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Sunday

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27, 20

27th June, 2021

No.106404

Installation of $200M landing system completed at CJIA Sunday June 27, 2021

PAGE

–– Min. Edghill says issues with CHEC have been resolved

$80M Chicken ‘n’ Burger outlet opened at Leonora 02 PAGE

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Guyana, Ghana commit to deepening cooperation agenda 18 PAGE

Faulty electrical point caused fire at ‘Multi’ 16 PAGE

Chicken n Burger Delight opens its second branch at Leonora, West Coast Demerara

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

$80M Chicken ‘n’ Burger outlet opened in Leonora – investment shows confidence in economy, says Minister Indar

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, says the establishment and expansion of businesses are testament of the enabling environment the government has created for investors. The minister made this statement at the opening of the second branch of Chicken ‘n’ Burger Delight at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. Some $80 million was invested in the venture, which has created 35 jobs. “I want to finally thank

ulated area. Managing-Director Mr. Chetan Puran, said the company saw the need for a restaurant in the area and capitalised on the opportunity. He also said they sought to create a good, family-oriented environment in keeping with the needs of the community. “We know that most of our customers are on the West Coast, so we did a mar-

ket survey. So we brought our testing kit, which is our food outlet, to this location and it did very well. Their response was great to the point where we saw a good opportunity to expand here. So we pursued that venture, we pursued that route and here we are today.” Chicken ‘n’ Burger Delight has created employment for 70 people, as 35

The ceremonial opening of the Chicken’ ‘n’ Burger Delight at Leonora the Puran family for having confidence in [the] economy, to invest…. I’ve seen that the wider private sector is also having that level of confidence to invest and to broaden their presence in Guyana, and to spread their wings. “We as government, we stand with you. Once businesses invest, we work with businesses to make sure they are successful. That is government’s role: to create the environment so that businesses can be successful,” he said. Minister Indar also lauded the company on the selection of its second location, which is in a densely pop-

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar

Chicken ‘n’ Burger Delight is open for business

persons are also employed at its Vreed-en-Hoop branch. Meanwhile, Minister Indar informed the gathering of the government’s plans for the massive development in Region Three. “So, in Region Three as you know, we will be having shore-based development. There is one in the design phase for Vreed-enHoop and one that is actually being constructed right now at Versailles.” He noted that plans are being advanced for the establishment of the Wales Development Authority, which will be a boon to the economy. That mega project will see the upsurge of commercial industrial activities and will increase Guyana’s power generation, which will lead to more investment. He also spoke of plans for the creation of a highway from Schoonord to Parika. “That will open up lands, that will open up a lot of lands on the [West] Bank for housing, for farming, for all sorts of economic ventures. Region Three will see development in all forms, with respect to agriculture, fishing, and so on, call centres and so on. So there’s a whole set of initiatives on the cards for Region Three,” the minister said. The development of Region Three is in keeping with the government’s overall plans to transform the economy and enhance the quality of life for all Guyanese. (DPI)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Installation of $200M landing system completed at CJIA –– Min. Edghill says issues with CHEC have been resolved

MODERNISATION works on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are moving nicely apace, according to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill. He told the Sunday Chronicle that the installation of the $200 million Instrument Landing System (ILS) along the airport’s runway has been completed and tested; it is currently awaiting international certification. The ILS is a precision-approach aid for pilots; it employs two radio signals that provide flyers with vertical and horizontal guidance during the landing phase of an aircraft. The localiser (LOC) provides ‘azimuth guidance’, while the glideslope (GS) defines the correct vertical descent profile. To put it simply, the system will enable pilots to execute safer landings and take-offs, even during unfavourable weather conditions. “The landing system is to modernise our capability where we can have instrument directing landing and not a manual; it has been a significant expenditure in that regard,” Minister Edghill related. He explained that in cases of unfavourable weather conditions, the ILS guides airplanes down to the runway as low as 200 feet above the runway, at which point the pilot will be better able to make a visual descend to continue his/ her landing. “The ultimate thing is for us to have a stateof-the-art, technologically advanced and modernised landing system that any pilot coming

in from any part of the world, must be able to find compatibility with his training and [the] technology they are using, so they can come safely and take-off safely,” Minister Edghill posited. More importantly, the ILS installation brings the government into compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO’s) Global Air Navigation Plan for Runways and

Landing System include reductions in operation costs and increases to airport capacity and access. The system was initially scheduled to be installed by February 2020, but due to several delays and a number of modifications that the CJIA expansion has suffered, this deadline could not have been met. ON TRACK Nonetheless, despite

and delays as a result of COVID-19.” Edghill noted too that the persistent rainfall being experienced throughout the country has also lent to some minor delays. “When there is excessive rain, you can’t get a lot of work done, but the rain is always factored into our programmes, so we have to make up for those delays by doing [more work] on the days when you have good

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill

When this newspaper visited the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in March, efforts were in full swing to install the Instrument Landing System (Adrian Narine photo) Vertical Guidance. “We have to move from being third world, and that is what we are doing,” the Public Works Minister added. The ILS installation, coupled with the CJIA modernisation efforts, also brings the government much closer to realising the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number nine, which seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation. Other expected outcomes and impact of the new Instrument

years of delays, works on the overall CJIA expansion are progressing, with the project remaining on-track to meet its latest December 31, 2021 deadline. “The designs and all the preparatory work for the expansion is already completed, so now it is just to go into full construction, and setting up the super structure, and putting in the corridors and the rest of it,” Edghill informed. He added, “The only delay we have had was with shipping; we’ve got a global crisis where shipping is concerned,

weather,” the minister indicated. He said that so far, the contractors have given every commitment to working extra hours as a means of “making up” for the slight delays. As it relates to the extended runway from 2,270 metres to 3,360 metres, Edghill said that the physical work has already been completed. “We had the company come in and they did the testing, and we are awaiting the report; and then we should be able to get clearance for opening up,” the minister related.

CONFLICT RESOLVED He said that even though the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government and the contracted firm, China Harbours Engineering Consultants (CHEC) have had clashes over the specifications of the project, those issues have since been resolved. “There has been a total change of attitude where China Harbours is concerned; they are more cooperative; there is more accountability, and there is a greater level of partnership between the local team and China Harbour, so we are getting lots of things done,” Minister Edghill said. While the airport project was conceptualised and initiated by the PPP/C administration in 2011, works were halted when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) assumed office in 2015. The then government also

made some drastic modifications to the project, deviating from the contractual agreement between the PPP/C government and the contractor. Five years later, when the PPP/C returned to power in August 2020, it made every effort to revert the project to its original specification, and after months of being at loggerheads with the contractor, the government managed to strike a compromise to have the expansion restarted as originally intended. “When there is conflict, you can’t get things done; we’ve resolved most of the conflicts, and with greater co-operation, we are getting things done…the model that we need for development is co-operation, not conflict,” Edghill asserted. He acknowledged that even though the important airport expansion has been “a long time coming,” the government intends to do all that it can to “get it right.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Most violent region in the world is Latin ―America and the Caribbean latest UN report reveals

DESPITE being home to just nine per cent of the world’s population, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has been found to be the most violent region of all, as it accounts for one-third of the world’s homicides. This is according to the latest report published by the United Nations’ Development Programme (UNDP). The report bases its observations on three types of violence, namely criminal, political and social and domestic. As it goes on to explain, LAC countries struggle with non-lethal forms of violence, including sexual violence, robberies, police abuse, and human trafficking. According to the data provided, the 20th Century

was largely characterised by patterns of political violence, which shifted more towards organised crime in the early 2000s, primarily the involvement in illicit or illegal commercial activities, such as drug trafficking. The UNDP maintains that the LAC region still struggles with political violence, including violent protests, acts of state-sponsored violence, such as police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and violent repression of protest, and violence against human rights defenders, environmental activists, politicians, and journalists. The report, issued last week, says that violence in the region is a common underlying factor that is propelled and driven by the region’s

high levels of inequality and “low-growth trap”. “While greater inequality can spur violence, violence can also increase inequality through its effects on developmental outcomes. Because it is often experienced disproportionately by populations already facing socio-economic adversities, it contributes to amplifying or perpetuating the state of deprivation of these populations,” the report notes. It specifies, too, that violence often leads to the deterioration of rights and liberties, which can in turn lead to worsened physical and mental health, a reduction in educational and labour participation out-

comes, as well as lower political participation among

vic-

timized individuals. “Violence can also fracture social capital, threaten democratic institutions locally and nationally, and obstruct public goods provision in victimized communities,” the UNDP report notes. It recognises that inequalities in power, social status, and income make some population groups—such as women and g e n d e r, a n d eth-

olence is widespread in the region and particularly affects women. This type of violence often manifests in different ways, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, which can be motivated by the victim’s sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation,” the report, titled: Trapped, outlines.

nic m i norities— particularly vulnerable to violence. “Social and domestic vi-

It makes specific reference to the fact that in most LAC countries, more than one out of every 10 women has been sexually or physically abused by her most recent partner. The region also has some of the highest rates of sexual violence, and violence against LGBT+ populations in the world. Also not spared from the regional realities are children and the elderly, who have become increasingly vulnerable in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the curfews and lockdowns that it inspired. The report also examines the efficacy of social protection policies in LAC; it said that over the years, many policies have been implemented to address inequality and low productivity, but most, with limited success. “Given the political incentives for short-term policy solutions to combat the challenges of high-inequality and low-productivity, policy responses tend to be frag-

mented and ineffective and, in some cases, can even end up deepening existing distortions,” the report highlighted. It said too that many of these policies have generated dynamics that have resulted in exacerbated inequalities and stagnated productivity. Importantly, it acknowledged segmented labour markets to not only be a source of inequality, but also one of the contributing factors in low productivity growth. “In parallel, some worker incomes may be so low as to place the workers in poverty, requiring additional programmes to increase their consumption [of] social assistance programmes,” the UNDP said. The report, although troubling, recognised that “Progress is possible.” However, this can only be achieved if the “policies adopted address the underlying imbalances of power between actors to foster conditions in which conflicts may be settled through peaceful rather than violent mechanisms.” Since taking office in August 2020, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud has placed specific emphasis on tackling the scourge of violence. Her efforts birthed ‘914’ hotline which has been specially designed to respond to cases of violence, whether committed against men, women, or children. Dr. Persaud also launched a support system for victims of sexual and domestic violence; as a result, those persons now have access to an outlet which allows them to be guided and supported by past victims who want to help. The Human Services Ministry has also strengthened its partnerships with law enforcement agencies to ensure rapid response and prosecution of sexual and domestic violence crimes.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Guyana internationally obligated to curb human trafficking/smuggling - AG –– says imposing visa requirement for Haitians in keeping with obligation By Richard Bhainie

GUYANA has an international obligation to curb the occurrence of human trafficking, regardless of what stage it is being done here. It is against this backdrop that the government, upon weighing the evidence, has taken the decision to impose visa restrictions for Haitians entering the country. These were the sentiments expressed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., during his appearance on a TV programme titled, “Let’s Talk Politics.” “Guyana is part of a global village and Guyana, as every country in that village, is required to sign on to international conventions and is expected to execute certain protocols which are required internationally,” Nandlall said. The Attorney General explained that human trafficking and human smuggling are two of the most serious offences afflicting the global environment, with hundreds, if not thousands, of children and young men and women being trafficked in every part of the world. According to Nandlall, just as Guyana has obligations pertaining to Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to ensure the country is not “contaminated” with illegal funds and is not a haven for drug trafficking, terrorism and money launderers, there are similar obligations in relation to human trafficking and smuggling. “There is no doubt that this is a criminal conspiracy that is being played out here and just the same way that Guyana is being used as a trans-shipment point for cocaine, nobody is disputing that, well is the same thing here, we are being used as a trans-shipment point for human smuggling and human trafficking,” the Attorney General said. He explained that the

decision by the government to impose the visa restriction was not a light one, nor did it come overnight, as thorough investigations were conducted and evidence was compiled. He said the Government of Guyana even engaged with its neighbours, Brazil and Suriname, as well as various human rights organisations. Immigration data revealed that some 38,187 Haitians who travelled to Guyana between the period of 2015 and June, 2021, failed to leave the country, at least through the legal means; this is coupled with mounting complaints about Guyana being used as a trans-shipment point in the overarching scheme of human trafficking by various foreign governments. “Guyana is a very closeknit society, I don’t think anyone can argue that 38,187 Haitians are with us in Guyana; it would be impossible and improbable for anyone to try to articulate such a contention. It is plainly and manifestly false if anyone would attempt to do that,” Nandlall said. “So where did 38,187 persons go? Now I want to make it clear that based upon the evidence that we have seen, a large number of the 42,100 are children, they consist of women, underage girls, pregnant mothers and they cannot be found anywhere in Guyana,” he said. The Minister of Legal Affairs explained that the government has accumulated evidence over a protracted period of time to assess the situation; he explained that upon their arrival, the Haitians are “quickly whisked away” to various destinations where their belongings are confiscated, displaying all the “trappings” of an organised ring. “They don’t get to come out; they can’t dwell with anyone; they can’t socialise; their monies, their personal belongings and their travel documents are taken from them and are kept by the person or persons who are in

this operation,” he said. Nandlall disclosed that based on investigations in relation to human smuggling, the Haitians have to pay some US$500 per person to be transported to Georgetown from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), US$1,000 to transport them to Lethem and then to take another US$1,000 to cross the border; all signs of a highly profitable ring. Nandlall explained that it was found that upon entry here, the Haitians make their way to the Guyana-Suriname border, and the Guyana-Brazil border, where they cross illegally through the ‘backtrack’ route with small boats to head to the neighbouring countries. “They are exposed to I don’t know how many perils along that journey; I am speaking about small children, young children, pregnant mothers, they have to travel from Georgetown in the night all the way to the southern border where they are sent over to Brazil, and that is how they leave this country,” he said. “Do you know the har-

rowing experience that these people go through? And where they are going? I don’t know; and to whom they are handed over? You don’t know,” he added. Nandlall said that he is in possession of evidence to prove the phenomenon and referenced the 10 young undocumented Haitians, who were recently found by police recently at the Swiss Hotel in Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) without any of their personal belongings. They had informed the authorities that the person who brought them reportedly took away their passports, documents, money and other personal belongings. They are now at the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration (HCCRR), where they are being taken care of as the police continue their investigations to apprehend the person who have custody of their documents. “We didn’t lock them up, because technically that is what really the law requires, because they have entered Guyana illegally … so they have all committed criminal

offences. Instead, we have them at the Hugo Chavez centre where they are being looked after and are being fed,” Nandlall said. “So, no one is looking out or speaking about the interest of these young children, and what they are going through. There is an obvious [sic] pregnant woman at the Hugo Chavez Centre, but nobody cares about the welfare of that woman, they want to play the race card and they play the race card with anything,” he added. The Attorney General explained that Guyana is not without its share of sanctions imposed due to breaching of international obligations, as he referenced the sanctions imposed in relation to the AML/CFT structure as a consequence of the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) blocking the relevant legislation when they were in opposition prior to 2015. “Up to now we are still battling to remove those sanctions and the stigma that it carries,” Nandlall said, explaining that similar sanc-

