Issuu

4th April, 2021

, No.106320

Multimillion-dollar milk plant for Onverwagt –– investor targets local milk-import bill of US$35M

–– says will eventually reverse Guyana’s role in Caribbean dairy market, making it the supplier See story on page 03

Most deep-water oil resources to come from Guyana, few other countries

PAGE

Recovery roadmap being crafted to address GNNL’s dire state of affairs

A TREASURED TRADITION! Kite-flying at Easter is a unique Guyanese tradition, and even though the COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from celebrating the occasion in our usual extravagance, this father-son duo will not miss out on the opportunity to create memories and bond over wholesome experiences, albeit in a socially distanced manner. They were pictured on Saturday purchasing kites on Regent Street, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

PAGE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

$488M saved with solar panels on gov’t buildings –– seven new solar farms, 10 mini grids to be installed over next three years By Vishani Ragobeer

THE integration of solar energy systems on government buildings has resulted in $488M in annual savings, and more than 6,000 tons of reduced annual carbon dioxide emissions, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr. Mahendra Sharma. While speaking at a recent virtual forum titled: “Renewable Energy and Guyana: Opportunities for Investment”, which was organised by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), Dr. Sharma noted that, over the past seven years, the GEA facilitated the installation of more than five megawatts (MW) of new solar panels on 291 government buildings. Following the installation, it was found that $488M had been garnered in annual savings.

Some of the buildings powered by this mechanism include the Ministry of Education in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the Leonora Fire Station in Region Three, the National Insurance Scheme in Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Golden Grove Secondary school in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and the Bartica Hospital in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The cost saved through the use of these solar-powered systems was in keeping with the GEA’s mandate, Dr. Sharma highlighted. Additionally, he related, “Over the years, we’ve been tendering projects and what we’ve seen is a gradual reduction in the cost.” He noted that the first national 400-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) farm was recently completed at Mabaruma, Region

The Ministry of Education, in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) equipped with the solar panel system (Guyana Energy Agency photo) He explained that the solar energy systems installed were connected to the national grid supply. Through this system, the panel would capture energy from the sun and that energy goes into the grid-tied inverter, which utilises the solar energy and energy from the power grid to power the building it is installed on.

One (Barima-Waini. Efforts were underway to establish similar solar farms in Bartica, Mahdia, Lethem and Leguan. In fact, the CEO highlighted that the solar farms at Bartica and Lethem have already been tendered and those projects are likely to be completed by the end of this year, if there are no major issues.

Meanwhile, the solar farms at Mahdia and at Leguan, will be tendered this year. NEW PROJECTS “In the next three years, we will be installing seven new solar farms and 10 new solar mini grids, installing more than 39 MW of new solar power in the form of farms and mini grids,” Dr. Sharma highlighted, too. These solar projects are expected to provide energy to communities across the country, to add to the ongoing works being done to integrate solar technologies into the energy mix. Already, solar-powered street lights have been installed in hinterland areas. These works add to the separate hinterland electrification project, which is expected to provide energy to some 30,000 houses in rural and hinterland regions. Recently, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, highlighted that approval for the US$10 million line-of-credit that will be used for the electrification project geared at providing self-dependent solar power to the 30,000 houses was expected to come on stream soon. Dr. Srinivasa noted that once approval is granted, the High Commission will work with the local authorities to start the process with the Exim Bank of India for the pre-qualification of the project. After that process is completed, it is expected that Guyana would be able to work on the procurement of the equipment needed for the project. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his address to launch the month-long Amerindian Heritage observances in September 2020, had said that the US$10M would be reprogrammed towards reintroducing solar panels, and the One Laptop per Family (OLPF) programmes in Amerindian villages across the country. Beyond this project, President Ali recently noted that plans are afoot to make Guyana a major energy player and, possibly, the energy capital of the region, through the utilisation of an energy mix of solar, wind, hydro and natural gas. The integration of those energy sources will provide Guyana with 400 MW of newly installed power. As it is now, the national grid is providing 120 MW of electricity, an amount which is equal to the consumer demand of 117-120 MW of power. In tan-

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr. Mahendra Sharma dem with the President’s focus, Dr. Sharma highlighted that the GEA is also undertaking several hydropower initiatives, in various region. Already, a 20KW hydropower project has been completed in Hosororo, in Region One. Now, the GEA will be constructing a 150 KW hydropower project in Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). This project, according to the CEO, should be completed in the first quarter of 2022. Shortly, tenders will be put out for similar projects in Moco-Moco and Kumu, both in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Meanwhile, at the AmCham forum, Director of Industrial Energy at the The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Dr. G Rudra Narsimha Rao, emphasised that a large potential exists in Guyana’s renewable energy sector. Key areas for development, according to him, include: large scale cogeneration potential across sugar and rice industries; fuel ethanol for blending gasoline, large scale hydro power projects for the expansion and the growth; solar PV project to strengthen the grid; industrial roof solar PV projects, and rice-husk- based power generation projects.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Multimillion-dollar milk plant for Onverwagt –– investor targets local milk import bill of US$35M

–– says will eventually reverse Guyana’s role in the Caribbean dairy market, making it the supplier By Navendra Seoraj CHANGING the game in the lucrative Caribbean dairy market is the ultimate aim of the Canada-based Amaya Milk Company, but, for now, the company will be making a revolutionary investment in the local market with the establishment of a multimillion-dollar milk processing plant at Onverwagt, in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). In a matter of months, Guyanese, instead of relying solely on foreign-made milk, would be able to crack open the seal of a freshly produced bottle of Mahaica Dairy Milk - the premier brand of the Amaya Milk Company. The path was cleared for the company to establish its base locally, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the Amaya Milk Company, the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) and the Ministry of Agriculture. According to information shared with the Sunday Chronicle, the MoU, which was signed on March 31, 2021, paves the way for the establishment of a milk plant to process, bottle and sell high quality pasteurised cow’s milk in the Guyana market. The company has wasted no time in further expressing its seriousness, as its Managing Director, Omkaar Sharma, has said that some CAN$450,000 (G$85 million) was expended already on equipment to outfit the milk pasteurisation facility, which will be constructed soon. “We have so far invested CAN$450,000

Managing Director of the Amaya Milk Company, Omkaar Sharma, and CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, hold what is expected to be a revolutionary product and huge boost to the local dairy industry (Adrian Narine photo) on equipment which is dards, so as to produce packed on a boat and milk of an unmatched on its way to Guyana,” quality,” Sharma said. Sharma told the Sunday Once the market is reChronicle in an invited sponsive, the company, comment. in about two years, will The equipment, he move ahead with phase said, is expected here two of the project, for by April 15, while more which CAN$1 million has should arrive in Guyana been budgeted. by mid-May. Sharma “We are not expecting explained that this proj- that [phase two] until a ect will be rolled out in year or two… the chaltwo phases, with the first lenge we have now is we phase focusing specifi- do not have enough milk cally on the production of to support a large facility, milk. For this phase, the but as we get up on the company has budgeted supply side to feed the CAN$500,000. plant, it will be expandDuring the initial stage ed,” Sharma reasoned. of the project, the comUndoubtedly, the fapany will be producing cility will not just create whole milk and two per direct jobs, but will also cent milk, after which give local cattle farmers they will be making fla- the opportunity to sell voured milk, specifically their produce and even strawberry and chocolate, increase their production among other unique fla- to satisfy the demand. vours. Through a collective busi“At Amaya Milk Com- ness effort, the facility pany, we will be produc- will no doubt be able to ing fresh pasteurised milk meet consumer demand, in a state-of-the-art milk the investor said, adding plant utilising cutting edge that it has always peeved technology, along with him to see the local marstringent quality stan- ket being dominated by

foreign-made products, when there is clearly great potential locally to produce the same items. “I’ve worked on milk plants in Canada, the US and in the Caribbean region, and have always wanted to be able to put that knowledge and experience towards the development of the dairy industry in Guyana. “It is wanting to provide nutritious milk, and while the initial target will be the local market, as we grow, we are eyeing the regional market and hopefully we could reverse the trend of us [Guyana] buying most of our dairy products… we could push yogurt, a little bit of cheese, paneer, cream, and we could start taking a little bit of that [to the Caribbean] market,” Sharma said. In essence, bringing a local brand to the shelves of variety stores and the homes of thousands nationwide would not be the sole aim of the company, as there is a wider intention to reduce the country’s high milk import bill, which was last recorded at US$35 million per annum. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Peter Ramsaroop, has said that there is a ready-market for the Amaya Milk Company’s investment. “That the Amaya Milk Company is seeking to establish its operations here in Guyana is indeed a pioneering move that is timely and relevant. This investment is precisely the kind we want to see coming from the diaspora. “One of our aims at Go-Invest is to foster diaspora investment in ag-

ricultural value chains in small and medium sized agri-businesses. We at Go-Invest look forward to more investments from our Guyanese diaspora so

Amaya Milk Company’s Mahaica Dairy Milk will soon hit the local market (Adrian Narine photo) that together we can build a prosperous Guyana,” Ramsaroop said. While this investment is significant, the CEO said that there should be more investors in the sector. “We are looking for investors in other parts of the country to expand this industry… the overall dairy industry is a lucrative market for investors and we expect to see a lot more like this in the near future,” Ramsaroop related. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, in a past report, had said that a dairy plant would be a significant boost for local farmers since they have been lacking such technologies and facilities.

