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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

‘All development partners welcomed’ - President Ali says, hailing China’s 50-year strong relationship with Guyana

President Irfaan Ali (second from left) and Ambassador Guo Haiyan (first from left) cut the ceremonial cake as Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd (first from right), Prime Minister Mark Phillips Mark Phillips (second from right) and Mrs Mignon Phillips look on. (Carl Croker photo)

By Shamar Meusa PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, while hailing Guyana’s 50-year strong

relationship with the People’s Republic of China, praised the invaluable contribution of that country to national

development here. Speaking during the special ceremony hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown at the

Pegasus Corporate Suites to honour 50 years of diplomatic relations with Guyana, President Ali underscored that all are wel-

Prime Minister Phillips (right) hands over the commemorative stamp to Ambassador Guo Haiyan (left) (Carl Croker photo) comed, including China, to be part of Guyana’s economic transformation . It was there that President Ali, while delivering

remarks, said relations between the two countries are imperishable resulting TURN TO PAGE 10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

‘Chaos could have been avoided’

- President Ali says on recent protest action

By Shamar Meusa THE chaos that took over the country’s East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor, on Tuesday, could have been avoided if there was no instigation, President, Dr Irfaan Ali said on Wednesday. The President made these remarks on the sidelines of an event Wednesday evening as he engaged members of the media corps. When asked about the situation that occurred which saw protestors making their way down the roadway from Haslington village to Mon Repos village, ECD, causing destruction along the way, the President said this could have been prevented.

“All of this could have been prevented if you didn’t have instigation; if you didn’t have people egging people on; if you had decency in the protest. “Protest is good in any democratic society but it must be lawful and decent… all of this could have been prevented if you didn’t have instigators,” President Ali told reporters. To this end, when asked whether earlier action from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) could have prevented the escalation of destruction, Dr. Ali noted that the police worked based on intelligence and information they received. He said they acted based on that intelligence. “Let us think for a mo-

ment. If the police were in advance of the crowd and action was taken in a different direction, what might have been the outcome? Some actors might use it against the police,” the Head of State expressed. With that, he stressed that the immediate task of the Force was to secure the corridor and return things to normalcy. In relation to the chaos that erupted at the Mon Repos market which saw several vendors being robbed, beaten, and having their produce and stands destroyed, President Ali said that the government has already started to give some compensation to those who were affected. He added that this is

President Irfaan Ali engaging members of the media on Wednesday on the side lines of an event at the Pegasus Corporate Suites, Kingston (Carl Croker photo) an ongoing exercise and were affected, will be dis- and went on the ground on Tuesday as he underfollowing its completion, closed. Meanwhile, he added stood the anger and sentithe funds that have been allocated for this along with that he went against the ments on the ground by how many persons in total advice that he was given many of those persons.

US$3.2M contract signed for supervision of East Coast-East Bank road link project

By Shamar Meusa

ON Wednesday, the Ministry of Public Works signed a US$3.2 million contract for consultancy services in relation to the construction of the new East Coast-East Bank of Demerara road link project. At the signing ceremony, which was held at the Ministry’s Kingston, Georgetown Boardroom, it was announced that India-based RITES (Rail India Technical Economic Service) Limited was awarded the supervisory consultancy to overlook the construction of the Ogle to Eccles road linkage. The multimillion United States Dollars (USD) contract will see the company working for 34 months in a supervisory capacity overlooking the construction of the linkage which is expected to be completed within 24 months. The remaining 10 months immediately following the conclusion of the construction will be for the defects liability period. Minister of Public

Works, Juan Edghill, speaking to media workers, said the contract is one of many for government and forms part of a commitment to accountability and transparency. To this end, he noted that the contractor for the initial construction project was selected through a public tendering process. Additionally, Minister Edghill said the supervisory consultancy was selected through the exact same process. “RITES will have to begin to provide that supervisory services to the various utilities to make sure that we clear the carriageway and I would hope that that would be something that would be swift,” the Public Works Minister said. As a result, he indicated that the company which was contracted for the construction of the road has been engaged in mobilising equipment and additional personnel to Guyana. While both companies that are engaged in the massive road project are India

Representative of RITES Limited (right) and Permanent Secretary (ag) at the Ministry of Public Works, Ron Rahaman (left) present the signed consultancy contract as other officials look on (Adrian Narine photo) based, the Public Works Minister noted that the two countries enjoy great bilateral co-operation and within these engagements, the laws of both countries are followed. Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner in Georgetown, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, stated that this is another example of the close relationship fostered between India

and Guyana. Giving some background, the High Commissioner noted that RITES is a public sector enterprise in India which was formed in 1974 and serves as a multidisciplinary consultancy organisation in various fields including transport and infrastructure. The Government of Guyana, last Friday, signed a

US$106.4 million contract for the construction of the first phase of the East Coast to East Bank Demerara road link project. The first phase of the road is expected to be a fourlane highway that stretches some 7.8 kilometres. Indiabased construction company, Ashoka Buildcon Limited was awarded the contract through a public procure-

ment process even as the project is being supported through a concessional line of credit worth US$50 million from the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of India. The overarching infrastructural plan is to improve connectivity within the country and also between Guyana’s geographic neighbours, Suriname and Brazil.

GUYANESE suppliers and sub-contractors must not only be able to participate in the tender procedures for providing goods, materials and services to the named contractor in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), but must also be trained by the contractor in the technicalities of competing for contracts offered under the petroleum operations (Excerpt: Article 18.1 and 18.2 of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

PM Phillips, gov’t officials hear security concerns of Enmore, Mon Repos communities

PRIME Minister Mark Phillips led a team of senior government officials, on Wednesday, to

Enmore and Mon Repos villages, East Coast Demerara (ECD) where the safety and security of the

areas was discussed. The visit, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, was a

Prime Minister Phillips (centre of head table) with AG Nandlall to his right

follow-up on a promise made by President, Dr Irfaan Ali after calls were made to strengthen community policing. On Tuesday, persons engaged in riotous behaviour along the East Coast corridor which resulted in looting, damage to property, and bodily harm to some passers-by. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony accompanied PM Phillips. On Tuesday following the protest which caused a section of the East Coast corridor roadway to be closed off, President Ali not only condemned the protest action, but hinted

he would call for the National Assembly to pass a unanimous resolution against political violence and threats of assassination. “…[I]n order to build one Guyana for all, we must speak with one voice

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that threats of political violence and assassination will not be tolerated in our democratic society,” the President had said regarding threats which were made against his life in a live video streaming on Facebook.