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. tions can be imposed on Guyana if it does not uphold its international obligations to prevent human trafficking and smuggling. “This thing has to do with what is in the best interest of Guyana, but of course, persons are using this opportunity to satisfy some sick and sadistic agenda that they have, but when you are in government you have to take the high road and you have to do what is in the best interest, even for those who are attempting to undermine you,” the Attorney General said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Dealing decisively with TIP LAST Thursday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the institution of visa requirements for nationals travelling to Guyana from Haiti as he addressed concerns that Guyana is a transshipment point for human trafficking. This publication had also reported that immigration data for Haitians who visited these shores between 2015 and 2020 tell an alarming story. “… of the 42,100 arrivals of the Haitian nationals for the stated period, some 38,187 of them cannot be found. Only 3,913 have been registered to have legally departed the shores of Guyana,” the report carried by this newspaper stated. Just recently, 10 young Haitian nationals, five females and five males, were found by the police at the Swiss Hotel, in Skeldon, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). They had informed the authorities that the person who had brought them reportedly took away their passports, documents, money and other personal belongings. The immigration data seen by this newspaper also show a steep climb in the number

of Haitians arriving in the country over the last five years. Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, in addressing the situation said the position taken by the Government of Guyana is necessary, as it would avoid Guyana being at the receiving end of possible sanctions for enabling an environment for trafficking in persons (TIP). Trafficking in persons has been described as modern-day slavery, and as such, all should make a concerted effort, including implementing supporting measures, to end this scourge. Given the serious nature of this matter, all must also be vigilant, and while the police have a key role to play in the process, they should do their work with maximum professionalism. This is vital to avoiding credible charges of harassment. Also important to note is that the matter with the Haitians is not one of race, as some political operatives are trying to make it out to be, but a matter of an illegality, which needed to be addressed without delay. This situation cannot be better explained

by Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, when he said, “Trafficking in persons is one of the most serious offences afflicting the world today. Human smuggling is a major international threat in today’s global environment, and it is against that backdrop that one must view the decision of the Government of Guyana.” He was also quick to point out that “Guyana is a very close-knit society”, while contending that, “I don’t think anyone can argue that 38,187 Haitians are with us in Guyana; it would be impossible and improbable for anyone to try to articulate such a contention. It is plainly and manifestly false if anyone would attempt to do that,” before asking: “So where did 38,187 persons go?” This publication understands that the evidence suggests that the Haitians, once they arrive here, make their way to two of Guyana’s neighbouring countries. It is important to note as well that the decision by the Government of Guyana to quash the visa-free entry for Haitians was carefully analysed for months, and involved

discussions with Brazil, whose leaders expressed concern that Guyana is being used as a transshipment point for an organised human smuggling ring. The government had also engaged Suriname and Cuba, whose leaders expressed similar concerns as Brazil’s. The government’s concerns were also shared with the United States, United Nations human rights organisations, and the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) before the decision was taken. Those who have come out to criticise the decision of the government are either ill-informed, or are engaging in acts of misinformation. The attorney-general, in a recent interview, issued a reminder, which cannot be timelier, when he said: “Guyana is part of a global village, and Guyana, as every country in that village, is required to sign on to international conventions, and is expected to execute certain protocols which are required internationally. Guyana is not without experience when it comes to sanctions being imposed on it.”

Elections must be held in 2021; democracy must prevail! THE serious inclement weather and unbelievable flooding is creating havoc in our communities. Hence, the holding of Local Government Elections so as to strengthen local democracy and bring about better quality leaders at the Neighbourhood Democratic level is imperative. Many more mature and experienced persons are showing interest in public and civil activities. Guyana is on the rise and our democracy must prevail. The massive defeat at the 2016 and 2018 Local Government Elections will continue, as the APNU+PNC is doomed to be humiliated. All eyes are on GECOM and they are under serious scrutiny to prepare fully and hold free and fair elections. GECOM is on trial to conduct free and fair elections and their administrators have created such a stony, thorn-filled path with respect to any evaluation for the continuation of the ‘trio” to be at GECOM. Hence,

GECOM must immediately get rid of all the staff members who are before the courts for fraud and mis-conduct at the 2020 National and Regional Elections. Significantly, GECOM has unanimously decided to send Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers and Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo on leave, pending a decision on a proposal on whether a tribunal will investigate the serious accusations against them. The Chairperson of GECOM must be fully aware of the fact that the commission has the power and authority to deal with any insubordination, dishonesty and fraud at the commission. The proposal by Alexander and his support team for the survival of the ‘rogue’ staff must not be condoned. GECOM must understand that the unacceptable and un-pardonable sins that

were committed by staff at GECOM has caused a total loss of public confidence and public trust in the electoral process. As GECOM now prepares for the holding of Local Government Elections, the commission must put on the agenda preparations and plans for the holding of elections this year. Further, they are many others who are before the court and many others who are guilty of being a part of the attempts to derail and rig the National and Regional Elections. Hence, all eyes are on them and the hiring of staff for future elections must be done in a transparent manner and with persons with integrity. GECOM must deal with these issues and persons swiftly. They have all been accused of failing, neglecting and abdicating their functions, duties and responsibilities to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and the electoral

framework and the very essential criteria of impartiality, transparency, fairness and credibility to the operations of the commission and its secretariat. The underperformance, the deliberate attempts to do skullduggery and the fact that they committed all their dirty work in the eyes of our entire population and the imminent international observers are enough evidence for the commission to deal condignly with all the fraudsters. Further, there are staff members before the court facing criminal charges and the nation’s expectations are high that they will be dealt with severely. Their punishment must be a deterrent to any further attempt to rig elections in this country. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

OP-ED

By Mikiko Tanaka, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Guyana

ACHIEVING equal rights, non-discrimination and protection from violence and abuse for millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons has been a remarkable journey of courage, solidarity, and activism since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The annual observation of LGBTIQ+ Pride month offers an opportunity to take stock and reflect on the progress made to advance LGBTIQ+ rights, and the challenges that still remain. LGBTIQ+ Pride is about more than just the rainbow flag, advertising, and corporate marketing. LGBTIQ+ Pride is a social campaign of education and visibility, a call to action for the public and policymakers, and a celebration of human rights and freedom of expression, identity, and association. Movements around the world have helped to advance the rights of persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), usually categorised under the LGBTIQ+ community, by creating spaces for dialogue and acceptance. One of the first movements began in June 1969 when persons took to the streets to protest police raids at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. One of these raids sparked six days of riots, now known as the Stonewall Riots, which bolstered the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world. Over the years, consistent advocacy and public demonstrations have led to discussions on gay rights that eventually triggered changes in perceptions and attitudes towards LGBTIQ+ persons. Globally, there have been fundamental shifts in protecting the lives of LGBTIQ+ persons. The United Nations continues to take action and add its voice to protect the lives and well-being of LGBTIQ + persons. Some of the UN’s actions range from the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder by the World Health Organization in 1990, to UN resolutions adopted to protect against violence and discriminations, to supporting government amendments of national constitutions. Guyana’s society, like any other around the world, has elements of conservatism, based on traditional and colonial norms and values around gender and sexuality which has limited acceptance and sometimes result in discriminatory treatment by individuals in everyday settings, including workplaces, schools, homes, and hospitals. In worse cases, this entails violent attacks, ranging from aggressive verbal abuse and psychological bullying, to physical assaults and abuse. Guyana’s Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Guyanese. However, Guyana is among 10 Caribbean countries that still maintain laws from the colonial era which criminalise same-sex intimacy. The existence of these laws reinforces personal and institutional prejudices that contribute to ongoing discrimination from public and state actors alike. Decriminalising homosexuality is a critical first step to protect the rights of LGBTIQ + persons and facilitate fairness and equality before the law. Over the past decade, there have been some significant milestones and steps in protecting rights of LGBTIQ+ persons and creating an inclusive and diverse environment. A legal milestone for LGBTIQ+ rights in Guyana was the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) ruling on “cross-dressing” in Novem-

Advocating for the rights and protection of the LGBTIQ+ community ber 2018, after an almost nine-year court battle. In the case of Quincy McEwan and others v the Attorney General of Guyana (2018) CCJ 30 (AJ), the Caribbean Court of Justice held that Guyana’s law against cross-dressing was discriminatory, unconstitutionally vague, violated the right to protection of the law, and was contrary to the rule of law. Enforcement of Section 152(1)(xlvii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act led to the unfavourable and discriminatory treatment of transgender and gender non-confirming persons by criminalising their gender expression and identity. To give effect to the CCJ’s ruling, the current administration has tabled a bill to amend the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act to decriminalise cross-dressing. This is a welcome legislative step that will bring an appropriate closure to this matter. Guyana’s inaugural LGBTIQ Pride Festival was held in 2017 with the formation of the Guyana LGBT Coalition, which was a coordinating group of three LGBTIQ+ organisations in Guyana active at that time. The following year, history was made as Guyana became the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to host an LGBTIQ+ Pride Parade. However, prior to these activities, grassroots organisations have observed Pride month on much smaller scales through film festivals and community outreach initiatives. At the conclusion of Guyana’s Third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Cycle in 2020, the Government of Guyana supported several recommendations in relation to LGBTIQ+ persons. The government has supported recommendations to continue making efforts to combat acts of violence and discrimination, to ensure inclusion in economic activities, and integrate sensitisation training into curriculums to improve responses to discriminatory acts against people based on sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, and sexual characteristics. Implementation of these recommendations will build positive steps to protecting LGBTIQ+ persons. These milestone and positive changes to social attitudes on the issue can be accredited to the contributions and works of civil society organisations in Guyana, such as the Guyana Rainbow Foundation (GuyBow), the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Guyana Trans United (GTU), Empowering Queers Using Artistic Learning (EQUAL), among others. Over many years, these organisations have been consistently and persistently advocating and promoting the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons. Guyana has come a long way, but still has some ways to go in advancing the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons. Legislative change, education, sensitisation, and continued advocacy are important steps which will require a collaborative approach across government, civil society organisations, international organisations, and general society. The UN system in Guyana has worked with the government, Parliament, judiciary, and civil society to advance the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons and to include them in the country’s development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has supported efforts for legislative change through collaborations with SASOD Guyana to draft a white paper and proposed amendment to the Prevention of Discrimination Act (1997) which seeks to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as prohibited grounds for discrimination in any employment or

occupation. UNDP, together with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), also supported the Guyana Trans United in attending the CCJ ruling on the cross-dressing appeal and subsequently hosted a public forum to sensitise members of the community on the CCJ’s ruling. UN agencies in Guyana have also supported social initiatives, such as capacity building for CSOs on HIV prevention and treatment promotion, and the provision of HIV testing and prevention packages to the LGBTIQ+ community. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UNDP, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) partnered with SASOD Guyana to distribute relief packages and nutritional support to those in need. An assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ+ persons was also undertaken to determine the impacts on persons’ livelihoods and guide relief efforts needed within the LGBTIQ+ community. The United Nations will continue to advance the rights and well-being of persons of diverse SOGIESC, the LGBTIQ+ community, and other marginalised groups. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and are entitled to a life free from discrimination of any kind, whether race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion. Guyana has ratified several international conventions and treaties and is

Resident Coordinator, United Nations Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka obligated to prevent, investigate, and redress human rights violations and is explicitly prohibited from discriminating against persons on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. CSOs, stakeholders and public entities can together contribute to realising these rights in their everyday work, by practising and providing equal opportunities and treatment, respect, and acceptance, and by increasing one’s awareness and knowledge.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Minister Benn organises support for D’Urban Street fire victims MINISTER of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, on Saturday provided a quantity of hampers and mattresses to 18

persons left homeless after a fire razed several buildings at the junction of D’Urban and George Streets.

The Thursday morning blaze also scorched a nearby jewellery and pawn shop. At his Brickdam office, Minister

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, provides relief items to the fire victims

Remains of the fire at D’Urban and George Streets

Benn sympathised with the people who suffered losses while providing aid. He revealed that he has asked Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, to provide temporary accommodation for the victims. Minister Benn also

committed to providing support to businessman, Mr. Kevin Phillips, who lost his vulcanizing shop, to help him to restart his livelihood. The minister said he has engaged several ministers and the Guyana Revenue Authority to assist in this regard. Minister Benn also advis-

es businesses to procure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and large businesses to install sprinklers and riser mains to protect their investment. He also urged the public to use electrical appliances with care and to be vigilant against fires. (DPI)

Woman dies in De Kinderen accident

A FIFTH Street, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) resident, identified as Sherrane Hollingsworth, died on Saturday after she was struck down by a motor lorry while attempting to cross the West Demerara Public Road at De Kinderen. The police say that the 56-year-old was on the northern side of the road, observing the flow of traffic before attempting to cross to the southern side of it. Unfortunately, she was struck down in the process of doing so by a motor lorry bearing registration number GZZ 4439. The lorry was being driven by 60-year-old Keith Peters, of Ruimzeight Gardens, WCD, who was heading west at the time.