“The Ministry of Agriculture indeed takes pride to welcome such investments and encourages our local farmers to take full advantage of this kind of facility,” the agriculture minister said, adding that it would also increase Guyana’s exports. For years, Guyana’s ‘potential’ to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean has been under the spotlight and while the rhetoric has outweighed action on this front, the country will be looking to realise its potential in the coming years, with immediate focus on tapping at least 15 per cent of the US$6 billion regional food import bill. Most of the commodities, which form part of this huge bill, are sourced from the “developed world” while Guyana, a member state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has the potential to supply a sizeable amount of those commodities. It was reported that ten commodities – food preparations, wheat, rice, chicken, non-alcoholic beverages, maize, soya bean, sugar and palm oil — account for more than 40 per cent of CARICOM’s food import bill. Immediately, based on this list, Guyana has the potential to supply rice, sugar and poultry, among many other things. And, there have already been attempts by government to create a business-friendly environment by removing Value Added Tax (VAT) on the poultry industry and removing VAT and duties on machinery and equipment for mining, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Recovery roadmap being crafted to address GNNL’s dire state of affairs

A ‘ROADMAP’for recovery is being developed as part of efforts to ensure that the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) remains capable of remaining a viable operation. This undertaking is particularly important given that hundreds of persons depend, directly and indirectly, on the company. The company’s new Board of Directors, working closely with management, has taken steps to analyse the company’s state of affairs and implement measures to address problematic concerns. Some of the existing challenges facing GNNL are, but not limited to, lawsuits, consequences of past mismanagement and the possibility of a financial crisis. From August 2020 to date, the new management team and Board of Directors have rolled out cost-recovery measures with the aim of staving off a financial crisis that could place almost 100 employees on the breadline. In the area of management, efforts are moving apace to strengthen the management team of GNNL and improve measures to bolster accountability and transparency. The management team was advised by the Board of Directors to roll out initiatives that would also boost circulation and, by extension, revenues, as well as respond to the needs of stakeholders and customers. Among these initiatives are the introduction of a

quarterly supplement that boasts a focus on national development and a business supplement. Further, to avoid additional court challenges, the Board took steps to introduce training sessions on libel and defamation – sessions that were open to other State entities. Other training is also on the cards. LAWSUITS Among the past occurrences referenced by the General Manager was a deviation from the standard operating procedures and editorial policy, over the past five years, which exposed the GNNL to millions of dollars in liabilities. Those actions, some of which were directly influenced by officials of the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition administration, exposed GNNL to a slew of legal suits and losses, which continue to negatively impact the company’s ability to meet the demands of the staff and, by extension, customers. Amidst the slew of claims for defamation and libel, judgements have been awarded against GNNL to the tune of over $50 million. Some of the judgements against GNNL include Yokohama Trading, where the court awarded $12.5 million; Pasha Global, where the court awarded $12.5 million; and Clifton Bacchus, where the court

awarded $27.5 million. In these cases alone, GNNL was exposed to claims for over $6 billion. The Board of Directors of GNNL has since conducted an investigation into the numerous lawsuits, the incidences of conflict of interest of the legal teams

the claims, Justice George ordered Burke to pay a total of $400,000 in court costs to the named respondents. While the respondents in the case would have benefitted financially, it was the opposite for GNNL, which incurred an unwarranted expense of $7

Granger; the former APNU+AFC administration and, at the same time, offered considerable space to letters from persons critical of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Compared to the Guyana Chronicle, the privately owned Guyana Times

General Manager of GNNL, Moshamie Ramotar, when asked to comment, said: “We are working hard to realise a turn-around in terms of the company’s finances, and to ensure that there is no recurrence of what took place in the past, bearing in mind that we have an obligation to our employees and to ensure that their welfare is protected. We are committed to this task. With the support of our board and stakeholders, we are confident that the task we have set ourselves will be accomplished.” representing both claimants and the defendant, and the authorship and board responsibility for the offensive articles that resulted in the lawsuits. Further, following one of the several lawsuits against GNNL, the company, acting on external directives, made a decision that was not in its best interest. The company was ordered by the former Prime Minister’s office to pay $7 million to the claimant. After the payout was made, Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, dismissed the very lawsuit which was the basis for the payout. The judgement was dated July 15, 2020, but the agreement for the payout was done prior to the ruling. The legal suit in reference was filed by Rickford Burke and it was extended to other media agencies as well. The Chief Justice ruled that Burke led no evidence to support the actions brought and resultantly could not substantiate claims that his reputation was damaged in any way. In dismissing

million. INTERFERENCE The deviation from the editorial policy of the company was reportedly influenced by those politicians who had utilised GNNL as a public relations mechanism to execute their agenda. This was particularly evident during the impasse following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. In this regard, the glaring bias in the Guyana Chronicle’s reporting during the electoral process was cited by the European Union (EU) Election Observer Mission (EOM) in its final report on Guyana’s General and Regional elections. The EU’s EOM conducted a quantitative and qualitative media monitoring of a sample of broadcast and print media. Based on the report, which was issued on June 5, 2020, the state-owned newspaper devoted 83 per cent of its news coverage to the former President David

newspaper dedicated 51 per cent coverage to the coalition and 47 per cent to the PPP/C, while coverage provided by both the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News – also private entities – was described by the EU’s EOM as “rather balanced.” MISMANAGEMENT Past actions have also affected GNNL’s current operations, given that there were financial consequences of mismanagement of GNNL’s resources prior to August 2020. A series of indiscriminate spending was particularly evident between June 2018 and September 2018, when the company had at its helm, a manager, who is a known member of the APNU+AFC Coalition. Notable infractions during that period were so great that the company’s Board of Directors at that time – comprised mainly of known affiliates of the APNU+AFC – had to commission a special audit of the activities.

This was done by Chateram Ramdihal Chartered Accountants. The audit firm was formally asked by the Board of Directors to conduct a special audit on the overall management and governance of the GNNL in the areas of financial management, human resource management and administrative management for the period June 1, 2018 to September 10, 2018. The objective of the audit was to determine whether there were mismanagement / excessive spending of funds and whether funds were expended in accordance with relevant principles, rules and regulations, and internal control procedures. It was revealed that $5,460,897 was spent without proper adherence to the company’s policy. WAY FORWARD The mounting liabilities, coupled with the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other challenges, are not only restricting the company’s ability to provide salary increases and conduct other critical administrative and infrastructure work, but also driving the entity to insolvency. Nonetheless, the GNNL’s Board of Directors and current management have assured stakeholders that no effort will be spared to secure the success of the company and, by extension, its employees and stakeholders. This assurance came even as calls are being made for accountability from those responsible for past actions that imperiled the operations of the entity.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Most deep-water oil resources to come from Guyana, few other countries