A resident stands to voice her concerns

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

NY-based Guyanese woman completes high school; graduates as valedictorian

By Naomi Parris

DESPITE facing many challenges after leaving the country of her birth to live in the United States, Olisa Mercurius managed to excel academically and recently graduated as the valedictorian of her high school. Mercurius, a former resident of Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, migrated to New York in 2019. Upon her arrival, the now 20-yearold woman, was enrolled at a transitional high school - the Aspiration Diploma Plus High School - where she entered the ninth grade. The young woman said this was a surprise to her, noting that she had many setbacks and challenges during her pursuit of a high school diploma. Mercurius had migrated to the US during the early days of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “It came as a surprise because I had a lot of downfalls when it came to taking my education in the pan-

demic. But then again, I sacrificed and pushed myself into still going to school,” she told the Guyana Chronicle. In addition to that, she was unable to enroll in a school when she first migrated as it took her some time to adjust to dramatic change in climate. Unlike the breezy coastland of Guyana, the US experiences four seasons throughout the year, namely, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Mercurius arrived just at the beginning of winter, the coldest season of the year in that country. “I moved around the wintertime …the place was very cold. I had to be indoors most of the time because I didn’t adapt to the environment quite yet. So, I had to get settled first and then being taught different stuff. I blended in eventually,” she said during the interview with this publication. After a few weeks of becoming familiar with

her new home and surroundings, she enrolled in school. However, the doors of schools across the US were forced shut due to a COVID-19 outbreak. “I didn’t expect it [COVID-19] would become such a big deal …I heard of it but there wasn’t much cases, but then, by early 2020, in February, I was in school and when I got home, I received an email saying that they are shutting down all schools; they were shutting down everything because there was an outbreak of COVID,” she recalled. Mercurius had to return to school during the pandemic to sit examinations. This was of course another challenge she faced. Additionally, while in lockdown, the young woman said that she had lost her focus on her academics and had become distracted by what was happening around thew world. “I was seeing my grades drop. I was in the 80s and 90s and I was dropping to

A proud Olisa displays her high school diploma

the 70s but I still passed and I decided to try to figure out [how] I could get back to my 80s and 90s while working at home and it wasn’t easy,” she said. However, with a determined spirit and support from her friends and family, Mercurius got her grades where they needed to be. She has already enrolled at a tertiary institution, the Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, where she is pursuing a degree in psychology. The young woman also disclosed plans to further her education and read for her master’s degree in the US. In leaving a few words of advice for students in Guyana and other parts of the world, Mercurius said being disciplined and remaining focus is the key to achieving one’s academic goals. “I would say to be focused and not get distracted too easily, because once you get distracted easily you start to fall back,” she emphasised. After completing her studies, the young woman intends to return to Guyana.

Olisa Mercurius during her valedictorian speech

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Guyana-China relations

JUNE 27 marks 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China (PRG). Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 27, 1972. Indeed, Guyana was the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to have established diplomatic relations with China. At the time, that was a bold and significant step, given the fact that the Cold War was at the time raging and any establishment of relations with China could have been regarded with suspicion by the United States. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), then in

the political opposition, had played a strong advocacy role in the forging of closer links with China and also took a principled position on the One China policy. Such relations over the decades have become stronger. This is natural, given the fact that as early as 1853, the first batch of Chinese travelled to Guyana to provide labour in the sugar plantations and have since become an integral part of the Guyanese society. Both President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Chinese President Xi Jinping have hailed the bonds of friendship between the two nations. As pointed out by President Xi in his congratulatory message to

his Guyanese counterpart, with the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, both countries have achieved significant development based on the principles of mutual trust. This level of trust and friendship was further manifested with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, when critical assistance was rendered to the country in the fight against the virus. “I attach great importance to the development of China-Guyana relations and am willing to work with President Ali to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to lift bilateral ties to new levels and

bring benefits to the two countries and two peoples” the Chinese President said. President Ali, on his part, noted that Guyana was the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to establish diplomatic ties with China and Guyana firmly embraces the One-China policy. According to President Ali, over the past 50 years, Guyana and China have always respected each other and enjoyed equality and mutual benefit and the traditional friendship has withstood the test of time. Guyana, he said, stands ready to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Guyana and China as an

opportunity to continuously deepen bilateral friendship. Both Guyana and China have come a long way since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago. China is, today, a global economic power second only to the United States of America. It continues to rank among the fastest-growing economies in the world for several consecutive decades during which period it managed to lift millions of its population out of the poverty threshold. Guyana, for its part, is now a significant player on the global stage thanks to its new status as an oil and gas producing nation and its proactive measures on climate change.

The economy, like that of China, has picked up momentum and is now ranked among the fasted growing in the world. Despite the challenges, the PPP/C administration has been making great strides in poverty-alleviation measures and scoring significant economic and social gains for the Guyanese people. Guyana is embracing a path of economic diplomacy and the doors of investment and friendship are now open to all, regardless of politics or ideology. It is the national interests of the country and its people that are the defining characteristics of inter-governmental relations.

Let’s act responsibly instead of sabotaging our future

Dear Editor, I SAY, with sadness, that we heard of the unfortunate incident in Guyana involving the shooting of Mr. Quindon Bacchus. And, with even greater sadness, I say that we saw a protest carried out three days ago by citizens on the East Coast of Demerara supposedly concerned for justice for the relatives of the deceased Mr. Bacchus. What was perhaps meant to be a peaceful protest has turned out to be chaotic, riotous and violent. In the mayhem following the commencement of the protest,

vehicles were set on fire, vendors’ stalls from the Mon Repos market were burnt down, and public roads were blocked with debris and burning tires to impede traffic to and from Georgetown. Additionally, produce and other forms of merchandise locked up by vendors for safe keeping in the market were looted, and, finally, innocent people were assaulted and harmed. The point to note is that the people who suffered as a result of this malicious damage, destruction and bodily harm were in no way related or connected with the per-

petrators of the shooting incident. And while there have been some voices urging restraint, we witnessed other expressions on social media and in print media encouraging further atrocities in the name of protesting the unfortunate shooting. As we ponder all these happenings, we are forced to ask questions that all Guyanese must soon ask of each other: What does burning and looting of innocent people’s property have to do with meaningful protest against supposed injustice? How does one wrong act

(of shooting someone) justify another wrong act (of wanton destruction)? When the protest and its attendant violence will come to an end, what will we claim as our achievement? Is it the repulsive sight of blackened vehicles and burnt stalls? Or, is it fear, mistrust and unjust violation lingering for days in people’s minds? Or, is it the conviction that every time one political party is not in power their supporters seek to unleash violence on supporters of the other political party? Mr. Editor, during the reign of one political party,

we heard talk of social cohesion leading to one people, one nation and one destiny. Are we ever going to see this one Guyana as the reality waiting for us as we turn the corner in the decade to come? What is important to understand is that injustice perpetrated against any one ethnic group in this country is morally wrong. One unfortunate act of injustice, however, does not justify the commission of a second parallel act of injustice. Our older generation used to say, instructively, that fire matching fire creates big-

ger fire, something that may be difficult to extinguish. Wisdom requires us to find water to douse fire. Collectively, let’s look for that ‘water’ and act responsibly or else we may end up sabotaging our own future existence. The Gurukula, along with its parent body the Arya Samaj, is asking for better judgment to prevail among all Guyanese. Sincerely, Dr Satish Prakash Founder-Acharya Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula New York and Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

NYC-based organisation sends condolence to Bacchus’ family, condemns violent protest

