already posing a threat to the dam, then other farmers would suffer. We will continue to work with you to see how best we can assist farmers to get their paddy out and minimise losses,” Minister Mustapha said. Minister Mustapha also told farmers that the MMA and the NDIA will be examining the use of those machines in the area to ensure downtime is minimised, and that a technical team from the ministry will be returning to the area by next Tuesday to meet with residents and give a status report on the proposed works. Minister Mustapha was accompanied by the ministry’s Director-General, Madanlall Ramraj and other senior officers from the ministry. (Ministry of Agriculture)

A farmer raising an issue during the meeting on Friday with the minister and his team (Ministry of Agriculture photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

350 more persons closer to home ownership –– websites now allow for easier access to housing services

By Rabindra Rooplall ESSEQUIBIANS were reminded on Friday that there is no need for them to travel to Georgetown to receive updates on housing applications as the Housing Ministry has launched two websites where all applicants can access their information and updates. Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, made this disclosure as 350 residents of the Cinderella County received their house lots on Friday at a two-day “Dream Realised 2021” outreach by the Housing and Water Ministry which concludes today. Over 100 titles/transports will be issued during the outreach. “There is no reason for anyone to join long lines or leave their homes at 5am to travel to Georgetown to try to get an update on their application. In this regard, I am very pleased to announce that we just launched two websites: mohw.gov.gy and chpa.gov.gy where applicants can access information on the status of their

application from anywhere in the world. Additionally, we’ve expanded the response Unit at CHPA so whenever there is a need to call, someone will always be there to answer your questions,” Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said in his address to hundreds of applicants at Anna Regina, Municipal Tarmac. Eight months ago, the Housing Ministry kick-started Guyana’s biggest housing drive after the PPP/C Government announced that 50,000 house lots will be allocated in its first term in office. “We faced a daunting backlog, a tedious application process that left citizens frustrated, not enough lands to develop, expensive construction materials and an inadequate access to financing. But today I’m happy to report that the backlog is reducing incrementally, the application process is easier and more efficient, housing officials are more accessible, the cost for building materials has been made more affordable and the banks have

answered the call of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and made their loan packages more budget friendly,” Croal said. In five months, he said that the Housing Ministry distributed 3,600 house lots. “We will add another 350 to that number and hand out titles and transports. Just last month, the Ministry of Housing signed a whopping $13.9 billion in contracts for infrastructural works in 14 areas across Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. There has not been a similar investment in housing of this magnitude in any single year.” STREET LIGHTS Already in Onderneeming, he said the installation of street lights was done to enhance the safety and security of the community. Further, Minister Croal said making the process of home ownership hassle-free is paramount for the CH&PA. “It is for this reason that I was pleased to appoint a regional housing official for Essequi-

A section of the gathering at the Anna Regina, Municipal Tarmac

bo,” he related. The allocation of these house lots and the handing over of the titles and transports in Essequibo, the Housing Minister said will go a long way towards stimulating the regional economy through jobs in the short and medium-term. It will also make the region more attractive to young professionals who would like to stay and work here. He explained that the provision of house lots and the accompanying infrastructure and amenities such as water, electricity, drains, bridges, culverts and paved roads are expensive but citizens are benefitting from highly subsidised costs because government is committed to providing affordable housing solutions, improving the lives of young professionals and supporting vulnerable families, women and single parent households. “But we cannot do it alone. And that’s why I’m heartened to see the banks and insurance companies participating in today’s event. I hope that once you’re armed with the title to your house lot, you can approach them to explore your financing options not only to build but also to upgrade and expand your homes. Not only will you get a low interest rate, those of you who are already first-time homeowners can take advantage of the increased Mortgage Interest Relief Ceiling. If you haven’t yet done so, please do talk with your loan officer and the Guyana Revenue Authority,” he told the gathering. FULFILMENT OF PROMISE Minister within the

Policewoman, Khuslucinda Doobay pulled her lot number from a bag held by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, at the title/ transport distribution exercise at Anna Regina under the theme “Dream Realised 2021” Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, said the initiative represents a fulfillment of government’s manifesto promise to the people. Minister Rodrigues also noted that the struggles and sacrifices made by persons to acquire funds for their house lots have not gone unnoticed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority. Meanwhile, several persons received titles and pulled the number for their intended house lot in phase four of Onderneeming on Friday. One of the beneficiaries was policewoman, Khuslucinda Doobay, who pulled number 12 as her lot number from a bag filled with hundreds of lots. One of Doobay’s legs was amputated in an accident reportedly caused by lights of a vehicle which beamed into her eyes, causing her to lose control of her motorcycle.

She was determined that the accident should not cause her to lead an inactive life. She remains in the Police Force, performing general duties. The mother of three children said she would like to have her own home. She currently lives with her mother. The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) was at the outreach on Friday and announced attractive interest rates to make home ownership easier. Persons can now benefit from a 10 per cent down payment on a loan for a low income house with an interest rate as low as 4.25 per cent with up to 30 years to repay. The bank, for the first time, is also financing payment for land only so that persons who may not want to build right away can always come into GBTI for funds to buy their lands.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

‘Village Voice’ in limbo –– as purported owner files for over $3M in damages

Saturday April 17, 2021 –– 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

VILLAGE Voice GY has initiated legal proceedings in which it is seeking over $3 million in damages, among other orders, against Nigel Williams, the firstnamed defendant, and Lincoln Lewis, the second- named defendant to the action for copyright infringement. Village Voice GY is said to be a company incorporated under the Companies Act of Guyana, whose sole shareholder is Morris Wilson, also a director of the company and the Company Secretary. Williams was an employee of Village Voice GY, and also a director of the company as of March 31, 2021, when he tendered his resignation. According to court documents seen by this publication, the claimants are seeking a declaration from the court that the defendants infringed the

issuing to the public, copies of the term “Village Voice” without the claimant’s authorisation. They are also seeking an order for the obliteration or modification of all marks in the possession, custody or control of the defendants, the use of which bearing the marks to be obliterated or modified would be a breach of the injunction and verification by the defendants that each of them no longer has any such articles in their possession or control. The claimants are also seeking some additional and/or alternative orders, an inquiry as to the damages for infringement of copyright and goodwill, and an order for payment of all sums found due upon the inquiries. They are also asking the court for general damages of in excess of $1,000,000, puni tive damages of in ex-

A reproduction of the claimant’s logo copyright of the claimant, and a declaration that the conduct of the defendants depreciated the goodwill of the claimant in its name, “Village Voice GY.” T h e c l a i ma n t s ar e seeking injunctions restraining the defendants in their entirety from advertising, dealing with, copying or reproducing in any material form, selling, offering for sale, advertising for sale or

cess of $1,000,000, and $1,000,000 in general damage against Williams for breach of fiduciary duty, interest and prescribed costs. Wilson reportedly paid for the creation of an original artistic work embodying the words, “Village Voice”. The claimant is the owner of the copyright in the artistic work, being a representation of “Village Voice with a bullhorn image.”

The Claimant’s logo depicting “Village Voice with a bullhorn image” combined with the words, “Daily newspaper serving villages across Guyana” The claimant is also to the public, without the the owner of the copy- licence of the claimant, right in the artistic work, work entitled ‘Village being a representation Voice’. of “Village Voice with “The Defendants a bullhorn image” com- have also infringed the bined with the words, claimant’s copyright by “daily newspaper, serving selling or offering for villages across Guyana.” sale a printed newspaper, Wilson paid for the in- without the authorisacorporation of the claim- tion, permission, licence ant, and caused a website, of the claimant. Since Facebook page, email April 4, 2021, a large address, and Instagram number of copies of the Page to be registered and ‘Village Voice News’, activated, bearing the which, to their knowlclaimant’s artistic work edge, infringed the claimand logo. ant’s copyright,” the court “The first-named de- document states. fendant flagrantly, at The court document some time between Octo- also notes that the defenber 2020 and April 2021, dants have caused Interconducted business, us- net traffic to be diverted ing the ‘claimant’s artis- from villagevoicegy.com tic work’ as well as the (the claimant’s website) ‘claimant’s Logo’ without to villagevoicenews.com, authorisation, permission and have used various and or licence from the social media platforms in claimant,” the court doc- the name of Village Voice ument states. Guyana. “The second-named The claimant has notdefendant admitted that ed that based on these he is part of a group occurrences, they have which is responsible for suffered damage. the publication of ‘The They are seeking an Village Voice News’ in injunction, as the defenprint and digitally,” the dants have threatened statement added. and intended and unless The court document restrained by injunction notes that the defendants will continue to repeat have infringed the claim- the acts, and the claimant’s copyright by copy- ants will suffer further ing, printing and issuing losses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

COVID-19 in younger persons is cause for concern

… says Health Minister, as young people start taking their ‘jabs’ By Vishani Ragobeer OVER the past few weeks, there has been an increase in the number of young people becoming infected with the disease, COVID-19, and also an increase in the number of COVID-19 deaths among this population, and Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony underscored that this should be a reason for younger people to get vaccinated. During his daily COVID-19 update, the Health Minister related that more young people have been hospitalised after exhibiting the more severe symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, he noted that more relatively young persons, like those in their 40s, for example, have been found to have comorbidities (underlying diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension) when they become hospitalised due to COVID-19. And, the minister noted that such individuals have lost their lives. It is important to note that individuals with comorbidities are at an increased risk of contracting the more severe form of COVID-19, and succumbing to the disease. “This is a worrying trend, and we are examining the data to see how many cases we’ve had, and what we can do about it,” the Health Minister said, emphasising: “There is a real, practical reason why everyone who is 18 years and older should go and get your vaccine; that is to protect you from COVID, and ensure that you don’t die from COVID.” During an interview on Thursday, Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy told the Guyana Chronicle that the country is experiencing a third wave, or surge, in COVID-19 cases. This, he explained, is attributed to a deadlier form of the novel coronavirus circulating locally.