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S role in the global petroleum industry could be bigger than it appears on the surface, as an analysis done by global energy research and consultancy group, Wood Mackenzie, shows that the country is among five nations which will produce most of the remaining deep-water oil resources. According to the group’s analysis, oil and gas will play a significant role in meeting energy demands for decades to come, especially with the upstream industry expecting to fill the 450 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BoE) of undeveloped supply needed by 2040. “Today, there is no resource shortage overall, but the supply opportunity is overshadowed because the industry has a lot more supply than demand. This means only the best oil – the most advantaged resources – makes it to the market,” Wood Mackenzie said in its study. An analysis performed by Wood Mackenzie’s new Lens Subsurface Discovery solution – a one-of-a-kind repository of global subsurface data – recently revealed how granular detail such as porosity, depth, and gross depositional environment (GDE) can pinpoint locations with the best reservoirs, and ultimately, the best oil and gas. With actionable insights now available at the push of a button, investors and operators can position portfolios as competitively as possible, the group related. In the case of Wood Mackenzie’s analysis, understanding what attributes impact oil-recovery factors helped answer their pointed question, “Which countries have the best performing deep-water reservoirs?” “We found that 80 per cent of the remaining deep-water oil resources will come from five countries (Brazil, the U.S., the Gulf of Mexico, Guyana, Nigeria, and Angola). Therefore, understanding the quality of their reservoirs is key to identifying who has the best oil,” Vice-President of Subsurface Research for Wood Mackenzie, Dr Andrew Latham, is quoted as saying in a report from Wood Mackenzie. Guyana attracted international attention after ExxonMobil made the first commercial discovery of oil

offshore Guyana in 2015 and started production in December 2019. In September 2020, ExxonMobil made its 18th discovery offshore Guyana at the Redtail-1 well. According to the second largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalisation, NASDAQ, Guyana with its estimated recoverable resources of about nine billion barrels of oil equivalents is projected to be among the world’s largest per capita oil producers by 2025. Data from Norwegian independent energy research and business intelligence firm, Rystad Energy, suggests that close to 300 million barrels of oil equivalent has been discovered on average for each exploration well (wildcat and appraisal) drilled in the country over the past six years. This aside, with around 16 exploration wells planned, including some in riskier frontier regions, 2021 holds a lot of promise, Rystad Energy said. ExxonMobil, operator of the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur blocks offshore Guyana, will be spearheading the local exploration activities, having already set an ambitious divestment target of $15 billion by expelling mature assets in Asia, Europe and Africa, so as to prioritise investments in “high-value” assets such as Stabroek. According to Rystad Energy, the company’s drilling

The Liza Destiny FPSO

activity will focus on “firming up” resources in the southeastern part of the Stabroek Block, where deeper plays have been observed underneath the existing discoveries. ExxonMobil’s first offshore Guyana project at the Stabroek Block, Liza Phase One, began producing in late 2019, well ahead of the industry average for development time. Liza Phase Two remains on track to begin producing oil by early 2022. Liza Phase Two will produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates, using the Liza Unity FPSO. Recently, the oil giant, following an agreement with the Government of Guyana, decided to proceed with the Payara field development offshore Guyana. Payara is ExxonMobil’s third project in the Stabroek Block, and is expected to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, after start-up in

2024, using the FPSO vessel. The US$9 billion development will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels. Oil production is undoubtedly contributing significantly to local growth, but the World Bank has cautioned Guyana that risks related to the management of wealth generated from the sector remain. “Guyana will be challenged to transform its burgeoning oil wealth into human capital, physical capital, and financial assets for broad-

based welfare increases,” the World Bank cautioned in its recently published semi-annual report on the Latin American and Caribbean Region. The country’s oil-andgas-sector is already pumping finances into its Natural Resources Fund (NRF), with some US$61,090,968 (approximately G$13B) being earned from the sale of the nation’s fifth oil lift. The government, in keeping with its commitment to accountability and transparency in the petroleum sector, has announced

that the country received its latest payment after the sale of 997,420 barrels of oil which were lifted from ExxonMobil’s Liza Destiny on February 5, 2021. The nation, new to the petroleum sector, sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million. In its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million, US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude, and US$49.3 million from its fourth oil lift. Based on a consolidation of all the lifts to date, the country has sold 5,009,797 barrels of oil valuing US$246,542,662. The country is anticipating its sixth lift within the next two weeks. Along with the earnings from the oil lifts and over US$21 million in royalties and interest, Guyana has close to US$267,668,709 in its NRF, at the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Local content and the business environment GUYANA is on the verge of becoming a giant investment hub, as the Government seeks to unfold opportunities to drive economic activities within the country. The discovery of oil here five years ago has led to the continuous creation of opportunities to enhance economic development in Guyana, and provide a significantly better standard of living for all Guyanese. This has prompted the development of the Local Content Policy (LCP), which will aid in local businesses benefitting from foreign direct investments to improve business operations. The LCP is developed in relation to the petroleum sector, which is the main contributor to the exposure of the other sectors to additional benefits for the country. The policy allows for the Guyanese people to benefit from the petroleum sector, either directly through employment of our people and suppliers of local goods and services, or indirectly through the provision of training and services that will influence other sectors. The Government of Guyana is committed, now more than ever, to driving economic activity within the country. Due to the many opportunities for Guyana to develop itself, the Government seeks to provide assistance by putting measures in place to enable business

owners to overcome their local trade barriers, and improve and increase their business operations. The President and his team outlined on many occasions that there are opportunities available in the health, education, service, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and infrastructure sectors. However, the private sector is expected to take the country to higher economic levels, as it possesses the requisite talent, skills, knowledge and mindset to invest in big projects that will not only be profitable, but also create extended opportunities for Guyanese, such as high-quality goods and services and jobs. The government is investing in providing education of higher levels and training for its people to be properly equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute towards the development of the economy. As can be seen around the world, technological advancements are taking over business operations for their obvious benefits of efficiency and cost effectiveness. The world’s competitive nature will keep increasing, as innovative minds around the globe will generate ideas that will make life easier in ways for all which will come at a cost. These investments will also be in sync with the UN Sustainable

Development Goals, which means that our traditional operation mechanisms will eventually come to an end, as the cost of maintenance will not be economically viable. Therefore, we have to prepare ourselves now to adapt to those changes that will be unfolded in the future, or we will be left behind. Guyana has to be able to become self-sustainable, and provide a better future for tomorrow’s leaders. Bearing this in mind, Guyanese need to take steps in equipping themselves with the relevant skills and resources to take advantage of the opportunities that will unfold, and assist in developing the country. The way in which businesses are currently being conducted in Guyana needs to be reformed. The traditional family-owned businesses that are solely operating to make ends meet for their homes need to think on a wider capacity of the country at large. These small business owners must commit themselves to taking risks to expand and diversify their operations, and improve their standards and quality of outcome that make their services highly competitive in nature, while at the same time meet the demands of the local markets and international markets on a larger scale. If the small family-owned businesses continue to operate on a lower scale, then Guyana will

take a longer time to develop into a resilient country. Our people need to invest in innovative ideas that can help Guyana become less dependent on imported products, and provide a small margin for foreign companies to come into the country to provide services that can easily be provided locally. The Government of Guyana will assist potential business investors by creating an environment where partnerships can be formed with foreign investors to fund the expansion projects. For this reason, the Government of Guyana is also working towards providing access to education to Guyanese in every corner of the country, on all levels, so that they are properly prepared. Young professionals need to do away with the idea of receiving a better life abroad, and remain in Guyana to contribute their skills in enhancing economic development. The young minds need to contribute to Guyana’s history by developing the country’s resources in innovative ways, and assist Guyana in adapting to the changes of the future. The President has always emphasised that young professionals are our leaders of tomorrow, and so Guyana needs them more than ever in developing the country.

Guyanese are delighted and grateful for the international recognition of the 2020 elections results Dear Editor, EASTER’S Greetings to all Guyanese! May the hope and promise of this auspicious occasion serve to inspire the necessary molding commitments that continue to harmonise unite our nation! At the time of penning this article, it is one month since that faithful March 02, 2020 elections day, when our citizens demonstrated affirmatively against the mushrooming oppression of the previous PNC/APNU+AFC regime. Subsequently, our country became a spectacle of global focus demanding the attention of the most powerful advocates of democratic rights. The final true results were only affirmed after five gruelling months later, with the strong united front from local protectors of democracy and the help of the international community. No doubt, the strategic and constructive leadership of the PPP/C General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, together with our new President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, proved to be visionary. Guyana’s path is now clearer and Guyanese are certainly delighted, happy, and grateful for the support of the US State Department, Canada, the European Community, the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and other countries for their recognition of the 2020 elections results. The vile nature of the PNC-led APNU+AFC

cabal was on full public display as they attempted to upturn the true result of the elections. Corroborating the clandestine operations were infiltrated elements of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) including senior administrative personnel under the control of a tainted Chief Elections Officer. The US Human Rights report addressing the matter refers to the APNU+AFC’s blatant and contemptuous refusal to accept the results of the National and Regional Elections held on the March 2, 2020. Further, the report condemns the APNU+AFC reaction to the passing of the successful no-confidence motion and also chided the approach of the judiciary which lead to the procrastination of elections in Guyana. Matters such as these, however, were manipulated to influence the turbulent five months in which the APNU+AFC squatted in office as a de facto government. During the period, the Guyanese people had to live with serious police excessive, which led to the brutal murder of several persons. Our country became a hallow of itself under the flagrant violations but was certainly focused on having this situation resolved peacefully. Guyana certainly set the pace regarding the peaceful approaches to struggle for free and fair elections. This, however, could not have been achieved without the tremendous support from observer missions and international organisations, and the wider diplomatic community. Certainly,