Dear Editor, THE New York Guyana Democracy Project (NYGDP) joins the President of Guyana, other individuals and organisations in condemning the looting and robberies and the racist violence unleased on Indians and the destruction of (including arson on) their properties (buildings, market stalls, vehicles, and goods). The organisation’s President, Dr. Tara Singh, former

Senior lecturer at the University of Guyana (UG), says he categorically condemn the violence that has been motivated by race. In a press release, the organisation says that the racial violence that was portrayed on phone, computer, and television screens, on Tuesday, June 28, is a stark reminder of how far race baiters and bigots affiliated with opposition politicians and irresponsible media operatives would

go in encouraging unjustified attacks on Indo-Guyanese just to push their political agenda. The organisation noted that no opposition politician or opposition-affiliated media has condemned the violent attacks against Indians. “Opposition politicians and their supporters have been silent”, it claims. The NYGDP says that it deplores the hateful environment wilfully stoked by

opposition politicians that contributed to these atrocities against majority anti-indo Guyanese. “When public figures see injustice, an attack on a people on account of their race, they must speak out forcefully and as strongly as the President did. Otherwise, they are complicit in the aggression and oppression carried out by others. One cannot be neutral when there are racist attacks in a nation”,

the organisation said. The organisation feels that those engaged in the anti-Indo-Guyanese attacks must be brought to justice. “They must be found and made an example and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” it said. NYGDP also calls for support for the victims: “The country must bond together in solidarity, empathy, and support for the victims. We support the government’s

decision to give just and fair compensation to the victims for their losses”. The organisation also extends condolence to the family of Mr Quindon Bacchus who allegedly was killed by a police officer. It urges a quick investigation into the shooting. “We seek justice in this case, too”, says the organisation in its release. Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Trauma counselling for persons affected by protest, Human Services Ministry says

Minister Persaud engages a man on Wednesday with injuries to his face at Mon Repos, ECD

FOLLOWING the violent protest along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor, on Tuesday, which resulted in significant damage to property at Mon Repos village, government will offer counselling to persons who witnessed the violence or suffered bodily damage or damage to property. Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, on Wednesday, visited the Lusignan and Mon Repos markets to offer support to affected persons, a statement from her ministry said. Ministry officials “will be present on the Mon Repos Market Tarmac from 09.30 hrs to noon on Friday to pro-

that compensation will soon be delivered to Mon Repos Market vendors who were the victims of alleged crimes committed by persons who leveraged a protest action along the East Coast of Demerara corridor for their personal gains. The initial protest on Tuesday started at Haslington village, where persons took to the street and chanted for justice, after they were misled by a false media report that the police officer, purportedly involved in the killing of Quindon Bacchus, had been released. What started as a verbal chant quickly escalated as scores of persons made their way to Mon Repos, where they

pensated and the perpetrators of those crimes will be brought to justice. He related that those who instigated and planned those protests were responsible for it being conducted within the confines of the law. President Ali said while everyone has a right in a democracy to let their voices be heard, it does not give them the right to loot, steal or harm anyone. Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, S.C., had also weighed in on the matter, noting: “A perceived injustice can never justify the commission of another injustice.” The Attorney General said the alleged wrong-

Continuing the engagement on Wednesday, Minister Persaud listened to the concerns of vendors

vide trauma counselling, support and other support the Ministry has to offer,” the statement from the ministry’s official Facebook page read. “Most vendors confessed they are traumatised by the occurrence with some nursing permanent physical injuries,” the statement read further, as it noted also that Minister Persaud listened to the plight of the vendors who were physically injured or suffered damage to property as a result of the protest. The Guyana Chronicle reported, recently,

reportedly beat vendors, robbed them and destroyed their property. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) managed to intervene and curtail the situation, but, by that time, vendors had already suffered significant losses. In the aftermath of the event, President, Dr Irfaan Ali visited the market, where he assessed the damage and engaged persons who were affected and other residents of Mon Repos. It was there that Dr Ali assured persons that they will be duly com-

ful death cannot justify or be the basis of robbery, assault, and malicious destruction of property. “It has already been disclosed that the investigation into the alleged shooting which is believed to have ignited the mayhem is ongoing and shall conclude shortly. Whatever the outcome is from this process, the law will run its course,” the Attorney General had said. A number of persons have been charged in connection with the protest action.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

16 charged with ‘riotous behaviour’ following East Coast Demerara protest A firefighter clears debris from the roadway (Carl Croker photo)

A TOTAL of 16 men appeared, on Wednesday, at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court where they answered to respective charges that they engaged in riotous behaviour connected to the violent protest along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) corridor on Tuesday, a police statement on the matter said. Police identified the men as Haslington, ECD residents Rawl Griffith, George Teixy, Daniel Thomas, Legendi Pompey, Kevon Nicholas and Kester Paul; Golden Grove residents Jawonza Fowler, Seon Austin and Quice Lawrence; Victoria residents Michael Moore, Winston James and Andrew Sumner; Belfield Housing Scheme resident, Rondolph Murphy; Melanie resident Shentel Caesar; Ann’s Grove resident Rondel Clarke; and Bachelor’s Adventure resident Shamar Payne. According to police, Andrew Sumner was the only accused who pleaded guilty. Sumner was fined $20,000. The other accused pleaded not guilty and were all released on $15,000 bail each. They will return to court in October. At the source of the protest was a misleading report that a police officer under investigation for the fatal shooting of Quindon Bacchus in Haslington New Scheme, ECD earlier this month was released. That matter is still being investigated by the

Police Complaints Authority (PCA). Since Tuesday’s protest, the PCA issued a statement saying it will soon complete its report on the circumstances surrounding the death of the 23-year-old man. “The investigation by the Police Complaints Authority in collaboration with the Office of Professional Responsibility has been progressing rapidly. A thorough investigation is necessary in order to ensure a free, fair, and transparent finding. “As such, all protocols must be observed and the outcome of that process would be communicated in due course,” Chairman of the PCA, Justice (Ret’d) William Ramlall had said in a statement on Tuesday. President, Dr Irfaan Ali visited the village of Buxton, ECD on Tuesday where he assured residents, including the deceased man’s family, that the matter was being adequately investigated. “My dear Guyanese brothers and sisters, as your President, I am asking you do not be misled; do not be used. “I understand the hurt but let the system work. Let us await the outcome of the system and let us not get emotional and act out of turn based on reports that are not grounded in the truth and facts,” President Ali had said during his community engagements on Tuesday. Contrary to what was

falsely reported by a media house, which has since retracted its article and apologised, the attorney, Kezia Williams, representing the officer in question, on June 23, filed a Writ of Habeas Corpus against the Guyana Police Force, the Attorney General, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, in the High Court. However, on Monday, High Court Judge, Sandil Kissoon, did not grant the application after the Attorney General’s Chambers objected and informed the court that the matter was still under investigation and De Nobrega was under “open arrest” while still in police custody.

With extinguishers in hand to put out the lit debris blocking the roadway along the East Coast of Demerara (Carl Croker photo)

‘All development partners...

in tremendous development gains which have brought the people of both

nations closer together. Against this backdrop, the President said his gov-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

ernment desires to show no partiality, and such is the reason that Chinese

nationals, like all others, are welcome to be part of Guyana’s development.

