Issuu

SATURDAY 3rd July, 2021

' No.106410

Sod turned for spanking $4B Courtyard Marriott SEE PAGE 03

–– President Ali promises training for 4,000 hospitality workers

Now that the sod-turning is completed, the US$20M Courtyard Marriott Hotel will take 24 months to be constructed (Adrian Narine photo)

President Ali: If Guyana gets Pfizer, it will go to children 08 PAGE

Six Gladston Henry witnesses charged for attempting to pervert course of justice 11 PAGE

Jermaine Figueira ‘Uncle Shameer’ 04 replaces Patterson gets 25 years for as PAC Chair 10 raping schoolgirl PAGE

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Sod turned for spanking $4B Courtyard Marriott –– President Ali promises training for 4,000 hospitality workers By Rehana Ahamad

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is convinced that, for Guyana to truly develop, its people must be positioned as beneficiaries of the many investments that the country will continue to attract. As Cardinal Investments Incorporated, owned by Guyanese couple Roy and Denise Bassoo, prepares to kick-start construction of a massive $4 billion Courtyard Marriott Hotel, the Head of State has pledged the government’s commitment to training up to 4,000 workers to satisfy the ever-growing needs of the tourism and hospitality sector. “With the type of development taking place, we will need, immediately, three to

Airport (CJIA), just adjacent to the captivating Timehri roundabout. The project has an estimated construction period of 24 months. According to President Ali, the environs of the CJIA is slated for mammoth investments and transformation. The Head of State pointed to the fact that during his tenure as a Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, he received plethora of complaints from organisers as well as local and international racers and fans who find it difficult to travel to and from Georgetown, during the hosting of events at the South Dakota Circuit in Timehri. To this end, Dr. Ali assured investors that the intended 2023 completion date

“We are already talking to urban planners and our local planners. We have established a group looking at the development of Silica City and the type of infrastructure that will surround Silica City,” the President informed. EXCITING PROJECTS He said specifically that the administration wants to attract investors for a number of state-of-the-art projects, including the construction of a first-class marina in the Demerara River, a “world class” resort along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway and, a “super highway” to significantly reduce travel time between the CJIA and Georgetown.

President Ali leaving his signature on the spade he used to turn the sod 4,000 trained Guyanese for the hospitality sector; we have decided, as a government, that we are going to make the investment,” Dr. Ali told those gathered at the sod-turning ceremony for the new Marriott Hotel on Friday. He indicated that whether through scholarship or specially designed home-grown programmes, the investments will be made by the government to ensure that Guyanese meet the skill requirements for world-class facilities. “That will be done, and will be announced shortly,” President Ali said. The six-storey, 140-room Courtyard Marriott will be constructed on 2.5 acres of land leased by the government, in the vicinity of the Cheddi Jagan International

for the new hotel will coincide with the full transformation of the East Bank Demerara corridor. “So, not only are we seeing the realisation of a hotel, but we are seeing a realisation of a new urban spread around the airport, and this area will become a major hospitality, leisure, and sports recreational area, in addition to the business segment,” President Ali said, as he pointed to the massive expansions ongoing at CJIA. He added: “The type of investments that will be created around will only add to the success of this [Courtyard Marriott] project.” As a matter of fact, Dr. Ali said that within the next five years, the government alone will be plugging billions of dollars into improving and modernising that catchment area.

As it is, President Ali said that in excess of 40 international investors “are knocking at our door for different investments in the airport; as a matter of fact, the airport authority is short of lands to facilitate these investments”. In referencing the importance of such projects to the Guyanese economy, President Ali said that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government will not be pursuing development in a manner that is “mis-matched.” Rather, he related that emphasis will be placed on developing Guyana’s human resource and infrastructural capacity to accommodate the growing investments and intended modernisation. The President said that his government’s plan is to first create oppor-

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali tunities then partner with the private sector to translate the benefits of those opportunities to the wider public. “That is how sustainable development occurs,” Dr. Ali posited. He said that outside of foreign investments, the government will be looking forward to the input of Guyanese and Guyanese-owned businesses. “Any Guyanese with a plan, come knock on the door; Guyana is open for every single one of you,” the President guaranteed. He said that his government will be investing in infrastructure that give equality

to opportunities. “It is not gyaff; it is not propaganda,” Dr. Ali warned. Similar sentiments were shared by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill who said that although the Courtyard Marriott is a major investment by the Bassoo family, the government is open to facilitating smaller investments “to ensure that our airport serves with excellence and provides that welcoming environment that showcases the masterpiece of Guyana and the character of the Guyanese hospitality.” In the same vein, United States Ambassador to Guy-

ana, Sarah-Ann Lynch said that the establishment of the second Marriott-branded hotel in Guyana will be a “win-win” since the world will soon be opening up to a post-COVID era, which is likely to see a boom in international travel. Additionally, she said that “A Marriott at the major international airport will ease overnight air connections for travellers and airline staff; facilitate the hosting of meetings and conferences; and be a familiar face to those travelling to the Land of Many Waters.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

‘Uncle Shameer’ gets 25 years for raping schoolgirl –– insists he is innocent; victim labels him a ‘monster’

A 44-year-old minibus driver, was, on Friday, sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on two counts of rape committed on a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Inteaz Mohamed, called “Uncle Shameer” of Success, East Coast Demerara, was sentenced by Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court. Last month, a 12-member jury found Mohamed guilty of engaging in sexual penetration with the victim during September 2014 and January 2015. The state was represented by prosecutors Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig, while Mohamed’s attorney was Latchmie Rahamat. Mohamed, in his statement to the probation officer which was presented to the court on Friday, maintained that he is innocent of the charge. In his brief statement he said, “I would begin

with asking this court to be lenient on me and to have mercy on me. I have been accused wrongfully.” The victim’s impact statement was also read in court by a social worker. “Being raped was the worst and most painful thing I ever experienced. I felt scared, helpless and traumatized…He [Mohamed] was a monster to me. I was depressed dealing with the painful memories by myself. It was difficult. I felt like my body wasn’t mine anymore, having something taken away from me with force is the worst feeling,” she said. She added: “I was living in fear every day. Fear took over me. Many nights I cried myself to sleep. Inteaz continued to harass me. He being in front of me every day was torture to deal with.” In her statement, the victim said after Mohamed’s conviction in June, she was tormented

Saturday July 03, 2021 00:30hrs - 11:30hrs

by his relatives on social media who are trying to tarnish her character. According to the victim, Mohamed’s relatives are circulating her photograph and even went as far as contacting her workmates. “I am traumatized all over again. I am emotionally stressed and I am scared to go to work because every day I’m being bullied…there is no end to my problem and his [Mohamed] family will continue to destroy my character,” she added. The social worker told the court that these allegations are currently under investigation by the police. Justice Reynolds while addressing the “barbaric” manner in which the crime was committed, said that “the courts must send a message to those who may be harbouring such beastly thoughts.” With the numerous sexual cases involving minibus and taxi drivers before the

courts, the judge highlighted the trend of these operators who continue to consider schoolgirls as “theirs for the taking”. “Bus drivers across the breadth and length of our country, drivers who continue to consider schoolgirls who travel in their busses and cars to go to school as theirs for the taking…Our courts must continue to set its faces against such behaviour” he said. The judge sentenced Mohamed to 25 years on each count which will run concurrently. Mohamed in his defence told the court that he is unable to perform sexual activities due to a surgery he did in April 2014 for a hernia. He stated that he is being framed since the victim’s story was fabricated by her brother. Mohamed further claimed that he would only transport primary school pupils to school and not students from secondary

school like the victim. According to reports, Mohamed operated a minibus and would transport the victim along with other children to school. He would also pick them up in the evening from lessons. Mohamed is said to be known to the victim and her family. The case against the convict was that during September 2014, he picked up the teen in his motorcar and while taking her home, he took her through a bushy area at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara and raped her. Before dropping her home, he threatened to kill the teen if she reported the matter to the police. The victim became afraid and did not report the matter to the police. In January 2015, Mohamed raped her again. After this incident, the victim was picked up after lessons by her brother. During this time, Mohamed managed