the superior leadership of Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo served as a mold uniting all the forces in Guyana in the struggle for free and fair elections. Guyana must join with the world and condemn the brutal murder of peaceful protesters in Myanmar (Burma) for a similar cause. At this juncture, the PPP/C Government must lead the mobilisations and commence consultations with the wide stakeholder groups of civil society, to ensure that we put in place all the necessary electoral reforms to stop all forms of rigging. The PPP/C must implement legislative reforms that require a simple majority in Parliament. GECOM must ensure actions are taken to realign the functionality of the organisation with our constitutional ideals for acceptability. The differentiation of roles and functional responsibilities between the GECOM Secretariat and the Commission must distinctly be defined as we can no longer risk the abusive capitalisation on vague legal interpretations. Further, given the Guyana peculiarities, the Chairperson of GECOM must assert herself, face the reality and cleanse GECOM of all the riggers who are before the courts for fraud. There must be explicitly clear distinctions between the GECOM Commission and the Secretariat. Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined in keeping with our laws and regulations.

Further, circulars, contracts, job descriptions, job specifications must be put in writing. Reforms must take into consideration: administrative, financial, accountability, procurement, audit as well as adjustment of disciplinary penalties to sufficiently deter all wrongdoings. GECOM must put on its agenda, Local Government Elections (LGEs) scheduled for this year. Standard operational procedures have to be activated, to put in place appropriately competent staff and operationalise the necessary new period of continuous registration, followed by a period of claims and objections. This will cleanse and update the voter’s list realising an acceptable position for the commission to proceed. GECOM must get down to the serious task of employing staff that will win the trust and confidence of the nation. The training of staff must be objective and never be allowed again, to be infiltrated by the PNC cabal. Therefore, stakeholders’ concern with the attitude and performance of the election day staff must be also addressed and remedied for the successful execution of the LGEs this year. We will forever be grateful for the contribution to and recognition by the US and international community of our 2020 election results. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Coalition continues to lead supporters down a rabbit hole Dear Editor, IN a functioning democracy, the role of the opposition is to scrutinise and hold the government accountable for good governance. The opposition APNU Coalition in its present form has abdicated its responsibility of representing the people who voted for them and the remainder that continues to support them. What is the strategy to mobilise and represent people and return to government? If this is the intention of this current outfit, then even with 30/30 vision this cannot be seen. During the last election, the party led its members down a rabbit hole, and at the end of that saga to today they are only leading their followers down a path of destruction. In Guyana, the two major political parties draw their support from the two major ethnic blocs. While not ideal for the building of a cohesive society, this is a demographic re-

ality that is rooted in the historical evolution of Guyana as a nation state. The difference with the APNU Coalition is that they believe they have a right to the support of the Afro Guyanese whether or not their representation and support is effective and productive. In this new era, the Coalition needs to draw support based on effective service and genuine representation rather than relying on ethnic insecurities. I have never been a fan of Anil Nandlall, but he made some stinging accusations of misrepresentation of the Afro Guyanese in his 2021 budget contribution that are still to be answered by the Coalition. The so-called Leader of the PNC/R and Coalition has disappeared since the March 2020 election, and has not even addressed the 217,000 people who voted for the Coalition. Many of these voters are drawn from underprivileged and underserved Afro communities. If the Coalition is serious and gen-

uine about representation of Afro Guyanese people, why are they silent in those areas. Interestingly the void is being filled by PPP/C Government ministers who have demonstrated a ‘boots on the ground’ approach to communities and governance. There are examples of them fulfilling community requests with record speed. This is the modern age of social media and the Internet, and telling people that you are entitled to their support based on their demographic circumstances will not hold water. Service to the people and tangible actions that result in human, economic, and community development will translate into support. I am in no position to accurately pronounce on how genuine the support of the government is for these communities, but once people receive tangible support and see real development in their communities the pendulum will swing away from the Coalition to the government. It is even further noteworthy that the Coalition followed up with some action after one of their MPs alleged assault at the hands of a government minister, and another former official under that administration was arrested for alleged misconduct. The opposition Coalition

MPs’ actions after these events showed their true colours when it comes to the representation of people. Suddenly they were no longer paper tigers and a press statement opposition, but they swung into action. So obsessed were they with the defence of their MP that they danced and shouted in the Parliament while abdicating their responsibility to scrutinise the budget estimates, and ensure that the same Afro Guyanese communities were receiving their fair share of the national pie. Is it that you are only entitled to representation and protest action when you occupy/occupied high and favoured office? It was a shameful display of favouring elites over the rank-and-file supporters and ordinary Afro Guyanese people. The nature of Guyana’s ethnic structure and the insecurities require a strong advocate for Afro- Guyanese, who form the major political bloc that do not support the government. The opposition is sacrificing this genuine representation on the altar of personal advancement. Yours truly, Jerrick Rutherford

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

PM’s rep. in Region 2 distributes kites to children THE Prime Minister representative in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Arnold Adams, last week, distributed kites to scores of children from various communities, as Guyana observes the Easter weekend. Kites were distributed to children in the Onderneeming Sand Pit area, Good Hope

and Lima Sands communities. Adams said it was his intention to distribute over 600 kites to the children for the season. He said Easter was special, and, as such, he believed it's an opportune time to spread good cheer. Adams said that many parents cannot afford a kite, especially during the pandemic, and, as

Prime Minister Representative, Region Two, Arnold Adams, distributes kites to children at Onderneeming

such, he was happy that he was able to donate same. “As a kid, I loved Easter and I always looked forward of getting a kite; as such I am here in the various communities to spread

the joy. It is the responsibility of my office to help unfortunate children at this time and put a smile on the faces of children for the holiday,” Adams explained.

Baby with heart defect needs urgent help DIAGNOSED with a cyanotic congenital heart defect, little Rodas Lakhan is fighting against time to stay alive, as urgent financial intervention is needed to get him the treatment he desires, which cannot be administered locally. According to the University of Michigan, cyanotic heart defects are defects that allow oxygen-rich blood and oxygen-poor blood to mix. In cyanotic heart defects, less oxygen-rich blood reaches the tissues of the body. This results in the development of a bluish tint (cyanosis) to the skin, lips, and nail beds. Most importantly, without proper treatment and care, critical cyanotic congenital heart disease could be deadly. In baby Lakhan’s case, he is suffering from Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) with pulmonary atresia. This, according to the Boston’s Children Hospital, is a more severe form of ToF. It is a congenital condition, which means it is something with which one is born. The Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) has taken on Lakhan’s case and is attempting to coordinate timely treatment for the toddler. As it is now, the baby is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), Paediatric Cardiology Clinic. “Despite his doctors’ incredible efforts to treat Rodas, his condition is getting worse as time passes. Therefore, time is of the essence, and we need your help to create a miracle for this child to travel outside of Guyana for urgent medical treatment to help save his life,” the SHEA Foundation said in a post on its Facebook Page.

Baby Rodas Lakhan

Further, the foundation said: “We have secured treatment for baby Rodas and we are currently working on his transfer. However, we are in great need of financial support to make his treatment possible. Please donate, invite your friends to this fundraiser, and share his story urgently.” Persons desirous of making a donation could do so by visiting the foundation’s website, https://savinghandsemergencyaid.org/rodas-lakhan, or depositing funds directly to the Demerara Bank account of the foundation’s Director, Lori Narine, through account number 006002041325. In a disclaimer, the foundation said SHEA Charity does not solicit funds by asking for cash, in-person donations. Donations are only permitted through online platforms which are shared on the foundation’s Facebook page.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Bartica boat captain caught with cocaine POLICE seized 2,609 grammes of suspected cocaine from a Bartica boat captain on Friday, while he was in a passenger boat at Parika, East Bank Essequibo. According to a police report, ranks, who were working at the Bartica Stelling, approached the suspect and took him to the Bartica Police Station where a search was conducted on the dark blue backpack he had in his possession. In it, police discovered four black plastic bags, each containing a large quantity of transparent plastic bags

sporting several large pieces of whitish rock-like substance, suspected to be the illicit drug. The suspect, after being arrested and informed of the offence, reportedly told the arresting officers that he collected the cocaine from a “red man” at Parika. He was expected to deliver it to another person at Bartica who was later arrested. The second suspect has so far denied the allegation. The cocaine has been lodged as investigations continue.