“My government desires to show no partiality and this is why Chinese nationals, like nationals of any other country, are welcome to our country’s national development. “And, indeed, not only are you welcome to our country’s national development but you make up an important part of our cultural heritage,” Dr. Ali said. To this end, he noted that his government has also committed to a “OneGuyana Initiative” which is aimed primarily at ensuring great inclusiveness and creating an environment where all feel comfortable building their lives in a closely knitted Guyana. Furthermore, the Head of State noted that China’s support for Guyana over the years has been spread across several areas including agriculture, defence co-operation, education, health, infrastructural development, and trade, to name a few. President Ali also said his engagement with China’s President Xi Jinping has seen further co-operation identified in human resource training and development, food security and agriculture, technological transformation, structural transformation, and private sector partnerships. In addition to this, he noted that the relationship that the countries hold must also enable the world to arrive at better solutions as both must play a part in advancing democratic norms and principles. Meanwhile, the Ambassador of China in Georgetown, Guo Haiyan, while making remarks,

also said that the relationship between China and Guyana over the years has been fruitful. Cognizant of this, she added that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Guyana has firmly adhered to the ‘One-China’ principle even as China has supported Guyana in pursuing an independent development path. As such, the ambassador added, “China-Guyana co-operation is an open co-operation. We believe that Guyana is a hotbed of investment with fair competition and we’re happy to see diversification of Guyana’s international partners… we have confidence in Chinese enterprises which operates [sic] with integrity and strength.” With that, she expressed that the people of both countries are actively pursuing a better life and it is a shared vision to support each other and work together for a brighter future. Adding further detail on the half-century relationship, Haiyan told those gathered that since China established an embassy in Guyana there has been 15 Chinese ambassadors to Guyana who have made great contributions to the development of the relationship. Additionally, she noted that bilateral trade volume exceeded US$100 million for the first time in 2010 and has since increased over the following 11 years to reach some US$710 million in 2021. During the ceremony, a limited edition commemorative stamp displaying the flags of China and Guyana was launched.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Fisherman arrested for attempted rape in Region Three

THE police in Regional Division #3 have apprehended a fisherman, who allegedly attempted to rape a 22-year-old woman in a West Coast Demerara (WCD) community, last Friday. According to a police report, the 30-year-old suspect of Plastic City (Jetty Squatting Area), WCD,

was apprehended by the woman’s relatives. According to the police, the victim was confronted by the suspect while walking on a street. He allegedly threatened her with a knife and attempted to drag her into a nearby yard. During the ordeal, the victim who put up a fight,

managed to bite the suspect’s tongue as he was attempting to kiss her. The suspect after being bitten by the woman, made good his escape in an unknown direction. After the incident, the victim went to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station where a report was made.

Andrew Morgan remanded to prison over $3.5M drug ‘bust’

Alleged drug trafficker, Andrew Morgan, at court on Wednesday BUSINESSMAN Andrew Morgan, was, on Wednesday, remanded to prison after he denied possession of a large quantity of cocaine which was reportedly found in his Eccles, East Bank Demerara house, during a raid. Morgan, who, according to reports, was on CANU’s radar for some time, appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to possession of

narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The cocaine, which was found on Monday, is said to be valued $3.5 million. The accused was represented by Senior Counsel Stanley Moore and was remanded to prison until August 4, 2022. In addition to the drugs, CANU ranks reportedly found 27 9mm rounds, one .32 Taurus firearm along with one magazine and 25

matching .32 rounds in the house. Morgan is expected to face firearm-related charges soon. According to reports, the accused is the brother of Peter Morgan, who had pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in the United States back in 2010. Peter was released in 2015 after serving his sentence and was later deported to Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Guyana, Brazil sign public security agreements

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, signs the agreement with a Brazilian official (Ministry of Home Affairs photo)

INTENT on strengthening bilateral cooperation, Guyana and Brazil signed two Inter-Institutional Cooperation Agreements recently following the conclusion of the inaugural Ministerial Meeting against Transnational Organised Crime hosted in Brazil, a statement from the Home Affairs Ministry said. The agreements were inked to increase cooperation to combat transnational organised crime, the release said. Added to that, the agreements also focus on fighting and enforcing additional preventative measures against illegal narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; terrorism; trafficking in persons; smuggling

of wildlife, gold and minerals; trafficking of firearms, ammunition, explosives and their parts; money laundering; forgery; and cybercrimes. Through the signed agreements, the countries will also facilitate the exchange of information on public security, prevention and the fight against organised crime. “The informationsharing objectives of the agreement will also include the exchange of knowledge, expertise, information, technology, research and scientific development in both countries,” the Home Affairs Ministry press statement said. “… [T]he agreements will not only promote building capacities among police officers but will also foster alliances to al-

low the two countries to promote the exchange of specialised equipment and technology while developing the exchange of information in accordance with national and international legislation,” the statement continued. Technical and scientific support in order to render specific actions for investigations is also included in the cooperation arrangements. The Home Affairs Ministry said the Inter-Institutional Cooperation Agreements will enhance and strengthen security within and between the two neighbouring countries. Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil have shared diplomatic ties for fifty-five years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Overseas testing confirms cyanide poisoning in Marriot parking lot deaths

Justin Teixeira (left) and Paishnarine ‘Richie’ Hansraj

TWO months after 25-year-old Paishnarine ‘Richie’ Hansraj and 34-year-old Justin Teixeira were found dead in a car in the

Marriott Hotel parking lot, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Wednesday, confirmed that a toxicology investigation found that

the two men died from cyanide poisoning. The tests were conducted at NMS Labs in Texas, United States, and revealed that both men had a significant concentration of cyanide in their stomachs. The lifeless bodies of the men were found in the wee hours of April 23, 2022, in the front seat of Teixeira’s car by an employee of the hotel. Investigators had discovered a bottle with a substance that was later confirmed to be sodium cyanide in the backseat of the car. Teixeira was said to be a flight attendant, while Hansraj was a religious singer and music producer. The two men were, reportedly, very close friends.