Inteaz Mohamed, called “Uncle Shameer to acquire the teen’s cellphone number and would harass her. During February 2018, it was said that Mohamed visited the victim’s home and handed her several letters. Before leaving, he told her not to tell anyone what was written in the letters or else he would shoot her. The victim, however, confided in her brother about being raped by Mohamed and showed him the letters as evidence. The matter was reported to the police and Mohamed was arrested.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Barbados, St Vincent feel brunt of Hurricane Elsa

THE passage of Hurricane Elsa across the Windward Islands resulted in power outages, fallen trees, flooding and damaged homes in Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines. At 08.30 am on Friday, Tropical Storm Elsa was upgraded to a category 1 hurricane and Barbados was put under a hurricane warning. This warning was later downgraded to a tropical storm warning and then discontinued entirely. On Friday morning, the Barbados Met Office said the hurricane was passing “just south of Barbados,” and that a flash-flood warning had been in effect. But in a later update, it said, “Elsa is currently moving towards the west-northwest (290 degrees) at 44 km/ hr. This motion is expected to continue during the next few days. Hurricane Elsa passed south of the island a few hours ago.” It warned, however: “This discontinuation is not an all-clear. Please await the all-clear to be issued by the Department of Emergency Management.” There were several reports of house roofs being blown away by strong winds and a tree had fallen on a house. Newsday columnist BC Pires lives in St Philip, Barbados. At around midday on Friday, he said he had been without electricity since 3 am, along with many others. “We have not had power back and we are unlikely to get power back today. They did say it’s a main line that’s down, so if that main line is restored, power may come back for a lot of people. “The single most worrying thing was the period between 5 am and 9.30 am, where the very, very strong winds – strong enough to blow 15-inch solid concrete blocks from off a ledge – those winds with the heavy rain, that was really, really worrying.”

He said a lot of people opted to stay at shelters instead of remaining at home, especially as “several people have water coming into their homes because the wind is so strong”. A Barbadian from the parish of Christ Church said, “Well, the winds are really high and it’s pouring. But on some call-in programmes, I’m hearing (about) some roofs being blown off...the screens from our drive-in (cinema) blew down.” There was also a hurricane warning in St Vincent and the Grenadines. St Lucia. Martinique and Dominica are under a tropical storm warning and Grenada under tropical storm watch. Vincentians told Newsday there was heavy rain but no damage to homes. In an afternoon update, its Met Office said the hurricane warning had been downgraded to a tropical storm warning. It is now two months since the La Soufriere volcano in that country erupted, coating several areas in volcanic ash. Vulcanologists have warned of possible lahars (mudflows) whenever there is heavy rainfall as far as next year. The Vincentian Met Office issued a release on Friday saying, “Sustained surface winds between 75-95 MPH with higher gusts are expected to spread across St Vincent and the Grenadines for the remainder of the morning persisting into the evening with light rain and pockets of intense showers and thunderstorm activity.” It warned, “This rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.” The National Emergency Management Organisation there reported impassable roads and power outages across the country including Riley, Mesopotamia and Sandy Bay. One citizen told Newsday, “At this moment, I live in the south and it is overcast, whitish and still.”

Roof flying: A screen grab of a video which circulated on social media shows the roof of a house going flying after being ripped off by winds caused by Hurricane Elsa which slammed into Barbados on Friday. The storm also affected other islands in the Eastern Caribbean including St Lucia and Grenada (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday) At 1 pm, there were nine open hurricane shelters in St Vincent and the Grenadines and 47 people housed there. The St Lucia Met Office said it will continue to “closely monitor” the situation.

It said, “Elsa is expected to produce rainfall totals of three to six inches or 76-152 mm with maximum totals of ten inches or 254 mm across the Windward Islands and southern Leeward Islands. This increases the poten-

tial for landslides and/or flash flooding. Residents and motorists in areas prone to flooding and landslides are advised to take necessary precautions.” The Dominican Met Office listed possible impacts as: “Shallow rivers, streams, gutters and ravines can overflow their banks and flood surrounding areas, landslides and rock falls from overhanging cliffs due to intense rainfall, dangerous seas will be hazardous for sea-bathers, small-craft operators and people living near to or traversing coastal areas, and loose objects will become missiles in strong winds and shallow-rooted trees can fall.” A flash flood warning was in effect up to 4 pm on Friday. Grenada’s National Disaster Management Agency also issued an alert, warning its citizens of potential flash flooding, “downed trees and

powerlines, landslides and rockfall. “This system is expected to bring showers and thundershowers to Grenada and the rest of the Winward Islands on Friday.” Martinique media reported several instances of fallen trees and electrical poles as well as damaged roofs. A 67-year-old man suffered head injuries. French radio station La Première reported that a small wind turbine fell on the elderly man’s vehicle near midday on Friday. The man was not named. The report also said over 10,000 people were without electricity. The French Met Office said the hurricane was “well above” Martinique. In the early afternoon, it said the country was experiencing “a period of calm.” It told citizens to be vigilant but at 4 pm, indicated weather conditions were improving. (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Caring For Children ON Monday, the Adopt-An-Orphanage Initiative was launched by First Lady Arya Ali with the focus on improving the lives of children in eight orphanages across Guyana. The idea is to have the orphanages and children benefit from financial assistance to offset their monthly expenses through a working partnership with the private sector. These private-sector agencies will provide the monetary donations while the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will have oversight responsibilities. The initiative is not limited to expenses only, as there is some component of funding that will cater to the extra-curricular needs of children. This move seeks to ensure that due attention is given to growth and development of the children. First Lady Ali made it clear at the launch that the Adopt-An-Orphanage Initiative came about because of her com-

mitment and vision for the children of Guyana. She also expressed the view that these children are not as fortunate as many individuals, since in most cases they do not enjoy the love and support of a biological family. She added that we have to ensure that they are afforded the necessities in life to realise their full potential. The initiative was birthed out of a conversation the First Lady had with Guyanese-American rapper, SAINt JHN, during his visit to State House in October 2020. Rapper SAINt JHN is also very passionate about helping vulnerable children and supports the initiative to help them. This initiative is a step in the right direction and will go a far way in meeting the expectations of all concerned in a timely and convenient manner. The Adopt-An-Orphanage Initiative will revolutionise the way we think about the homes in our society, especially those

dedicated to meeting the needs of vulnerable children every month. After all, these orphanages have bills and expenses like any other household in Guyana and even with government support, expenses for light, water and security could be a challenge. The daily struggles faced by some orphanages are whether to keep their doors open or fighting to cut back on programmes because of the cost factor. If that is not a challenge in itself, the orphanages must deal with the problems brought on by child abuse and child labour. For example, last year, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CP&A) reported that some 3,129 children in Guyana faced some form of abuse in 2020. For the first quarter of 2021, according to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, 404 boys were abused, while 635 girls suffered a similar fate. Some of these cases most

likely would have ended up being placed in protective care of the state. Orphanages are considered by many as the last chance these children have at a stable home with opportunities for personal growth and development. The Adopt-An-Orphanage Initiative is most commendable as it could serve as a model of the private and public sectors, working alongside non-governmental organisations to meet the needs of children in need. Undoubtedly, this bold initiative will help to create orphanages that are better managed and an environment where children get an opportunity to grow and develop into productive adults. And on this note, it would be great to see more businesses and individuals come out in support of this worthy initiative launched by the First Lady of Guyana.