DEAD: Sherrane Hollingsworth

Police say that the impact caused Hollingsworth to fall onto the surface of the road, and sustain injuries about her body. She was picked up by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious state, and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, also on the West Demerara, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Video footage of the accident seen by this newspaper revealed that the woman was almost to the other end of the road when the speeding truck ran into her and dragged her body before coming to a stop. The driver tested negative for alcohol in his system. He was served with a notice of intended prosecution, and remains in custody as investigations are ongoing.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

With Dr. Shivani Samlall, MBBS, Gynecologist Oncologist

Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Shivani Samlall. MBBS, Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology with a sub-specialty in Gynecology Oncology, with over 10 years of practice. Dr Samlall can be contacted at drshivanisamlall26@ gmail.com THE BURDEN OF OVARIAN CANCER TO WOMEN I AM sure many of my readers would have read a story in Stabroek News, where a woman discussed her journey with Ovarian Cancer. As a Gynecologist Oncologist, I am awfully familiar with these stories, having witnessed and managed many women with this type of cancer. While hers have been a battle that has afforded her the opportunity to recount and spread awareness of this disease, this is not the tale of many, since the number of ovarian cancer survivors are very few. As a result of the enormous burden of this disease, I thought it necessary to discuss Ovarian Cancer in this week’s column.

INCIDENCE AND SCREENING Most women have an approximately one in 70 chances of being diagnosed with this cancer. While the number of women that is affected by this disease is low, the mortality rate or the number of women who die from this disease is extremely high. This is because, unlike cancers such as Breast and Cervical, Ovarian cancers do not have screening, which means that there is no test that can singlehandedly be used to diagnose this cancer in its early stages or prevent death from this disease. This ultimately leads to late detection and a high death rate. Recalling one of my first cases: I vividly recall this patient during my Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training, who was in her early 30s when she was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. At the time of her diagnosis, the cancer had already spread or metastasized to different organs, so despite surgery and chemotherapy, she succumbed shortly after her diagnosis. This case enhances the urgent need for women to know their risk and symptoms (even though unspecific) of Ovarian Cancer. Ovarian Cancer Risk: Being aware of your risk level can help you make more-informed decisions. - Aging: average age at diagnosis is 62. - Inherited diseases: Approximately five to 10 per cent of women with Ovarian Cancer have a family history of Ovarian Cancer, Breast cancers or other cancers. At increased risk if you have: - a family history of Ovarian or Breast Cancer - a personal history of Breast Cancer prior to age 40 - a personal history of Breast Cancer

diagnosed prior to age 50 as well as one or more close relatives diagnosed with Breast or Ovarian Cancer at any age - two or more close relatives diagnosed with Breast Cancer prior to age 50, or with Ovarian Cancer diagnosed at any age At high risk (one in five or higher) — if you inherited certain mutations in genes such as - BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (six times greater than that of the general population) - Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)/Lynch syndrome Other factors that can generally increase risk include: - early menstruation or late menopause - endometriosis

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER As was referred by the Stabroek News patient, she had symptoms that were interpreted as gas. This is because the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, are not specific. Therefore, they may be blamed on other common conditions. - abdominal bloating or swelling - abdominal or pelvic pain - difficulty eating, or feeling full quickly - lack of appetite - frequent urination - change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) - change in menstrual periods - back pain - weight gain or loss LOWERING YOUR RISK LEVEL Besides a healthy lifestyle (eating well, staying active, and maintaining your target weight), factors that may lessen the risk for ovarian cancer include: * Pregnancy. Having more full-term pregnancies lowers the risk of Ovarian Cancer. * Oral birth control (OCPs)- protects against Ovarian Cancer. This effect appears to last for many years after discontinuing the pill. However, because OCPs also pose other risks, its usage should be discussed with your doctor. * Tubal ligation PREVENTING OVARIAN CANCER IN WOMEN AT HIGH RISK Some women may remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes to prevent the disease. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT Pelvic exam -- to determine the characteristics of the ovaries and other structures Additional tests: can be ordered if you are experiencing persistent abdominal bloating, discomfort or other symptoms, or if you have risk factors for Ovarian Cancer. If found to have a suspicious mass or other indication of Ovarian Cancer, women should see an Ovarian Cancer specialist, ideally a gynecologic oncologist.

IMAGING Following a pelvic exam, a transvaginal and a CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis is usually indicated.

CA 125 AND OTHER MARKERS This tumor marker can in some cases indicate the presence of Ovarian Cancer, since most epithelial Ovarian Cancer cells release this protein. However, other types of tissue including non-cancerous tissues can also raise the level of this protein. Surgery: Importantly, to truly diagnose Ovarian Cancer, your doctor needs to preform surgery, where the mass is removed and sent for a biopsy. Once cancer is confirmed, staging is done, whereby small samples of tissue are taken from within the abdomen, including from the other ovary, fallopian tubes and peritoneum. Surgery is the main treatment for Ovarian Cancer in both early and advanced dis-

ease, as well as for women with recurrence (cancer that comes back after treatment). The type of surgery will depend on the type of Ovarian Cancer and the extent of the cancer. Chemotherapy: Following surgery, and staging of your cancer, chemotherapy may be recommended. In conclusion, while there have been many improvements in the management of these patients, the lack of screening means the impossibility of early detection, thus the number of women who will die from this disease will remain high. It therefore becomes necessary for women to have regular routine or yearly well-woman exam, where risk factors can be identified and symptoms (while they are unspecific) can be interpreted. And once there is a high suspicion for Ovarian Cancer, patients should be managed by an Ovarian Cancer specialist.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Understanding Energy

Workforce development top of mind for industry AS the oil and gas industry continues to grow in Guyana, it is refreshing to see private companies become more involved in the development of the local workforce. But as the industry evolves, it is critical that investments in workforce development are made with an eye towards the long-term future. While the energy industry will likely be here for decades, it is critical that the government and industry think now about what skills can catapult the country’s industrial development beyond oil. Many of the most import-

ant skills needed to support the energy industry are also areas that can help workers and companies compete and thrive in other industrial sectors. While attention is placed on overtly oil-focused jobs like petroleum engineer or petroleum geologist, it is worth noting that most of the demand from the energy industry will be for skills that are more universal. Basic engineering and science skills are vitally important and offer many more options in oil-and-gas and other sectors. Welder, technician, structural engineer, and marine mechanic positions are being filled by Guyanese and

capacity building continues. Led by industry-funded programmes such as the Greater Guyana Initiative and learning centres like the University of Guyana, and the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), companies are already focusing heavily on those transferrable skills. But ultimately the reach of the energy industry will be even greater. As more companies move to Guyana to contribute to the growing energy industry and other spin off sectors, those working in professional services will become even more important. Industry contractors

like Saipem, which recently opened a construction yard in Guyana, will need lawyers, accountants, and IT specialists. Experts in compliance, safety and planning will be in high demand. These skills are applicable across the entire modern economy. This new demand could also help provide ready jobs for recent university graduates and help turn the tide from the traditionally plaguing brain drain. In a recent interview, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, said that the University alone has received up to US$40 million from companies in the oil-and-gas sector for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects, more than the total amount from all other sources over the last 15 years. In the last five years, these extensive donations have been used to fund projects, install specialised laboratories and upgrade aging infrastructure at the Uni-

versity. Millions in funding from oil services contractors Halliburton and Schlumberger have also helped purchase equipment, including computers and software for engineering and scenario modelling training programmes in university classes. Funds are also being used to launch a subsea drilling lab. Donations from ExxonMobil were used to build a new physics lab and support research projects in the Agriculture and Forestry Department. It’s easy to envision a new generation of workers learning skills that will be crucial not only to oil, but also to other key emerging industries like the proposed agrochemical hub at the former Wales Estate. Investments like these in basic STEM education are vital to creating an innovative and adaptable workforce that can transition from oil to the future. Industry is setting up other funding programmes, including the US$100 million

Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), which benefits the University of Guyana. The GGI is funded by ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC and focuses on training programmes and development projects. The industry-funded TVET programme has already identified welding and electrical as two growth areas for workforce development. These initiatives and partnerships have one common goal in mind: to ensure that Guyana’s workforce is ready to meet growing demand for specialised jobs now and ensure that these skills are transferrable to other industries in the long-term future. While workforce development does not happen overnight, these kinds of long-term skill-building efforts can better position Guyana’s workforce to compete against neighbouring energy producers like Brazil, Trinidad and Suriname and expand the reach of local companies throughout the region.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Politics & Society Forum

Politics of no return

I HAVE maintained one consistent position in my numerous conversations with politically-minded individuals on how and why the APNU+AFC government fell from grace to the gutter. That is, the PPP/C “got them out in time.” The then government, now opposition, was on brazen outlawry by individuals whose minds were easily poisoned by self-centred interest. Guyana was suffering. The nation had reached a breaking point after the rigging attempts following the March 2, 2020, general elections. That evil was stopped by supporters of democracy in and out of Guyana. We recognise therefore the hard work put in by everyone to have the then government sit in the opposition. That feat was simply monumental. Some sections of the Guyanese electorate, however, would have liked to see the now opposition face the music after the No-Confidence Vote in 2018 and go to the polls rather than being

burdened and bamboozled by the prolonged shenanigans thereafter, notably, to justify that 33 is not a majority of 65. That is now history, a thought perhaps waiting in the wings to be repeated because, for some, unfortunately, this was their trump card that tested the nerve centre of the judicial system. There was some concealed self-gratification in this warped thinking, because in their minds, the spirit and challenge to the No-Confidence Vote, deserves plaudits in a compromised judicial system. In the end, however, the history of the APNU+AFC Government from 2015 to 2020 remains a passing stage, heading towards its desirous course rather than taking the nation with it. I have maintained, too, that if the opposition had stayed in power for another five years, under whatever circumstances, we would have seen the continuation of reckless and rudderless leadership. Since last August, we have seen reports emanating from various commissions of inquiry and the dailies confirming, for example,

the devastating impact on the sugar workers, the revelation that Khemraj Ramjattan sent 12 Guyanese cops to the US to learn how to ride bicycles, and more bizarrely, the Opposition Leader Joe Harmon urging his followers not to take the Sputnik V vaccine. These events are no laughing matter since they were not situations where the government/opposition was caught sleeping on duty but was a time when a cacophony of voices revealed (a) reckless spending, (b) high employment rate among the working class (c) the high life for those who control the wheels of power, and more recently (d) attempts to destabilise Guyana. These are callous actions, based on narrow thinking, not to mention pure madness. I also uphold the position that the APNU+AFC opposition came to power through limited political engineering rather than sound policies and programmes. To wit quickly, PNC joined forces with small parties to form a coalition mainly to oust the PPP, and

that appeared to be their core contention in 2015 which they failed miserably to repeat in 2020. Yet, the opposition has taken a victimology position, purporting, and perpetuating a narrative that it has been permanently wounded by an internationally installed PPP government rather than taking a serious look at any substance of hope within the sanctum of the coalition. This avoidance, at least publicly, is not shocking since introspection would open a can of worms, leading to the further decline of importance and influence of the opposition in Guyana’s political landscape. In local parlance, the opposition is afraid of its own shadow. What is unsettling is that

the opposition is all over the country claiming that it has the answer for Guyana’s problems, when it had five years to do so, but came up disappointingly short on its objectives. If you have not heard of the term eating your own words, the above is an example. This madness does not add up, especially when Guyana is in a difficult period, literally trying to stay afloat from floods, from the pandemic, and from cryptic oppositional calisthenics. It seems like the opposition has not given much thought as to what it is to be an effective opposition, and what it would take to bounce back to power. The so-called cognoscenti of the opposi-

Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine tion would like us to believe that they are doing all the necessary groundwork of meeting and listening to the people to their needs, to their hopes, and to their fears. To its credit, the reception in its supporting base has been gracious, but this is, by itself, a static position, essentially fanning its supporters to sleep. The challenge is to move beyond its stations of support, a troubling drive for the opposition, which will continue to saddle it in the domain of politics of no return to power (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

The Science of COVID-19

Coronavirus: avoiding these ‘4 Ds’ will help you avoid COVID-19

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center

DATA is now emerging to help us to zone in on hotspots for COVID-19 transmission so that we may be able to manoeuvre

around them and sustain our livelihoods. The most convincing data thus far are from two studies which showed high transmission rates of the virus indoors and very limited transmission in the outdoor setting where free flowing air dispersed virus particles quickly. The first study was car-

ried out in Denmark where 3,030 participants were studied while the other study was done among 1,848 U.S Marine recruits in South Carolina. Experts concluded from these studies that COVID-19 transmission was predominantly indoors and even occurred in those that were wearing standard surgical/cloth masks.

They found that the “4 Ds” were the main risk factors that predicted COVID-19 transmission in the indoor setting. Today, I will expand on the 4Ds and why you should avoid such settings if you want to avoid COVID-19.

DENSITY Density meaning the number of people in a room was a major factor in predicting COVID-19 spread. The basic idea was that the more persons you have in a closed space, the likelier COVID-19 would spread if one or more persons had the infection. Viral particles will be expelled from the infected person’s mouth and nostrils and will “hang around” in the air longer because of poor air circulation in a closed space. With everyone breathing, the odds become higher of breathing in air with viral particles given the limited air to person ratio.

DURATION The longer one spends in a closed space with someone that is infected, the likelier one will become infected even if one is wearing standard surgical/cloth masks. An infected person in a closed space will expel more viral particles into the air every time he/she breathes, sneezes, coughs or speaks. It is obvious that the longer someone spends in such an environment, the higher the chance of him/her being exposed to expelled viral particles because he/she will be exposed to a higher concentration with time. Also, think about being in a room where the virus is moving around; the longer you spend in that room, the likelier the chances of you coming into contact with it as it moves around. DIMENSIONS The smaller the dimensions of a closed space, the higher the chance of getting infected.