Autopsy finds teen ‘mom’ died from drowning; no marks of violence seen on body ANISA Miguel, the 19-year-old mother of one, whose body was found on Sunday last floating in the Mazaruni River, died from drowning, a post-mortem examination (PME) has found. According to the police, the PME with dissection was performed on Miguel’s body at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home by Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, on Wednesday. “The cause of death was given as drowning. According to the pathologist, no injury or marks of violence were present,” the police said in a press statement. The woman’s body was identified by her reputed husband, Roopnarine Satnarine and the autopsy was witnessed by two police ranks. The body was thereafter

Anisa Miguel miles away from Martin’s handed over for burial. Miguel’s decomposing Landing, the place where body was found some four she was last seen alive.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Woman dies in Nelson Mandela Avenue accident; cyclist in critical condition

ODESSIA Sam, a 42-year-old woman from Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, is now dead after the motorcycle, on which she was the pillion rider, collided with a Mercedes

Benz Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on Wednesday, a police statement said. The accident occurred around 15:20 hours on Nelson Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

The motorcycle #CH 1099 was ridden by Wendel Oudkerk of Lamaha Springs, Georgetown. The SUV #PSS 7007, owned by Azruddin Mohamed, was driven by 41-year-old Nadia

Mohamed of Houston Gardens, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The SUV “was proceeding west along the northern drive lane of the southern carriageway of Nelson Mandela Avenue whilst motorcycle #CH 1099 was proceeding north along Critchlow Avenue,” the police statement said. Based on the police report, the rider of the motor cycle reportedly failed to stop as he approached the junction of Nelson Mandela and Critchlow Avenue. Police said the motorcyclist, with Sam on back, “proceeded to cross the road going from south to north, in a bid to proceed onto the northern carriageway at an opening between the median.” As a result, the police noted, the motorcycle crossed into the path of the SUV. “… [T]he front of the motor jeep came into contact with the right side of the motor cycle, and due to the collision, the motor cyclist along with the pillion rider were thrown onto the road surface where they received injuries about their bodies,” the police statement said. Oudkerk was picked up in a semi-conscious state by emergency responders. He was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Sam, on the other hand, was placed into a police vehicle for transport to GPHC, the police report said. Sam was pronounced dead on arrival. Her body is currently awaiting autopsy at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, police noted. Meanwhile, the motorcycle rider was admitted to the public hospital’s critical bay where,

The motorcycle on which the now-dead woman was a pillion rider police said, his condition is still serious. At the accident scene, police said a Notice of Intended Prosecution was prepared and served on Mohamed, the driver of the SUV. She was administered two breathalyser tests and her blood alcohol level reported as .000 per cent both times. She remains in custody assisting with the investigation, police said.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers took photographs of the scene and also checked for CCTV footage of the accident, police further said. Police said Sam, the now deceased woman, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

The Mercedes Benz SUV involved in the accident

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Empowering small businesses

- GTT continues to push flexible services, partners with organisation for small business conference and expo in July THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), has continued its efforts to support small businesses by offering flexible and affordable services and sponsoring events that promote and support entrepreneurship. In its latest move to assist small businesses, GTT has partnered with Together We Win Business Network’s

(TWWBN) for a small business conference and exhibition on July 15 – 17, 2022 at MovieTowne Guyana. During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of GTT, Orson Ferguson said that this initiative, which will be held under the theme, “Run together, win together: Turing setbacks into comebacks,” is geared at expand-

Chief Operations Officer (COO) of GTT, Orson Ferguson

ing the reach of small businesses. The conference is expected to facilitate some 200 participants and 30 local exhibitors, according to the business network’s Founder and President, Marlon Joseph. He had told the Guyana Chronicle that the conference is expected to feature a line-up of several private sector business experts, who will provide practical knowledge to the participants on a variety of business-related topics, including how to generate sales, negotiation skills, safety, and health in small businesses, agro-pro-

cessing in 2022, emotional intelligence in business, and overcoming start-up hurdles faced by women and youth in business. Joseph had said too that at the end of the conference, participants will have a basic understanding of how to create, manage and sustain a business. In addition to being on board for this conference, GTT, on a larger scale, has been offering special services to small businesses through its Connex service. Ferguson said that Connex provides small businesses with faster internet as well as 6,000 minutes free

every month, inclusive of calls to the United States of America (USA) and Canada. Additionally, the COO said that GTT Business Solutions, among other businesses, sponsored the Small Business Week to not just highlight small businesses but to have them engage with potential customers. “They were able to sell their products to other businesses as well as to consumers who were visiting the expo,” Ferguson said. He related that the company also sponsored UncappeD Marketplace, which provided small TURN TO PAGE 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Transcending the challenges of entrepreneurship

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

- small business owner moves on to new heights after contending with loss of store to fire, early challenges in business

By Cassandra Khan

THE trials of starting a business and a subsequent fire that destroyed what she worked hard to build were not enough to keep Bibi Shameeza Alli down, as she stayed the course and now boasts a wellstocked beauty care store in the City Mall. The 26-year-old owns Beauty Essentials, a business that has been around for some six years providing Guyanese with imported skin and hair care products. But sustaining this operation has been no walk in the park, Alli said during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. She recalled the days when her business was just an online store that was created after she realised that a regular “9-5” was not for her. “I always thought that skin care products in Guyana were a bit expensive whether they were high or low quality. So, I said you know what, why not order beauty skin care products? So, I started the business online and I

Owner of Beauty Essentials, Bibi Shameeza Alli

actually got a few orders, but there were still times when I felt like closing the business down because there were many trials and hardships during the process,” Alli related. In the face of many challenges, the entrepreneur persevered and eventually established a physical location at the Sharon’s Mall. Alli said: “Then a few months after I told myself that if I don’t try again, how would I know where I could get and that is when I told my husband that I wanted to open a small location. So, I initially started the business at Sharon’s Mall.” She added: “So, after I had recently opened the

business, after a period of time, I wasn’t getting orders. That is when I took a break from the business.” As time went by, a larger space became available at the mall after someone shuttered their business. Seizing the opportunity, Alli decided to make an investment where she bought a large amount of items to start her journey in the larger space. But as luck would have it, her big plans were foiled by a fire which destroyed the entire Sharon’s Mall. Though devasting, Alli saw the disaster as a bump in the road and started making plans to set up her operation at a new location.

She eventually found a small space at the Regent Multiplex Mall where she became well recognised. Alli related that she spent a year and a few months there and received immense support from customers. The support and accompanying returns increased Alli’s capacity and allowed her to move from just retailing to wholesaling products. Recognising that her luck was changing and the business before her was growing, Alli decided that it was time to look at bigger options. AM I READY FOR THIS?

“I was thinking, am I ready to make this investment? I questioned so many things like, would I have enough cash to pay the rent there?” Alli related. This series of thinking ended with her finally deciding to move to City Mall, where she launched her store on Saturday. She told this publication that she sells a wide range of skincare products, hair care products, and beauty cosmetics at affordable prices. Alli related that she came from humble beginnings, so she understands what it is like to want something but not have the funds to satisfy this desire. “My store is just not for the rich, it is also open for persons who are not so fortunate… there are many people that want to look and feel good but may not be able to purchase a product so I am here,” she said. While she encouraged persons to capitalise on the products she offers, Alli also encouraged other small business owners to persevere and never give up on their dreams.