CARICOM has grown from strength to strength

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins with all Guyanese, and indeed the people of the Caribbean as we again hail our cultural ties, our economic bonds, and our social links which have been fortified and consolidated through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In its 48 years of existence, CARICOM has grown from four young, independent nations in 1973 to a 15-nation strong grouping, spanning from Bahamas in the

north to Guyana and Suriname in the South. The approximately 18 million citizens of CARICOM come from diverse backgrounds, but are wedded by the common goal of integration. The Community, over its years, has realised several remarkable and laudable milestones, which have brought the peoples of the Caribbean closer, and made them stronger. Today, it is this collective strength that makes CARICOM the pre-eminent organisation in our region. We continue to recognise the impor-

tance of integration today, especially, too, as we face several new challenges, and continue to face up to those persistent difficulties. There is also now greater need to redouble our efforts to reach the goals our leaders of the past envisioned. This is ever important, as we confront a harsher world which, for many, is looking more inward. We are aware that differences will be ever-present, and that our conditions may not always be the same, and that circumstances continue to evolve which

sometimes push us in other directions. At the same time, we should recall that we stand stronger together, and we record our greatest successes when we speak with one collective voice in a democratic environment. The GAWU again extends sincere wishes, as we observe CARICOM Day. Yours sincerely Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

EPA responds to Stabroek News and Kaieteur News

Dear Editor,

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly disagrees with the Stabroek News article titled, “Payara clause could allow Exxon to flare gas for free”, published on Monday, June 28, 2021, and Kaieteur News article titled, “Gov’t has weakened environmental standards in favour of ExxonMobil”, published on Friday July 02, 2021. The EPA takes this opportunity to categorically state that flaring for sixty (60) days is only permissible for “Start-up” in both permits. International benchmarking shows that the typical acceptable start-up period for installations of this nature average 90 days; therefore the EPA’s 60-day requirement is much more stringent as it is well below the average international benchmark. As far as the EPA is aware, there was never an agreement to prescribe two (2) days of startup since this was impossible given the nature of the installations. Further, it is erroneous to contend that

there is “no provision to stop flaring after sixty days” since both permits specifically state: “The Permit Holder shall not exceed sixty (60) days of flaring during Start-up.” Moreover, there is no “carte blanche” for flaring under ‘Special Circumstances’ either, as the company is required to seek approval from the EPA for any flaring beyond 48 cumulative hours. Routine flaring and venting are also strictly prohibited by both permits. The EPA maintains and reserves the right to reject any request for flaring made pursuant to these Permits and if an approval is given, the EPA may include such terms and conditions as may be appropriate, including reduced timelines for any proposed flaring events. Pursuant to Condition 3.17 of the Payara Environmental Permit, the EPA has established a payment for CO2 equivalent emissions as a result of flaring at the rate of USD$30 per tonne of CO2E, consistent with similar mechanisms included in the modified Liza 1 Permit. The institution and applicability of this payment is determinable by the

EPA, in consideration of the Polluter Pays Principle. The EPA also reserves the right to increase this rate where any instance of flaring exceeds sixty (60) days. The EPA noted that the Stabroek News article reported that the thirty-six (36) day period approved for flaring under the Liza 1 Modified Environmental Permit had expired. However, the EPA assures the public that at the date of the article’s publication, the approval issued to the company was still in effect. The Modified Permit requires that the payments be made to the EPA within twenty-eight (28) days of the expiration of the approval in order to ensure it is calculated based on the actual volumes as well as sound internationally-recognised methodologies. To this end, the EPA refutes any allegations that it lacks the requisite capacity and capabilities to perform the necessary calculations. The EPA boasts a wide variety of professionals qualified in environmental management, chemistry, engineering and other pertinent fields, and recruits additional

expertise, local and international as necessary. The EPA views the Payara Environmental Permit and the Modified Liza 1 Environmental Permit as marked improvements, particularly in consideration of the more specific flare management conditions that are consistent with industry practice in order to regulate and/or deter periods of flaring. Specifically, the Payara Permit was a major improvement in that it also included provisions for produced water management, cradle to grave waste management, insurance requirements and reporting mechanisms; which were notably absent from the Liza permits. The EPA wishes to assure the public that it has pursued, and continues to pursue environmental safeguards and deterrent mechanisms to address any prolonged periods of flaring which may pose risks to the environment, consistent with best-practice and international standards. Yours sincerely, Environmental Protection Agency

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Attorney-General honoured by New York State Assembly ATTORNEY-GENERAL (AG) Anil Nandlall on Friday was honoured with a citation by the New York State Assembly for his role in protecting the rights of Guyanese. The honour was presented by Assembly Woman Jenifer Rajkumar. The AG who is in New York, also addressed a large gathering of Guyanese at Catering Hall in greater Richmond Hill on

Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. He gave an update on the floods and political situation in their homeland. The Attorney-General also took shots at the APNU+AFC’s support for attempts to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and assured his compatriots that bills are going to be passed in Parliament to deter rigging and those who committed electoral

fraud will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Nandlall also told the gathering that President Dr Irfaan Ali is leading from the front and ministers and officials and party workers are going into the fields to interact and serve the population. That is how Dr Jagan trained us, he said, adding: “We serve all Guyanese regardless of race or political affiliation. We will stay rooted in the ground and deliver to the

A section of the gathering at Catering Hall in greater Richmond Hill on Rockaway Boulevard in Queens

nation what we promised in the manifesto. We are delivering and scoring well so far.” Everyone, he reminded, has an equal place in Guyana and said the government is committed as it has promised to governing in the interest of all Guyanese.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall listens to Jenifer Rajkumar of the New York State Assembly before being presented with a citation for his role in protecting the rights of Guyanese. Romeo Hitlal, at left, looks on

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

President Ali: If Guyana gets Pfizer, it will go to children

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has promised to allocate all of the US COVID-19 vaccines to children, if the country receives Pfizer-BioNTech. While speaking to the media on Friday after the sod-turning ceremony for the new Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Timehri, the Head of State said that he is optimistic that Guyana would benefit from vaccines from the US. “I can’t say what is coming; I know that we are in discussion at CARICOM with the US. The US has committed to giving vaccines to the region,” President Ali said. He said that although he is unsure about the amount, he is hopeful that it will “be substantial for Guyana”. “What I can say is that once it is Pfizer, I can tell

you this policy now; it will go to the children, starting from 18 and below,” he said. US SUPPORT In May, US President Joe Biden announced that he will share 80 million vaccines with the rest of the world. Last month, he disclosed that of the first 25 million tranches of doses to be sent overseas, seven million of those will go to Latin America and the Caribbean. The White House had stated that the initial 25 million doses will be shipped from existing federal stockpiles of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. EFFECTIVE A research from a

2000-plus sample size in 2020 had shown that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 100 per cent effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus in children ages 12 through 15. In late 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed emergency use of the vaccine from age 16. This year, the vaccine was given to children in the US from ages 12 to 15. CONCERNED Meanwhile, President Ali told reporters that he is extremely concerned about the news of children being infected with severe cases of the virus. “Every single person that goes into the hospital, to me, is alarming, especially children,” the Presi-

dent said. He noted that although children are not as affected as adults, many still suffer, especially those with underlying issues. He said that it will be a plus if the country receives the Pfizer vaccines to protect them all. “Let us say that we get Pfizer through the US opportunity, and we roll out Pfizer for those 18 and below, and we can capture the whole cohort population for secondary schools, that will be very good for us,” President Ali said. According to the Ministry of Health, of the 20,000-plus COVID-19 cases in Guyana, almost 1600 have been children under 14. (Public Information and Press Services Unit)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

12,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine to arrive tomorrow

THE remaining 12, 000 doses of the purchased 100,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine are expected in the country tomorrow. This is according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, who was at the time speaking during his COVID-19 Update on Friday. “These vaccines are much easier to handle, because, basically, you can store down between two to eight degrees Celsius, unlike the other vaccines that we’ve been working with, which require very cool temperature. So, in some of the more remote areas, our core chain already caters for vaccines, and therefore this will certainly help,” Minis-

ter Anthony said. The 12,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine are the reminder from the 100,000 doses the Government of Guyana bought from the People’s Republic of China to ensure every adult gets vaccinated. The entire batch will ensure 50,000 persons are

fully vaccinated. As the government’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign continues, more than 48 per cent of the adult population has taken the first dose of the vaccine. “As of yesterday, we have 234,255 persons with first-dose vaccines, and again, that would represent

FEDRICKS Hendricks who is accused of stealing over $700,000 in electrical tools, on Friday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was granted $100,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly. He denied that, on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at Regent Street, Georgetown, he stole a quantity of electrical tools

valued at $724,000, property of Roland Fanfain. According to the prosecution, on the day in question at about 08:43 hours, while installing cameras at a Regent Street business, he discovered that his bag with tools which was left five feet from where he was, was missing. He reviewed the CCTV cameras that he was install-

ing and observed Hendricks allegedly removing his haversack. He later confronted Hendricks and took him to the Alberttown Police Station. Hendricks was placed into custody and subsequently charged. The matter was adjourned until Friday, July 30, 2021.