Donavon Rangiah, a 26-year-old attorney-at-law who took his vaccine on Friday (Delano Williams photos) On Thursday night, he announced on his Facebook page that the ministry would begin vaccinating all individuals 18 years and older from Friday. Following his announcement, scores of young persons visited vaccination sites all over the country to get their vaccines. “I took the vaccine because I usually have to travel a lot because of my work. I would like to stay safe,” Donavon Rangiah, a 26-yearold attorney-at-law said on

Friday after taking his vaccine. He took his vaccine at the Ministry of Health’s Secretariat, on Brickdam, Georgetowm. He said that he wanted to take his vaccine sooner, but could not, because he was not 40 years or older. As such, he welcomed the move to afford younger persons the opportunity to get vaccinated. Julia Mohabir, a 28-yearold medical assistant, also received her vaccine on Friday, and was happy that the age limit was reduced to allow younger persons like herself the opportunity to get protection. Also receiving the vaccine at the Secretariat was Dane Kennedy, a 31-yearold self-employed chef, who said that the process was surprisingly smooth. “I hope that things would change with the vaccine and so; I hope it would go back to normal,” Kennedy said. At the end of Thursday, more than 73,000 persons had taken the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Explaining the rationale behind allowing all adults to get vaccinated, Dr. Anthony said: “We think it is the appropriate time now, because we have been getting a lot of calls from the public to

reduce the age. And so we have gone now to 18 years and above.” He also explained that for the country to achieve herd immunity, a large section of the adult population would have to be vaccinated. Herd immunity will occur once about 80 per cent of the population is immune to the disease. Vaccination is a way of ensuring immunisation. Importantly, the Health Minister related that infection rates among the younger population have always been high. “When we review the data of the 11,000 or so cases that we’ve had of people who would’ve recovered, in the 20 to 25 age group, we’ve had in excess of 1,500 infections; the 25 to 30 age group, we would’ve had more than 1,600 infections; and the 30 to 35 age group, that would’ve been about 1,200 infections,” he said. Before, however, many of these individuals were asymptomatic (not ex hibiting any symptoms of COVID-19). The Health Minister said that this may be because this group of people were more active, and were breaching the COVID-19 guidelines. Now, with the dead-

Dane Kennedy, young chef, receiving his first COVID-19 vaccine on Friday lier variant affecting the younger population, it has

become a more concerning issue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Costly but preventable losses ROADS are a vital means of transporting people, goods and services from one point to another, and in the wider scheme of commerce, they act as arteries of development. This is particularly so, because where new roads are constructed, development springs forth and mushrooms. In a nutshell, farmlands open up, and housing schemes come into being. And with the opening up of housing schemes comes the provision of water, electricity, and a hive of commercial activities. Roads, therefore, play a key role in facilitating national development, as well as contributing to the happiness and well-being of the citizens in the locale in which they are found. Simply put, these public infrastructures in totality yield many benefits for citizens when they are used for their intended purpose. And, likewise, when they are misused, the result could range from minor losses to deep suffering. Speeding, driving under the influence, texting and driving, and driving while conversing on a cellphone should never be part of the local driving cul-

ture, and it is good to see that efforts are being made by the Guyana Police Force to seriously address these problems. According to statistics from the Guyana Police Force, last year, some 19,179 persons were charged for exceeding speed limits; 786 were charged for driving under the influence; 986 were charged for failure to wear safety belts; and 1,924 were charged separately for breaching traffic light signals, and using cellphones while driving. However, while these statistics tell an encouraging story of work being done by the police to correct lawlessness on the roadways, overall, they also tell a very disturbing story. It is sad to know that even during the pandemic in which a host of restrictions were implemented, which include a national curfew and the closing of bars and nightspots, Guyana recorded an alarming increase in road fatalities in 2020. And, not surprisingly, speeding and driving under the influence were the main contributing factors. Quite astonishingly, some 125 road fatalities (including five children) were recorded, representing a 37 per cent

increase compared to the previous year, in which 94 deaths were registered. While naturally, one would query the occurrence of so many road fatalities, when there were so many discouraging restrictions in place. The toll road accidents take on the victims and their families cannot go unnoticed. Among these are the loss of earnings, the incurring of medical and funeral expenses, and deep emotional pain for families as well as a heavy cost on the State’s health institutions to treat victims who are maimed and disabled, and in most cases cannot afford the services of private health facilities. But, interestingly enough, these sufferings and strain are 100 per cent preventable, if persons use the roadways with care, caution, consideration, commonsense and courtesy. It is unfortunate that despite the deep losses to families and the State, people still continue to use the roadways in a reckless manner. This kind of unacceptable behaviour by road users should never be tolerated, and it is good to see the senior officers in the various divisions enforcing the law, while pro-

moting road safety awareness. The work done by acting Deputy Commander, Assistant Superintendent Raun Clarke, who is stationed in Region Six, is most commendable, and is worthy of emulation by his peers in the other divisions. Through strategic planning and diligent work with the officers under his charge, road fatalities in the region have, for the first quarter of this year, decreased by an impressive 80 per cent compared to the corresponding year. So, what has he done? The answer is simple yet ambitious. The acting deputy commander resuscitated road safety programmes, got his ranks to diligently enforce the traffic regulations, and worked with residents of communities to get their buy-in on strategies that would ensure safer roads in Region Six. “Once we as road users continue to use the road safely, and continue to be considerate and careful, we would see a consistent decrease in accidents and road fatalities,” Clarke posited, adding: “We all need to play our part in road safety, as this is everyone’s business.”

Men and boys must give up the idea that power over others is the foundation for their strength

Dear Editor,

AS advocates working in the human rights sector, something that often comes up in our work is the concept of toxic masculinity. While the term is often thrown around, not many understand what it means, and how it continues to impact vulnerable populations such as women and children. With ChildLinK’s launch of Blue Umbrella Day (BUD) on April 15th, the organisation, over the next two years, will be facilitating an evidence-based public education campaign under the theme, “Promoting Healthy Masculinity and Communities”. This campaign is a component of the One Thousand Boys initiative, and will centre on the need for the care of boys, and ensuring their access to support services.

Boys are often not offered a lot of protection from their families, communities and the State. They are seen as being less vulnerable than girls, as the belief is that they are able to protect themselves from abuse. Even in cases where abuse against boys is evident, it is seen as a means of “toughening” them up, rather than one that is significantly harming them. As the main survivors of sexual and physical violence, it is understandable that the resources that are available for support are largely targetted towards women and girls. This focus, however, results in a steadily unaddressed gap as it relates to relevant support for male survivors of violence. This lack of focused care is due, in part, to the belief that males cannot be victims of sexual and physical abuse. This, added with the expectation that men and

boys must always be strong and aggressive, adds to the low numbers of survivors that come forward with their experiences, as they believe they will be shamed or targetted. These expectations of male strength too often contribute towards unhealthy coping and communication practices. This is seen not only in the way boys address their emotional needs as adults, but also manifests in the way in which they relate to others, particularly those who are seen as being weaker than them, or not adhering to set principles of manhood. Men and boys must actively work on giving up the idea that power over others is the foundation for their strength. Males must seek out opportunities to promote healthy environments for learning, growth and support for their peers and other survi-

vors of violence. It is important to note that toxic masculinity does not mean that masculinity itself is inherently harmful, but rather it refers to the attitudes, behaviors and systems that promotes and maintains harmful ideas about what it means to be a man. It is only through commitment towards changed ways of thinking and acting that they can begin to do the work necessary at challenging toxic masculinity in both internal and external ways. Through this, we will begin to see lower rates of violence that is both perpetrated and experienced by men and boys. Akola Thompson, Consultant, ChildLink

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Guyanese will benefit from a host of advantages from these scholarships Dear Editor, WHEN we examine how the pandemic has changed our country, one of the things that stands out is the fact that our education systems have become more technologically inclined. While this may be out of the ordinary, especially for students in Guyana, it forces us all to embrace technology in this modern epoch. That definitely is not a bad thing. At the same time, COVID-19 has resulted in many individuals, including our young people, being out of a job. The question we must ask ourselves as a

society is what we are doing to keep our young people meaningfully engaged and motivated. I believe that the PPP/C Government thought along these lines, even as they were campaigning for the 2020 local and regional elections. The reason why I hold such a view is that amidst the pandemic, they have managed to swiftly provide Guyanese with access to thousands of scholarships from countless universities around the world. The best part about this is that the scholarships are being offered Online. At the start of the pandemic, I wondered about the

severity of the effects on the education system in Guyana. Being an educator for over 15 years, I recognised that certain systems were rigid in terms of education delivery. However, I was hopeful that in some way, changes could be made. I casually examined the manifestos of the contesting parties at the 2020 elections, and, not surprisingly, I saw a clearly defined commitment to improving the education system in Guyana. This was in the PPP/C’s manifesto. The Government committed to providing 20,000 scholarships to Guyanese within their first term in office upon

their reelection. His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali also committed to building a knowledge-based society, while diversifying and building Guyana’s economy into a more resilient, multi-dimensional one. The fact that the government has already managed to provide Guyanese with access to thousands of scholarships in a matter of months since they took office is an indication of their efforts to fulfill their commitment as outlined in their manifesto. Such efforts must be applauded. In addition, it is no doubt that the way in which the government is going about

the scholarship programme is the right one. I examined the list of scholarships that were published, and I was very happy to see transparency in the way they were presented. This is commendable on the part of the Ministry of Public Service, as interested persons can clearly see the prerequisites for each area of study, without being confused as to their eligibility. The previous administration did not approach their scholarship initiative in this regard. In fact, there was minimal public knowledge on scholarships being offered to Guyanese as far

as I am aware. However, I am glad to see that we are on the right track, and that the PPP/C Government is showing steadfast commitment towards improving the education system in Guyana, even amidst the pandemic. Guyanese will no doubt benefit from a host of advantages from these scholarships, and it only reiterates the President’s position of empowering Guyanese to benefit fully from the country’s development. Respectfully, Pastor Darion Comacho