“There will always be people who are trying to bring you down and in this modern time being a small business owner, a lot of small business owners would try to bring you down once they see you are successful. My advice would just be to ignore them and work hard for what you want,” she related. She added: “The journey to success is what is important, that is what matters. Consistency is important and you need to be strong. You need to be dedicated to something you really want. Dreams do come true but not without hardship.” Recently, Alli has been in discussions with a Brazilian company to be the supplier of a popular Brazilian brand, Kativa. She said: “I am currently in discussion with the Kativa company regarding becoming an agent of the product in Guyana whereby I will be the wholesaler and the retailer and we would have a wide range of products in the same line.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Guyana, Barbados working out modalities for hospitality training

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

GUYANA and Barbados are currently working out the modalities for the planned hospitality training of 6,000 Guyanese. The Governments of Guyana and Barbados agreed last year on the training programme for Guyanese in hospitality, to effectively prepare Guyana for the imminent boom in the tourism sector. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, said she, along with Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, recently met with head of the training institute in Barbados. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, last year, said that Barbados

has an established worldclass hospitality programme which will be beneficial to Guyana. He said there is need for technical capacity and human resources to manage and work in the many hotels that will be established locally. Providing further details on the programme, Minister Walrond said the training will be hybrid, fusing theory and practice. “The theory part is going to be hybrid, and then when we are going to do the practical, that is when we are going to have more hands on, and face to face, and that is going to be what we have decided on,” Minister Walrond said.

She added: “We have decided on a theory, we still have to work out the modalities of how we get the practical portion going, whether we have some of our students go to Barbados to complete, let’s say their certificate programme, whether it culminates with a practical programme at the end of it or whether we incorporate different modules of practical in the theory session.” Meanwhile, Minister Walrond said the establishment of the local Hospitality Training Institute is progressing smoothly, as well as all areas of collaboration with Barbados in terms of airlift and joint marketing. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Caribbean technology company ranked number 12 worldwide

(Barbados Today) BAHAMAS-based technology company Cloud Carib has broken a new record, placing number 12 worldwide and number one in the Caribbean and Latin America as one of the technology industry’s top-performing providers of managed services (MSP). The ranking comes as regional governments and private organisations on the road to digital transformation continue to opt-out of using popular global managed service providers in favour of their Caribbean-based counterpart. The demand for MSP’s operating within the region has pushed companies like Cloud Carib to the forefront of the industry, garnering them global recognition for providing best in class business solutions. Winners were reviewed by the editors of Channel Futures with this year touted as one of the most competitive years in the survey’s history. Since its inception more than a decade ago, Cloud Carib has expanded

its network and managed service offerings in other Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, The Cayman

into Canada. The Bahamas-based managed services provider first made its entrance on the MSP 501 list in 2019 at number 160. In

Kenzie said. MacKenzie added: “Since being recognised for the first time in 2019, we’ve seen consistent growth and that is the

Islands and Dominica – a move which company executives attribute to its consistent rise in ranking on the MSP 501 list. Cloud Carib provides customers 24x7x365 managed hosting services, focused on data protection/ security, disaster recovery and data sovereignty with jurisdictional data options across the Caribbean and Latin America, extending

2020 the company’s ranking jumped significantly to number 33 and rose again in 2021 when the company debuted at number 28. The 2022 ranking represents the fourth consecutive year that the company has made the list. “This truly has been a team effort,” Cloud Carib’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Scott Mac-

result of hard work and dedication put in by all members of our team.” The MSPs that qualify for the 501 list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures. It ranks applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to

recurring revenue and operational efficiency. “The 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today,” said Allison Francis, senior news editor for Channel Futures. “The 501 has truly evolved with the MSP market, as showcased by this year’s crop of winners. This is also the fifth consecutive year of application pool growth, making this year’s list one of the best on record,” she added. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2022 winners, and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager of Informa Tech Channels. “These providers are most certainly driving a new wave of innovation in the industry and are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward.” “It is exciting to be

named among such an impressive list of MSP’s,” said Cloud Carib Founder and CTO, Stelios Xeroudakis, adding: “For the past 10 years, we’ve committed to providing exceptional service across the Caribbean and it’s an amazing feeling to be recognised for that work.” Since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking into a vibrant group of innovators focused on high levels of customer satisfaction at small, medium, and large organisations in public and private sectors. Today, many of their services and technology offerings focus on growing customer needs in the areas of cloud, security, collaboration, and support of hybrid work forces. This year’s winners are being recognised on the Channel Futures website and will be honoured at a special ceremony at the Channel Futures MSP Summit + Channel Partners Leadership Summit, September 13-16, in Orlando, Florida.

Record fisheries, aquaculture production contributes significantly to global food security

( FA O ) S i g n i f i c a n t growth in aquaculture has driven global fisheries and aquaculture production to a record high as aquatic foods make an increasingly critical contribution to food security and nutrition in the 21st century, according to a report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) released on Wednesday. The 2022 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) says the growth of aquaculture, particularly in Asia, lifted total production of fisheries and

aquaculture to an all-time high of 214 million tonnes in 2020, comprising 178 million tonnes of aquatic animals and 36 million tonnes of algae. Production of aquatic animals in 2020 was 30 per cent higher than the average in the 2000s and more than 60 per cent above the average in the 1990s. Record aquaculture output of 87.5 million tonnes of aquatic animals largely drove these outcomes. As the sector continues to expand, FAO says more targeted transformative changes are needed to achieve a more sus-

tainable, inclusive and equitable fisheries and aquaculture sector. A ‘Blue Transformation’ in how we produce, manage, trade and consume aquatic foods, is crucial if we are to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. ‘’The growth of fisheries and aquaculture is vital in our efforts to end global hunger and malnutrition but further transformation is needed in the sector to address the challenges,’’ says FAO Director General, QU Dongyu. He added: ‘’We must transform agri-food systems to ensure aquatic

Aquatic foods are contributing more than ever before to food security and nutrition (FAO photo) foods are sustainably harvested, livelihoods are safeguarded and aquatic

habitats and biodiversity are protected.’’ Aquatic foods are con-

tributing more than ever before to food security TRUN TO PAGE 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Record fisheries, aquaculture production... FROM PAGE 19 and nutrition. Global consumption of aquatic foods (excluding algae) has increased at an average annual rate of three per cent since 1961, almost twice that of annual world population growth – reaching 20.2 kg per capita, more than double the consumption in the 1960s. Over 157 million tonnes – or 89 per cent of aquatic animal production, were used for direct human consumption in 2020, a slightly higher volume than in 2018, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aquatic foods contribute about 17 per

cent of the animal proteins consumed in 2019, reaching 23 per cent in lower-middle-income countries and more than 50 per cent in parts of Asia and Africa. Asian countries were the source of 70 per cent of the world’s fisheries and aquaculture production of aquatic animals in 2020, followed by countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania. China remained the top fisheries producer, followed by Indonesia, Peru, the Russian Federation, the United States, India and Viet Nam. AQUACULTURE SHAPES THE FUTURE OF

Empowering small...

FROM PAGE 15 businesses with the opportunity to showcase their products. Meanwhile, Ferguson related that GTT Business Solutions is very active with business support organisations. “…the Private Sector Commission, GSMA, [we are] very active because these organisations are by definition, designed to support small businesses. Our goal is to give small businesses the tools that they need to be competitive not just locally, but internationally,” he said. Ferguson related that

GTT Business Solutions intends to continue to sponsor events beneficial to small businesses and to initiate their activities to “put small businesses in front of customers so that they can showcase themselves and products.” Additionally, he said that investments are being made to have employees which directly interact with customers, to be trained so that there would be consultants who work with small businesses to give advice about technology solutions on a day-today basis.