Sinopharm vaccines are much easier to handle, because, basically, you can store between two to eight degrees Celsius, Minister Anthony says

Man charged for theft of electrical tools

48.1 per cent of our adult population. We want to encourage more persons to come out and get their first-dose vaccines,” Dr. Anthony said, adding: “Right now, we’re at 112,371 persons who would have received their second-dose vaccines, which would put us to approximately 23.1 per cent of our adult population.” Meanwhile, Minister Anthony said the vaccination campaign is resuming in remote hinterland villages which were inaccessible due to flooding. The minister is encouraging all adults to take the COVID-19 vaccine to push Guyana closer to achieving herd immunity. The aim is to have approximately 500,000 adults vaccinated. (DPI)

Man accused of snatching woman’s cellphone remanded ANDREW Khan who allegedly snatched a cellphone from a woman as she was attempting to cross the road, on Wednesday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Khan denied that he, on Saturday, April 26, 2021, at Regent Street, Georgetown, robbed Darshanie Persaud of one Samsung Galaxy A71 cellular phone valued at $116,000. It is alleged that, on the day in question, about 15:15 hours, Persaud was with her father in a cellular store at Regent Street, Georgetown. She then left the store to join her mother and sister who were standing on the opposite side of the said street. While attempting to cross the road, Khan, who came from an eastern direction on a pedal cycle, grabbed onto her right arm and relieved her of her cellular phone. The woman immediately alerted her father who, while chasing after him, alerted two police ranks who were nearby. Khan was apprehended and the cellular phone was reportedly recovered in his possession. The matter was adjourned until Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Jermaine Figueira replaces Patterson as PAC Chair By Rehana Ahamad

OPPOSITION Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He replaces his more senior colleague in the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance Change (APNU+AFC) party, David Patterson, who was appointed in December 2020, and removed earlier this month. In taking up his new role, Figueira expressed commitment towards executing the mandate of the PAC, which is largely responsible for scrutinising financial irregularities

flagged in the annual Auditor General (AG)’s report. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, Figueira reminded that the work of the PAC is far behind schedule, with MPs only now examining the contents of the AG’s 2016 report. “We have a lot of backlogs in work that we need to address. It is our intention in the Opposition to redouble our efforts to catch up, especially before Parliament goes into recess,” Figueira said. In preparing to take up position at the helm of the PAC, the young parliamentarian said that his team on the opposition benches endeavour to have frequent

PAC meetings before the Parliament takes its break. “Perhaps two PAC meetings per week,” Figueira noted. He added: “We on the opposition are prepared to do what is expected of us… which is to ensure accountability and transparency of the people’s money,” the Lindener posited. Figueira’s predecessor, David Patterson, was removed via a motion tabled in the National Assembly in June. Prior to that motion, in February, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, moved a motion calling for Patterson to be replaced by another opposition member

of the PAC. Teixeira had premised her motion on the fact that Patterson was facing public allegations relating to fraud and mismanagement of public funds. He was, therefore, deemed unfit to spearhead the work of the PAC, which is tasked with scrutinising irregularities highlighted in the AG’s annual reports. At the time of that motion, the PAC was still examining the findings of the 2016 AG Report, which highlighted “paragraph after paragraph” worth of infractions on the part of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, headed by Patterson during his party’s 20152020 tenure in government. Patterson was also criminally charged for allegedly defrauding the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) – an agency previously under his purview. The opposition Member of Parliament is also be-

ing investigated as part of the gift-giving scandal, in which he allegedly benefitted from gifts valuing more than $2 million, from agencies that were under his remit. Teixeira had made it clear that despite the allegations against Patterson, her motion did not pursue his removal as a member of the PAC, but simply called for him to be replaced as its Chairman, by another opposition PAC member. At that time, however, the other three opposition PAC members, Ganesh Mahipaul, Figueira and Juretha Fernandes, refused to take Patterson’s place, insisting that the former minister has earned the full confidence of his Coalition party. Because of Patterson’s continued refusal to entertain the no-confidence motion against himself, at the level of the PAC, Teixeira moved to have the

New Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Jermaine Figueira full-house National Assembly address the matter. Following an all-night debate, Patterson was eventually removed from his post at the PAC Chairman. In reflecting on his colleague’s removal, Figueira said that “No one would have expected that such a motion would be put against Patterson” as he was doing a “phenomenal job”. Asked whether Patterson will remain a member of the PAC, Figueira responded in the positive. “I am persuaded that he will [remain]; I see no reason why he should recuse himself,” Figueira posited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Six Gladston Henry witnesses charged for attempting to pervert course of justice

POLICE, on Friday charged six women, including the mother of murder accused Gladston Henry, also known as Gladwin, for attempting to pervert the course of justice. The women are alibi witnesses for Henry, who, along with three other men, were, on Tuesday, charged for the murder of West Coast Berbice (WCB) teenager, Haresh Singh, whose lifeless body was found on September 9, 2020, at the Number Two Village

According to the women, Henry was at home when Singh was murdered, and so, he could not have committed the crime. The women are claiming that, on the morning of September 9, 2020, Henry was at home with his mother and other relatives watching the live recording of the post-mortem that was being conducted on the bodies of Isaiah and Joel Henry at the Memorial Gardens, Le Repentir Funeral Home and Crematorium. The live recording was reportedly done by Gladston Henry –

hand. Gladston Henry’s father never re-entered the room. Therefore, it is impossible for him to have attended the post-mortem examination and video recorded it live as it was being conducted,” the GPF said in its statement. According to the police, this diametrically opposed what is being peddled as the alibi for the accused. The police reiterated that his father was never present in the room during the post mortem examination. The police said the nine alleged witnesses attempted

Gladston ‘Gladwin’ Henry (left) and the deceased, Haresh Singh (right) backlands, Region Five (Mahaica – Berbice) Tiffany Campbell, Alona Bacchus, Patricia Henry, Bibi Shaheman, Clarett Kurtizious and Amanda Wickham were detained when they turned up at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, to give their respective statement regarding Henry’s alibi. The allegation of attempting to pervert the course of justice was put to them and video interviews were conducted. They were later placed on $100,000 bail each. It was communicated to their attorney that efforts were being made to question three other persons, as the investigations continue into the matter. On completion of the investigation, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

the father of Isaiah Henry. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a statement on Thursday concerning the “purported alibi witnesses” and other concerns expressed by the family’s attorney, Nigel Hughes. As it relates to the claim being made, the GPF noted that its video showed that the elder Henry briefly entered and exited the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where the post-mortem was being conducted for the sole purpose of identifying the body of his son. This, according to the police, is in keeping with the standard operating procedure. “Gladston Henry’s father was never holding a phone in his hand at the time. He only had a mask and a rag in his hands. Further, when he exited the room, he could be seen standing outside and putting on his mask while holding a rag in the other

to pervert the course of justice, since the father never recorded any post mortem examination live and as such they could not have been home watching a live video together with Gladston Henry. However, the family’s attorney is now claiming that the live recording was done by another family member who was present when the post mortem was being done. The GPF further noted that these purported alibi witnesses directly contradict other individuals who placed the accused in the company of the other suspects at Haresh Singh’s home and at the scene of the crime at the material time. The police also dispelled the claim made during a press conference hosted by Hughes on Thursday that one of the investigators was present

in Berbice at the home of the family of Isaiah Henry at the time the post-mortem was being conducted. The police force noted that this was another blatant attempt to mislead and distort the facts in this matter, since the said police officer was present at the post-mortem as is evidenced in the recording which was made by the in-

vestigators. He could also be seen in the background of a ‘Prime News’ video interview that was being conducted with Hughes immediately after the conclusion of the post-mortem examination, the statement said. The Force noted that it has discharged its mandate in completing the murder investigation and sending the file

to the DPP for legal advice. The charges were instituted against Henry and the other accused upon the legal advice received from the DPP. The police said that to indicate that this charge is a miscarriage of justice is wholly unmeritorious and can only be viewed as a desperate and deliberate attempt to pervert the course of justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Demerara Harbour Bridge turns 43

TUESDAY marked 43 years since the Demerara Harbour Bridge was first opened to traffic. After four decades and counting, the bridge re-

mains a vital link, and an important piece of infrastructure in the everyday lives of thousands of Guyanese. Public Works Minister,

Bishop Juan Edghill, in brief remarks, noted that the Government of Guyana has recognised the necessity of a bridge across the Demerara River, and has since

committed to maintaining and ensuring that the monumental structure remains operable and safe, even while the model of a fourlane, high-span concrete bridge as a new project is now at the procurement stage.