GUYANA CHRONICLE saturday, apRIL 17, 2021

Repatriation arrangements for Guyanese in St. Vincent being assessed … says Foreign Affairs Minister By Vishani Ragobeer WITH some Guyanese who have been living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines showing some interest in returning to Guyana, following the ongoing volcanic eruptions on the island, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, has said that possible repatriation arrangements are being assessed. Earlier this week, the Guyana Chronicle was told that some Guyanese on the island have expressed an interest in returning home because of the eruption of the volcano, La Soufrière, which began last Friday. Since eruptions are ongoing, the airport has been closed and no flights have been allowed to depart from or arrive in St. Vincent. “We’re still assessing those persons who might want to return and that is the case, we will make arrangements for that but right now, the airspace is closed and the focus right now, based on the request from the government of the St. Vincent and the Grena-

dines is for support for food items, water supplies and sanitisation items and so forth,” Minister Todd told this newspaper, in an invited comment, on Friday. There are about 4,500 Guyanese living on the island of St. Vincent, which has been facing volcanic eruptions since Friday, and Guyana’s Honorary Consul on the island, Nigel Russell, highlighted that there has been an outpouring of support among the Guyanese population to get through the crisis. The Honorary Consul noted that his priority was ensuring that the Guyanese on the island were safely evacuated and relocated from the danger zones. Having done that, he said that the consulate is now focused on taking care of the needs of the people. “On the ground here, there will always be needs. The biggest need is water, and what I have asked Guyana, initially, is to get us some water, and to get us some goggles to deal with the (volcanic) ash, and face masks,” Russell related. And, though individuals have opened up their homes

to accommodate others, he acknowledged that eventually, personal supplies will run low, and people will require some assistance. It is for this reason that the consulate has been making a list to send to the local authorities, so that relief can be provided. Meanwhile, Head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Rosalinda Rasul, told the Guyana Chronicle that the Honorary Consul in St. Vincent has assured the local authorities that all Guyanese living on the island have been evacuated from the danger zones. “No one in the shelters are coming forward as Guyanese, and thi-s indicates that they are in private homes,” Rasul said. Even so, she noted that more Guyanese are reaching out to the Honorary Consul to indicate that they are on the island, and providing whatever needs they might have at this time. On Thursday, according to a press release from the Office of the President, President Ali assured the Prime Minister of St. Vin-

The Tropical Shipping vessel, the ‘Tropic Tide’, which departed Guyana on Thursday with a container of water supplies for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Delano Williams photo) cent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, that Guyana is fully committed to assisting the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, not only in the immediate period, but also in the medium and long-term. On this note, Minister

Todd emphasised that Guyana has been providing supplies to the country, since that is what the country is able to do at this time. So far, a vessel filled with 350 tonnes of supplies and another twenty-foot container filled with water supplies

have been sent to the country. Repatriation flights, however, may be a bit more challenging. “(Repatriation) is not a priority right now because it is not a matter that we can address immediately,” the Minister said.”

Two more succumb to COVID-19 — death toll for April now at 34

THE number of COVID-19 fatalities in Guyana has risen to 267 following the death of an 81-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man from Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), respectively. They both succumbed on Thursday while receiving medical care at a Ministry of Health facility. There are now 34 documented COVID-19 deaths for the month of April, 2021. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has recorded 115 new cases from 988 tests carried out for Thursday, April 15. This is according to the ministry’s daily COVID-19 dashboard for April 16. Of this total, four were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini); 26 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 69 in Region Four; three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); six in Region Six; and seven in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). The newly infected persons include 53 males and 62 females. No other region has confirmed new cases

within the past 24 hours. There are currently 13 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 77 in institutional isolation, 1,224 isolated at home, and 12 in institutional quarantine. Guyana has confirmed a total of 11,642 cases of COVID-19 since the discovery of the first case in Guyana in March, 2020. Of that number, 1,326 are currently active; and of the 10,061 recoveries, 46 were recorded within the past 24 hours. All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six-feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If 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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

School-based assessments being monitored

–– CXC offers students the opportunity to defer examinations

By Tamica Garnett

IN light of discrepancies which were recorded following the sitting of the 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, the Ministry of Education has started monitoring the progress of school-based assessments (SBAs), countrywide. In addressing the issue on Thursday, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, said that the ministry has started gathering information on how far along students are with the completion of their SBAs. “The deadline is way off, but Guyana’s ministry is monitoring schools and students individually across the country, to try to make sure we know what each student is doing, what they should’ve been doing, how much is finished, how much is outstanding, to make sure we can catch up any slack that we see. “The ministry is compiling reports about what each and every student

is doing. We want to make sure we don’t end up in the disaster we were in 2020, which is until CXC [Caribbean Examination Council] gives result we realise teachers haven’t handed in the documents,” Manickchand related. In 2020, several students in Guyana had their grades affected by the lack of proper submissions of the SBA component of their CXC exams. The students received ungraded results, but those were later rectified and the students were issued their grades. Just over 7,000 Guyanese public-school students are scheduled to write the 2021 CSEC exams, while a number of students are also scheduled to write the 2021 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE); both are being administered by CXC. The 2021 examinations are scheduled to be written from June 14 to July 16. Unlike 2020, when students were required to write just one paper because of the pervasive COVID-19 pandemic, the rules have been ad-

justed to reintroduce the ‘Paper Two’ component of the examinations. The two papers will be supplemented by the SBAs. 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, and has also undertaken to share the broad topics being assessed in the second paper of the examination. Some of the new measures have already been implemented, while others will be done before the commencement of the examinations. Aside from those adjustments, CXC is also offering students the option of writing their examinations in January or June, 2022. For the first time too, CXC will be accepting SBAs in January, 2022, for candidates who are deferring their examinations. Students will also be able to keep their SBAs scores, submit a new SBA, or wait until their deferred

sitting to submit their SBA. Students opting for the deferral have until May 1, 2020, to apply. “The granting of the deferral will be managed by the principal, for in-school candidates, and by the CXC Local Registrar, for private candidates. There will be no fee charged for the deferral of examinations,” CXC noted. In addition to introducing those measures because of COVID-19, the examination council is also considering the case of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where volcano, “La Soufrière,” has erupted. “CXC stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in St Vincent and the Grenadines at this time, and all our stakeholders across the region affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, CXC stands ready to listen and to engage in dialogue with our critical stakeholders across the education landscape,” CXC said in a recent statement.

4,500 students to start online studies in July MINISTER of Education, Priya Manickchand, has said that the first batch of 4,500 students, who are benefitting from the government’s 20,000 online scholarships programme, will commence their courses in July. The Minister made this announcement on Thursday, during the commissioning of the country’s eighth smart classroom at President’s College. “Beginning July, we will start training, not in Guyanese universities, but in universities from India, Europe and the West Indies – more than 4,500 students in a range of fields. It’s going

to be PhDs. We’ve moved from certificates to degrees to master degrees to PhDs for you,” she said. Minister Manickchand encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities being presented. She also noted that the ministry does not play a role in the acceptance process, as each university has its own requirements. “You have to be eligible…You have to write your CXC, pass them and then you have all these opportunities opened up for you,” she explained. Guyanese can choose from over 80 programmes to study at five international

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Deceased RDC councillor was not vaccinated for COVID-19 –– health authorities say, reject ‘malicious,’ unsubstantiated social media claims

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (DPI photo) universities, through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning. The institutions are the University of the West Indies Open Campus; the University of the Southern Caribbean; the University of Applied Sciences; the Indira Gandhi National Open University and the JAIN University. The initiative is in keeping with the government’s promise to grant 20,000 online scholarships over the next five years. (DPI)

THE Ministry of Health has said that Councillor at the Region Ten Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Serjonie ‘Gem’ Narine, who died recently, did not receive any of three available COVID-19 vaccines. The ministry disclosed this as a response to what they consider “patent misinformation” about the councillor dying after taking a COVID-19 vaccine. “The Ministry of Health notes the patent misinformation being pedalled in relation to the COVID-19 vaccines by obstructionist elements, particularly in Linden, Region Ten,” the minister said, in a press statement on Friday. The ministry categorically rejected, as mischievous and malicious, unsubstantiated claims on social media that Narine died after taking the vaccine. Narine, authorities said, was not a recipient of any of the three COVID-19 vaccines

being administered by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health. The ministry is of the view that those ‘fabrications’ are part of a coordinated “whisper campaign” by political elements, particularly in Region Ten, to derail the government’s vaccination programme and stymie its successes in responding to the pandemic. “We wish to state clearly that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and call on persons to not fall prey to these fallacious claims and be dissuaded from being vaccinated,” the minister related. The Ministry of Health is encouraging all Guyanese 18 years and older to visit a vaccination site in their community and get inoculated as soon as possible. These vaccines and other measures implemented by the government are the only ways in which the nation can overcome the pandemic.