AQUATIC FOODS Aquaculture has grown faster than capture fisheries in the last two years and is expected to expand further over the next decade. In 2020, animal aquaculture production reached 87.5 million tonnes, 6 per cent higher than in 2018. On the other hand, capture fisheries production dropped to 90.3 million tonnes, a fall of 4.0 per cent compared with the average over the previous three years. The reduction in capture fisheries production was mainly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted fishing activities, market access and sales, as well as a reduction in China’s catches and a fall in the naturally-fluctuating anchoveta catches. Growing demand for fish and other aquatic foods is rapidly changing the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Consumption is expected to increase by 15 per cent to supply on average 21.4 kg per capita in 2030, driven mostly by rising incomes and urbanisation, changes in post-harvest practices and distribution, as well as in dietary trends focusing on better health and nutrition. Total production of aquatic animals is expected to reach 202 million tonnes in 2030, mainly due to the continuing

growth of aquaculture, projected to reach 100 million tonnes for the first time in 2027 and 106 million tonnes in 2030. THE NEED FOR A BLUE TRANSFORMATION FAO says more needs to be done to feed the world’s growing population while enhancing the sustainability of stocks and fragile ecosystems and protecting lives and livelihoods in the longterm. According to SOFIA 2022, the sustainability of marine fishery resources remains of significant concern, with the per centage of sustainably fished stocks falling to 64.6 per cent in 2019, a 1.2 per cent decline from 2017. However, there are encouraging signs as sustainably fished stocks provided 82.5 per cent of the total volume of 2019 landings a 3.8 per cent increase since 2017. This seems to indicate that larger stocks are being managed more effectively. FAO promotes Blue Transformation, a visionary strategy to meet the twin challenges of food security and environmental sustainability while ensuring equitable outcomes and gender equality. Climate and environment-friendly policy and practices, as well as technological innovation, are also vital for change.

‘’Blue Transformation is an objective-driven process through which FAO Members and partners can maximise the contribution of aquatic food systems to enhance food security, nutrition and affordable healthy diets, while remaining within ecological boundaries,’’ says Manuel Barange, Director of FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Division. Fisheries and aquaculture contribute to employment, trade and economic development. The total first sale value of fisheries and aquaculture production of aquatic animals in 2020 was estimated at $406 billion, of which $265 billion came from aquaculture production. According to the latest data, an estimated 58.5 million people were employed in the sector and of these approximately 21 per cent were women. Around 600 million people are estimated to depend on fisheries and aquaculture in some way for their lives and livelihoods. Building resilience is critical for equitable and sustainable development. Key numbers from The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 Production - Total global production of aquatic animals and algae: 214 million tonnes - First-sale value

of aquatic animal production: $406 billion - M a r i n e c a p t u re fisheries: 78.8 million tonnes - Freshwater capture fisheries: 11.5 million tonnes - Animal aquaculture production: 87.5 million tonnes, a new high Consumption and Trade - Total amount for human consumption (excluding algae): 157 million tonnes - Value of international trade of fisheries and aquaculture products: $151 billion Employment and Fleets - Total employed in primary sector of fisheries and aquaculture: 58.5 million, 21 per cent women - Region with the most fishers and fish farmers: Asia (84 per cent) - Number of fishing vessels on planet: 4.1 million - Largest fleet by region: Asia (2.68 million vessels, about two thirds of the global fleet) Fish Stocks - Sustainably fished stocks: 64.6 per cent (2019), 1.2 per cent lower than 2017 - Sustainably fished stocks from total landings: 82.5 per cent (2019), up 3.8 since 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

Five Guyanese women earn CWI International contracts …Romario Shepherd lone male

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed the international retainer contracts for the West Indies Men’s and Women’s players for the 2022-2023 season. A total of 36 players have been offered contracts for the period – which runs from July 01, 2022 to 30 June 2023. Guyanese Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Kaycia Schultz, Mandy Mangru and Cherry-Ann Fraser are the female players while all-rounder, Romario Shepherd, is the lone male player.

Shemaine Campbelle

Shabika Gajnabi

This is in addition to 90 players across the region who are contracted to Territorial Board Franchise Squads. Jayden Seales, Obed McCoy and Odean Smith have earned their maiden international retainer contracts for men, for the period between July 1, 2022, and June 20, 2023. Also joining the list of 18 are Brandon King and Rovman Powell. The now-retired Kieron Pollard, as well as Fabien Allen, Darren Bravo, Evin Lewis, Rahkeem Cornwall and Shannon Gabriel have been omitted from the previous group. For the period in question, the men’s retainer structure has been changed, according to a CWI statement, “to offer player-contracts across all formats of cricket, compared to specific red or white-ball contracts in previous years”. This came after a performance-evaluation period from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, supported by data from the 2019-2020 evaluation period. CWI said: “This allows for all players to be

the men’s team lead selector, said. “With general retainer contracts, it gives us a pool of talented and dedicated cricketers, who can take West Indies cricket forward in years to come.” “The selectors have placed a great focus on the young developing players because these are the ones who will help to build the team as we look towards the future,” women’s lead selector Ann Browne-John said. “The panel believes that the combination of experienced players and the emerging players will give a good base as we continue to prepare teams for international matches and the T20 World Cup early next year.” CWI added in the statement that “all players who are no longer awarded international retainer contracts are offered an A grade Regional Franchise Contract for the following year”. Full list of contracted players: West Indies Men: Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr. West Indies Women (*Denotes developmental contract): Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser *, Shabika Gajnabi *, Jannillea Glasgow *, Chinelle Henry, Mandy Mangru *, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Kaysia Schultz *, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams *

Romario Shepherd appraised immediately after the Evaluation Period and provides a notice period before new contracts start on July 01,, 2022. The system is designed to reward hard work and performance results.” “We think this is a dynamic group, with the right mixture of experience and youthfulness to properly represent the people of the Caribbean,” Desmond Haynes,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

NSC July-August swim camp aims to attract close to 1000 participants

In April, the Swim Camp attracted close to 400, and that number is expected to be doubled next month THE annual Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Swim Camp which is ogranised by the National Sports Commission (NSC), returns in mid-July and the aim is to attract close to 1,000 participants. The swim camp which is free of cost, caters for persons from six to 18 years, and, just like the April edition, it will be

held in Georgetown, Berbice and Linden. There will be a total of 10 sessions in Linden, from July 19 to August 10, while nine sessions will be held in Berbice from July 19 to August 5. In Georgetown, there will be 11 sessions from July 18 to August 12 with the venues being the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal and the

Colgrain Pool on Camp Street. Registration will commence on July 9 and can be done by calling the National Aquatic Centre (226-1306), Colgrain Pool (226-0387) or coach Paul Mahaica (615-5714). Usually, the camps are a platform for young swimmers to join clubs after and most times join the national ‘setup’.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday June 30, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shakib-Al-Hassan-138 runs (2) Kyle Mayers-153 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest individual score by a WI player in the recent Test series against Bangladesh? (2) What was the highest score by a Bangladeshi player? Answers in tomorrow’s issue …………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………..