Dr. Zulfikar Bux As an infected person expels virus particles into the air, it will disperse faster once there is sufficient space for it to move into. However, in smaller spaces, the virus particles become stagnated and will circulate in that space for some amount of time. It is therefore obvious that one’s chances of coming into contact with viral particles will be higher when one is in a smaller, closed space. DRAFT In closed spaces where there is limited entry of fresh air and poor airflow speed, chances of COVID-19 transmission become higher. When viral particles get expelled into the air, they will remain floating for a while if the air is stagnant. However, if there is free flow of fresh air or air is mechanically propelled by fans, the viral particles will quickly disperse and not float around and infect persons that come into contact with it. Offices, Restaurants, homes, Bars, Gyms, Cinemas etc. are examples of closed spaces where the risk of transmission will be higher. Therefore, it is obvious that we should minimize our presence with others in these and other indoor spaces as much as possible. If we have no choice, then ensure that these spaces are large, with minimal occupation and has free flowing air and we should minimize the time we spend in them when possible. While infections still occur with standard mask use in these spaces, it is far lesser and masks will help minimize severe infection risk by decreasing the amount of virus that gets into you. So, we should continue to practise mask wearing but change our lifestyle to ensure we avoid the 4Ds as much as we can, and carry out our exposures with others in the outdoor setting as much as possible.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Payments by GNNL customers made easier –– through collaboration between newspaper company and Mobile Money

CUSTOMERS of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) can now effect payment of bills for advertisements, as well as purchases of the Sunday and Daily Guyana Chronicle, using the Mobile Money Guyana (mmg+) service. GNNL’s General Manager, Moshamie Ramotar, in commenting on this initiative, said: “This offers our customers a payment method that is more convenient and easily accessible, particularly for our valued customers outside of Georgetown. We are pleased to collaborate with mmg+ on this initiative.” Ramotar explained that the partnership with Mobile Money Guyana (mmg+) represents the latest in a series of efforts being made to ensure easy access to the services offered by GNNL. These

GNNL’s General Manager, Moshamie Ramotar services include the sale of Daily and Sunday Guyana Chronicle, classified ads, and

other advertisements in the newspapers, as well as on the Guyana Chronicle website. The General Manager said: “Our newspaper vendors can use this service. Our advertisers, including those who have credit accounts with our company, and anyone wishing to place a classified ad, or access any of the other services we offer, can do so more easily now. Our efforts to ensure that the services we offer are increasingly accessible are continuing.” Meanwhile, General Manager of mmg+, Bobita Ram, in commenting on the partnership said: “The mmg+ team welcomes the collaboration with GNNL as we continue to enable businesses to extend their customer reach and access the technology to make doing business

State media recruits being trained GUYANA’S emerging multi-dimensional economy will require a much more robust public affairs regime; as such, in addition to the vast array of individual study opportunities through President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s flagship GOAL scholarship platform, aggressive, multifaceted upskilling and capacity-building programmes for media practitioners and new recruits across the state media spectrum are being undertaken. The government is committed to raising the bar in the local industry, to lead the way in media and communication practice in Guyana, said Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy On Friday, the first of six training programmes began with an ‘Introduction to Communication.’’

Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, interacting with participants of the first of six training programmes

Some of the participants at the training on Friday

easier for their customers.” She further highlighted that especially in this period of a pandemic, the mmg+ service has been integral in keeping businesses operational while keeping their customers safe. The mmg+ service, secured by passwords for individual users, is Guyana’s first mobile financial service and was introduced in 2013. It enables customers to purchase credit, send and receive money in addition to paying bills using their mobile phones, via the web at www.mymmg.gy or at any

General Manager of mmg+, Bobita Ram

mmg+ agent nationwide. GNNL is mmg+’s latest biller partner. mmg+ is a licensed mobile money service which allows customers to pay bills, shop, do mobile recharges, and send money anytime, anywhere. Users can conduct transactions via a secure platform through iOS and Android apps, via the web as well as through USSD (by dialing *123#) technology. The platform is password-protected so they can enjoy the latest security with more money flexibility.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Manickchand calls out teachers who have neglected learners –– says ministry willing to facilitate transition of teachers to more suited professions By Jared Liddell

THE Ministry of Education has noted that many teachers in Guyana’s local education sector have been neglecting their duties to educate and inspire students, and some have even displayed an outright lack of patience and understanding that are pivotal in creating a conducive learning environment. As such, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, says that the ministry is open to facilitating the transition of persons from this critical sector to jobs that they are more passionate about.

She made this statement at the launch of Whiz Kids on Friday last. Since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the education sector worldwide has taken a significant hit and has struggled to regain normalcy. Innovative solutions were conceptualized, including virtual teaching and rotation of class times to ensure children still have access to learning while the world adjusts to the new normal. In Guyana, there is online learning, the restructuring of the Guyana Learning Channel, and the creation of worksheets. It was high-

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand lighted that the rollout of

these innovative solutions is largely dependent on the willingness of teachers to rise to the call. Minister Manickchand indicated that the ministry intends to have continuous evaluation to assess the preparedness of teachers, as well as to ensure that those persons in the profession have the necessary qualities to deal with budding minds. She noted that even with the COVID-19 pandemic putting a strain on the education system, several current teachers have not been working to ensure that learners are not left at a disadvantage. She stated that since the new government was installed in August 2020, several initiatives have been put in place to ensure that learners have the best access to learning even with the COVID-19 guidelines being in place, but some teachers have not taken up the mantel to ensure that these initiatives are utilised. Further, the Education Minister explained that many teachers are operating in a mode of “auto-pilot” where they are just coming

to the job because they are being paid to and not because they want to be nurturers of the country’s future. “We just completed the secondary school entrance examination mock exams and we have too many teachers who have not yet looked and analyzed the results to be able to determine where this class is weak so that they could reteach that topic, or where a particular student is having difficulty to say ‘come and sit at my desk, let’s do this until we get it right.’ “We cannot continue like that or else we will continue to routinely, robotically doing what we have to do and collecting a salary at the end of the month,” Minister Manickchand said. In comparing the commitment of the teachers in the private and public schools, Minister Manickchand noted that learners in any government school have the ability and the resources to achieve an equal level of success as those who attend private schools, but she emphasised that this would only be possible if resources are

mobilised by the teachers in the education sector. “We see these remarks you’re seeing with only private schools doing well, we congratulate you on those successes but we will show you that we have the ability to reform, fix, manage, and produce from the public system; which means that teachers have to get on board and be willing to be assessed, evaluated, corrected or assisted in finding a career they like better that is not teaching,” the Education Minister expressed. Meanwhile, the Education Minister also highlighted that many teachers across the country have gone “above and beyond” to ensure that learners are actively engaged during this time and, so, she encouraged them to continue putting in the work. She saluted those who have tried relentlessly to learn the new online platforms and have distributed and utilised the ministry of education resources, as well as create innovative ideas to capture the attention of children.

Duo wanted for fraud committed on Duke Lodge in police custody TWO men are in the custody of the police hours after a wanted bulletin was issued for them in connection with committing fraud on Roraima Duke Lodge Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. The Guyana Police Force claims that Shemar Jones, 20, and Clifton Wilson, 26, committed the alleged crime of obtaining credit by fraud between April 8 and April 12, 2021. A police report noted that Wilson of Blue

Clifton Wilson

Shemar Jones

Sackie Drive, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, was arrested by the police,

while Jones of Festival City, North Ruimveldt, turned himself in.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

64 COVID deaths in 26 days -100 new cases in 24hrs

THREE more COVID-19 deaths announced by the Ministry of Health on Saturday have pushed the death toll for the month of June to 64 thus far, and the overall toll since the discovery of the viral disease in Guyana, to 462. According to the ministry, the latest fatalities are three males: a 53-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) who died on June

14, and a 57 and 79-year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who died on June 14 and 22, respectively. These men all succumbed to the disease while receiving medical care at Ministry of Health facilities. In the meantime, the health ministry has also detected 100 new cases of COVID-19, with 1,428 tests carried out for June 25, 2021.

Of the new cases Region One (Barima-Waini) confirmed four; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), six; Region Three, 12; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 36; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), two; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), six; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 19; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), eight, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), seven. The newly infected persons were 44 males and 56 females. Presently, 19 persons occupy the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 93 are institutionally isolated, 1,553 are isolated at home, and four are in institutional quarantine. Of Guyana’s 19,774 confirmed cases, 1,669 are currently active, while 21 of the 17,647 overall recoveries 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-foot physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help curb the spread of COVID-19. The Minister of Health has also urged persons 18 years and older to take the COVID-19 vaccine, to immunize themselves against the deadly virus. 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 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health. gov.gy.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Faulty electrical point caused fire at ‘Multi’ By Jared Liddell

FOLLOWING an intense stint of investigations, the Guyana Fire Service has finally found the cause of the huge fire that ravaged the main building of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School last week. Fire Chief, Kalamadeen Edoo, in an invited comment told the Sunday Chronicle that the fire

started in one of the classrooms on the third floor of the building, just above the school’s Home Economics Laboratory. He said investigators discovered that the fire started from a faulty duplex electrical point that had a circuit strip (power strip) attached to it. The Fire Chief could not say who left the power strip plugged in, or how long it was plugged in for before the fire started.

The fire devastated the main building of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School last week The fire devastated the school’s First to FifthForm classrooms, Science, Home-Economics and Information Technology laboratories, as well as the $3 million ‘smart’ classroom, the first to be launched in Guyana in 2015. Meanwhile, with the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations slated to commence tomorrow, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Friday disclosed that despite the devastating fire, the students will be able to write the exams in the school’s auditorium. This decision by the ministry came after consultation with parents and students of the school who requested that the examination be done in the auditorium. The request was based on a dire need to have to the students housed in one location, and

not have them separated during any of their exams. Having the exam at the school would also allow the students to be in a familiar environment. At the meeting, parents had expressed concern over the students being placed at other schools, which they noted could potentially cause anxiety and discomfort. Sixty-Five students from the school are scheduled to take the 2021 examinations. The Education Minister said that the ministry did all that it could have done to get the school in a state of readiness to accommodate the students. She said that the work that was done by everyone to get the school ready shows how much can be done when people work together. The ministry disclosed that while the majority of the subjects will be writ-

ten at the school, those students writing Electronic Document Processing and Management (EDPM) will do so at the Government Technical Institute (GTI), and that transportation will be provided for them. Minister Manickchand also indicated that the government has made arrangements on for lunch to be provided each day of the examinations, so as to ensure that the students of the school are adequately catered for. The education minister encouraged the students to put their best foot forward, saying, “The ball is now in your court; today, we hand the baton to you to take it from here. We’ve done everything we could possibly do to keep you in a frame of mind that will allow you to just soar. So, go ahead and soar.”

Fifth Form students in the auditorium of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School (Ministry of Education photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Minister Persaud meets one-on-one with residents of Grove/Diamond

RESIDENTS of the Diamond/Grove communities on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) had the opportunity on Friday last to interact on a one-on-one basis with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and her team from the ministry. The outreach was very successful, and scores of persons from the communities braved the rainy weather to show up and be able to access key services on-the-spot. The activity at the New Diamond/ Grove Primary School started from 09:00hrs and ran up to about 14:00hrs. Because senior officers attached to the ministry were on hand to interact with the public, persons were able to have immediate access to services pertaining to public assistance, old age pension, childcare, and probation matters. Accompanying Minister Persaud were Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Anjanie Ramlall; Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Mahendra Thakurdat, and a number of officers from the Grove/Diamond communities. Apart from receiving assistance to fill up their forms, persons were also afforded the opportunity to sort out issues that they have had pending for a long time. “The residents were happy not only to receive the services, but to be able to have conversations with me and heads of departments. We were there to listen to them one-on-one, and give any guidance they required on concerns they had,” Minister Per-

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud interacting with the residents of Diamond and Grove on Friday saud explained. She also had the opportunity to interact with newly-formed women’s groups whose members were quite interested in how they can benefit from the ministry’s programmes, and they were able to clarify concerns about issues affecting women in their communities. There were also the usual exercises of free eye testing, and scores of persons were able to benefit from them, thanks to the ministry, in partnership with Optical Works. CPA Director Greene spoke to residents about the importance of community involvement when it comes to addressing issues affecting children. “It was a very good exercise, because we were able to interact with the people,” Ms. Greene said. She underscored how the CPA relies on the community for help with child protection. “I was glad for the opportunity to go; wherever people are gathered, I love it, because I get a chance

CPA Director, Greene having a tête à tête with a resident of Diamond/Grove during Friday’s outreach

to explain,” she said. She said that the interaction was effective, as the residents were very receptive to the information that was being shared with them. Minister Persaud will be continuing her visits to

locations all across Guyana, in an effort to take the services being offered by her ministry to the people. Her latest visit last week was to Monkey Mountain in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni),

where she similarly interacted with residents and helped them sign on to various programmes that the ministry is working on at the moment, including the Women’s Innovation and Invest-

ment Network (WIIN). Minister Persaud’s next outreach will be tomorrow, at the Mon Repos Primary School, on the East Coast Demerara, from 09:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Guyana, Ghana commit to deepening cooperation agenda

WITH more than 40 years of friendship, Guyana and Ghana have reaffirmed their firm commitment to strengthening relations by deepening the cooperation agenda between the two nations. This was affirmed during a meeting with Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo via telephone on Friday Guyana and Ghana established diplomatic relations on May 14, 1979. Both Guyana and Ghana are oil-producing nations and while oil was found in commercial quanities in Guyana in 2015, the “black gold” was discovered offshore in the progressive African nation close to five decades ago. According to Bloomberg, Ghana is estimated to have between five and seven billion barrels of petroleum in reserve, which is the sixth largest in Africa and ranks among the top 25 largest proven

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali reserves in the world. The West African nation also has significant natural gas reserves, reports indicate. Guyana, which is among the new oil and gas-producing nations, has witnessed 20 oil discoveries thus far and with nine billion barrels of petroleum in reserve, Guyana is among the top 20 countries with the largest proven reserves in the world. Like Ghana, Guyana also has significant natural gas reserves.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a British-trained lawyer, is the current President of Ghana. He visited Guyana in 2019 and on that visit, Ghana entered into two agreements with the Government of Guyana. In a bid to capitalise on the West African nation’s experience and expertise in the oil and gas sector, the two nations signed an agreement that will see Ghana lending technical support to Guyana’s oil and gas industry. Guyana and Ghana also signed an agreement to abolish visa requirements for citizens of the two states. Akufo-Addo is a popular President in his home country and aside from his wide popularity at home, he also holds significant influence in the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), a powerful 15-nation trading bloc, where he serves as Chairman. Since President Akufo-Addo’s visit in

2019, Guyana has had a change of government with Dr Irfaan Ali of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) elected President following the March 2, 2020 elections, which saw a series of attempts to derail democracy. President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and President Akufo-Addo during their meeting on Friday reaffirmed their strong commitment to the longstanding friendly relations between their two countries. President Akufo-Addo on his visit to Guyana in 2019 was awarded Guyana’s highest award, the Order of Excellence, and had met with a delegation led by then Opposition Leader and now Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. At that meeting, Dr Jagdeo had shared with the Ghanaian President Guyana’s relationship with Ghana in the 1950s when the PPP interacted with then President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, on overcoming the

President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ethnic tensions during that period. Dr Jagdeo had also spoken about democracy and the challenge to democracy that both countries have endured and the Ghanaian President assured him that: “I support democracy. Democracy is the basis for stability in any country.” President Akufo-Addo had given the assurance to Jagdeo after a meeting with David Granger, who was, at the time, serving as a caretaker President, after his

government was toppled by a no-confidence vote. President Akufo-Addo had promised Granger that Ghana will help in the development of Guyana’s fledgling oil and gas industry and had also promised to send a team of Ghanaian experts to Guyana, only if the Coalition government would provide accommodation for them. The offer made by the Ghanaian President to Guyana which was under the Coalition government, from all indications, never materialised. But importantly, President Akufo-Addo had assured Jagdeo, who was then opposition leader, that he deals with countries and not individuals and political parties. During the discussions on Friday, Presidents Ali and Akufo-Addo committed to advancing and deepening the agenda for cooperation between the two countries, including in the oil and gas sector and on environmental issues, amongst other areas.