Expressing his gratitude to the workers of the harbour bridge, the minister said: “We express thanks to the Chairman, to the Board of Directors, the General Manager and staff for all they have been doing to ensure that this bridge is usable; we

recognise the contributions of the many who have served as both directors and staff of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation. Let us all value what we have as we pursue greater and better things.”

Family of slain taxi driver calls for swift justice

RELATIVES of 53-yearold Kenrick Trim, a taxi driver of Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara whose lifeless body was found on Wednesday in what appeared to be a robbery, are calling for the perpetrator(s) to be swiftly brought to justice. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle via telephone on Thursday, the man’s daughter, Kendrea Trim, said that her father had left home on Wednesday morning around 07:00 hrs to go about his daily work routine, only to be alerted about the unfortunate incident a few hours after. She noted that her father’s battered body was discovered at Block 1, Ogle, Pradoville. It is suspected that the father of four was robbed and killed, since a gold chain and ring that he was wearing could not be found at the crime scene.

However, the car which he drove was found close to his body. “All we know right now is that he was robbed in Pradoville at the back, and he was stabbed several times,” Kendrea said. “I just want them to catch the person or persons, so they can face some further judgement,” she added. The young woman said that while her father was not a very social person, he was an easy-going and kind-hearted individual, who did his best to make everyone around him laugh. According to the young woman, the police have since related that the crime may have been caught on surveillance cameras around the area, and that as such the ranks assigned to the case are checking through the footage to uncover what occurred. According to a police report, Trim’s body appeared to have been dumped from a silver-gray Toyota Premio

Kenrick Trim motorcar bearing registration number HC5311, which was parked a short distance away from where the body was discovered. The body was identified to be Trim’s by his son, Odel Trim. The man’s cadaver was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where the doctor on duty verified that he was indeed dead. The body was then taken to the Lyken Funeral Home for a post mortem as police investigations continue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Gov’t has restored confidence in democracy, economy

–– President Ali

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali said that in under a year, his government, through its policies and programmes, has been able to restore confidence in the country’s democracy and economy. The Head of State was at the time delivering a virtual address to the Town Hall Forum organised by the International Center for Democracy (ICD) in Richmond Hill, Queens New York, where he also highlighted several major projects that are underway. The President pointed to the development in the tourism and hospitality sector, with the planned construction of two more internationally-branded hotels, and the addition of several more before the end of the year. He added that more than 40 projects have been approved for manufacturing and fabrication, including a cement and asphalt plant, a large-scale plantation farm, and agro-processing facilities. “We will see a new milk plant, and the completion of a US$20M juice plant, corn and soya production to meet

cit; they have also been able to stabilise reserve holdings, and public debts to a sustainable level. “We have seen great improvements in the labour market, and an increase in Government transfers that will see social goods being given to the people of our country,” the president said.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing the recent ICD-sponsored Town Hall forum in New York the full needs of our poultry sector,” President Ali told the forum. MASSIVE INVESTMENT President Ali said that the investments at reference will be made by the local private sector and those in the diaspora. “The confidence in our economy in just 10 months in a COVID environment has seen increased growth in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, wholesale and

retail. In this COVID environment, we are also managing a horrible flood that has affected the lives of tens of thousands of our Guyanese brothers and sisters, while we also had to deal with post-elections issues,” he said. He added that the country’s revenue target at the first half of this year has surpassed its projection by $11.3M, due to the growth in these sectors. The country has also witnessed a 100 per cent improvement in the balance-of-payments defi-

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister assumes Chairmanship of CARICOM

PRIME Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne assumed the Chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on July 1, 2021.

According to a release from the community, Prime Minister Browne succeeds Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, and will serve for the next six months. The Antigua and Barbuda

Prime Minster holds responsibility for Services in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet. He will chair the virtual 42 Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, which begins on Monday, 5 July.

REMOVING THE TAX BURDEN He noted that, more importantly, the government has been able to remove, in an annualised manner, more than $50B of the tax burden that was imposed by the former government on the people of Guyana. “By the removal and reversal of those taxes,” President Ali said, “we have put back in the pockets of ordinary Guyanese more than $50B annually.” He said that his administration has also restarted tremendous investments in drainage and irrigation and infrastructure road works that will see the opening up of thousands of

acres of agricultural land. Government, he highlighted, is also supportive of aquaculture, and large-scale agriculture investment. On the education front, the president pointed to the investments that have been made in the sector, through the construction of 28 new schools, the scholarship programme, and the injection of $4B in online learning and community training, and the printing of education materials during the pandemic to keep schoolchildren in a learning environment. “So, my dear brothers and sisters,” he said, “I am pleased to tell you that we have started this journey, and we intend to work every single day, harder than the previous day, to realise the dream of all of us; that is, a better, more prosperous and fulfilling Guyana.” The president acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the sterling watchdog role and advocacy of the ICD in defending the people’s democratic rights prior to elections, and during the elections im-

passe from March 2 to August 2, 2020. “I wish, in this regard, to commend the efforts of forces at home and in the diaspora, who stood their ground and demanded the respect of the will of the electorate,” President Ali said, adding: “The ICD was in the forefront of the diaspora’s clamour for respect for the will of the people. I recall its statement of April 7, 2020, when it insisted on the people of Guyana having a government that was democratically elected in a free, fair and transparent manner.” Guyana, he stressed, owes a debt of gratitude to non-profit and non-partisan organisations in the diaspora, such as the ICD. He added that it was the vigilance of democracy-loving forces, their outspoken and principled stance, and their robust and sterling advocacy which allowed democracy to survive the brutal attempt of its suppression. Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall also spoke at the event.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Teixeira calls out Granger for politicising floods

SINCE the floods began approximately seven weeks ago there have been many news reports and photographs of President Dr.

Irfaan Ali leading comprehensive outreaches and assessment visits to almost all of the heavily flooded communities across the

country. In addition to President Ali, almost all other members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

Cabinet were seen on the ground distributing relief hampers and engaging residents on their needs and expectations as the disaster response continues. Notwithstanding the expansive news reports on government’s flood response initiatives, former President under the Coalition Government, David Granger has issued a statement accusing the administration of taking “far too long to acknowledge and respond appropriately to the disaster.” Granger’s claims did not sit well with the PPP/C’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, who responded by calling out the People’s National Congress (PNC) Leader for seeking to gain “political mileage” out of a natural disaster that has affected 51, 578 households; this translates to approximately 25 per cent of all households in Guyana. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Gover-

nance reminded Granger that ever since the flood started the government wasted no time in mobilising support for those affected. The priority, Teixeira said, was the safety and well-being of all Guyanese. She noted that so far, some 62,574 food and 25, 440 cleaning hampers were distributed by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), with the support of several non-governmental organisations. “The flood began and it is a natural disaster that has affected many families; affected the economy; affected agriculture and mining sectors; affected people’s contracts; it is a natural disaster, and Mr. Granger to try to make political mileage out of it is unacceptable.” Granger in a press statement had also called for the government to launch a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the disaster. Teixeira opined that instead of calling

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira for yet another inquiry, the former Head of State should join the government’s ongoing flood-response efforts. “There are still areas under water…. In the period of this disaster it is a hands-on approach,” Teixeira posited. She added: “Mr. Granger is ignoring the plight of the people.” She explained that based on the recently completed assessments, the government will be guided on how to spend the $10 billion supplementary funds that were recently approved by the National Assembly. President Ali has, on multiple occasions, committed to assisting all affected Guyanese in their recovery.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

CDEMA Executive Director, others presented with tokens

CARIBBEAN Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Executive Director, Elizabeth Riley and several other officials were presented with tokens of appreciation by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Thursday morning before they departed Guyana from the Eugene F. Correira International Airport. CDC Director-General,

Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig was present at the airport to send off the officials, and present them with small tokens to show the CDC’s appreciation for their diligent work in Guyana, a release said. Riley was presented with a plaque by Lieutenant Colonel Craig, who also congratulated her on officially assuming the role as CDEMA’s Executive Director.