More fraud charges for senior police officers TWO senior police officers have again been charged by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for alleged misconduct, related to the falsification of payments for meals supplied to other officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The officers charged by SOCU are Superintendent of Police, Loraine Saul, who is the former officer-in-charge of the Brickdam Police Station’s Other Ranks Mess and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Kurt Smith, who was the officer-in-charge of the Finance Department of the Guyana Police Force. Both officers, who were charged on Monday for a similar case of alleged misconduct, were charged again by SOCU on Friday. It was alleged that Saul falsified and inflated accounts for meals provided by the Brickdam Police Station’s Other Ranks Mess, for reimbursement at the police Finance Department. The Brickdam Police Station’s Other Ranks Mess provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner for ranks stationed at various stations and locations within Regional Division Four ‘A.’ The matter was reported to SOCU and was subsequently investigated, and it was found that Saul prepared an account and petty contract dated December 18, 2020, for meals purportedly supplied to ranks who performed fixed-point duties at the Georgetown Holding Centre, Sophia, between December 1 and 15, 2020, in the sum of $348,000. Further, Saul prepared two similar accounts dated December 18, 2020 for meals purportedly supplied to ranks who performed fixed-point duties at the Georgetown Public Hospital Police Outpost and Georgetown Magistrate’s Court lockups between December

1 and 15, 2020, to the sum of $189,000 and $598,4000, respectively. The investigations discovered that on each, occasion she inflated the number of ranks and meals, and that Smith, as Finance Officer (ag), knowingly colluded with Saul to defraud and authorise the payments when the amount of feeding never took place. The duo was charged jointly on Thursday with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 34 of the Criminal Law Offences Act. Saul was also charged separately with two counts of falsification of accounts, contrary to Section 208 (b) of the Criminal Law Offences Act. Smith appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where he was not required to plead to the charges as they were indictable, while the court was informed that Saul is currently not in the country. Smith was represented by attorney-at-law, Patrice Henry. He was placed on $50,000 bail on each charge and the matter was adjourned to May 14, 2021. The matters were prosecuted by attorney-at-law, Leslyn Noble. The duo was already charged on Monday with the same offences. They were charged jointly with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 34 of the Criminal Law Offences Act and Saul was also charged separately with two counts of falsification of accounts, contrary to Section 208 (b) of the Criminal Law Offences Act. In those matters, upon investigation, SOCU found that Saul prepared an account and petty contract, dated December 18, 2020 for meals purportedly supplied to ranks who performed duties at ‘A’ Division Riot Unit between December 1

Woman Superintendent of Police, Loraine Saul and 15, 2020, to the amount of $1,350,000, when no such training was done for this period. Further, it was found that Saul also prepared another account and petty contract dated the same dates for meals purportedly supplied to ranks who performed fixed-point duties at the Georgetown Prison between December 1 and 15, 2020, to the amount of $ 648,000; however, she inflated the number of ranks and number of meals on this account, to the sum of $465,000. On that occasion, Smith was represented by attorney-at-law, Mark Waldron, who claimed that his client was not aware of the document he was signing, as another rank had taken it to him (Smith) to be signed. He was placed on $100,000 bail on each charge and that matter was adjourned to May 14, 2021. Recently, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kevin Adonis, along with three other ranks of the Guyana Police Force, was charged with conspiring to steal over $19 million from the force.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Marine security boosted –– with rehabilitated Baramani Coast Guard patrol vessel

MARINE security has been boosted with the rehabilitation of the Baramani Coast Guard patrol vessel. Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and other senior officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)) witnessed the deployment of the restored vessel into Guyana’s waters, following a brief inspection at the GPF’s Marine Department at Ruimveldt. According to a press statement from the

GPF, the vessel will be used to boost marine security along the Demerara River and ensure safety and security on the waterways. The MV Baramani is an enclosed vessel, which will help the Guyana Police Force to increase patrols on the waterways in varying weather conditions. The vessel, which was not operable since 2018, was restored at a cost of $3.7million.

Marine Vessel (MV) Baramani

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Clifton Hicken, in conversation with another senior officer of the GPF

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Guyana-Suriname ferry service suspended –– service expected to recommence next Wednesday THE management of the Guyana-Suriname ferry service on Friday announced a full lockdown for the coming weekend, from 18:00 hours on Friday, April 16, to 05:00 hours on Monday, April 19. Although no information was given as to the reason for the lockdown, an advisory published on the Ministry of Public Works’ social media pages, disclosed that lock-

down was instituted by the Government of Suriname. As a result, there will be no service on Sunday, April 18. The ferry, which plies the Moleson Creek, Corentyne to South Drain, Suriname route, recommenced its service on Sunday, February 21, 2021, after an almost oneyear suspension due to COVID-19-related health concerns. The service, however,

was limited to usage by only Guyanese and Surinamese. The Moleson Creek crossing was slated to be reopened on December 12, 2020, following its closure in March 2020, owing to the emergence of the novel coronavirus that had quickly developed into a pandemic. Unfortunately, even with the reopening of Guyana’s major airports and borders, the resump-

Guyana-Suriname ferry terminal at Moleson Creek tion of the Guyana-Suriname ferry service was stalled after it was reported that a number of Cuban refugees had been camping out at the Suriname end of the border, waiting to travel to Guyana. It is believed that the Cubans had intend-

ed to use Guyana as a trans-shipment point to the United States of America. For years, the Guyana-Suriname ferry service served as a critical and legal link between the two countries, mutually improving economic and cultural relations. Without the ferry service, scores of

persons in Suriname and Guyana usually resort to the alternative “backtrack” routes. The management of the ferry service apologised for the inconvenience caused, and noted that service will recommence on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Minibus driver charged for Man charged for causing death of pedestrian rape of underage girl

LEON Kyte, a minibus driver of Lamaha Street, Kitty, on Thursday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with causing the death of a pedestrian and was granted $300,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs. Kyte, 30, pleaded not guilty to the causing death by dangerous driving charge when it was read to him. It is alleged that on April 12, 2021, at Avenue of the Republic, George-

town, he drove minibus BWW 7191 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Keith Alexander McGarrell. According to the prosecution, at about 12:30 hours on the day in question, Kyte was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway of the Avenue of the Republic. As he approached the intersection of the Avenue of the Republic and Robb Street, he crossed into the eastern lane which has road markings directing drivers

to turn east only into Robb Street. However, Kyte failed to adhere to the instruction and continued south across the intersection. While overtaking a line of traffic, Kyte collided with McGarrell, who at the time was crossing the road from west to east. As a result of the collision, McGarrell fell onto the road surface, and received numerous injuries to his head and other parts of his body. He was taken by Kyte in an unconscious state to the Georgetown

Public Hospital Corporation where he was seen and examined by doctors on duty. McGarrell succumbed to his injuries at 18:25 hours on the said day, without regaining consciousness. The accident was reported to the police, who visited the scene and conducted an investigation. Kyte was subsequently arrested and charged. The matter was adjourned until May 11, 2021.

A MAN, who is accused of raping an 11-year-old girl, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on Friday, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was placed on $200,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was ordered to return to court on May 7, 2021. The charge states that Stephen Gordon, on December 29, 2020, at West La Penitence, Georgetown, engaged in sexual penetration with the child. According to the prosecution, on the day in question, the child disappeared after being sent on an errand by her mother. The following day, the mother was informed that the child was found. After receiving the news, the woman immediately proceeded to the location and during questioning, the child disclosed that she had spent the night at Gordon’s house. The matter was reported to the police and an investigation was launched.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Guyana aiming for further agriculture diversification –– Minister Mustapha affirms in Brazilian TV interview

GUYANA is seeking to boost agricultural production to strengthen food security, improve the profitability of small farmers, and open up new export markets to earn foreign exchange. The South American country is expecting to reap the largest rice harvest in its history, and to expand sugar

production, even as it works to develop non-traditional production of crops such as soybean and corn, allowing it to be self-sufficient in protein production, as well as in the production of feed for the poultry industry. Speaking from Georgetown, Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha spoke about the outlook

for the agriculture sector in his country, during an interview with the Agro América programme, which airs on the Brazilian TV station, Agro Mais. “Our main crops are rice and sugar, which we export on a large scale to Europe, North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Last year we saw a reval-

Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha uing and recapitalisation of sugar production, and we are close to reopening four sugar establishments that had been closed, thus providing employment, and increasing production. Our aim is to surpass the 88,000 tonnes produced in 2020 to achieve 100,000 tonnes this year,” said Mustapha. “We have managed to increase rice production, and foresee that it has great potential for this year. We are expecting to reap the largest harvest in our history, and are seeking out new markets globally. We have two new buyers, Hungary and Latvia, and are negotiating with Brazil to increase our offer this year from 10,000 to 34,000 tonnes,” he added. The minister revealed the plan to build a deep-water port, and to develop a railway connection to Brazil to improve trade conditions. “The benefits will be enormous for both countries, especially for us; we want our products to be transported via a railway route, starting in the Brazilian state of Roraima, rather than through the Pacific Ocean route,” he said. Mustapha also indicated that Guyana is striving to develop livestock, which it feels is key to food security and foreign exchange earnings. “We are building modern abattoirs throughout the country to develop our beef and pork industry; our aim is to process pork locally, rather than importing it,” he said, adding: “Brazil exports meat to the Middle East, and we also want to enter those markets. We are already self-sufficient in poultry production,