Flood-affected Number 42 Village residents receive hampers AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday met with residents and

farmers from Number 42 Village, Region Five and informed them that an assess-

ment is being conducted to determine their losses as a result of the recent flooding.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha presents a hamper to a resident

He also told residents that government remains committed to ensuring that every

affected farmer receives assistance. Minister Mustapha also

distributed a number of flood-relief hampers to residents.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha interacting with Number 42 Village, Region Five residents

GuySuCo saves almost $1.7B by changing sales mix

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

By Rehana Ahamad

OVER the last few months, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been moving aggressively towards making itself more self-sufficient and sustainable. As an almost immediate remedy to tackle the institution’s long existing financial challenges, efforts were made to change the manner in which the corporation sells its sugar. A decision was taken to reduce the sale of bulk sugar and invest in the packaged product which is in wider demand, and can be sold at a higher cost. In making that switch, the company’s annual losses have plummeted from $2.6 billion to $825 million. This means, that by simply redesigning its marketing and sales strategy, GuySuCo has managed to save approximately $1.7 billion. “Changing the sales mix is one of our primary shortterm strategy [sic], and it has worked,” the corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sasenarine Singh said in an interview with this newspaper on Friday last. He explained that by having GuySuCo place special emphasis on packaged sugar, the corporation has managed to “unleash some unexploited potential in the revenue stream at very short notice.” “Hence, reducing the

CEO of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh losses,” Singh added. Elaborating on GuySuCo’s savings, the CEO highlighted that “If we [Guyana] sell[s] sugar on a boat, it goes for US$300 to US$350 per metric ton. If we sell the sugar in a bag, it goes for about$US600 a metric ton.” However, with the packaged sugar, Singh said that Guyana can sell the ‘Demerara Gold’ for as much as US$700 US per tonne. He said that to push the ‘packaged-sugar’ agenda, GuySuCo has restarted operations at the Enmore Packaging Plant, and has moved to further expand production at the Blairmont Packaging Plant. “…and because of that initiative, GuySuCo has been able to reduce its January to May losses from $2.6B to under a billion this

year,” Singh reminded. In another effort to be more efficient and sustainable, GuySuCo is also looking to procure equipment necessary for the implementation of a mechanical harvesting system. “Mechanical harvesters are becoming mandatory,” Singh related. He explained that so far, the average turnout rate for cane-cutters across the six estates is approximately 70 per cent. “We need a mechanical harvester to do the other 30 per cent of harvesting for us,” the GuySuCo official indicated. He said that the industry is moving ambitiously towards achieving 30 per cent mechanical harvesting by 2025, at least across

the Albion, East-Berbice Corentyne, and the Blairmont, West Coast Berbice estates, respectively. He assured this newspaper however, that this will not result in the loss of jobs for cane-cutters, since the mechanical harvester would just be filling the existing gap. “People will move from basic manual labour, to semi-mechanical systems,” Singh envisioned. He said that the mechanical systems would also allow for the estates to function much better amid unsuitable weather. In another effort to save money, GuySuCo is also looking to diversify its operations and examine the possibility of advancing its renewable-energy initiatives, as

recommended in a recently released International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, which examined the socio-economic impact of the closure of four sugar estates by the former government. In his recommendation, author of the report Dr. Thomas Singh pointed to the need for GuySuCo to advance its cellulosic ethanol production as a source of renewable, low-carbon energy that could possibly boost the very profitability of the sugar industry. “Consideration must also be given to developing a bio-refinery to produce other high-valued chemicals from lignocellulose, both as a strategy for reducing costs, and also for

further diversifying the industry,” Dr. Singh noted. He said that the bio-refineries would make use not only of bagasse, but will also use other kinds of biomass, including rice straw, sawdust, etcetera. This, he explained, will also allow for the production of several commercial-scale, high-valued co-products that will enhance the profitability of the core cellulosic ethanol facility. To this end, the GuySuCo official said that the institution has a diversification committee in place to consider all options. Singh said that the industry has a lot that it has to do, but these have to be done with “a lot of common sense.”

Guyana can possibly sell the ‘Demerara Gold’ for as much as US$700 US per tonne

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine –– serving up delicious tuma, labba, cassava bread in Region Three

By Telesha Ramnarine REPRESENTING Guyana in 2018 at the 22nd National Youth Assembly in New York was one experience that made a huge impact on Calvin Roberts, a 26-year-old youth ambassador for Indigenous Peoples and their rights in Guyana. He was particularly impressed to see how well the Indigenous culture was

accepted and appreciated by many young people like himself, leading him to set his life and goals in a whole new direction. “It dawned on me that very moment that if I can represent my country, my heritage, my identity on an international level and be appreciated and loved this much, why not do it on a local level? Why not be a role model for my fellow Indigenous youths?” Rob-

erts told the Chronicle in an interview this week. Now bent on creating a business to showcase his Indigenous roots, Roberts began thinking of ideas that would help him do just that. The thought of becoming the next Indigenous entrepreneur became more and more intriguing, as he visited various Indigenous celebrations in Guyana. He took the opportu-

Roberts, with roots in the Pomeroon, recently launched ‘Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine’ - Han-the Wako-tha-the (Come let’s eat)

Youth ambassador and entrepreneur, Calvin Roberts nity to interact with his fellow Indigenous brothers and sisters, and gave a lot of support to their businesses. “I would spend almost all my money on their cuisine, but at the same time, I was preparing myself to become the next owner of an Indigenous cuisine,” Roberts reflected. Finally, he decided what he wanted to do: Cook. “It has been something that has been lacking in Region Three,” Robert said. “As a matter of fact, I don’t think there is any Indigenous cuisine in the region, so I wanted to be the first person to do it.”

Roberts, with roots in the Pomeroon, recently launched ‘Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine’ - Han-the Wako-tha-the (Come let’s eat), and uses his kitchen at home to prepare all sorts of Indigenous delicacies. While he mainly works on orders, his long-term plan includes finding a space to offer dine-in. Operating from Lot 515 Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo, his menu includes cassava bread and tuma pot, labba, deer, wild hog, capybara, fish, walrus and chicken with beverages like potato wine (Fly) and piwari. “I always wanted to

start my business at home to embrace that uniqueness and pride that comes along. As my business progresses, I will then venture to where ever the need is great. It is about promoting and upholding the Indigenous lifestyle, culture and tradition,” Roberts said. As a health advocate also, he said he has witnessed how many persons suffered and died from diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc. “I strongly believe one of the most contributing factors for this is poor or unhealthy eating habits. I want to reintroduce or reinforce the importance of lifestyle modification, specifically diet modification,” he said, adding: “My cuisine seeks to promote healthy eating habits as we gear the Guyanese people to make a conscious decision to adapt a healthy lifestyle and thus increase the chance of their longevity.” Roberts said he’s always been an advocate for the Indigenous peoples and their rights to equality in Guyana. “We are educated, we are intelligent, and we are a peaceful people. We have potential and ambitions like any other ethnic group.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Hemp enthusiasts eager to start production

–– awaiting approval of Agriculture Ministry

By Richard Bhainie

EVEN as they maintain high praises for the interest and timely response of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government towards developing a local hemp industry, the enthusiastic Guyana Hemp Industries (GHI) and Guyana Industrial Hemp Producers (GIHP) are eager to begin hemp cultivation. The anxious groups now await word from the Ministry of Agriculture after the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, completed his revision of the laws pertaining to the subject matter and forwarded his recommendations to the Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, for his perusal. Nandlall was tasked with advising the government on whether hemp is a narcotic under the laws of Guyana, and the legality of its cultivation. In October 2020, he met with representatives of the GHI who provided him with a scientific report and a feasibility study on the hemp plant, which he committed to examining. “I examined all the literature available on the matter, and I advised that the type that is being proposed to be cultivated here is not a narcotic under the Act and that it would not be unlawful for that quality of hemp to be cultivated in Guyana,” Nandlall said during an interview with the Sunday Chronicle. The Attorney-General explained that his task at this stage is completed and he has since transferred the file to Minister Mustapha, as hemp is an agricultural product, for him to seek cabinet’s guidance on the way forward. When contacted for a comment on the progress made thus far, Mustapha, who was at the time in the Mahaicony River area engaged in assessing the impact of the catastrophic flooding and providing much-needed relief, told the Sunday Chronicle that he intends to commence a discussion on the matter but was unable to do so due to the floods. The hemp fiber has great tensile strength and durability, and is used to produce more than 5,000 textile prod-

ucts, ranging from rope to fine laces. The wood ‘hurds’ remaining after the fiber has been removed contains more than 77% cellulose, and can be used to produce more than 25,000 products. There is a common misconception amongst Guyanese that hemp is marijuana (‘ganja’). Cannabis is a taxonomic term referring to a genus of flowering plants that are members of the Cannabaceae family; marijuana is considered the intoxicating cousin of hemp. However, while they are from the same family, they are quite different as hemp contains 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, the chemical in marijuana which gives the user a ‘high’ effect, which is not enough to produce the same results. While in Opposition, the now Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had met with GHI and other stakeholders, and had promised that once elected, a PPP/C government would explore the possibility of growing hemp in Guyana. During an interview on Saturday with this newspaper, Michael Kirton, Vice President of GHI, and Ras Kent, President of the GIHP, expressed satisfaction with the government taking up the mantle to see the local production of the plants and its by-products, which, they explained, can be a catalyst for economic growth. “Hemp will provide thousands of new jobs, new industries, it will help to eradicate poverty … countries across the world have been benefitting from hemp, Guyana must not be left out,” Kirton said. “The Attorney-General has informed us about one month now that he has finished doing his legal recommendations, and submitted same to the Ministry of Agriculture. I must say the Attorney-General has been a driving force, he has been very helpful in pushing this industry,” he added. Meanwhile, Ras Kent explained that the groups are interested in doing a pilot project to assess the quality of hemp Guyana is capable of producing and to put together methods to produce the quality of hemp synonymous with

the standard of the international market. Additionally, Kirton added that he has visited some hemp farms in the United States of America (USA) and Suriname, where he witnessed the hemp production process first hand; he says he keeps up to date with the current affairs of the industry by conducting extensive reading. He cited that the Chairman of the GHI, Verman Bedessee, who resides in the USA, is involved in hemp cultivation himself; “so we’re all knocking one head,” he said. “Guyana is very suitable to become a world leader in the hemp industry, hemp can be grown in any soil, we have the right climate, it wouldn’t be interfered by pests, it doesn’t need herbicide or insecticide and just little bit of water, so hemp is the answer for Guyana,” Kirton said. The group explained that if given the opportunity, they are capable of starting production immediately; “right away we have the seeds waiting to come in, we have experts waiting to come in from America,” Kirton said. So far, the GHI has been doing extensive work to educate the local populace about hemp and its by-products. They execute their aim of educating the populace on hemp and its wealth of benefits through their bi-monthly newsletter called “hemp link”, the official organ of the Guyana Hemp Industries Company Inc. “We are happy with the interest being shown by this government; the last government did nothing, share talks, talks and more talks. I must say that since this government took office, they have been very prepared for what we are doing,” Kirton said as he hopes for the permission to cultivate hemp to be granted in a timely manner. In November 2020, the Guyana Chronicle had met with the President of the Guyana Industrial Hemp Association (GIHA), Aaron Prince, who expressed that more than 700 farmers from across Guyana have signed up with GIHA, signalling their interest in cultivating hemp for industrial use.

Ras Kent, President of the Guyana Industrial Hemp Producers (left) and Michal Kirton, Vice President of the Guyana Hemp Industries Company Inc.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

14 Region Three NDCs receive $35M subvention

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Friday last, handed over a $35 million subvention to 14 Region Three Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to improve service in their respective communities. During the simple ceremony at the office of the Regional Democratic Council, Minister Dharamlall said the disbursement was 50 per cent of the NDCs’ allocation. He said there should be no discrimination by the NDCs when serving the people. “Our government’s position is very clear in terms of how we do our work and we expect a minimum of excellent performance from you. We recognise that Chairs of NDCs and overseers especially being statutory officers of the NDC, the Chairs being

elected officers but they have certain statutory functions, that they are going to conduct themselves in a manner that is free of any discrimination and victimisation. “Our position is that we are one Government for all of Guyana and that is how we must conduct ourselves.” Minister Dharamlall said the government will continue to work with the NDCs to overcome challenges in delivering services to the people. However, he added that while the government would be doing the heavy lifting, the NDCs are expected to ensure the resources are maintained. “In the next few weeks, all the NDC areas are going to have more roads constructed. This is something that you are aware of. We are going to have the Parika market, for example, reconstructed in the next few months. “We are going to have

a lot more investments in the agricultural sector of the region as well as other types of infrastructure works. His Excellency the President has been speaking extensively and we have been pushing extensively for greater development going south through the Wales Development Authority, so Region Three is poised for massive expansion,” he said.