Riley’s appointment as the substantive Executive Director took effect on Thursday, after having acted in the post since 1 May, 2020. “I think it’s fitting that your first day should start in Guyana,” Colonel Craig commented. Riley was moved by the Director-General’s words. “I’m so touched by the gesture from the CDC,” she

CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig (left) presenting a plaque to CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley in recognition of the agency’s work here during the floods

said. Riley and team were in Guyana to undertake a Detailed Damage Sector Assessment (DDSA) on the flooding here, which is being conducted by CDEMA. On Wednesday, she presented the preliminary findings of the DDSA to Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips and other government ministers. She also held a meeting with CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. Riley lauded the CDC’s efficiency in all aspects of the flood response, and noted how impressed she was with their effort.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Region Two gets first-ever labour office By Naomi Parris

THE Ministry of Labour on Friday commissioned its first regional office in Anna Regina, Region Two as part of its efforts to decentralise its services. Speaking at the simple

commissioning ceremony, subject Minister Joseph Hamilton said the establishment of a labour office in the region is part of a wider project of the government to provide optimum services to the workforce. The establishment of

extension offices across the country, he said, will mitigate labour woes faced by both employers and employees alike. He said that in some regions, more than one extension offices will be established.

“Some regions would have more than one office to ensure that services are given labour relations matters to pay attention to employer and employee issues; to pay attention to safety within workplaces and training, “Minister Hamilton said.

Minister Hamilton making brief remarks at the commissioning ceremony on Friday (DPI photos)

Four children hospitalised with severe COVID-19 symptoms

FOUR young children are currently being treated and monitored after they tested positive for COVID-19, and began displaying the more severe symptoms associated with the disease, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony has revealed. Speaking during his daily COVID-19 update on Friday, Dr. Anthony highlighted that since the arrival of virus in Guyana, a total of 1,567 children, aged zero to 14 are among the more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed by the ministry. This number represents almost eight per cent of the total number of infections. It was not clear how many children above the age of 14 have tested positive for the deadly virus. While children do become infected with COVID-19, the minister detailed that in most cases, the virus would be detected accidentally, as children tend to display more mild symptoms of the virus. “In very exceptional cases, you might have some complications of those infections,” he added. Giving a breakdown of the infection numbers, Minister Anthony stated that in children aged zero to four years old, 287 positive cases comprising 148 boys and 139 girls have been recorded; 524 positive cases comprising 273 boys and 251 girls for the age five to nine category, and 756 cases, including 342 boys and 414 girls in the 10 to 14 category have tested positive. “While most of the cases so far that we have seen have really been mild, over the last two weeks or so, we have seen a disturbing trend, and right now, in our hospitals, we have four children who have been severely affected by COVID,” Dr. Anthony revealed. He added that the children currently in the ICU are being monitored by healthcare professionals, and that those persons are working to ensure that the children admitted for COVID-19 receive the best care that can be provided. “So I think it’s important that we take the necessary precautions, especially with our children, to make sure that they are protected, that they wear masks when it’s necessary, when they’re going out, because this virus, as we can see, can affect children. And I don’t think a lot of people have paid attention to that,” he reminded. He urged persons to be more mindful, especially now, of maintaining protective measures, since children have moved from contracting mild cases of the virus to exhibiting more severe symptoms of it. Additionally, the minister advised that there have been complications when children get infected with COVID-19, including Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C), an inflammatory disease in which different body parts become inflamed and fail, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal organs. While he noted that Guyana has not grappled with this condition thus far, he reiterated the importance of ensuring COVID-19 safety measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent sanitisation, are adhered to. Three of the children are currently being treated at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Georgetown, and the fourth child will be admitted shortly.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

The newly-commissioned Labour Office in Anna Regina He said, too, that the office will also see the revitalisation of co-operative societies across the region. “At the level of co-ops, we hope to revitalise co-op societies, and to bring them to a place where we can establish a legitimate regional society that all the bodies can look to for guidance.” Through the office, a chain of communication will be set up between employers and employees to not only provide jobs, but also maintain healthy work environments. “We will have the central recruitment and manpower officer here, creating relationships with employers and employees to [provide] persons seeking jobs [employment],” Minister Hamilton said.

Training programmes, he said, will also be provided to residents, especially the younger populace, under the newly- established labour office. “We don’t just send people out; we do some rapid training about etiquette, responsibility and all these things to be in a job,” he said, adding: “So, we prepare them for the world of work; those are some of the things that we will do here across the region.” Anna Regina’s Mayor, Rajendra Prabhulall said the office will improve labour relations within the township, and the region as a whole. He said that the office will also provide more accessibility to residents who wish to have tgheir labour

issues resolved. “There are a number of issues with these private sectors and so forth, and I think this office is going to help them understand the labour laws,” the Mayor posited. He said that in the past, several employees would have made complaints about their employees, and that with the establishment of an office in the region, persons can now see their complaints being addressed and errors being corrected. Other key officials present at the commissioning were Regional Executive Officer (REO), Devanand Ramdatt; Regional Chair, Vilma Da Silva; and President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aadil Baksh.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially declare open the Anna Regina labour office on Friday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Mercedes back on top in Austria (BBC) - Lewis Hamilton set the pace in second practice at the Austrian Grand Prix to give Mercedes hope of clawing back some lost ground to Red Bull. Hamilton beat team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.189 seconds, while title rival Max Verstappen was 0.217secs back. Red Bull’s Verstappen moved 18 points clear of Hamilton in the championship after dominating Sunday’s Styrian Grand Prix on the same Red Bull Ring track. The Aston Martins of Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel were fourth and fifth. O v e r a l l , t h e p i c t u re looked much more positive for Mercedes than it did a

week ago. In the hotter conditions last weekend, Mercedes always looked to be behind Red Bull from Friday practice onwards. This weekend, Verstappen was quickest in first practice, but Mercedes were ahead in the afternoon on a single lap and Bottas had the edge over Verstappen over the race-simulation runs later in the second session, when the teams go out with full fuel tanks. Hamilton was not as convincing on the race runs - he was running neck and neck with Verstappen’s pace until he made a mistake, locked his front wheels and slid off into the gravel at Turn Four. He managed to get back

on to the track but returned to the pits for his car to be cleaned up and managed to get out again for some more race preparation. Hamilton said: “They have definitely got some extra in their bag, I already know that. We have made some small progress today but I think they still had the 0.2secs (they had last weekend), or maybe 0.15secs. “We have definitely made some small steps forward but not enough. Over a single lap, that felt pretty good. “I just expect them to turn up a little bit more tomorrow. They’ve almost got like the qualifying mode we used to have. I said to my guys: ‘I don’t

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton drives during the first practice session at the Red Bull Ring race track in Spielberg, Austria, yesterday, ahead of the F1 Austrian Grand Prix (Photo by Joe Klamar/AFP)

know where they get it from. But we have to work hard to try to match them.’ “I’m generally happy with where the car is and I’m probably not going to change much (except) the tiniest of tweaks.” Behind the top five, an unusual day when teams were also testing a prototype tyre for Pirelli that is set to be introduced for the British Grand Prix in two weeks’ time made it difficult to get a clear read on performance.

The Alpha Tauris of Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly were sixth and seventh, ahead of the Alpine of Fernando Alonso, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi. Norris also had an off, spinning as he went wide over the kerbs on the exit of Turn One and wrecking his tyres late in the session. “What damage do you have?” he was asked by his engineer. “Talent,” he jok-

ingly replied. Leclerc also had an off, spinning when he turned in from the curb on the entry to the fast Turn Nine, but managing to keep the car out of the wall. The second Red Bull of Sergio Perez was only 11th fastest, the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc only 13th and 16th, the second McLaren of Daniel Ricciardo only 15th, and Williams driver George Russell 17th.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Richardson to miss Tokyo Olympics (BBC) – U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has received a one-month ban after testing positive for marijuana - and is set to miss the Tokyo Olympics. The 21-year-old won the 100m at the U.S. Olympic trials in Oregon in June and earlier this year ran the sixth-fastest time in history. But the Texan’s positive test means her qualification result has been expunged. “Don’t judge me, because I am human, I just happen to run a little faster,” she told NBC’s Today show. The athlete’s positive test came at the Olympic trials event, where she finished well clear of the field in 10.86secs. The trials came just a week after the death of her biological mother, and Richardson explained she had used cannabis as a way of coping. “I apologise for the fact that I didn’t even know how to control my emotions or deal with that during that time,” she told the U.S. broadcaster yesterday. As Richardson was giving her interview, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced she had accepted the suspension for what it said was “a substance of abuse” rather than for enhancing performance. “The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels,” said USADA chief executive Travis Tygart. “Hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her.” The ban runs from the

date of her provisional suspension, June 28. In theory she could be free to compete at the Olympics as her suspension ends before Tokyo’s track and field programme begins on July 30. But her results at the trials have been wiped out and USADA said her eligibility for Tokyo would be a decision for US Track and Field (USATF) and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. When asked whether she still hoped to take part in the Games, Richardson said she would focus on herself, and suggested she would not be competing in Tokyo. “I greatly apologise if I let you guys down and I did. This will be the last time the U.S. come home without a gold in the 100m,” she added. “I’m 21, I’m very young, I have plenty of Games left in me to compete in and plenty of talent that backs me up because everything I do comes naturally to me, no steroids or anything. “This incident was about marijuana so after my sanction is up I’ll be back. Next time I step on the track I’ll be ready for whatever anti-doping agencies come and (they will) get whatever they need because this will never happen again.”