but we want to export. We are investing a great deal; researching and building laboratories. We have pastures, abundant land, and we can confirm that the livestock industry in Guyana is taking off. In a few years, we will be a powerhouse in this part of the world.” During the interview, the Guyanese minister assessed the role of international cooperation, and emphasised the importance of the work of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). “In our view,” he said, “it plays a very important role, and we are convinced that we can benefit much more, thanks to its assistance; not only Guyana, but the entire Caribbean. Guyana is an agricultural leader in the region; we have been called the ‘Food-basket of the Caribbean’, given our vast land area and agricultural potential.” The impact of the pandemic, and the pressure it has put on the agriculture sector was also addressed during the interview. Around the world, COVID-19 has brought to the fore the importance of family farmers in guaranteeing food security and nutritional quality. In that regard, Minister Mustapha stated that the Guyanese government has made it a priority to protect and support small-scale producers. “Many persons depend on agriculture for their livelihood; we are working to improve market access for small-scale farmers,” he said. “There is a large company in Guyana that produces juice, and we are assisting family farmers, so that they can sell their products to the company at preferential prices. The private sector is working with us to support producers and cooperatives in our country,” he added. The minister also referred to the importance of digital inclusion, and the incorporation of technology, noting that his ministry would be purchasing electronic equipment for smallscale producers. “Farmers in remote areas will be able to send information to the city, so that we can help them through extension services from Georgetown,” he said. “We will need to equip and train farmers in order to

witness a technological revolution in agriculture. We will help farmers to acquire drones, so that they can monitor their plantations, and apply plant protection products,” he explained. Guyana is a very proactive country in terms of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. Mustapha stated that the country had developed a low-carbon development strategy, through which it sells oxygen from its forests to different parts of the world. However, the minister acknowledged that the country is also very vulnerable to the impact of climate change. “Guyana is below sea level, and faces high-intensity rainfall, which makes the country prone to flooding. We are implementing mechanisms to alleviate these problems. This is a very serious issue,” he stressed. Lastly, the minister highlighted the number of rivers in Guyana, noting that the country’s name is an indigenous word that means “Land of Many Waters”. “We have an abundance of fresh water; water is not scarce anywhere in our country. Per capita, when you consider our surface area, we have the greatest amount of fresh water in the entire world. However, we have been looking at various parts of the country to ensure that people have access to sufficient water for consumption and irrigation. Water is available, but we must implement the necessary mechanisms to ensure that it reaches communities, and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said in closing. Agro América is a programme broadcast by the Brazilian television channel, Agro Mais of Grupo Bandeirantes de Comunicación. It is produced in partnership with IICA. The programme presents the current situation of the agriculture and rural sector in IICA member countries, with the aim of fostering the sharing of experiences, and a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing Latin America and the Caribbean in the field of agricultural and rural development. (IICA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE saturday, apRIL 17, 2021

Health Ministry procuring essential drugs for Region 2 CHAIRMAN of Region Two’s Health and Sanitation Committee, Arnold Adams, has told his fellow councillors that the region’s drug shortage issue is being addressed and that the Ministry of Health is currently in the process of procuring the required types of medicines. The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) member was at the time responding to concerns raised by opposition councillor, Trevor Cozier, about the issue. During a statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) held on Wednesday at Anna Regina, Cozier stated that several essential medications at the Oscar Jospeh Hospital at Charity is in short supply. Cozier told the council that patients seeking medical attention at the hospital have to incur additional expenses to buy “simple” medication such as amoxicillin. He, therefore, called on the RDC to make the necessary recommendations to urgently remedy the situation. Adams said the Director of General Health Services, Dr. Vishwanauth Mahadeo, was recently in the region, and all concerns were raised with him. Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who was also in the region, was updated on the drug shortage situation and was also informed about the challenges that are plaguing the region’s health sector,

Adams said. He said that he will “follow-up” with the relevant authorities, particularly on the shortage of drugs in the region. Meanwhile, residents have complained that whenever they visit the Suddie Public Hospital, they are told to purchase their medicine. They are hoping that the issue is resolved soon. In providing an update on Friday, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, told the Guyana Chronicle that the region has received some chronic disease medication which is currently being delivered to health centres on the Essequibo Coast and in the Pomeroon River. He said the shortage of medicine was inherited from the previous government which had brought drugs in 2017 with “close” expiry dates. He said that in Region Two, over $25 million worth of expired drugs had to be destroyed. In March, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, had disclosed that $3 billion worth of expired drugs had to be dumped by the Materials Management Unit (MMU) and several health facilities. As a result, the ministry has installed pharmaceutical monitors in each administrative region to prevent a recurrence and to reduce future shortages.

Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee and PPP/C councillor, Arnold Adams, during the RDC meeting held on Wednesday at Anna Regina

Opposition councillor, Trevor Cozier, raising the issue of drug shortage during the RDC meeting

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Challenges to local ‘agri’ sector highlighted at regional forum –– as stakeholders discuss ‘re-imagining’ agriculture

AGRICULTURE Ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean, and other senior officials from the World Bank, participated in a virtual roundtable to discuss re-imagining agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The officials highlighted strategies and proposed means of advancing agriculture in their countries. During his presentation,

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said climate change and infrastructure are two of the most challenging issues in the local sector. “Climate change is a rising issue that has had many adverse effects on the global environment, particularly in Guyana. Flood-risk in Guyana emanates from three different sources, namely excessive rainfall, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and inadequate

water resource management. “As it relates to infrastructure, long-term and strategic investments in infrastructure are required to make the agriculture production and distribution processes more efficient, viable, and sustainable. Without key investments in infrastructure, service delivery may not be able to take place at the desired pace. This is why, since taking office, government has made significant investments to develop our drainage and irrigation infrastructure,” he said. The minister cited Guyana’s inability to rapidly adapt to new technologies being used in agriculture around the world, as a major challenge that contributes to it losing its competitive advantage in the global market. The government has taken note of the challenges, and has proposed several actions to improve it. Minister Mustapha said those steps include ensuring all aspects of the food system are addressed, taking into account various trends and disruptors such as climate change and supply-side changes like food loss and waste. “Guyana is undertaking initiatives to develop resilient infrastructures. This is needed to ensure the continued functionality of sustainable food systems considering the

Ministers of Agriculture and other officials during the virtual LAC roundtable effects of climate change, and also to mitigate the impacts of health-related pandemics on the agriculture sector. “Further development of drainage and irrigation structures will help farmers to increase and stabilise yields, improve resilience in the face of climate change, and safeguard food and nutrition security for rural families. When this government took office, most of the drainage and irrigation structures were in a dilapidated state. Our first emergency budget catered for the rehabilitation of most of these structures,” he said. The minister also noted that the government recognises

the importance of an efficient drainage and irrigation system and the significant impact it has on the agriculture sector. “More than half of this year’s budgetary allocation for the agriculture sector is dedicated to improving the country’s drainage and irrigation system. Furthermore, with the adverse effects that climate change has on our agriculture sector, Guyana is beginning to incorporate climate-smart agriculture policies into farming practices. “One such area that Guyana has been exploring is the implementation of crops that are climate-change resilient,”

Minister Mustapha said. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS He also said any proposed action identified, should also allow for innovative solutions to be strategically implemented, and at the same time, for adaptability to changes in the future. Such proposed actions, he said, will aid in the food system being more sustainable and climate-resilient. Minister Mustapha also said it is important for governments across the region to invest in climate monitoring. He stressed the importance

See page 18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

French officials meet with President Ali PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday morning, met with Ambassador of the French Republic to Guyana, Antoine Joly, and a group of French army officials, at State House. Among the persons from the French army are

Senior Commander of the Armed Forces in French Guiana, Major General, Xavier Buisson, and Brigadier General, Thomas Lorne, of the French Defence Procurement Agency. Other members of the delegation were Lieutenant

Colonel Philippe Lamouret, Defence Attaché; Captain Virginie Lestage, International Relations Division, Joint Armed Forces in French Guiana; and Valentin Aventino, Country Desk Officer for Suriname and Guyana with the Directorate-General

for International Relations and Strategy. Although the details of Friday’s meeting were private, it was reported that the contingent met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, on Thursday, to discuss

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali greets Ambassador of the French Republic to Guyana, Antoine Joly

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (centre) with Ambassador of the French Republic to Guyana, Antoine Joly (third from left) and members of the delegation at State House, on Friday

the strengthening of military co-operation links between Guyana and France. According to available information, Guyana and France established diplomatic relations on June 22, 1967. France is repre-

sented in Guyana through its embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname, and has an honorary consulate in Guyana. Both countries have, over the years, passed a number of bilateral treaties.

Labourer to stand trial for murder of Essequibo newspaper vendor –– case against wife, juvenile dismissed A TWENTY-SEVEN-yearold labourer of Bush Lot, Region Two, will stand trial at the next practical session of the Suddie High Court to answer to the charge of murder. Norlando Brown, his wife, Pamela Joseph, and a seventeen-year-old boy, had appeared before the court on July 7, 2020 for allegedly murdering newspaper vendor, Sham Munilall. Munilall was shot and killed during a robbery at his Queenstown, Essequibo home. Initially, Carlton Carter, Carl Michael Carter, Delhoya Mckenzie, Norlando Brown, and the teenager were charged with the crime. The state prosecutor withdrew the case against the quintet and a new charge was instituted against Brown, Joseph and the teen. On April 13, Magistrate

Esther Sam ruled that a case for murder had been made out against Brown, and she committed him to stand trial at the Suddie High Court. He will remain in prison until his trial. Concerning Joseph, who never made a court appearance and the teenager, Magistrate Sam found that a case was not made out against them. Therefore, the case against them was dismissed. Forty-eight-year-old Sham Munilall, also called “Chunnilall” and “paperman”, was killed during the course or furtherance of a robbery. Reports are that the man was in front of his yard having a barbeque with his family when three men, one armed with a handgun and another with a cutlass, scaled the fence and gained entry into the residence. The armed men attacked Munilall’s wife

Sham Munilall also called “Chunnilall” and “paper man” Rita, who was at the front door of the house. Upon seeing this, Munilall confronted the perpetrators, but the gunman opened fire on him. He was shot four times about his body. The trio escaped. The injured man was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Challenges to local ‘agri’ sector ...