The minister noted that it was important for local leaders to recognise the direction the government was taking to pursue development. Minister Dharamlall also called on the NDCs to do their duties with integrity. Region Three Chairman, Mr. Ishan Ayube; Vice-Chairman, Mr. Omesh Satyanand and Regional Executive Officer expressed similar sentiments during the ceremony. (DPI)

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall (second left), hands over subventions to Region Three NDCs along with Regional Chairman, Mr. Ishan Ayube and Regional Vice-Chairman, Mr. Omesh Satyanand

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Electronic tablets, laptops donated to Mashabo Primary

THE Guyana Jamaica Friendship Association (GJFA), through the Ministry of Education, recently donated 30 electronic tablets and five laptops to the Mashabo Primary School in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Headteacher, Moodiram Beepat, said the donation came at an opportune time when learners in the Amerindian community are facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beepat said the devices were sent to the school on June 25, and, according to him, it was the first time in history that the school had received such donations. “Giving is not just about donating, it’s about making a difference. With this in mind, I [would] like to thank the

Guyana Jamaica Friendship Association (GJFA) for making a difference in the lives of our pupils and teachers at Mashabo Primary,” Beepat said. The headteacher said that many pupils in the area will be exposed to educational gadgets for the first time. He declared that the donation will assist in delivering the curriculum more effectively amidst the global pandemic. The headmaster said that GJFA was one of the school’s major stakeholders in providing educational resources over the years. He said that due to the organisation’s continuous encouragement and motivation, the school had secured passes for the “A” list secondary for three consecutive years. The organisation had

adopted the Mashabo Primary school and had made several donations to the school, including $100,000 in past exam papers and relevant text books, as well as stationery for all classes. Most recently, they honoured the top NGSA pupil with a Chromebook and a cash award of $100,000. This recent donation will benefit 30 Grade Five and Six pupils and 10 teachers. The electronic tablets will be loaned to pupils and returned to the school upon their completion of primary education. Presently, there is no internet at the school but the Office of the Prime Minister and the Village Council are working vigorously to establish an internet hub at the school. This will facilitate internet connectivity for

learners of the nursery, primary and secondary. Meanwhile, Chairman of GJFA, Dr. Frank Debow, said that members of the organisation recognised how difficult learning was during the pandemic and so they were motivated to make the timely donation. He, therefore, urged teachers and learners in the community to make maximum use of the educational devices and to ensure that regular class-

es will become the norm. The gadgets were donated to mitigate the disparity of education between the hinterland community and the coastland as well as to empower the youths during the pandemic. “The pandemic has changed our approach and with schools in Guyana and around the world closed, we had to change our strategies. It became necessary to get devices that would allow the [pu-

pils] and teachers to communicate... we, therefore donated the gadgets. “We feel that with these devices, we can help bridge the digital divide between the affluent and not so affluent in the society. We know the all children can learn and the potential for these students is the same as any other students regardless of financial background” Dr. Debow said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

30 solar street lights for Lima Sands

THE Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Ministry of Housing and Water, on Friday last, presented 30 street lamps to the community of Lima Sands in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). The presentation was done during the ministry’s massive housing drive in the Town of Anna Regina. During a previous community housing outreach in Lima Sands, residents had requested the street lights for

the usually dark roadway. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said the ministry immediately acted on the request and he was pleased that the CH&PA was able to fulfil the promise in a short space of time. Croal said the ministry will work assiduously to ensure that communities have the necessary amenities. Meanwhile, Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, said she was pleased that the request was fulfilled, noting that Lima Sands was

a fast-developing community and the lights were much needed. Additionally, Head of the CDC group in Lima Sands, Patrick Mahase, expressed gratitude to the relevant authorities; he said that the community was surrounded by dense forest and in the nights, it is extremely dark. He pointed out that there were many robberies in the past but he was hopeful that the lights would aid in the reduction of crime.

Ministers of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (centre) and Susan Rodrigues (second left), with Chief Executive Officer of the CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves (left), handing over one of the street lights to CDC Chairman, Patrick Mahase (second right) and Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva (right)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Marics and Co. donates $1M towards flood relief

SOLE distributor of Honda products in Guyana, Marics and Company Limited, on Friday last, donated $1 million towards the flooD-relief efforts of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). The cheque was received by the CDC’s Deputy Director General, Major Loring Benons, at the company’s Lot 186-187 Charlotte Street, Georgetown location,

“It is timely, and it continues to show the support of corporate Guyana towards the flood-relief efforts. So on behalf of the people of Guyana, I want to say thank you to Marics and Company Limited, for this timely donation,” Major Benons said. General Manager of Marics, Anand Kalladeen, said the company empathises with the residents currently affected by floodwaters.

Meanwhile, after the ceremony, Major Benons told reporters that flood-relief efforts are still in the initiation stages. “We’re still packaging food and clothing hampers, and other relief supplies, in terms of water tanks and pots for the shelters, food supplies of course, for the various shelters across the country. We’re still in that mode.” The Deputy Director also revealed that there

CDC Deputy Director General, Major Loring Benons (left), receiving the $1M cheque from Sales Executive of Marics and Company Limited, Khemraj Jaikaran

was also host of international donors coming on board to assist in the efforts. “….a container will be arriving from the US, with a number of cots, and that container should be able to be cleared by next Tuesday, according to the shipping company. So currently, we have a lot of support from the community and international donors,” Major Benons said. With regards to the

flood situation, he noted that some areas are still heavily inundated, while the water continues to rise in some regions. “So we have teams that are currently out in the fields doing their assessment. And they will come out with the comprehensive report as to the effects of the flooding. Two teams are expected back out on Monday, and the other three teams by next Wednesday. Because there

are people in the upper and lower [Mazaruni] areas,” he concluded. The Detailed Disaster Sector Assessment teams, which will thoroughly assess the impact of the recent flooding on various sectors, commenced on schedule on Wednesday last, with teams from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) travelling to the regions.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Brian Smith walks away from PNC/R –– says new direction needed

FORMER sports director and youth advocate attached to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Brian Smith, says he has no intention of renewing his membership in the party, citing that a new direction is needed to move the party forward. During an interview he did with the News Room on Friday, Smith explained that his decision to leave the party

was largely due to the lack of a youth perspective, and being burdened by the fights of older persons. “I’ve given a service to the party, and I’ve been an advocate… since I left school, so about 15 years of my life. I think it is now time for me to move on. “I think that after 50-something years, we don’t need to be inheriting the fights of older people.

Guyana… we’re post-2000: a new era, a new time. And while I don’t discount the efforts of those who have come before, I thank them for their service; thank them for their fight, but I believe it is time for us to chart a new course, a new direction,” Smith explained. He had earnestly believed that being a member of the party would afford him the platform to advance the in-

Former sports director and youth advocate, Brian Smith

terests and agenda of young people, but that vision never materialised. He attributed this to backward thinking and delayed advancement in several areas of operation. “I think there is need for a new direction and I think young people are at that level of consciousness. You argue that we don’t know what happened before, and we give you the time to tell us what happened. Now that you have given us that historical lesson, allow us to tell you what we want for the future,” he expressed. Smith further highlighted the importance of youth involvement, especially within the emerging oil and gas economy, and urged young people to chart their own courses and decide for themselves what they want to do. While he remains passionate about national development, the young leader noted that he will not be creating or joining any new or existing political parties, but is ready as a professional to serve Guyana in the advance-

ment of its development “I have given service, I have given service at various levels. I am grateful for the opportunity to give service; I have advocated for young people; everything that they have asked me to advocate on their behalf for, and I am done, and I am comfortable with my efforts,” he shared. The PNC/R is the largest party in the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition, which lost the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections after only five years in office. Sitting at the helm of the APNU+AFC and leading the PNC/R is former President David Granger, whose leadership has come in for heavy criticisms from some of his own members. Only recently, attorney-at-law Thandi McAllister resigned from the party after serving for more than 25 years; she revealed that her upset is with the current leadership of the party.

Gladwin Henry wanted in connection with murder of Haresh Singh THE Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Friday last, issued a wanted bulletin for Gladwin Henry, who is being sought for questioning in relation to the murder of West Coast Berbice teenager, Haresh Singh. According to Police Headquarters, the last known address for Henry is Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB); he is said to be the immediate family of the Henry boys, whose mutilated bodies were found just three days prior to the murder of Singh. The body of 17-year-old Singh, also known as ‘Raj’, formerly of Lot 8, Number Three Village, WCB, was discovered with chop wounds in the Number Two backdam, WCB, on September 9, 2020, during the protests for justice for the Henry boys. On the day he was found, Singh had left his home accompanied by his uncles to venture into the backdam to work, however, he returned home by himself to fetch water. His body was later found by his relatives lying motionless and bleeding from the nose. His motorcycle was also discovered burnt. An autopsy revealed that the teen died from brain haemorrhage and blunt trauma to the head, compounded by compression injuries to the neck. The bodies of 16-year-old Isaiah Henry and 19-year-old Joel Henry were discovered

Wanted: Gladwin Henry, whose last known address is Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice on September 6, on a coconut farm at Cotton Tree, WCB. The cousins had left their home to go into the backdam to pick coconuts, on September 5, and that was the last time they were seen alive. Singh’s family were initially taken into custody as suspects for the Henry boys murder, but were later released; three men have since been arrested and charged for the murder and are currently on remand. Some speculated that Singh’s murder was in retaliation for that of the Henry boys. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Henry is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 232-0969, 232-0313, 226-7476, 2267065, 227-9271, 227-1611, 227-1149, 227-1270, 2256940-9, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Cleaning up the mess at GECOM

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has decided to send Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and his Deputy, Roxanne Myers on immediate leave this week. The Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo was also sent on leave. In other words, GECOM is finally beginning to do things that would drastically improve public confidence and support. After all, these individuals were at the helm of the entity when Guyana made the world headlines in 2020. GECOM had failed for five months to declare a winner of the elections. They were at GECOM carrying out, allegedly, the political directives of their masters. From their postures and tone, it was clear that they were not fair, independent, and diligent in their duties to the Commission. And when they came to the litmus test, the trio failed miserably to ensure that elections were free and fair. Added to that, they did not try to make sure that all the laws were upheld and enforced. It is a well-known fact that the GECOM’s CEO was disrespectful and defiant to the Chairman of GECOM. So, the decision to send them on leave is being considered fair and justified. This move should have materialised since last year. But GECOM carefully followed all protocols necessary, and each person benefitted from time to mount a defence. Now the work to clean up all the mess and debris at GECOM is beginning. Firstly, the Commission must look at staffing concerns. It must move quickly to ensure all members of staff are neutral and apolitical in the discharge of their duties. A sub-committee should work on this. The committee should be confirming that all the contracts of staff meet the standard of fairness and quali-

fications. GECOM might find that some employees were not hired because of competence and according to the guidelines. If so, GECOM should let them go. It is also the case where some persons in the employment have jobs that are redundant or not needed. Secondly, GECOM needs to get its act together. It needs professional and competent legal services and public relations. GECOM can no longer afford to pay out monies for external services representing the Commission whenever it has matters that would require judicial intervention. GECOM must look towards retaining a team of lawyers to handle the cases, even if they go to the CCJ. Similarly, GECOM must hire a public relations expert solely concerned about communicating with the public efficiently. This person should be apolitical in his/her approach to the commission’s work. During the election fiasco, GECOM’S public relations strategy appeared to be lazy and willfully neglectful. There was a “blackout” or a deafening silence when it came to having information. Journalists had to resort to tracking and staking out at places to get information to report to the public. And the public relations and communication campaigns or initiatives were non-existent at different times during and after the election fiasco. Thirdly, GECOM should urgently start reviewing its policies, regulations, guidelines, and best practices that govern elections laws, elections conduct of staff and management, and the elections generally. This review will allow for an in-depth analysis by the Commission on the way forward in these areas. If individuals are weeded out from GECOM and it undergoes changes concerning reform internally and externally, the pub-

lic morale and confidence would increase drastically. The Commission would be functioning effortlessly in making sure that elections rigging, elections dishonesty, and fraud are a thing of the past.

GECOM must use this phase and reflect on all that occurred during the last election if it is to come up with the kinds of recommendations for an action plan to move forward as one and to confront the

challenges that lie ahead. It also needs the public and civil society to ensure that there is approval for the reformation process. The public is watching and waiting to see if GECOM is on a path of

reformation or it will just give us the same old thing. It must not be business as usual in Kingston until everyone gets on the train to elections that are freer, fairer, credible and independent.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Brutal Lewis smashes 35-ball 71 as Windies trounce Proteas