Sha'Carri Richardson won the 100m at the U.S. trials in Oregon in June

USATF said it would be supporting the sprinter. “Sha’Carri Richardson’s situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved,” it said. “Athlete health and well-being continue to be one of USATF’s most critical priorities and we will work with Sha’Carri to ensure she has ample resources to overcome any mental health challenges now and in the future.” Cannabis is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and carries a ban of up to four years. However, that can be reduced to three months if athletes can show taking it was not related to sports performance. Any ban can be reduced further still, to one month, if athletes agree to a treatment programme.

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S: Shiv Chanderpaul-897 runs (10 Tests) Tamin Iqbal-853 runs (12 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What is the highest individual Test score made by a WI player against BANG to date? What is the highest individual Test score made by a BANG player against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Emanuel Archibald, Jasmine Abrams heading to Tokyo! By Rawle Toney

NATIONAL champions in their respective fields, Jasmine Abrams and Emanuel Archibald, will join the country’s Tokyo Olympics-bound athletes at the 32nd Olympiad. They were named by World Athletics yesterday among the world’s other competitors for the July 23– August 8 event in Japan. While both athletes failed to meet the required qualification standard in their disciplines, World Athletics and the International Olympic Committee’s Universality spots and World Rankings came into effect. Archibald, Guyana’s National record-holder in the men’s long jump (8.12 metres) will now line-up

against 2016 Olympic Games gold medallist Jeff Henderson, after his current World Ranking (47) was enough to land him amongst the 63 competitors listed for the event in Japan. Mark Mason’s long jump record of 8.07 metres, which he had set in April of 1993, was broken by Archibald on March 7, 2019, at a meet in Jamaica, after the now Malta Carib athlete had leaped 8.07. Showing that his feat was no fluke, Archibald at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) All Comers Meet 1 on May 11, 2019, reset the National long jump record to 8.12 metres. The Linden athlete had opened his season this year by posting an impressive 8.10 metres at the National Track

and Field Centre. At the time it was a world-leading distance in the long jump. Archibald has represented Guyana at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, chalking up an impressive resumé in Jamaica where he’s based as part of the Ricketts Performance Centre under coach Kerry-Lee Ricketts. Meanwhile, Archibald’s Olympic 100m dream also came true when he picked up the Universality Placing for selection to line up against the likes of USA’s Trayvon Bromell and Jamaica’s Yohan Blake. Archibald’s Personal Best in the distance is 10.22 seconds, set in 2018 in Kingston, Jamaica, though he did clock a wind-assisted 10.18

seconds to win Guyana’s senior Men’s 100 metres at the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) National Championships last month. He also won silver for Guyana (10.23 seconds) at this year’s South American Senior Championships in Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador. A rc h i b a l d w i l l j o i n Mark Mason (long jump 1992), Onan Thom (swimming 2004), Marian Burnett (800m, 2004 and 2008) and Desmond Hector (800m 1992) as the athletes from Linden who have represented Guyana at the Olympic Games. ABRAMS SISTERS CREATE HISTORY Meanwhile, in what can be the very first time in the coun-

try’s history where siblings competing at the same Olympic Games, Aliyah Abrams dreams of sharing the Olympic stage with her sister Jasmine. Aliyah Abrams (400 metres) will be competing in her second Olympic Games, having competed at the 2016 Games in Rio Brazil. In fact, Aliyah is the first Guyanese to qualify for the Olympic Games, doing so in 2019. Speaking to Chronicle Sport while here to compete at the AAG’s National Championship, Aliyah said she was hoping to share the world’s biggest sports stage with her sister. Yesterday, World Athletics announced that Jasmine will get a chance to faceoff with some of the fastest women over the distance of

100 metres in Tokyo, after her World Ranking (86) was good enough for her to punch her ticket to the games. Jasmine won bronze for Guyana at the Senior South American Championship recently. She ran a Personal Best this year, clocking 11.19 seconds. Chelsea Edghill (table tennis), Keevin Allicock (boxing), and Andrew Fowler (swimming) are the other athletes who will suit-up for Guyana in Japan. The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) is yet to officially announce who will be Guyana’s female swimmer at the games, since the decision to select either Aleka Persaud or Jamila Sanmoogan is pending.

UEFA EURO 2020 CHAMPIONSHIP

Spain survive penalty shootout to advance to Euro semis

Unai Simon of Spain celebrates with teammates after winning in a penalty shootout during UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Quarter-final match between Switzerland and Spain at Saint Petersburg Stadium yesterday in Saint Petersburg, Russia (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

(BBC) - Three-time champions Spain survived another scare to beat 10-man Switzerland in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship. Swiss substitute Ruben Vargas was in tears at fulltime after he blasted his penalty over the bar, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to score the decider for Spain. Spain, ranked sixth in the world, also needed extra time to defeat Croatia in the last 16 despite leading 3-1 with five minutes of normal time to play. They were in front in St Petersburg against Switzerland too - midfielder Denis Zakaria deflected Jordi Alba’s shot into his own net to give Spain an early lead. Swiss captain Xherdan Shaqiri equalised following a mistake at the back by Spain but team-mate Remo Freuler was sent off nine minutes later.

They held on to force extra time and a shootout but missed three spot kicks which ultimately proved costly. Spain will face the winner of Belgium v Italy (20:00 BST kick-off) at Wembley on Tuesday in the semi-finals.

SPAIN LACK RUTHLESSNESS BUT SCRAPE THROUGH When Alba’s shot deflected in to put Spain 1-0 up in the eighth minute, there were hopeful signs for Luis Enrique’s side. They had chances to extend their lead with Cesar Azpilicueta and Pau Torres both nodding wide from corners. But Spain’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal almost came back to bite them when Zakaria, earlier at fault for the own goal, came close with a header himself, while Steven Zuber was denied from close range.

Eventually it was a mistake at the back from Spain which gave Switzerland a lifeline. A mix-up between Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres was pounced on by Freuler and he teed up Shaqiri, who could not miss. But Freuler ’s heroics were short-lived when he came sliding in late on Gerard Moreno and English referee Michael Oliver did not hesitate to show a straight red card. Switzerland were clinging on for the remaining 13 minutes and defended bravely in extra time - Ricardo Rodriguez produced an excellent block to deny Marcos Llorente. Moreno had the best chance two minutes into the added time when he fired wide from a few yards out and kicked the post in frustration. But Spain - who missed two penalties in the shootout - did just enough to scrape through.

Italy thump Belgium to reach Euro semi-finals

Players of Italy celebrate their side’s victory after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Quarter-final match between Belgium and Italy at Football Arena Munich yesterday in Munich, Germany (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) (BBC) - Italy set up a Euro 2020 semi-final match with Spain after edging an exhilarating tie with Belgium in Munich. The game may not have been a goal feast like some of the last16 ties but it was an intense battle between two excellent teams playing fantastic football. Italy have been arguably the best team at the tournament so far, while Belgium are the world’s top-ranked team. The Azzurri’s two goals which took the team up to 13 consecutive wins and 32 games without defeat - were of the highest quality. Nicolo Barella wriggled through three defenders before drilling in the opener and Lorenzo Insigne ran from the halfway line before curling in one of the goals of the tournament. Belgium were given hope late in the first half when Giovanni di Lorenzo fouled Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku scored the penalty. Both sides had chances to score again in a breathless second half but with no goals it was the Azzurri who progressed.