From page 16

of ensuring policymakers assess and strengthen response systems across the region. “Farmers and all relevant users of climate-related data need to be provided with the information required to effectively plan and respond to variations in climate intensity, frequency, and the location of extreme weather and climate events. “A key policy that is guiding Guyana’s approach to achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient food system is the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The LCDS seeks to create a low deforestation, low carbon, and climate-resilient economy, with the objective of transforming the economy while combating climate change,” Minister Mustapha said. The current global pandemic has exposed how food production, processing and transportation and consumption can be impacted by infectious diseases. As such, Guyana has since taken steps to ensure preventative measures against infectious diseases at the human, animal, and ecosystem interfaces, are established. COVID-19 has also increased the need and use of information and digital technologies. IMPORTANCE OF ICT In his address, Minister Mustapha also said that the sector is somewhat reliant on information and communication technology (ICT) to keep critical operations and projects running effectively. He also said the government would be directing resources to improve technological access to farmers and farming communities in

remote regions of the country. “IT has enabled people to quickly share information during the crises, heeding the social restrictions that have been imposed since everything from the supply chain to human resources have been affected by the virus. “This policy action can be tailored to Guyana to facilitate access to technological devices, internet connections, and capacity-building to farmers who are currently at a disadvantage due to their inability to access the aforementioned items. Particular focus will be placed in remote areas where this phenomenon is more prominent to facilitate ease in relaying agriculture data and information,” Minister Mustapha said. Guyana has made a notable comeback as it relates to taking the lead on agriculture in the Caribbean. The country is once again being viewed as an agriculture powerhouse in CARICOM and since taking office, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and other senior Ministers of Government, have been lobbying for support to develop the sector at different fora. During the last CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, President Ali presented the Food Production and Food Security Agenda, which was later adopted by CARICOM. A ministerial taskforce, comprising Ministers of Agriculture from 10 participating CARICOM states, along with other key officials, was later formed to advance this agenda. That taskforce is being chaired by Minister Mustapha and Guyana is once again the lead country for agriculture in CARICOM.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Bottas tops free practice two at Imola (BBC) - Charles Leclerc crashed his Ferrari at the end of what had been an impressive second practice session at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Leclerc had earlier set the fastest lap time of the session, only to lose it for exceeding track limits. Valtteri Bottas was fastest in the session, just 0.01 seconds quicker than Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen suffered a driveshaft failure early in the session. Bottas’ fastest time was set on the medium tyres, but Hamilton’s was on the softs, which are theoretically quicker but on which Mercedes barely found any time. Leclerc’s best lap was 0.2 secs ahead of Bottas, before it was deleted because he exceeded track limits at Piratella. The Monegasque driver also looked competitive on his race simulation runs. After his accident in the closing seconds of the ses-

sion, Leclerc went on the radio to say to his team: “Sorry, guys. I was pushing. Really hard.” Leclerc, who missed half of the first session because of an engine problem, was one of a number of drivers who lost lap times for running beyond the white line that marks the edge of the track at Piratella, a downhill lefthander and the fastest corner on the track. The 23-year-old said: “It has not been an easy day on my side but the performance has been great for me. “We didn’t do the first part of P1 for a small problem. But the car felt good. Then P2, very competitive. We got our lap time deleted for every small margins in Turn Nine. It is most important not to do that in qualifying. “But the performance was there too, also the race pace was good. Then I made a mistake and went into the wall but better to do it now than in the race.

“The car feels great. The grip is good and the balance is good and I have quite a bit of confidence in the car so I am looking forward to tomorrow.” Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly was third quickest from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, with Leclerc classified fifth with a lap set later on his soft tyres, when they had lost their edge. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was sixth fastest, ahead of the second Alpha Tauri of Japanese rookie Yuki Tsunoda and McLaren’s Lando Norris. Despite their strong showing, Sainz said Ferrari were “counting” on Mercedes and Red Bull being at the front in qualifying. “They have an edge on us and they will be quicker,” the Spaniard said. Mercedes looked stronger than they had at the same stage of the first race of the season, when Red Bull appeared to have an obvious advantage.

Women’s National Champion Cristy Campbell takes reign of GLTA Five-time defending National Tennis Champion, Cristy Campbell was yesterday voted in as president of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) following their General Meeting and Elections, held at the National Racquet Centre. Campbell came up against Anabel Sharma and won 11 votes to three. Nigel Niles is the GLTA’s First Vice President, winning the post 10 – 4 over Patrick Mentore, while Surendra Khayyame was unopposed for the position of Second Vice President. Delon Fraser and Patricia Hope were tied on seven

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votes a piece in the run-off for the position of the GLTA’s Secretary. Hope, Hope withdraw her contention, giving Fraser the position. Ramesh Seebaran is the Treasurer. Jamal Goodluck , Kimberly Conway, Marlin Henry and Renate Jordan are the Committee Members. Returning Officer was Attorney-At-Law Sharon Small. Sheltez, Roraima, Non-Pariel, Rebel, Wimbledon, Pumas, Everest and United Tennis Club, along with the Guyana Tennis Coaches Association were the eligible clubs at the Gen-

eral Meeting and Elections. Meanwhile, Speaking to the Media, Campbell said while there might have been some flared tempters in the lead-up the elections, she’s hoping that everyone can still work together in the interest of the sport. Campbell said while there’s a new nine-member executive in place to govern the sport, the GLTA “will need the players, parents, coaches stakeholders; everyone to come on board. I’m open to dialogue with anyone who would have something meaningful to add to the development of tennis.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Deepak Chahar’s 4 for 13 sets up big CSK win (ESPNCRICINFO) - After four successive matches that swung wildly at the death for come-from-behind-wins, Chennai Super Kings eased to a straightforward victory against Punjab Kings, to notch their first points of IPL 2021. A bowling masterclass led by Deepak Chahar dismantled the Kings top order, and there was no magic recovery this time. Chahar took out four of the Kings’ top five, while the other man - KL Rahul - was run-out. For a team structure heavily dependent on the top order to make the bulk of the runs, being 26 for 5 meant the end of the Kings’ hopes in this

game. Chahar bowled a spectacular first spell, with MS Dhoni continuing to bowl him beyond the powerplay for all four overs in one stretch and he ended with 4 for 13, bowling an incredible 18 dot balls. It was left to Shahrukh Khan to show a glimpse of his muscular hitting capacity, with 47 off 36 from No. 6 to drag the team into three figures. The 106 for 8 they ended up with was still the lowest total for any team that have batted out tneir 20 overs at the Wankhede Stadium in the IPL. Super Kings had a good opportunity to beef up their net run rate. Moeen Ali, who

scored 46 off 31, did exactly that, and although a twoin-two burst from Mohammed Shami then slowed the charge, Super Kings still eased to victory in the 16th over for the loss of just four wickets.

Chahar strikes, Jadeja prowls In the very first over, Chahar got one to curl past Mayank Agarwal’s bat to knock out the off-stump. Pitched on a length and curving away wickedly, it left Agarwal squared up, and would have probably accounted for most batters. He also got Chris Gayle two balls later but Ruturaj Gaikwad shelled a straightforward

chance at backward point. Two overs later, Rahul took off for a quick single from the non-striker’s end when the ball had rolled off Gayle’s pad to short cover, but he misjudged Jadeja’s panther-like quickness in the field. Swooping down on the ball and rifling a direct hit in one smooth motion, Jadeja caught Rahul short even though the batter had taken a decent start. Chahar was not to be denied Gayle’s wicket either, and a knuckle ball did the No.3 in, chipping a drive because he played it early. It was again towards cover and Jadeja was in the thick of it again, diving to his right to hold a good catch. For good measure, Chahar added Deepak Hooda’s wicket in his final over, an awayswinger being lobbed tamely to mid-off. His final over ended up a wicket maiden, and with

seven overs bowled, Kings were going at less than four an over with all of their main batters back in the hut at 26 for 5.

Shahrukh strikes at Wankhede He had walked into the middle in just the fifth over, and as the last recognised batter remaining, Khan could afford to just play and not bother about the scoreboard. If the Kings were going to get anything defendable, it was all on him, so he could pace his innings his own way. With Chahar bowled out, batting became a mite easier too and Khan muscled the ball to the fence whenever he was given width. He fell in the final over, missing out on a maiden IPL fifty, but he had ensured the team wouldn’t be bowled out and would cross 100.

Moeen leads the way in the chase Super Kings stuck to their opening combination of Gaikwad with Faf du Plessis, who both were circumspect against some sharp new-ball bowling. With the target so low though, it didn’t matter even though Gaikwad fell in the powerplay. Ali’s association with du Plessis yielded 66 runs in 7.3 overs for the second wicket, and there was no way the Super Kings were losing after that. Ali had begun to find the boundary with trademark fluency right from when he walked in, in the sixth over, while du Plessis was content to hold his end up. Ali fell before he could get to his fifty, flat-batting M. Ashwin to deep midwicket. There was a minor moment of drama when Shami got both Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu off successive balls, but victory was only a formality by then.