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) – An imperious 22ball fifty by opener Evin Lewis underlined an utterly dominant performance as West Indies crushed South Africa by eight wickets with five overs to spare, to win the opening Twenty20 International here Saturday. Chasing an uncomplicated 161 for victory at the Grenada National Stadium, West Indies

flexed their muscle with the left-handed Lewis lashing 71 off 35 deliveries, to post his seventh T20I half-century and surpass 1 000 runs in the format. He put on 85 off 42 deliveries for the first wicket with Andre Fletcher who struck a 19-ball 30 while veteran lefthander Chris Gayle emerged from a slow start to belt an unbeaten 32 off 24 balls, in

an unbroken 37-run stand for the third wicket with Andre Russell who made 23 not out from 12 deliveries. Sent in earlier, the Proteas got an unbeaten 56 off 38 deliveries from Rassie van der Dussen as they started well, but then stuttered to end on 160 for six off their 20 overs. Opener Quinton de Kock chipped in with a breezy 24-

ball 37 while captain Temba Bavuma got 22 off 20 balls but no other batsman managed to pass 20. Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen was excellent with two for 18 from his four overs while veteran medium pacer Dwayne Bravo claimed two wickets in the penultimate over, to finish with two for 30 from his four overs. “Winning the game with

overs to spare and wickets in hand I think that’s a start for us,” West Indies captain Kieron Pollard said afterwards. “But it’s just one game of a five-match series so we can’t get too much ahead of ourselves.” De Kock struck a brace of fours and sixes to engineer a 33-run, opening stand off 22 deliveries with Reeza Hendricks who counted two fours and a six in scoring 17 off 11 balls before advancing to Allen in the fourth over, checking his shot and having his defensive stroke breached. Bavuma struggled early on, leaving de Kock to carry

the bulk of the scoring but his enterprise ended when he punched the fourth ball of Russell’s first over to mid on, where Jason Holder took a low catch at 61 for two in the seventh over. Van der Dussen joined Bavuma to add 34 for the third wicket – the best stand of the innings – but the partnership required 27 deliveries and South Africa were only 86 for two at the half-way point. Bavuma, who struck three fours, was increasing the tempo when he picked out Lewis at deep square off Allen in the 12th over. Van der Dussen then took responsibility for the innings, crunching four fours and two sixes as South Africa gathered 74 runs from the last ten overs. Facing a straightforward required run rate of eight runs per over, the warning signs flickered early when Lewis launched the first of his seven sixes over mid-wicket, off the fifth delivery of the first over bowled by left-arm spinner George Linde. And he continued his assault in the next over from Kagiso Rabada, smashing two leg-side fours and a six in an over which leaked 15 runs and put South Africa on the back foot. Lewis, who counted four fours overall, moved into the 40s with two successive sixes off pacer Lungi Ngidi in the fourth over before reaching his landmark with an astonishing straight hit for six off the same bowler in the seventh over. Not to be overshadowed, Fletcher punched three fours and two sixes before Ngidi’s direct hit at the bowler’s end ended his knock in the eighth over, and Lewis added a further 39 with Gayle before finally holing out to long off in the 12th over off left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. Gayle’s first 12 balls yielded a mere four runs but he then opened up with two consecutive sixes off Hendricks in the 11th over, the off-spinner’s only over gushing 21 runs. Promoted to four with the home side’s win all but assured, Russell put the finishing touches on by blasting a four and three sixes – the last of which easily cleared the mid-wicket fence off Ngidi and ended the game. (SEE SCOREBOARD ON PAGE 34)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Antetokounmpo stars as Bucks thrash Hawks to level series

Malan hits 76 as England complete 3-0 series win

Dawid Malan made a 48-ball 76 (Getty Images)

Giannis Antetokounmpo top-scored for the Milwaukee Bucks

GIANNIS Antetokounmpo scored 25 points as Milwaukee Bucks thrashed Atlanta Hawks 125-91 to level the NBA Eastern Conference finals series. Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, with 22 points, combined to make 20 of 32 shots from the floor before sitting out the fourth quarter. The Bucks hit 20 unanswered points late in the second quarter to take control. Trae Young led Hawks’ scoring with just 15 points.

Young had scored 48 points in Atlanta’s series-opening win. Milwaukee shot 52% from the floor and took advantage of 20 turnovers by Hawks. Bucks also landed 15 of 41 attempts from three-point range, having managed just eight of 36 during a 116-113 loss in game one on Wednesday. The third-seeded Bucks and fifth-seeded Hawks meet in game three in Atlanta on Sunday. (BBC Sport)A

Wales out of Euro 2020 after being thrashed 4-0 by Denmark WALES were eliminated in the second round of Euro 2020 as they were thrashed 4-0 by Denmark, whose inspiring journey at the tournament continues to the quarter-finals. Backed by a fervent and almost exclusively Danish crowd, Kasper Hjulmand’s side led as Kasper Dolberg curled in a fine 27th-minute strike from the edge of the penalty area. Dolberg struck again in the 48th minute as he seized on a defensive error from Wales substitute Neco Williams to smash in from close range. That goal deflated Wales, who never looked like clawing their way back into the game as Joakim Maehle added a late third for the jubilant Danes. Substitute Harry Wilson was then shown a straight red card for a late foul on Maehle before Martin Braithwaite struck a fourth goal in added time as Wales’

English Racing Tips Cartmel 08:40 hrs Royal Practitioner 09:10 hrs Cotton End 09:40 hrs Game Line 10:15 hrs Sword Of Fate 10:50 hrs Tonto’s Spirit 11:20 hrs Sheriff Garrett 11:55 hrs For Jim

campaign ended miserably. Robert Page’s men had performed well to get out of a difficult Group A which also featured Italy, Switzerland and Turkey, but this impressive Danish side proved a challenge too far. Denmark had already provided the uplifting story of these finals, showing admirable resolve to reach this stage having been galvanised by midfielder Christian Eriksen’s recovery from a cardiac arrest. The next stop on their fairytale voyage will be Baku for a last-eight tie with the Netherlands or the Czech Republic next Saturday. As for Wales, they will return home exhausted but, in time, proud of their efforts in reaching the knockout stages again in only their third appearance at a major tournament. (BBC Sport)

Windsor 08:50 hrs Good Earth 09:20 hrs Flame Of Freedom 09:50 hrs Four Adaay 10:25 hrs Chai Yo Power 11:00 hrs Cable News 11:30 hrs Morrooj Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:30 hrs Luxembourg 09:00 hrs Cheerupsleepy Jean 09:30 hrs Independent Missy

10:05 hrs Zarzyni 10:40 hrs Santa Barbara 11:10 hrs Passion 11:45 hrs Brogue 12:20 hrs Notre Belle Bete South Africa Racing Tips Grenville 08:30 hrs Fire Faerie 09:05 hrs Caliente 09:45 hrs Copper Mountain 10:20 hrs Techno Savvy

D AW I D M a l a n h i t 7 6 from 48 balls as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 89 runs in Southampton to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the Twenty20 series. Malan shared an opening stand of 105 with Jonny Bairstow, who made 51, in England’s 180-6. Although England lost 5-19 late on, the target proved beyond a Sri Lanka side who were outplayed in all three games. They were bowled out for 91 with seven balls unused as David Willey took 3-27 and Sam Curran 2-14. Willey had Danushka Gunathilaka caught at second slip with the second ball of the innings and Sri Lanka subsided in embarrassing fashion after a chaotic start. Chris Woakes, recalled for this series after a six-year absence, claimed 1-9 - the most economical four-over spell by an England bowler in T20s - while Sam Billings underlined a ruthless allround display for the hosts with a brilliant direct hit runout from deep mid-wicket. It was England’s fourth biggest win in terms of runs in T20s, while Sri Lanka’s total was their fourth lowest. The sides meet at Emirates Riverside on Tuesday in the first of three one-day

internationals, and the evidence of the past four days suggests Sri Lanka face a mighty task against the world champions. MALAN BACK TO HIS BEST This was a timely return to form for 33-yearold Malan - the top-ranked T20 batsman in the world - with the T20 World Cup looming in October. The left-hander’s credentials came under scrutiny after he made seven and four in the first two matches of this series, having passed 25 once in five matches in India earlier this year. Promoted to open because of a hamstring injury to Jason Roy, Malan struggled for the strike early on before racing to 50 from 30 balls. He hit four leg-side sixes and also scored around the wicket with sweeps, reverse-sweeps and lofted extra-cover drives. Malan and Bairstow’s century opening stand brought up in only 11.1 overs - was England’s first in T20s since 2013. Malan eventually drove to long-off - the fourth man to fall in England’s late-innings collapse - but he has surely done enough to silence any questions over his place. (BBC Sport)

SUNDAY, June 27, 2021 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S: (1) Chris Gayle-333 (Galle, 2010) (2) Hashan Tillakaratne-204* (Colombo, 2001)

(1) (2)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

Which WI bowler has captured most Test wickets against SL to date? Which SL player has claimed most Tes wickets against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Kapil Dev’s men took on mighty West Indies in the final and won the World Cup

JUNE 25, 1983, carries a special significance in the history of Indian cricket. On this day, Kapil Dev and his men did the unthinkable and defeated the mighty West Indies in the 1983 World Cup Final played at Lord’s, London. It was a feat, many Indian cricket fans in that era themselves didn’t believe would happen. For many Indians, reaching the final of the World Cup was itself a huge achievement, considering the team had managed to win only a single game in the last two World Cups. India were the clear underdogs going into the tournament and very little was expected from them. West Indies, on the other hand, were the invincible team of that era, having won both the inaugural 1975 and 1979 World Cups and were chasing a hat-trick in 1983. The West Indies team comprised some of the most legendary names to have ever

played cricket, ably led by Clive Lloyd. The openers were Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes followed by master blaster Vivian Richards and Clive Lloyd with Larry Gomes coming in the middle. The bowling attack comprised the fabulous four of Malcolm Marshall, Sir Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, and Michael Holding, all having the ability to bowl in excess of 90 miles per hour. After winning the toss, Clive Llyod asked India to have a bat. Things couldn’t have gotten to a worse start with India losing Sunil Gavaskar with only two runs on the board. Although Kris Srikkanth and Mohinder Amarnath tried to stabilise the innings, the wickets kept falling with India eventually getting bowled out for a measly 183 runs from 54.4 overs. The one-day matches in this era used to be 60 overs long. At the halfway stage of

the match, any hopes of India causing an upset must have evaporated even among the most die-hard Indian fans. However, fate had other plans.

Ali Walsh with Bob Arum next to the photograph that hangs in the promoter’s office

boxing’s world heavyweight title on three occasions and his legendary status across sport saw him picked as BBC Sports Personality-of-the-Century in 1999. The fighter known as ‘The Greatest’ died in 2016 and had been battling Parkinson’s syndrome for over three decades. Arum, 89, heads up his Top Rank promotional outfit in the U.S. and first promoted an Ali fight in 1966. In his Las Vegas office hangs a picture of him with Muhammad Ali which both men have signed. Arum’s message reads: “To Muhammad, the one who

who was in an attacking mood, scoring seven boundaries in his innings of 33. However, a miscued shot against Madan Lal was caught beautifully by

June 25, 1983 is a moment in history that will remain etched in the memory of every Indian. It was on that day Kapil Dev’s men staged one of the greatest upsets in sports history – not just cricket – to win the third World Cup

Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh signs pro deal with Bob Arum

THE grandson of boxing icon Muhammad Ali will make his professional debut on August 14 and says he is “honoured” to continue his grandfather’s “legacy”. Nico Ali Walsh has signed with American promoter Bob Arum, who promoted 27 of his grandfather’s fights. The 20-year-old will mix the start of his professional journey with a final year of study for a business degree. “I am honoured to continue the fighting legacy that my grandfather started,” said Ali Walsh. “It is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.” Muhammad Ali won

Gordon Greenidge was first to go, getting bowled to an in-swinging delivery by Balwinder Sandhu. In came Vivian Richards

made it possible, with love.” “Nico’s grandfather was a pretty good fighter,” said Arum. “Who would have believed that so many years later, we’d be promoting the pro debut of his grandson? “Hopefully, Nico will emulate his success. He’s a young man of great character, which one would expect from Muhammad Ali’s grandson.” A l i Wa l s h h a s h a d around 30 amateur fights and has named Sugar Hill Steward - trainer of WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury - as part of his fight night team. (BBC Sport)

Kapil Dev running backward. Soon Roger Binny got the all-important wicket of Clive Llyod leaving West India at 66 for 5, still requiring 117 runs more. West Indies tried to make a comeback with Jeff Dujon and Malcolm Marshall stitching a 43-run partnership, but till then, the writing was on the wall, and West Indies were bowled out for 140 runs. India had achieved the impossible and won the match by 43 runs. This win not only changed the cricketing world’s outlook towards India but also shaped the Indian cricket and culture around it completely. It took another 28 years for India to repeat World Cup glory, this time led by M.S. Dhoni against Sri Lanka in 2011 in front of the Indian crowd at Wankhede. Today, the number 183 has become a symbol of a never-die attitude which was shown by Kapil Dev and his men on June 25, 1983. (Times Now News.com)

Tendulkar picks Jamieson to be leading all-rounder ALTHOUGH Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson were there at the crease to hit the winning runs in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against India, it was Kyle Jamieson who had the bigger impact in the game by picking up seven wickets across both innings. Fittingly, he was also named the player-of-thematch. Impressed by the lanky pacer in the marquee clash, Sachin Tendulkar lavished praise on the pacer’s ability with the ball and bat in hand. In his short career so far, Jamieson has picked a staggering 46 Test wickets at a scarcely believable average of 14.17 in just eight Tests. Apart from his bowling, Jamieson is also a handy lower-order batter, and this impressed Tendulkar. The 26-year-old also scored a crucial 21 runs in the WTC final and helped New Zealand get a vital lead of 32 runs in what turned out to be a low-scoring game. “Jamieson is a fantastic bowler and a utility

all-rounder in the New Zealand team. He is going to become one of the leading all-rounders in world cricket. When I had seen him last year in New Zealand, he impressed me with both bat and ball,” Sachin Tendulkar said in his YouTube video. The legendary batter also discussed how the lanky pacer is different from the other four Kiwi pacers, stating Jamieson is predominantly a seam bowler compared to Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who are swing bowlers. Tendulkar also felt Jamieson’s seaming abilities were instrumental in picking V i r a t Kohli in both i n -

nings. “He is a different bowler from Southee, Boult, Wagner and de Grandhomme. This guy likes to hit the deck hard and likes to move the ball off the seam, while the others try to swing the ball away towards the slips. There were a few variations where he angled his wrists and bowled a booming in-swinger. What I like was his consistency and he never looked out of rhythm,” Sachin Tendulkar concluded. Apart from bagging seven wickets in the summit clash, Jamieson was also consistent with his line and lengths and didn’t give an inch for Indian batters to work on. (CricTracker)

Player-of-the-match in the WTC final, Kyle Jamieson

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

Air Badminton launched at University of Guyana

BJ Watling to take care of Test mace for next two weeks

BJ Watling (left) and Ross Taylor

UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin receives shuttlecocks, racquets and nets from GBA president Gokarn Ramdhani

THE Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) launched Air Badminton at the University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen Campus last Friday, to continue the spreading of badminton in Guyana. The Ramdhani siblings, Narayan and Priyanna, conducted the programme as they introduced the game to staff and students of the university. Gokarn Ramdhani, president of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), made a presentation of shuttlecocks, racquets and nets to the Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin. The programme to have Air Badminton played on campus was happily received. The GBA release said in a drive to have badminton played around Guyana, it is doing a number of projects which started last year when Air Badminton was launched at the National Park and St Rose’s High School, and will be followed by Shuttle

Time programmes this month at New Amsterdam Multilateral, Berbice High, Mackenzie High and the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary. Air Badminton is described as an ambitious new development project in partnership with HSBC, Badminton World Federation’s Global Development Partner, designed to create opportunities for people of all ages and ability to play badminton on hard, grass and sand surfaces in parks, gardens, streets, playgrounds and beaches around the world. The project has been five years in the making, starting with a vision to develop a new outdoor shuttlecock with increased durability, stability and wind resistance and to allow people to have a more positive experience of badminton outdoors. Strategically, Air Badminton will allow CBA to fulfil its overall objective of putting a badminton racquet in the hand of as many persons as possible.