The cocaine seized by law enforcement from the Bartica boat captain

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Easter, US report and those court cases TODAY, Guyanese will celebrate the Easter Holidays with a renewed sense of hope while reflecting on the death and resurrection of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is an apt time when persons from various backgrounds come together as “one” celebrating the season with much enthusiasm and the usual cheer. Only this time, Guyanese will have to be very careful about where they go, what they do, and how they celebrate because of the global pandemic – COVID-19 – which is still very much wreaking havoc, claiming lives and infecting millions the world over. Expectedly, Guyanese will follow the advice of the professionals at COVID-19 Task Force and avoid coming into contact with huge crowds or crowded places. Also, they will hopefully have their masks on and observe the COVID-19 regulations and guidelines which are in place to protect each and every citizen. But it is anticipated that this Easter will see the usual mouth-watering Guyanese meals and drinks being consumed. The church services will continue with sermons and praises about the life led by Jesus and his disciples. As we celebrate the season, special emphasis must be placed on the 2020 US Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Guyana. This report offers a horror-filled tale of human rights infractions, excesses, abuses, injustices and wrongs perpetrated under the watch of the David Granger regime. The Irfaan Ali Administration that came to power in August that year inherited and has changed many of the things that are mentioned in that report by delivering robust policies that are modern and will advance social and human justice. But perhaps, the most damming finding of the entire report came when it revealed that the David Granger regime did not want to concede its election loss to the PPP/C. The report points out, interestingly, how they frustrated the process and delayed what was inevitably known by the world – the PPP/C won the elections by 15, 000 votes. Mr Granger and the PNC/APNU grouping should ultimately hang their heads in shame for they committed this dastard and undemocratic act. They must

know that it will be the “great story” that will be told by the Guyanese community, international community, local observers and regional observer groups. One can choose to ignore it and continue telling “the big lie” about how the PPP/C came to power in 2020 but what one cannot do is concoct the fact. And as history records it, every time the propogandists or intellectual authors in opposition try to swing it, it will remain steadfast and true – you lied and attempted rigging the polls. This revelation, also, is testimony to how the PPP/C and the people of Guyana felt. Therefore, it makes ample sense that PPP/C should investigate every single allegation of election meddling, charge all persons necessary and put them before the courts. That means that the President would have to make sure that the local government polls that will be scheduled for this year is held in a free, fair and credible manner. That means that GECOM must address those persons who tried tirelessly to implant the David Granger regime for a second tumultuous term. GECOM must bring their contract to an end and appoint new persons at its helm legally. It must not be afraid of the political backlash because the people will not want to go through the type of situation that they have just come through. The time to build trust, hope and compromise is upon us now. GECOM must not pander its position on having the best outcome that is necessary if that means new Voters List or house-to-house registration. This means, the GECOM must stop pussy-footing and get about the serious issues related to Local Government Elections and general elections in 2025. Now, those people who were charged over the land and other deals this and last week must be held accountable. Let the chips fall where they may. And there are many more cases waiting for the courts. Wait and see! This Government appears very serious about not only taking back huge portions of land and property that were allegedly siphoned off by corrupt officials of the previous regime but electoral reform, as well as constitutional reform, while it gets back to handling the affairs of Government and business. Happy Easter, Be Safe!

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Politics & Society Forum Some sections of the citizenry are suffering from Post-Electoral Rigging Syndrome (PERS) ACCORDING to the World Health Organisation, studies in the Americas indicate that 10 to 15 per cent of the population at any given time has some sort of mental disorder, with three to five per cent suffering from a severe chronic mental disorder. Using the above statistics, out of a population of about 750,000, this would mean that an estimated 75,000 to 112,500 Guyanese suffer from mental disorders while 22,500 to 37,500 suffer from severe mental illness. Mental disorder is characterised by persistently depressed moods or a loss of interest in activities causing impairment in daily life. The attempt to rig the general election has added to the statistics of mental disorders in Guyana. I think that some sections of Guyana are suffering from Post-Electoral Rigging Syndrome (PERS). They are traumatised. PERS has added to colonialism, slavery, indentureship, dictatorship, and suchlike that Guyanese have endured for the past 300 years. We know that these events have disturbed, damaged, and destroyed lives - suicide, violence, depression, and so on – amid techniques of resistance and accommodation. Fortunately, there are a few mental health treatment facilities across Guyana offering help to those in need. These facilities, however, lack trained mental health workers.

Services are limited and inaccessible. Not surprisingly, mental health services are also “provided” by specific religious groups, local Shamans, and immediate family members. Still, unknown numbers of Guyanese care less about mental health services and approach life challenges individually, akin to Guyana’s fictional figure, Banwaree’s oft-cited idiom of: “Bear yuh chafe, buddy.” Guyanese do not generally seek help for their problems because they do not want people “to know their problems and laugh at them”. Put together, these are unfortunate, if not explosive, situations that could be “remedied” if help is offered. PERS has also added to an ongoing problem in Guyana. For too long, we have pushed our politically “created” problems under the rug only for them to resurface. May I remind and restate that the brazen attempt to steal the general election to favour the APNU+AFC Coalition was an attack on the sanctity of electoral freedom. The rigotonians’ puerile and futile narrative to deny any attempt to steal an election in which thousands watched footage of a macabre display of barbarism is worse than the rigging attempt. Isn’t this enough to disturb anyone’s mind, not to mention that many believed that they were going back to the days

of dictatorship? The impact of this dictatorship on Guyanese is yet to be addressed, and so when the rigging attempt was going on for over five months, anxious feelings of past rigging naturally raised their ugly head. The question is, what are we going to do about electoral rigging and PERS? We cannot wait for the well-informed maxim that only when “rain falls then a monkey wants to build a house”. We must act now since the rigging thing has become a running national sore, if not, native to Guyana’s post-independence experience. Unfortunately, the attempt of electoral rigging is not over, and what has happened is that the riggers have become hardened and callous. Electoral rigging will reemerge because it is too deep-seated for quick uprooting. The threat of electoral rigging has advanced into our daily lives and dreams, not only around the electoral season every five years. Some sections are calling for addressing the cause for electoral malpractice pointing to the unequal distribution of resources and livelihood opportunities among the two main ethnic groups. This has been an ongoing narrative that deserves attention, but we would be kidding ourselves if the halo of respectability and the embers of fairness are not implanted and stoked in the minds of those who are elected

Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine

to be impartial in their duties of responsibility. The dereliction of duty based on blind loyalty must be examined, exposed, and deselected. Nothing can be achieved if we only examine one side of the same coin. It is often mentioned how other countries in the Caribbean have conducted fair and free elections, but what is not said is how much effort is put into the practice of fair elections, to stamp out the motive to rig. I call upon the new PPP/C administration to address this serious situation of PERS by providing services for psychological help. There ought to be a national awareness that sounds like this: if you believe you have experienced post-election trauma from the last general election, be assured that we are providing help at locations A, B, and C across the country to all Guyanese irrespective of political affiliation. Develop centres to treat politically induced ills. Meanwhile, I suggest that if there is a past policy of dealing with the cancer of election rigging, please dig it up now, dust it off, and get on with business. Mark my words, time is already running out. Let the policy of dealing with rigged elections be more than a catchphrase; let it be a rallying cry, a national motto (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

Understanding Energy

Gas-to-power feasibility in Guyana VICE PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent comment that the gas to power project in Guyana is a “no brainer” has gained much attention from media. Many commentators agree that investment in the proposed gas-to-power project is a transformational opportunity for the country, positioning Guyana among the majority of oil producing countries in the world that use gas as a cheaper, more reliable and cleaner source for electricity. However, others believe that the government has not yet provided enough information on the economic feasibility of the project. A full feasibility study could provide useful information on project costs, but the government’s already-announced cost estimates suggest that the project will have clear benefits. Preliminary estimates for the gas-to-power project, including the underwater pipeline that would carry gas to shore, but excluding the power plant, vary from US $600 million to US $900 million. This cost would be covered by the Stabroek Block co-venturers, which provides