Labuschagne stacks fourth Sheffield Shield century for Queensland (ESPNCRICINFO) - It feels as though Marnus Labuschagne has been batting for most of the season (and the last two years). He was at it again on the second day of the Sheffield Shield final, remaining at the crease from start to finish, compiling his fourth century of the competition to put Queensland into an almost impregnable position.

maining and a good forecast, Queensland comfortably won the bonus point tally - 1.48 to 0.3 - when the 100 overs had elapsed should the game end in a draw. Labuschagne’s innings was faultless. He brought up his hundred from 187 balls and by stumps was in sight of a double. He played Nathan Lyon, who was New South Wales’ main threat, expertly,

Another hundred: Marnus Labuschagne capped a prolific season (Getty Images)

With the lead already at 143 it is difficult to see a way back for New South Wales (NSW) even though, in theory, they will be bowling last on a surface that is offering considerable turn. Queensland have been in no hurry - they scored 228 in 90 overs on the second day - and could look to bat most of the third day before setting about taking 10 more wickets. While unlikely to be required, with three days re-

although in the Test series against India, some of Lyon’s tactics and field settings were brought into question. He and the rest of Blues’ attack will be sick of the sight of Labuschagne who had scored two previous centuries against them this season. The duck in the second innings in Adelaide certainly looks like an aberration. He is now within 11 runs of being the third player to score 800 runs this sea-

son (after Cameron Green and Travis Head) and would probably be quite happy for the season to keep on going Glamorgan, where he heads next, could get good value. The morning contest between Labuschagne and Lyon had been absorbing, and at times amusing: against one delivery Labuschagne padded up to a delivery which brought an lbw appeal, then a frustrated Lyon questioned why one of the best batsmen in the world wasn’t using his bat. When he did, the middle was big. The first session brought just 61 runs as Labuschagne and Bryce Street consolidated Queensland’s first-day gains when they removed NSW for 143. There was less movement for the quicks than in the opening day and the slowness of the surface made it hard work for them although an edge from Street flew between the keeper and first slip off Josh Hazlewood in the first over. Street’s role should not be forgotten as he again showed his ability to bat long periods by facing more than 200 balls to wear down the attack. Both Lyon and Mitchell Starc tried to get under his skin, but he was having none of it, although he was dropped at slip off Lyon, by Kurtis Patterson, on 27 and did eventually nick one after lunch.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Pakistan grab series 3-1 (ESPNCRICINFO) - Pakistan have pulled off backto-back T20I series wins over South Africa, albeit not a team with their firstchoice personnel at their disposal, and capped off their tour with a 3-1 win thanks to a strong bowling performance and despite a batting wobble. Pakistan made heavy work of chasing 145, and after coasting on 92 for 1 lost 6 for 37 to put South Africa on the brink of a series-levelling coup.

Shamsi and Andile Phehlukwayo squeezed Pakistan but South Africa could not hold their nerve at the end. It’s an age-old problem which they will want to confront as they slumped to a fifth successive series T20I defeat. Safe hands, finally Neither team had a fielding effort worthy of this series’ highlights reels with four dropped catches on each side but Pakistan pulled off a flawless display in this match and took all eight chances

badly either and held on to six chances. Their best effort was Shamsi’s running catch at deep third to get rid of Azam and put South Africa in a position to push for a win. Middle-over blues South Africa went into this match a batter short after opting to bench Pite van Biljon in favour of a third all-rounder and it backfired badly. After the openers were dismissed, they needed at least one of Klaasen or van

Fakhar Zaman lines up a big hit (AFP/Getty Images)

That might have been more than what South Africa deserved after an under-par batting effort. Only three times in the 77 T20Is in which South Africa have batted first, have they been bowled out for fewer runs as the middle-order collapsed. Shaheen Shah Afridi had his best performance of the series, with a return of 1 for 19 in his four overs, after conceding at more than ten for the first three matches while Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf took three apiece to stall any acceleration attempts. After Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman put Pakistan on track for a comfortable win, Lizaad Williams removed them both and Tabraiz

they got in this match. It started when Fakhar Zaman intercepted Janneman Malan’s aerial drive at head height to take the catch to his right and put the brakes on a South African innings that was ticking along at eight an over. That was the most difficult of the opportunities Pakistan got with the others fairly straightforward skied chances, though they still took some judgement. Zaman took another good catch at sweeper cover, and avoided a collision with Ashraf to end Sisanda Magala’s knock and Mohammad Rizwan dived full-length to his left to hold on to an Andile Phehlukwayo outside edge. South Africa didn’t do too

der Dussen to bat through to avoid exposing a soft middle, but exactly the opposite happened. Klaasen and van der Dussen were dismissed in the space of five balls, failing to make proper contact on attempted big strokes, which sparked a collapse of 5 for 13 in 19 balls. Linde and Mulder both looked as though they were batting a position too high and Phehlukwayo’s death-hitting amounted to one attempted to drive on the up. After scoring 100 runs in the first 12 overs, South Africa managed just 44 runs in their last 8, to finish well under-par. Rizwan’s run ends After Mohammad Riz-

wan stalked them all summer, South Africa would have been thrilled to see the back of him for a second duck in the series. Given his form, you can hardly blame Rizwan for stepping out of his crease to take on Bjorn Fortuin in the first over, but he overbalanced and missed his flick, allowing Heinrich Klaasen to pull off a stumping down the leg side. The last time South Africa dismissed Rizwan early, they cantered to victory but, with a low total to defend, they could not repeat

that feat. Batting beyond Babar Pakistan’s middle order have been largely untested on this tour and proved more fragile than they would like. After Zaman and Azam were dismissed in the same over by Williams, Pakistan had to rely on their most experienced batter Mohammad Hafeez and promising youngster Haidar Ali to take them through the second half of the innings. Haidar flicked a full Phehlukwayo delivery

to deep square leg and Hafeez slog-swept Shamsi to long-on, to leave it up to the lower-order. Then Asif Ali was hurried by a Magala bouncer and popped him a simple return chance. Pakistan lost 4 for 17 in 37 balls which made what should have been a straightforward chase much more complicated. They needed 25 runs off the final 18 balls and six off the last over and got there with a ball to spare.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

Brown leads Celtics rout of Lakers

(REUTERS) - Jaylen Brown scored 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds as Boston Celtics closed out a perfect road trip with a 121-113 victory over Los Angeles Lakers. Brown finished 17 of 20 from the field and at one point made 11 straight shots. Celtics, who ended 3-0 on the trek and earned their fifth straight win overall, never trailed. Marcus Smart and Payton Pritchard each scored 15 points. Getting the start in place of Andre Drummond (bruised right big toe), Los Angeles centre Marc Gasol had a hot shooting night, finishing 4 of 6 from the 3-point arc and totalling 18 points. Talen Horton-Tucker added 19 points for Lakers, who allowed fans into Staples Center for the first time this season. While Lakers have lost five of their past nine games, the team received good news. Anthony Davis, who has missed 28 games with a right calf strain, received an evaluation from club doctors and was cleared for full-contact practices, which means the versatile big man is close to returning to action.

Bucks 120, Hawks 109 Jrue Holiday scored 23 points, Brook Lopez 19 points 12 rebounds and visiting Milwaukee slowed surging Atlanta to earn their third straight win.

his season average. Trae Young, returning from a calf injury that sidelined him for two games, scored 15 points with nine assists, but he committed six of the Hawks’ 11 turnovers

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) scores a basket against Los Angeles Lakers centre Marc Gasol (14) during the first half at Staples Center (Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

A balanced scoring effort, with 7 Bucks finishing in double figures, powered Milwaukee to a lead they held almost the entire night. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a six-game absence caused by a knee injury to score 15 points, almost 14 fewer than

and shot just 3-for-17. Bogdan Bogdanovic led all scorers with 28 points, and Clint Capela added 16 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Suns 122, Kings 114 Deandre Ayton scored 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting

and collected 11 rebounds to lead red-hot Phoenix to a victory over visiting Sacramento. Devin Booker added 23 points as Phoenix won their fourth straight contest and 14th in their past 16 games. Chris Paul recorded 13 points 11 assists three steals. De’Aaron Fox registered 27 points eight assists, but Kings fell to match their season-worst losing skid of nine games. Buddy Hield added 24 points and Delon Wright had 16. Warriors 119, Cavaliers 101 Stephen Curry once again led Golden State, scoring 33 points to help Warriors beat hosts Cleveland for their fourth straight win. Despite struggling a bit early from 3-point range (4for-13 for the game), Curry recorded his ninth consecutive game with 30-plus points. He also finished with five assists, four rebounds two blocks. Collin Sexton returned after missing the previous two games with a left groin strain and led Cavaliers with 30 points, but Cleveland lost for the third time in four games.