Roberto Mancini’s side face Spain at Wembley on Tuesday but they may have to do so without impressive left-back Leonardo Spinazzola, who went off on a stretcher late on. AZZURRI REDISCOVER THEIR GROOVE Italy cruised through their group with three wins - without conceding a goal - but all those were at home in Rome. But they were nowhere near as impressive in the last-16 tie against Austria at Wembley, needing extra time to win 2-1. This result in Germany, however, was probably the best of their near-three-year unbeaten run - and the most important too. It was a breathless start and Leonardo Bonucci bundled in early on - but the goal was disallowed by the video assistant referee (VAR) for offside. Gianluigi Donnarumma made a couple of good saves to keep them level before Insigne cut inside and curled just wide just a sighter for things to come. Their opener came as Bel-

gium tried to play their way out of defence and Marco Verratti found Barella, who fired home after some lovely footwork. Insigne then scored a stunning strike to make it 2-0 as he picked the ball up in midfield and cut inside before curling home from outside the box. They looked comfortable at that stage but then Di Lorenzo needlessly fouled Doku and Lukaku gave Belgium hope. Mancini’s side had chances after the break - although not as many as Belgium - with Spinazzola, Federico Chiesa and Insigne all going close. The moment that summed up their day - and Italian football in general - arrived when Spinazzola blocked a Lukaku shot and Bonucci and captain Giorgio Chiellini, back from injury, celebrated with him as if it was the winner. In truth it was as good as a winner because they never let that lead slip. They must now be considered favourites against a less-than-impressive Spain in London next week.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 3, 2021

Baksh calls Persaud’s record-breaking performance ‘a great achievement’

LEVEL 3 swimming coach Sean Baksh called 15-yearold Aleka Persaud’s record-breaking feat at last weekend’s Bahamas National an amazing achievement. The C A R I F TA gold-medal winner (three in 2019 broke the national 100m freestyle record and registered two third-place finishes in the packed swimming meet. Since it was being used as an Olympic qualifier, the event attracted some 40 teams. Persaud broke the national 50m freestyle record in Nassau by clocking a time of 28.10s, which eclipses the 28.15s clocked by Olympian Brittany Van Lange. Persaud however broke it at a younger age. “Outstanding perfor-

By Rawle Toney Iin Fort Lauderdale (Compliments of: Shi Oil, Guyana Lottery Company, STAG Beer) MONTHS of preparation, coupled with another failed World Cup bid for the Golden Jaguars, all comes down to this day – their 2021 Gold Cup pre-qualifiers clash against Guatemala tonight from 21:30hrs at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. For coach Marcio Maximo, the result of this game can determine his future at the helm of Guyana’s senior Men’s National football team, taking into account the country’s dismal performance at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. In their second matchup, should they get past Guatemala, Jaguars will meet the winners of the Guadeloupe versus The Bahamas for a place in the 16- team finals. The 165th ranked Guyana, earned qualification to the 2021 Gold Cup preliminary round after finishing 2nd in their B League group competition of the second edition of the CONCACAF Nations League. Though falling 3-0 in their first meeting with Guatemala in 2010, then 2-0 two years later at the Guyana National Stadium, Golden Jaguars will be hoping to come away with a win and move on to face either The Bahamas or Guadeloupe in the second round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers. Should Máximo and his troops come out successful, they will be drawn in Group C of the CONCACAF Gold Cup alongside Jamaica, Suriname and Costa Rica.

mance from Aleka - doing it from the 13-14 age group - since Brittany did it in the 15-17 age group, so she did it from a lower age group.”

Baksh added that the performance was extraordinary because Persaud was able to excel during the pandemic.

“I am very pleased with her performance given the setbacks brought on by COVID-19 and not being able to train for almost 10

From left to right are Ariel Rodrigues, Aleka Persaud, Nathan Jackson and Daniel Claxton

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in giving the team their best possible chance of advancing to their second Gold Cup (2019), ensured that the team arrived in Florida way in advance of their Guatemala encounter to set up camp. Since there, Guyana played a few friendly matches, which saw them edge Bermuda 1-0 on Tuesday in a final 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup Prelims tune-up for both sides. According to reports from Florida, while Bermuda largely controlled the match, they were never able to breach what was a very compact and well-organised Guyana defence. According to team captain, Matthew Briggs, the Guyanese are ready for the challenge ahead, as he spoke of the team’s mood in the camp and their level of preparation ahead of tonight’s encounter. Golden Jaguars, who last Saturday defeated Miami Dade FC 3-1 in another friendly match, got the winning goal in the second half off a strike from Ryan Kedhoo, a member of Guyana’s training squad, in the 85th minute. Connor Kurran-Browne, who plays with English football championship club Bournemouth FC, is the lone newcomer named in coach Maximo’s 23-man squad for Golden Jaguars’ CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminary round clash against Guatemala. Though being named in the provisional 60-man squad, Guyana’s 2019 Gold Cup hero, Neil Danns, did not find favour in Maximo’s final squad, nor did Sam Cox, Pernell Schultz and Callum Harriott. Kurran-Browne’s Bournemouth FC teammate, Na-

Captain Matthew Briggs at yesterday’s press conference

months .... right now we are playing catch up with the other Caribbean countries that have been back in the water since last year, So for her to be able to beat Brittany’s record it’s a great achievement.” The record-breaking performance earned her a third-place finish against quality regional opponents. She also finished third in the 100m freestyle and made the final in her other two events. Persaud swam in the 1314 age group because she turned 15 this year. She was 14 on December 31, 2020, the date used to set the age categories. In The Bahamas, the teen was joined by three other swimmers from the Orca Speed Swim Club, who all registered person-

al-best performances. Ariel Rodrigues, who also swam in the 13-14 age group, dropped 30 seconds in the 50m freestyle and 11 seconds in the 100m freestyle. Nathan Jackson improved in the 50m freestyle and the 50m breaststroke, while Daniel Claxton (1517 age group), marginally improved his 50m freestyle (from 26:86s to 26.58s). The club’s trip to The Bahamas was made possible through the support of Modern Optical Service, Ad Tech Printing, John Fernandes, Nigel’s Pharmacy, Copy Kat, Mr Andrew Forrester from Forrester Lumber Yard and Building Complex, Paul Bacchus, Paula Stoby, Troy Claxton, Delroy Joseph, Daniel Jaisingh and Jermaine Samaroo.

than Moriah-Welsh, was impressive for Maximo since making his debut for Guyana in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and will get another chance to do the same in Florida. Guyana’s ‘Wonder Boy’ Omari Glasgow was also named as he looked to continue his good run on the international scene, while Trayon Bobb, who was snubbed in 2019, gets a call-up. Queens Park Rangers’ Stephen Duke-McKenna will have another taste of Gold Cup action, having played in the Michael Johnson side in 2019. Midfielder Curtez Kellman, coming off an exceptional NJCAA collegiate season with Daytona State College, returns to international football for the first time since

2018. Kellman did well-enough to pick up an NJCAA Division One All-American selection. Reiss Greenidge, the Bolton Wanderers defender who was an unused substitute in Guyana’s squad that defeated Belize 2-1 in the CONCACAF Nations League, has been included in Maximo’s side. Matthew Briggs, Terrence Vancooten, Emery Welshman, Sheldon Holder, Keanu Marsh-Browne, Liam Gordon, Akel Clarke, Kevin Layne and Daniel Wilson will join Duke-McKenna as the only other players on the 23-man roster that featured in coach Michael Johnson’s squad when Guyana made their first-ever Men’s Gold Cup appearance.

Emanuel Archibald, Jasmine Abrams SEE PAGE 30

Tokyo! Emanuel Archibald competing at the 2021 South American Track and Field Championship

Jasmine Abrams following her women’s 100M win at the AAG Senior National Championships (Photo credit: AAG)

Golden Jaguars, Jaguars, Guatemala square-off tonight SEE PAGE 31

Queens Park Rangers’ Stephen Duke-McKenna in action for Guyana during their friendly match against Bermuda this week

SEE PAGE

Richardson to miss Tokyo Olympics

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SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021