Guyana with the best possible financing and increased flexibility and financial capacity for the actual power plant. Vice President Jagdeo estimated that the onshore power plant would cost around US $300 million. Although that’s a large sum, it’s worth noting that the costs of power infrastructure are normally spread out over decades, making the initial “sticker price” a poor measure. To add further perspective, Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) holds nearly that amount after just one year of production from a single project. As oil production continues in 2021 and the NRF profits from the increasing oil prices, Guyana is set to gain even more from oil revenues and boosting opportunities for infrastructure investment. Moreover, production will nearly triple when the Liza Two project brings 225,000 barrels-per-day in 2022. The Payara project will add a similar amount, beginning in 2024. In addition to costs of the gas-to-power project, it is necessary to consider the economic benefits that could result. First and

foremost, making electricity cheaper and more reliable for households and businesses, according to Vice President Jagdeo, would “change the entire dynamic of electricity production and pricing.” He estimated it would reduce electricity costs from 30 US cents to as little as three US cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that switching to gas and reducing electricity costs could reduce Guyanese residents’ basic living costs by over 5 percent per month on average. Lower electricity prices could also drive growth for local businesses. According to Joel Bhagwandin, a local analyst at JB Consultancy and Associates, the gas-to-power project would make Guyana more competitive in industries like food processing and manufacturing that depend on reliable electricity. According to the World Bank’s Doing Business in 2020 report, Guyana currently ranks below Haiti and Jamaica, and well below the regional average, for access to, and cost of, electricity. For context, gas-to-power projects have

been implemented by nearly all oil-producing countries in the world. Major producers like Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Mexico and the Gulf States in the Middle East all use gas for electricity due to its lower cost, higher reliability and reduced carbon emissions compared to sources like coal or heavy oil. That’s the key reason why the World Bank and IMF continue to support gas-topower projects around the world, even as they steer away from power projects with higher emissions. Regional experts like Kevin Ramnarine, former Energy Minister for Trinidad and Tobago, have also encouraged Guyana to pursue the project, calling it a “win-win-win” in remarks earlier this month. The new administration will need to ensure that the gas-to-power project is aligned with its long-term strategy for Guyana’s development and that terms for gas supply are consistent with efforts to develop renewable energy resources as well. If done right, gas-to-power could be a profound and widely shared benefit of Guyana’s new oil resources.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Gov’t retendering Leguan Stelling project

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration is making good on its promise to resolve the issues surrounding the delayed Leguan Stelling project. On Wednesday, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill said the government took a decision to source a new contractor during a visit to the island led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Edghill said, “As of yesterday [Friday] afternoon, we are going back out to tender to get a new contractor engaged, because we are seeking to put together what was done and what needs to been done, so we can have a smooth transition. The stelling is not going to be

abandoned; I want to make that very clear. This is a high priority for our government, and we are going to get that stelling fixed.” In February, the government terminated the $413.2 million contract for the rehabilitation of the stelling, after the contractor was repeatedly flagged for poor performance. Last month, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, filed a $400 million lawsuit against the contractor.

ROADWORKS Concerning the road upgrades for the community, Minister Edghill told residents his ministry is currently executing a review of all roads, countrywide, and ranking them according to priority. “We want to be able to

lift the standard. We want to be able to ensure quality; the durability of the roads here on the island of Leguan,” he said. Budget 2021 allocates $23.7 billion to the rehabilitation and construction of roads. Through the miscellaneous roads programme, $9 billion has been set aside to enhance community roads. CORE GROUP LAUNCH Minister Edghill said Leguan residents would soon enjoy beautified surroundings with the establishment of a Citizens Organised for the Restoration of the Environment (CORE) group on the island. “We will be working to ensure all of our public spaces, spaces where our children play, where the adults hang

A section of the Leguan Stelling

out and take recreation, where people go to exercise, it’s clean; it is properly lit, and it is kept in a manner that should showcase what Guyana is all about,” Minister Edghill said. He pledged to both en-

gage and employ the new CORE group within the coming week. The team will be provided with the equipment needed to execute their duties. Minister Edghill also

said that sea defences on the island will be an area of focus for the Administration; that engineers are set to visit the island to conduct assessments for work to be done.

165 new COVID-19 cases within two days --two more deaths recorded

THE Ministry of Health has recorded 165 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,306 tests conducted between April 1 and 2, 2021.

On Friday, 71 new cases were recorded, while on Saturday, there were 94. Of the new cases, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) re-

corded one; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 44; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 77; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), seven; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), four; Region

Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 12; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), one, and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), 19. The group of newly infected persons comprise 81 males

and 84 females. Additionally, on Friday, a 45-year-old woman from Region Five and a 26-year-old male from Region Three became the recent persons to succumb to COVID-19. According to

the Ministry of Health, these persons died while receiving medical care at one of their facilities. TURN TO PAGE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

The Science of COVID-19 The impact of COVID-19 on HIV/AIDS – Part 2 Contributed By: Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Programme Manager National AIDS Programme Secretariat GIVEN the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, an increase in anxiety has been prevalent worldwide. Furthermore, the CDC has noted that individuals with chronic health conditions, such as HIV, may develop a stronger stress response than the rest of the population. This strong stress re-

sponse is due to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 as a result of a compromised immune system. The compounded stigma associated with HIV-positive status and SARS-CoV-2 may lead to an array of mental health issues comprising psychological disorders such as depression, sleep disorder, substance abuse, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders, which may trigger somatoform disorders which may lead to failure to seek care. Al-

cohol can lead to impaired judgement, such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Risky behaviors paired with an increased viral load may result in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) passing on the virus through unprotected sex. Although people are practising physical distancing, individuals who are quarantined with a romantic partner may be engaging in sexual activities more often , which may be problematic for PLHIV whose viral load is suppressed and who do

not engage in protective behaviors e.g., condom use or whose sexual partners are not using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It is important to note, however, that the mental health effects of COVID-19 may not be apparent for every individual immediately following the pandemic. For this reason, it is also possible that in the coming years, there will be an even greater need for health and mental health care providers to support the economic and psychological impacts of

COVID-19. SOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON HIV TREATMENT Although physical distancing guidelines serve to benefit one’s physical health, these guidelines may be detrimental to one’s social and emotional health. PLHIV may be even more reluctant to engage in physical interaction with others. This may be especially true for newly diagnosed PLHIV who do not have a full understanding of the ways in which HIV is transmitted. Because many PLHIV are part of marginalized communities, other social impacts also exist such as: * Increased risk exists for PLHIV whose domestic arrangements may be risky or violent-Prone to gender-based violence * Reduced access to drugs normally bought on the street * Reduced access to needle exchange schemes, which are important for secondary HIV prevention * Increased risk of underemployment * Increased conditions for the homeless or having unstable housing * Reduced access to food banks * Reduced access to medical or pharmacy services as a result of reduced public transport services COVID-19 has brought the issue of low health literacy to the forefront, especially during the efforts to ensure that the information can be understood by all and stop the spread of the disease. RECOMMENDATIONS HIV services must continue to be made available for people living with and at risk of HIV. This includes ensuring the availability of condoms, lubricants, ARVs, sterile needles and syringes, harm reduction, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV testing. To prevent people from running out of medicines and to reduce the need to access the health system, countries should move to the full implementation of multi-month dispensing of three months or more of

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine HIV treatment, telemedicine, enhanced virtual support groups, food hamper delivery, increase mobile testing, etc. There must be access to COVID-19 services for vulnerable people, including a targeted approach to reach those most left behind and removing financial barriers, such as user fees or subsidies. ADVICE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV * People with a CD4 count over 200, who are taking HIV treatment and have an undetectable viral load are considered at no greater risk than the general population. They should follow general advice to observe the curfew hours and maintain social distancing. * People with a CD4 count below 200, or who are not taking HIV treatment, or who have a detectable viral load may be at higher risk of severe illness. Nonetheless, they should still follow the same general advice. * People with a very low CD4 count below 50 or who have had an opportunistic illness in the last six months should follow the ministry of health guidelines-- wear a mask, wash hand regularly and avoid crowded spaces with social distancing practices. COVID-19 is a serious disease and all people living with HIV should take all recommended preventive measures to minimize exposure to, and prevent infection by, the virus that causes COVID-19. As in the general population, older people living with HIV or people living with HIV with heart or lung problems, may be at a higher risk of becoming infected with the virus and of suffering more serious symptoms. All people living with HIV should reach out to their health-care providers to ensure that they have adequate stocks of essential medicines. Until more is known, people living with HIV— especially those with advanced or poorly controlled HIV disease— should be cautious and pay attention to the prevention measures and recommendations by the Ministry of Health.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