Blitz and Rapid Chess tournament billed for this weekend

THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will host two online competitions over the weekend dubbed the April Open Chess Tournament. A Blitz competition will be held today (Saturday April 17) and a Rapid competition tomorrow. An overall winner will be decided after the 14 rounds of play. Players will be awarded two points for a win and one for a draw. Maximum points will decide the overall champion. As an incentive the firstplace finisher will collect $40 000, second-placer will receive

$30 000 and third-placer $20 000. The top junior will receive $20 000, with second-placer collecting $10 000 and third-placer $500. Today’s Blitz (the faster of the two, time-related) will be over seven rounds, with the first pawn moving at 18:30hrs. The event will have a time control of six minutes plus two seconds increment. In tomorrow’s Rapid, participants will battle from 13:00hrs over seven rounds with a time control of 12 minutes plus four seconds. According to president

of GCF, Frankie Farley, the weekend event is geared to get players playing again. “We will roll out a number of initiatives and tournaments to bring back chess online, these prizes are motivation to both adults and youths.” Farley added that the federation plans to have two online

tournaments every month, based on sponsorships. This weekend’s two-day event is sponsored by Marlon Williams. Davion Mars, the defending national Blitz and Rapid champion confirmed his participation last evening. A number of other big names are expected to compete.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER FRIDAY, April 16, 2021

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(1) Shane Watson (RR) (2) Shaun Marsh-616 runs (King’s XI Punjab)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who took most wickets in IPL 2008? (2) What was the highest individual score made in IPL 2008?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Davion Mars won both the Blitz and Rapid championships last year

Moe, Rose shine but Guyana falls again lose 87 – 107 to Jamaica; to face El Salvador tonight in must-win game

Guyana’s Anthony Moe dunks on three players during Guyana’s 73-84 defeat to Nicaragua at the FIBA 2023 World Cup Pre-Qualifiers (Photo compliments: GABF/FIBA)

By Rawle Toney

Guyana went down once again in El Salvador, this time losing 87 – 107 to Jamaica last evening at the Gimnasio Nacional Adolfo Pineda. It was the second defeat in as many outings in San Salvador for the Guyanese, after losing 73 – 84 in their opening FIBA 2023 World Cup Pre-Qualifiers campaign against Nicaragua on Thursday. Anthony Moe led all ‘GT scorers’ with 25 points, 16 of which came in the first half. Captain Stanton Rose Jr had another good night shooting the basketball, hitting six of his 11 attempts from ‘deep’ to finish with 19 points. Delroy James, who was quiet in the first half, (only scoring four points) finished with a well-rounded 18, while also pulling in four rebounds and dishing out five assists. Despite Coach Junior Hercules shedding some concerns about Guyana’s ‘wild’ three-point shooting against Nicaragua where they only scored 13 of their 46 attempts (28.3%), last night, against Jamaica, nothing changed. Guyana shot nine from 29 (31.03%). Moe scored 16 points in the first half, while Rose had 12, as Guyana trailed Jamaica 42 – 47. However, Jamaica held Guyana to 15 points in the third period, while piling on 31 of their own, led by Omari Johnson (26),

Marcel Robinson (21) and Romaine Thomas (18). In the fourth stanza, starting with a 21-point deficit, Guyana, behind James and Rose, began to chip-away at the lead but the ‘Reggae Ballerz’ went inside the paint where they scored 52 of their total and regained control for the ball game. Guyana, though showing some fight when Hercules injected Nikolai Smith (4) and youngster Israel Yaw (2) and Deylon Bovell who had an impactful presence on the game. The Berkeley College point guard scored 12 points (seven in the first half), hauled in six rebounds, two assists and a steal, and his energy, coupled with Rose and James’ scoring, shed a glimmer of hope for a Guyana comeback. But, “not today” said the ‘Yardies’. The men from the Land of Wood and Water never looked troubled after regaining control as they picked up their second win in the tournament. On the opening day, Jamaica came away with a narrow 69 – 67 win over Costa Rica. Meanwhile, with three teams advancing to the next round in July, Guyana will now have to win their remaining games in the tournament. Tonight, from 21:00hrs, Guyana will face host El Salvador and they will close things off on Saturday against Costa Rica.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 17, 2021

‘Soca Warriors’ in limbo over eligibility of a ‘player agent’ … GFF ‘mulling’ challenge on use of Andre Boucard

IN AN article first published on Inside World Football Website, the embattled Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), currently ruled by a FIFA Normalisation Committee, could face the embarrassment of losing points from its recent World Cup qualifiers for playing an ineligible player. Trinidad and Tobago are drawn in a group with St Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Puerto Rico and The Bahamas. Having opened with a 3-0 win against Guyana, Soca Warriors followed up with a 1-1 draw against Puerto Rico, and in doing so brought on registered player agent Andre Boucard. Boucard, 36, who last featured for Trinidad and Tobago in March 2017, had not played for at least seven months before his call-up by coach Terry Fenwick. Trinidad and Tobago registered Boucard as playing for Maidstone United in England’s sixth tier, though a search of records shows no indication of his registration.

However, Inside World Football noted that he was registered as a player intermediary with the English FA. English FA rules ex-

pressly prohibit an agent playing competitively in the elite professional and semi-professional tiers of the game.

Rule 1.2 of Appendix II in the English FA rules states; “An Official (as defined by the FIFA Statues or any successor hereto) or a Player

FLASHBACK! Levi Garcia of Trinidad and Tobago controls the ball as Samuel Cox of Guyana attempts to slide tackle during the first half of the CONCACAF Gold Cup match at Children’s Mercy Park on June 26, 2019 in Kansas City, Kansas (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

cannot be an Intermediary. An Intermediary becoming an Official or a Player shall have his Registration suspended for as long as he remains an Official or a Player.” Boucard was subsequently pulled from the list of English FA player agents and his licence temporarily suspended. The English FA say their rules mirror those of FIFA and while the conflicts that would arise with a player also being an agent are obvious, FIFA’s own rules don’t specifically mention players cannot be agents, though the wording implies that is the case. However, FIFA’s rules are very clear over sanctions that would be applied if an ineligible player took part in an official match. In this case the sanction would be to forfeit the game. FIFA’s rules on eligibility reads: “1. If a player takes part in an official match despite being ineligible, his team will be sanctioned by forfeiting the match (cf. art. 31) and paying a minimum fine of CHF 6,000. If a player takes part in a friendly

match despite being ineligible, his team will be sanctioned by forfeiting the match and paying a minimum fine of CHF 4,000.” Meanwhile, a Guyana Football Federation (GFF) official told Chronicle Sport last evening, that the Federation is currently mulling whether or not they should challenge the TTFA over the use of Boucard. The GFF official said they have so far confirmed that Boucard is indeed registered as a player intermediary with the English FA. If the GFF and Puerto Rico make a challenge and Trinidad and Tobago are docked points, their World Cup qualification group is thrown wide open as they would lose the crucial one point advantage they have over Guyana. It could get worse for the TTFA – though it seems unlikely – if decided, to also overturn the result against Guyana. While on the squad list, Boucard did not feature in that match.

Home-based Golden Jaguars to resume training GCB/Dave Narine to launch Dave’s West Indian THE local-based Guyana Senior Men’s National Squad will restart training sessions at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre today, in preparation for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches in June. Twenty-eight players, who will undergo regular testing for COVID-19 while in training, have been invited to train for five sessions per week until the final squad is selected before Guyana take on Puerto Rico and St Kitts and Nevis in the last two matches in Group F of the first round of qualification. Guyana currently lie third in Group F following a 0-3 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago and a 4-0 win against The Bahamas in the Dominican Republic in March. Only group winners progress to round two. The extraordinary domestic squad training arrangements, also deployed in the months before the games in March, have been done and fully financed by the GFF to provide players with a professional coaching environment to compensate for a lack of club and

competition activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In normal circumstances, national squads only convene for encampment days before international fixtures, once released by their clubs and when FIFA international window opens. Squads are also generally only announced in the days before the window opens, once it is clear which players are fit and available. “We’ll be looking to work on more technical and physical aspects for the next few weeks,” said Golden Jaguars assistant coach Charles Pollard. “We will be looking for good commitment and attitude. We always know that the local players are never short of commitment and attitude – so that’s a plus.” “We want to continue to build on their fitness and awareness and to get them to concentrate for longer periods of time,” the former national team captain added. Twelve places in the 23-man final squad that faced Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas in March were handed to home-based players, including eight alumni of the GFF’s pio-

neering elite Youth Academy Training Centres. Goalkeeping coach Eon DeViera said: “With the goalkeepers coming back from a short break, we would like to reinforce the importance of the many games we have coming up in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup playoff. With respect to training, we will be focussing on strength training mainly for the next few weeks.” Guyana face Guatemala in part one of the preliminary round of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup in July. The GFF has set the following key targets for the Golden Jaguars this year. The first is to reach round two of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification and the second is to improve on the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup performance, when Guyana secured one point in the group stage of the tournament Guyana must win both matches against St Kitts and Nevis and Puerto Rico, to have a chance of qualifying for round two of FIFA World Cup qualification.

Imports & Exports Educational Trust Fund

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will on Friday, April 23 2021, launch the Dave Narine Educational Trust Fund for 15 young cricketers across Guyana.

to qualify for the grant will be good discipline and school attendance. The current executives of GCB are cognizant of the constraints related to the COVID-19

Dave Narine, proprietor of Dave’s West Indian Imports

Under this initiative, each county will submit five Under-17 cricketers who will each benefit from a $20 000 grant. Two of the important criteria in order

situation, in particular the present rise in recorded cases, and the financial impact on families. The GCB will continue to monitor the situation

to establish a timeframe based on professional advice in which GCB competitions can recommence. The Cricket Development Committee (CDC) of the GCB will continue to focus on the requisite programmes that are geared at on-field and off-field developmental activities. The GCB expressed immense gratitude to Mr Dave Narine, proprietor of Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports, for his continued support of the development of youth cricket. Mr Narine has expressed his intention to once again donate a large quantity of exercise books for distribution to youth cricketers and also to renew his sponsorship of the Under-15 Inter-county tournament. Each county will be asked by GCB to make a submission of 5 selected players who will benefit from this initiative by Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

‘Soca Warriors’ SEE PAGE 31

Stanton Rose (#11) being pressed by Adrian Mike during Guyana’s 87-107 defeat to Jamaica in El Salvador (Photo compliments: GABF/FIBA) GABF/FIBA)

in limbo over eligibility of a ‘player agent’

SEE PAGE 30

Moe, Rose shine but Guyana falls to Jamaica 87-107 ―to face El Salvador tonight in must-win game

Andre Boucard, the player in the middle of a contention for the TTFA

Deepak Chahar is pumped after sending back Mayank Agarwal, Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2021, Mumbai, yesterday

New GLTA president Cristy Campbell

SEE PAGE 27

Deepak Chahar’s 28 4 for 13 sets up big CSK win

SEE PAGE

Women’s National Champion Cristy Campbell takes reign of GLTA

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SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021