Alaphilippe wins crash-affected Tour de France stage one JULIAN Alaphilippe is the first French rider to win the opening stage of the Tour de France since 2001. Julian Alaphilippe sprang a superb late attack to win stage one of the Tour de France after two huge crashes in the closing stages. The 2020 runner-up Primoz Roglic, and Britain’s Chris Froome were among those to fall in two separate incidents in the final 45km. The 197.8km run from Brest to Landerneau had been uneventful until a fan holding a placard sparked the first mass pile-up. The second crash came 8km from the end. Both caused severe disruptions to the race, the first coming when Jumbo-Visma’s German rider Tony Martin was sent tumbling near the front of the main bunch, causing chaos behind him with riders and bikes strewn across the tarmac. It took almost a full 25 kilometres for a bloodied and bruised peloton to fully regroup, with DSM’s German rider Jasha Sutterlin becoming the first to abandon the race.

Overall contenders Tao Geoghegan Hart of Britain, as well as Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez, were

time Tour winner gingerly getting back on his saddle and crossing the line over 14 minutes down before confirming

more than five - a situation which may necessitate a change in tactics later in the race.

Julian Alaphilippe is the first French rider to win the opening stage of the Tour de France since 2001

among the riders to be held up before a second crash, this time at high-speed, on a descent before the climb up the Fosse-aux-Loups, ripped through the peloton again. Froome was among the worst affected, with the four-

that he would have had scans on his injuries yesterday evening. It was also hardly an ideal opening day for Ineos Grenadiers, with Richie Porte losing over two minutes and Geoghegan Hart, conceding

The bright spot for the British team came via Geraint Thomas, who looked impressive on the final climb, steering clear of trouble to finish eight seconds behind Alaphilippe. (BBC Sport)

THERE is a different energy and vibe in the New Zealand squad after they defeated India in the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC). It is after 21 years that the Kiwi team is taking an ICC trophy home in the form of the Test mace. Thus, the attachment of the players with the Test mace is understandable. After reaching New Zealand, the entire cricket squad will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Keeping in mind the quarantine protocols, the Blackcaps decided to hand over the Test mace to wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling. The responsibility now falls on Watling to look after the mace for the coming two weeks. The revelation of Watling carrying the mace was made by seamer Neil Wagner. Wagner reckoned that all the players shared the mace for the whole night in the plane as they carried it around and basked in the happiness of finally winning an ICC tournament. However, as they were about to land in the country, Ross Taylor asked Wagner to give the mace to Watling. “We shared the mace

around on the plane and throughout the whole night while celebrating, everybody had his turn to carry it around and make full use of that. And then on the plane, Ross (Taylor) got me to hand over the mace to BJ Watling, he’s going to take care of it for the next two weeks in isolation,” Wagner told stuff.co.nz. Notably, Watling was given special treatment as this was his last match in New Zealand colours. Before taking the field in the WTC final, the keeper had announced his decision of hanging his boots. Speaking about the same, Wagner added Watling experienced an amazing career and played for the Kiwis with his heart and soul. “I think it’s a fitting way for him to send his career off, it’s been an amazing career for us, the role he’s played for a number of years now, just the whole person he is and heart and soul of the team. “He epitomises everything we are about as a team, the team-first attitude, being a guy that scraps and fights for everything, he’s led that all the way from the start. He’ll be sorely missed in this team,” the fast bowler concluded. (CricTracker)

SOUTH AFRICA R Hendricks b Allen 17 +Q de Kock c Holder b Russell 37 *T Bavuma c Lewis b Allen 22 R van der Dussen not out 56 H Klaasen c Allen b Holder 7 D Miller c Pollard b Bravo 9 G Linde c Sinclair b Bravo 0 K Rabada not out 6 Extras (b1, lb2, w3) 6 TOTAL (6 wkts, 20 overs) 160 Did not bat: A Nortje, T Shamsi, L Ngidi Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Hendricks, 3.4 overs), 2-61 (de Kock, 6.4), 3-95 (Bavuma, 11.1), 4-112 (Klaasen, 14.4), 5-140 (Miller, 18.2), 6-140 (Linde) Bowling: Sinclair 2-0-21-0 (w1), Holder 3-0-29-1 (w1), Allen 4-0-18-2, Russell 3-0-29-1, McCoy 4-0-30-0 (w1), Bravo 4-0-30-2. WEST INDIES A Fletcher run out 30 E Lewis c Miller b Shamsi 71 C Gayle not out 32 A Russell not out 23 Extras (lb1, w4) 5 TOTAL (2 wkts, 15 overs) 161 Did not bat: +N Pooran, *K Pollard, J Holder, D Bravo, F Allen, O McCoy, K Sinclair. Fall of wickets: 1-85 (Fletcher, 7 overs), 2-124 (Lewis, 11.5) Bowling: Linde 2-0-24-0 (w1), Rabada 3-0-32-0, Nortje 2-0-10-0, Ngidi 3-0-46-0, Shamsi 4-0-27-1 (w3), Hendricks 1-0-21-0. MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: EVIN LEWIS.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 27, 2021

GCB fills vacant executive positions at OGM … Ibrahim, Sukhai join executive

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Executive which took office on March 29, 2021, held their first Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) on June 19 at the La Bonne Intention Cricket Ground, East Coast Demerara.

Brian Sukhai takes up the position of treasurer

According to a release from the GCB yesterday, the meeting was chaired by the president, Bissoondyal Singh, who welcomed the attendees and noted that for the first time in 10 years, all three County Boards were present at what was described as a highly successful meeting. Among the matters discussed were the development of cricket (including youth and women’s cricket), prudent financial management, accountability and transparency

of all GCB matters. Also discussed was Pakistan’s upcoming tour of the West Indies. Three T20 matches are scheduled to be played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The release added, “As per

ter (Vice-President), Azad Ibrahim, (Vice-President), Ronald Williams (Secretary), Davteerth Anandjit (Assistant Secretary), Brian Sukhai (Treasurer), Dr Cecil Beharry (Assistant Treasurer), Claude Raphael (Public

resigned and Saywack opted to fill the position which paved the way for Ibrahim’s appointment, and Sukhai replaced the late Pretipaul Jaigobin. Ibrahim is an Executive member of the Muslim

Representatives of the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice Cricket Boards pose with the GCB executives after the Ordinary General Meeting. (Photo: GCB)

the important agenda item and consistent with the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014, three vacancies on the Executive Committee of the GCB were filled.” Azad Ibrahim was elected vice-president, Administration, while Brian Sukhai is the new treasurer and Rabindranauth Saywack, who served in the position Ibrahim holds, is now the marketing manager. The new executive consists of Bissoondyal Singh (President), Hilbert Fos-

Relations Officer), Rabindranauth Saywack (Marketing Manager), Shaun Masssiah (Chairman of Competitions Committee), Ramnaresh Sarwan (Chairman of Senior Selectors), Andre Percival (Chairman of Junior Selectors), Roger Harper and Anil Beharry (Technocrat Members with voting rights) Chronicle Sport was able to confirm that Mohamed Baksh, who was elected as Marketing Manager in March,

Youth Organisation (MYO), a vice-president of the Georgetown Cricket Association and treasurer of the Demerara Cricket Board, and was recently appointed as manager of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The release indicated that “members agreed that Ibrahim would be able to establish an important nexus between GCB and the Stadium.” The GCB release indicated Sukhai is a former student of Queen’s College

and a Guyana Scholar who qualified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Sukhai played cricket for a number of years at the Malteenoes Sports Club and was treasurer of the People’s

Azad Ibrahim is the new vice-president

Assembly Church for three years. He is currently employed as the Divisional Director with Responsibility for Finance at Power Producers and Distributors. Previously he worked as an accountant at Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI); Business Analyst at MICROFIN and for ten years was the Programme Manager of the European Union (Guyana). Sukhai has been highly

recommended to the GCB and with his expertise in financing and wealth of experience, he is expected to be of tremendous assistance in the financial management of the Board. According to GCB, Saywack brings to the Board a wealth of experience in management and at present holds the position of vice-president of the Berbice Cricket Board. He has been involved in cricket administration and coaching programmes in the West Berbice region for a number of years. He is a former Cadet Officer of the Guyana Defence Force and a successful and well-respected businessman in the agricultural sector. At the conclusion of the meeting, Singh praised the members of the three County Boards for their contribution to the meeting as many critical issues were discussed and important decisions taken. He thanked the members for their lively and interactive participation and commended them for their commitment to the development of Guyana’s cricket. The president said he looked forward to the continued support and cooperation of the members in furtherance of the development and promotion of cricket in Guyana.

Fraser-Pryce sizzles in hot 100m final …Tracey takes men’s 100m crown ahead of Blake

IN what can truly be de- night because every time scribed as one of the great- we have a National Chamest ever women’s 100 me- pionships you just have to tres finals at the JAAA be ready. I think it speaks National Senior Champi- volumes about the depth onships, world leader and we have and how mentally the fastest woman alive, tough the ladies are,” FrasShelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, er-Pryce said. It was a blanran a blistering race from ket finish in the men’s 100 start to finish to win the metres as it took the photo National title in 10.71 sec- finish camera to decide the onds at the National Stadi- top three spots as Tyquenum, Friday night. do Tracy (10.00) surprised Fraser-Pryce was off 2011 World champion Yohan to her usual good start as Blake who was second in Elaine Thompson-Herah was 10.01. left in the blocks and despite The vastly improved staggering at the start, SherOblique Seicka Jackson, the surprise ville of Racers package, who ran a personT r a c k al-best 10.77 seconds Club flew in the semi-finals ran a t the end to back strongly to finfinish third in ish second in 10.82. a personal-best Thompson-Herah was 10.04. third in 10.84 seconds. SeThe National women’s title was Fraser-Pryce’s first since 2015 while Thompson was seeking a fifth straight victory in the event. After the race Fraser-Pryce hailed her rivals. “I must give credit to all the ladies who Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce reacts after showed up tothe women’s 100 metres final

ville’s previous best, 10.08, came in the preliminary rounds on Thursday. Janieve Russell and Jaheel Hyde were impressive winners in the women’s and men’s 400 metres hurdles, respectively. In the women’s event, Commonwealth Games champion Russell of MVP Track Club surprised pre-race favourite Ronda

Whyte of SprinTec Track Club as she won easily in a season’s best 54.07 seconds, well below her previous best of 54.75. Whyte, the 2017 National champion, was second in 54.94 as overseas-based Leah Nugent took third in 54.98. Two-time World Under-20 400 metres hurdles champion Hyde is now

in his best form ever. The Swept Track Club athlete took the lead early and maintained it to the end, winning in a personal-best 48.18 seconds. Shawn Rowe of GW Express was second in 49.60 with third going to 2019 champion, Kemar Mowatt, in 49.61. Jordan Scott of the University of Southern

California captured the men’s triple jump final with a distance of 16.50 metres. Clayton Brown of the University of Florida was second with 16.14 metres while favourite, Carey McLeod, of the University of Tennessee, had to settle for third with 15.98 metres. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Brutal Lewis Windies

Evin Lewis struck four fours and seven sixes in his innings (AFP/Getty Images)

Proteas

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Hockey ladies bounce-back but out of Pan Am Championship

Marzana Fiedtkou on the attack against Uruguay

G U YA N A p r o d u c e d a s p i r i t ed performance against Canada and Uruguay, but the Philip Fernandes-coached side end their campaign in the 2021 Indoor Pan Am Women’s Hockey Championship in Spring City, Pennsylvania, without a win. After going down 20-2 to the USA

Guyana’s National women’s hockey team at the 2021 Pan Am Indoor Championships

and 14-0 against Argentina on the tournament’s opening day, the Guyanese women returned to the arena in high spirits, as the young team, despite playing two-players short owing to COVID-19 and injuries, performed to the satisfaction of their coach. Playing against Canada, Guyana went down 13-0 after trailing 5-0 at

halftime. Against Uruguay, Guyana matched strides well with their South American counterparts, but after holding on 2-0 at halftime, the Guyanese ladies fell 7-1 at the sound of the final buzzer. Marzana Fiedtkou scored in the 24th minute; Constanza Barrandeguy scored three, while Camila Piazza

(two), Camila De Maria and Maria Correa accounted for the other goals for Uruguay. Abosaide Cadogan, who scored twice for Guyana in their 20-2 defeat against the Americans, joins Marzana Fiedtkou as the only ‘GT’ players to find the back of the net in the tournament.

Italy need extra time to beat Austria 2-1 at Wembley

ITALY needed extra time to see off battling Austria at Wembley and set up a Euro 2020 quarter-final against Belgium or Portugal. Austria marked their first appearance in the knockout stage of the European Championship with a tireless performance to give their much-fancied opponents a scare. Marko Arnautovic had a headed goal disallowed after a VAR check for offside

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in normal time when the game was goalless before goals from substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina sent Italy through. Chiesa showed terrific technique to bring the ball down and beat Daniel Bachmann from an angle while Pessina, who scored in the group game against Wales, doubled the score from range. Austria pulled a goal back through Sasa

Kalajdzic’s brave header, the first goal Italy have conceded in 12 games, but the Azzurri march on. Italy had the best of the first-half chances as Nicolo Barella was denied by Austria’s Watford keeper before Ciro Immobile struck the post from 25 yards. Austria produced a terrific defensive display to frustrate the four-time world champions, while creating opportunities

of their own. Arnautovic put one chance over the bar and, with another, fired straight at the keeper, while David Alaba went close from a free-kick before the disallowed goal. Italy will meet the winners of Sunday’s last-16 game between Belgium, the top-ranked side in the world, and holders Portugal in the quarter-finals in Munich on 2 July. (BBC Sport)

GCB fills vacant executive positions at OGM

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, JUNE 27, 2021