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

‘Injury problems’ keep Hetmyer out of selection contention

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) Lead Selector, Desmond Haynes, has indicated that injuries have kept Shimron Hetmyer out of contention for selection to the white-ball leg of the tour by Bangladesh. Earlier in the year, Hetmyer made himself unavailable for West Indies selection due to the birth of his

child and has not represented the regional side since the failed World T20 campaign in the United Arab Emirates. Speaking Wednesday at a virtual press conference, Haynes was questioned on Hetmyer’s omission and stated, “Hetty’s report is that he is having some injury problems and we are hoping he can get himself fit to get

back into the colours of the West Indies.” Haynes was unable to say definitively when Hetymyer last did a fitness test but stated it might have been done prior to the Indian Premier League which started March 26 and ended May 29. In May Haynes told a virtual news conference that they were considering

GBTI OpenTennis serves off July 3

Hetmyer for selection of tours to the Netherlands and Pakistan but he informed them of the decision of his unavailability via email. It should be noted that Hetmyer left the IPL franchise, Rajasthan Royals for Guyana, for the birth of his child and returned to the IPL for the final set of matches. Then, the former opening batsman elaborated that they were in dialogue with players but were seeking those who were committed to West Indies cricket.

Lead Selector, Desmond Haynes “I hope that everybody et; we want to get results would understand that we for West Indies cricket and are reaching out to these we want to see West Indies players; as selectors, we cricket improving and we want to get the guys in- want people to be commitvolved in West Indies crick- ted to West Indies cricket.”

GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls’ League…

Chase Academy, Charlestown and East Ruimveldt secure wins

Public Relations and Marketing Manager of GBTI, Pamela Binda (left) presents the sponsorship cheque to GTA President, Cristy Campbell THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Open Tennis tournament will run from July 3-17 at the GBTI Tennis Court at Bel Air Park, and will see rivalry in the Boys and Girls Under-18, Ladies and Gentlemen Open, Over-35, Over-45, Novice, Ladies Open Doubles, Gentlemen Open Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The tournament is a partnership with the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) and, according to Public Relations and Marketing Manager of GBTI, Pamela

Binda, the alliance dates back to over 20 years, she stated while presenting a sponsorship cheque to GTA President Cristy Campbell at the bank’s head office in Kingston, Georgetown. Binda said: “GBTI is once again pleased to announce the sponsorship of our premier tennis tournament, the GBTI/GTA Tennis Open. The Open tournament was initiated in the 1980s and we continue to provide support to the sport. We see it [as] an investment in not just developing the skills and talents of the youths, but as an

investment that nurtures the sport and helping it to move from strength to strength as we see players excelling in and out of Guyana.” Campbell said the GTA is extremely appreciative of the long-standing support of GBTI, noting the annual sponsorship has gone a far way in aiding the growth and development of the racquet sport. Mexican Miguel Garcia and Cristy Campbell are the reigning Men’s and women’s champions respectively, having won their respective category in 2021.

Action in the GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls’ League THE Georgetown leg of the GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls’ League continued apace last weekend, with Chase Academy, Charlestown and East Ruimveldt securing comfortable wins in the historic first edition of the competition. Chase Academy overcame Campbellville United 3-1, thanks to a hat-trick from Marta Chance. Campbellville’s Ranella Alexander netted a consolation goal.

Charlestown Super Strikers beat Tutorial Thunders by four goals to one, with Akeelah Vancooten scoring a brace, Nelisa Bristol contributing with another strike, and an own goal from the Thunders’ Nekesa Beckles. Afrika Blackman got on the score sheet for the losing team. In the third game of the weekend, East Ruimveldt Empresses put four past Tutorial Thunders in a 4-1 victory. Dellanna Small notched two

goals, while Azaria Wilson and Fayon Harry making up the score line. Jada Mason found the back of the net for the Thunders. The league is Guyana’s first nationwide competition for girls in the U15 age group, and will be played out across the country as the Guyana Football Federation continues to build the necessary platform to develop football in a sustainable way for all.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

32 to represent Guyana at Commonwealth Games in Birmingham Kenisha Phillips (200m, 400m) and Joanna Archer (800m). TABLE TENNIS: Men – Shemar Britton (Singles, Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles), Christopher Franklin (Singles, Dou-

Team, Mixed Doubles), Natalie Cummings (Singles, Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles), Priscila Greaves (Singles, Doubles, Team) and Thuraia Thomas (Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles).

Aaliyah Abrams Thirty-two athletes will represent Guyana at the 22nd hosting of the Commonwealth Games, which will take place in Birmingham, England, from July 28 -August 8. According to the official list from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), the country’s athletes will come from the disciplines of track and field, cycling, boxing, swimming, badminton and squash. Guyana, competing at the previous 18 Commonwealth Games, amassed a total of 16 medals inclusive of four gold. Troy Doris’ 2018 gold in the men’s triple jump was the

country’s lone medal at the games held on the Australian Gold Coast. Please see full list of athletes below (coaches and officials will be made known at the official team-announcement by the GOA) TRACK AND FIELD: Men’s team– Emmanuel Archibald (Long Jump, 100m, 4X100m), Arinze Chance (200m, 400m, 4X100m), Akeem Stewart (100m, 200m, 4X100m), Noelex Holder (100m, 200m, 4X100m) and Quamel Prince (800m). Women’s team – Chantoba Bright (Triple Jump), Jasmine Abrams (100m), Aaliyah Abrams (200m, 400m),

100m Freestyle). Women – Patrice Mahaica (50m Backstroke, 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle) and Aleka Persaud (50m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle). SQUASH: Men – Jason-Ray Khalil (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles) and Shomari Wiltshire (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles). Women – Ashley Khalil (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles) and, Mary FungA-Fat (Singles, Doubles,

Mixed Doubles). BOXING: Keevin Allicock (Featherweight), Desmond Amsterdam (Middleweight) and Colin Lewis (Welterweight). BADMINTON: Men – Narayan Ramdhani (Singles, Mixed Doubles) Women’s – Priyanna Ramdhani (Single, Mixed Doubles) CYCLING: Christopher Griffith (Time Trial, Road Race)

Emmanuel Archibald bles, Team, Mixed Doubles), Johnathan Van Lange (Singles, Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles) and Joel Alleyne (Doubles, Team). Wo m e n – C h e l s e a Edghill (Singles, Doubles,

SWIMMING: Men – Paul Mahaica (50m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle) and Sekhel Tzedeq (50m Backstroke, 50m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke,

Aleka Persaud

Five Guyanese women earn CWI International contracts 32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 30, 2022

…Romario Shepherd lone male

SEE PAGE

Shemaine Campbelle

Cherry-Ann Fraser

Shabika Gajnabi

32 to represent Guyana at Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

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Chelsea Edghill

Romario Shepherd

Mandy Mangru

Kaycia Schultz

‘Injury problems’ keep Hetmyer out of selection contention SEE PAGE

Keevin Allicock

Shimron Hetmyer Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

| THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022