700 house lots to be distributed in Reg.2 on April 16-17

SOME 700 house lots will be allocated to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on April 16 and 17, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal announced during a visit to the region on Wednesday. He assured Essequibians during meetings at Onderneeming, and Sandpit and Lima Sands, that the long wait for processing of land titles will soon be rectified. There, the minister assured residents that his ministry is working diligently to clear the huge backlog of outstanding land titles and the process of acquiring land titles will be made easier and faster. Efforts are being made to renovate a building to accommodate staffers of the housing department at Anna Regina; the region will also get a new Housing Officer, an Enforcement Officer and an Assistant Housing Officer to help persons in the region with housing matters. Elaborating on the 700 house lots to be allocated, the minister said 350 will be allocated for Phase Four at Onderneeming and 350 for Charity Housing Scheme. “This will significantly move the region backlog of applications in the systems and by year-end, we will be investing half-billion Guyana dollars to provide infra-

structure for enhancement of Phase Four in Onderneeming and Charity Housing Scheme,” Minister Croal said. Currently, an engineering team from the ministry is mapping out a plan for the infrastructural works, which will commence shortly. This aside, the ministry has encountered some issues and among them is fraud. There have been instances where persons paid for the processing of a house lot application, but the government never received the money. Residents have called for prompt action from the ministry in dealing with housing issues in the region and Minister Croal has promised to look into these matters with urgency. Meanwhile, one resident, Caren John commended the minister’s effort for hosting one of his outreaches in Onderneeming. She was happy the team came to her area. John said she applied for a house lot many years ago and never received a response from housing officials. She is currently living with her family in a cramped home. Moses Williams, another applicant, said he is happy about the outcome of the outreach. The outreach was a follow-up to one held in Feb-

Teenager’s body recovered at Onderneeming foreshore

RELATIVES, on Saturday morning, recovered the body of 15-year-old Adyemi Azeez, also known as “Adi”, at the Onderneeming foreshore, Essequibo Coast, where he reportedly drowned on Thursday last. Azeez, who resided at Maria’s Lodge and was a student of the Abram Zuil Secondary School, was feared dead after he went for a swim with eight of his friends. Police Headquarters, in a statement, had noted that the teenager and some of his friends were at the house of another 15-year-old student, where they cooked and relaxed for a bit. At about 13:00hrs, they left for the Onderneeming beach where Azeez and three friends went into the water, which the friends said “was pulling heavily.” After realising their plight, Azeez and his friends in the water started to scream

for help. The students, who were not in the water, scrambled to assist their friends and managed to pull three of them to safety. However, Azeez reportedly went under and did not resurface. His friends became scared and began to scream for help and residents reached out to them. The boys, accompanied by the residents, then made a missing person’s report at the Suddie Police Station. The Azeez’s sister, Faneza Amin, told the Guyana Chronicle that she last saw her brother around 13:00 hrs on Thursday when he told her he was going with his friends. She said her brother was the eldest son of her parents. She related that her brother and his friends would go on cooking trips almost every weekend. Azeez’s body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

ruary at Charity. Also present at the two meetings on Wednesday were Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva; Regional Vice-Chairperson Humace Oodit; and the Prime Minister’s Representative, Arnold Adams.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal addressing a resident’s concern

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021 FROM PAGE

165 new COVID-19 cases ... Their deaths are the third and fourth for the month of April, 2021, and take the overall COVID-19 death toll since March 2020 to 237. There are currently 13 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 77 in institutional isolation, 999 isolated at home, and 10 in institutional quarantine. Guyana has confirmed a total of 10,540 cases of COVID-19 since the discovery of the first case in Guyana.

Of that number, 1,099 are currently active and, of the 9,215 recoveries, three were recorded within the past 24 hours. All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand

hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Kite-making business ‘soaring’ again along Camp Street. He even had another set of kites, closer to Camp and Robb streets. Following the absence of Easter festivities last year and well, a year in the pandemic, the kite-maker related that he has “great expectations” this time around. “The energy is in the air, the enthusiasm, you’re feeling it… People are just tired of being locked up at home. People just want a lil outing, a lil vacation here and there even if they gotta exercise

Kite-maker Kevin Peters

By Vishani Ragobeer FOR 41 years, Trevor Smith has been selling kites - in all sizes, shapes and colours - at Easter time. He spends much of the year making these kites, and a few days before the Easter weekend, he lines the pavement of Camp Street, Georgetown with his creations. His record year was 2019; he sold about 1,200 kites - a feat by any imagination. And recognising that his kites were in high demand, he spent the rest of 2019 and the first few months of 2020 increasing his production in time for the 2020 Easter season. In fact, Smith increased his production by about 500 kites. In 2020, Easter Sunday was observed on April 12. Instead of the National Park, seawalls and open spaces being filled with gleeful, enthusiastic children and young adults with their kites, the spaces were bare. This was so because only a month before, Guyana had recorded its first case of COVID-19. At the same time, the spread of the coronavirus across the world prompted authorities to declare it a pandemic. Though Smith made about 1,700 kites in anticipation of the high demand for his creations, he barely sold any of his kites. “Every kite maker faced that issue last year,” Smith

posited during a recent interview with the Sunday Chronicle. He emphasised, “COVID was the boss last year.” Despite the pandemic, he attempted to sell his creations but the veteran kite-maker lamented that there was a pervasive fear of the virus. He contended that parents were scared to send their children downstairs, much less let them go outside to fly a kite. With no market for his 1,700 kites, Smith had to take them all home. And instead of spending the rest of his 2020 making kites for the 2021 Easter season, he relaxed, knowing that he already had enough kites to sell the following year. A stone’s throw away from Smith, was Kevin Peters. Compared to Smith, Peters was a new guy in the business; he had only been plying this trade for about four years. When he spoke to this newspaper on Thursday last, he said he made 200 kites last year and was forced to take most of them home. This year, however, he made another 100 to supplement the kites from last year. Both Peters and Smith were optimistic that their kites would be sold and find their way into the skies this weekend. “I already got kites that would cover this year,” Smith said, pointing to the kites lining the pavement

the social distancing and wear a lil mask and so,” he underscored. Before Good Friday, Smith had already sold quite a few kites and he was sure that before the Easter weekend was over, his kites would be sold out. And, as he prepared to enjoy his Easter and then start making more kites for next year’s season, he urged all Guyanese to “exercise positive vibes”.

Kite-maker Trevor Smith

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Guyana’s COVID vaccination drive boosted …25,000 doses of Sputnik V here

The Sputnik V is the first registered COVID-19 vaccine

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony receives the first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine

GUYANA’S COVID-19 immunisation campaign has been boosted with the receipt of 25,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia. The vaccines arrived on Friday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) onboard a charter flight. Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that it was the first batch of vaccines to arrive out of the 200,000 doses the Government of Guyana purchased. These, he said, will be used as early as this week, noting that arrangements are already being made to have another batch shipped shortly. “This vaccine is a twodose vaccine as well and we’ll have an interval of three weeks between first dose and the second so the 25,000 that came in are all the first dose so we’ve made arrangements as well to start getting the second dose,” Dr. Anthony was quoted as saying by DPI. The Sputnik V is the first registered COVID-19 vaccine and is recommended for persons 18 years and older. The Health Minister also

urged the public to get vaccinated as it is a step towards herd immunity. Last week, the Ministry commenced the immunisation of persons 40 years and older. To date, some 40,000 persons have received their COVID-19 vaccine. “As we continue to roll out this process, we’ll get more and more people on board with their vaccination. So, it is important for people to get their vaccines because these vaccines would obviously prevent people from getting sick with COVID.” Additionally, the Government is still exploring other avenues to procure more vaccines. “We have various options. Right now, apart from the Sputnik V that we have bought, we have additional vaccines that we’re expecting to get from COVAX and we are constantly exploring new avenues to make sure that we have enough vaccines to immunise our adult population,” Minister Anthony stated. Guyana has also received 127,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Barbados, China, India and the COVAX Facility.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

‘l have lost a significant part of my being’ … Stanley Ming on brother’s death PROMINENT busi nessman and wellknown entrepreneur, Stanley Ming, said the death of his brother has left him completely devastated and he had lost a significant part of himself. Samuel Collin Ming, 67, a businessman and sports enthusiast of Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar, died on Friday last at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he was admitted and was undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during an accident on April 1, 2021. The businessman was a lover of sports and served on a number of sporting bodies over the years. He was well known in the car racing, squash and golf arenas and was also a lover of motorcycles. Ming was riding his motorcycle, CE 614, when he collided with an ambulance, PVV 7693,

Businessman Stanley Ming on JB Singh Road and Thomas Lands, Georgetown. “As brothers who were very close for over 66 years, struggling together since childhood, to develop ourselves, we never allowed anyone to divide us. Like all siblings we had our fair share of rows and different opinions over the years, but always looked out for each other.

“Colin cannot be replaced, and l have lost a significant part of my being,” Stanley Ming noted in a Facebook post. He continued: “I feel very sad, but at the same time very strong, with all the support around me, as l am steeled to ensure that his family and mine are now my responsibility, until my time comes.” Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that the ambulance driver was proceeding north along Irving Street at about 45 kmph and had on the sirens while sounding his horn. The driver claimed that he was crossing the intersection of JB Singh an-d Thomas Road, when the motorcycle, which was proceeding west, collided with the rear right side portion of the ambulance. As a result, the motorcyclist fell onto the roadway and received injuries about his body. He was picked up in a conscious condition by the EMT and taken to

Dead: Businessman and sports enthusiast, Samuel Collin Ming the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of the ambulance and no trace of alcohol was found on his breath. According to the driver’s statement; he was transporting a COVID-19 patient to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The ambulance driver is expected to be charged soon.

Woman allegedly stabs husband to death in Sophia ONE week after a woman ended her relationship with her reputed husband because of domestic issues, she allegedly killed him, Thursday last, after a confrontation in Sophia, Georgetown, police confirmed. Dead is Darren Harris, 46, a cook of ‘E’ Field Cummings Park, Sophia. Police, in a report, noted that Harris was stabbed to death on Thursday night at about 21:30hrs. According to a female witness, she overheard an argument on the road and later saw Harris lying on the roadway with the woman mere feet away from his body. The witness raised an alarm and the EMT ambulance service subsequently arrived and pronounced

Dead: Darren Harris

Harris dead. Police said the body bore three stab wounds – one to the left side chest and two to the left side upper back. The woman was later arrested at her home where it was observed that she was bleeding profusely from a wound between her right index and ring finger. She claimed that she and Harris were involved in a scuffle, during which he dealt her a chop to her fingers. She further claimed that she relieved him of a knife and inflicted injuries on him before discarding the knife. The body of the deceased is at the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Alleged robber chopped, stabbed to death by victims A MAN who allegedly tried to rob a woman in the company of two men at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, was chopped and stabbed to death by the victims last week, who chased him onto Leopold Street, where he was attacked. Dead is Nicholas Layne, 29, a labourer of Victoria, East Coast Demerara. According to a police report, the incident occurred on March 28, at 03:30hrs. Layne, reportedly, was on High Street where he was playing a game of cards with a group of men and, after some time, he realised that his bicycle was missing. This caused him to go in search of the bicycle, and about 04:30 hrs he was seen running on High Street heading south and then east on Leopold Street. Police said he was being chased by two males and a female, who were armed with a knife and a cutlass. While running, Layne fell to the ground, which caused him to receive Dead: Nicholas Layne several chops and stabs about his body. The perpetrators then escaped, after which Layne was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. The body was examined and what appeared to be a wound was seen under his right armpit, one to his upper left side chest and three on his right forearm. Police subsequently arrested the suspects. One was seen with a wound to his forehead and on his left side face. He received medical attention at the GPHC under guard. The suspect claimed that Layne tried to rob his reputed wife at the Stabroek Market area and he intervened during which Layne allegedly wounded him with a knife. Police said that the robbery was captured on CCTV as investigations continue.

Decomposed body of woman, 97, found floating THE decomposed remains of a 97-year-old woman were fished out of a creek at Kariko Village, North West District, on Thursday last. She was identified by her relatives as Inda Matthews and the investigation surrounding her death was handed over to the Acquero Police Station. Police said the woman’s body was found floating in the waterway in an advanced state of decomposition. The body was found by the Toshao, Lynbert Henry, at around 16:30 hrs, a few hours after a formal missing person report was made to the police. Police said that due to the decomposed state of the body and accessibility of the terrain, relatives were advised to bury the woman immediately with plans to have an exhumation done for an autopsy.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Guyana to open FIBA World Cup pre-Qualifiers against Nicaragua on April 15 By Rawle Toney

THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) yesterday announced the squad that will journey to El Salvador to compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Pre-Qualifiers at the José Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium. Stanton Rose Jr, the 2018 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship Most Valuable Player (MVP), will return as the team’s captain to lead the team in San Salvador. Anthony Moe, Travis Belgrave, Timothy Thompson and Harold Adams are the players returning from the 2018 CBC Championship-winning team, while Yonnick Tappin, Terron Welsh, Israel Yaw and Nicholai Smith are making a return to coach Junior Hercules’ squad. Meanwhile, FIBA Champions League (2018) and FIBA Intercontinental Cup (2019) winner, Delroy James, will have this first taste of international basketball. The 33-year-old who was

a standout for Rhode Island University and has had considerable success on the European League circuit, most notably with AEK Athens, is actually back in Guyana for the first time since he migrated as a six-year-old. Delroy’s brother, Gordon James, Moe and Berkeley College point guard Deylon Anthony are the overseas-based players on the roster. Meanwhile, Guyana will bounce off their campaign at 21:00hrs on April 15 against Nicaragua followed by Jamaica (April 16 at 18:00hrs), El Salvador (April 17 at 21:00hrs) and Costa Rica on April 18 at 21:00hrs. A GABF release said all the team’s matches will be aired on local Cable provider, E-Networks’ E1 channel. Jamaica is a late addition to the qualifiers, with FIBA’s Americas Regional office stating that it has a mission “to develop and promote our sport, and to that purpose, a group of strategic objectives have been established. One of those is the Empowerment

of Federations through encouraging the participation in international competitions and increasing the number of National Federations participating in the top groups.” “Over the past couple of days, we’ve received late requests from the sub-zone National Federations requesting to be allowed to participate in the CONCENCABA Pre-Qualifier for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup that will take place in El Salvador. After a thorough assessment of those requests by our Regional office, in combination with FIBA’s Headquarters, we’ve concluded that Jamaica’s request has merit for being in compliance with our registration procedures. All other late requests were denied on the basis of breaching FIBA’s registration procedures,” FIBA said. The top-three teams will advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Pre-Qualifiers in July 2021.

AGM fiasco has hurt West Indies brand: CEO BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive, Johnny Grave, says last Sunday’s contentious events which forced the postponement of the Annual General Meeting, has threatened to derail much of the significant progress made in repairing the West Indies cricket brand in recent years. In the wake of the fiasco, Grave said CWI had been forced to reach out to the governing body’s commercial partners and other stakeholders to reassure them about the stability of West Indies cricket. And the Englishman stressed it was critical the postponed AGM scheduled for April 11 came off as planned so as to prevent any further fallout and damage to the West Indies cricket brand. “I think very clearly the reputation of this organisation in the eyes of the world is massively important to the brand of West Indies cricket,” Grave said. “And I think we’ve made enormous progress over the last few years to repair that brand, not just globally but within the region – to fans in the way that we’ve not really had any shocks and news on the field and certainly less so off it of late. “But the recent events have definitely damaged the brand and I and the rest of the executive have spent … hours speaking to sponsors, broadcasters and re-assuring our stakeholders that the AGM will go forward on the 11th and we really hope it does because all of this affects us.” He added: “In this case, it is extremely disappointing

from where I sit because I think as the chief executive of Cricket West Indies, our accounts have never been in a better state.” The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) both snubbed last Sunday’s virtual meeting, leaving the meeting short of a nine-member quorum and forcing its postponement. More significantly, the postponement stalled the presidential elections which were expected to pit the GCB’s Anand Sanasie against incumbent president Ricky Skerritt and the BCA’s Calvin Hope against CWI vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow. Both Sanasie and Hope subsequently announced they were dropping their bid for the CWI leadership. The BCA and GCB contended that CWI had not provided the audited financial statements the stipulated 14 days in advance, therefore not giving them enough time to peruse them and thus causing their representatives to skip the AGM. But Grave said territorial boards had been sent the audited statements 14 days before the AGM as required. The consolidated financial statements, however, which were only required because of the recent acquisition of Coolidge Cricket Ground, had been issued to shareholders on March 26. Grave also stressed that the consolidated statements had also been a late request from the auditors. “This is the first time in our history we’ve had consolidated financial statements and that’s because we now own Coolidge Cricket Ground

Inc, a subsidiary company,” Grave told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket show. “Other than the rental income from the Antigua Athletics Club and some car park rent, all the costs of running that cricket ground are already in the CWI accounts, so the substantial difference between our financial statements and those consolidated with CCB are extremely minor. “That’s why the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the Finance Committee approved the audited statements on Tuesday, March 9, that’s why the Board of Directors approved them on March 11 subject to those consolidated audited statements.” Grave said with the twoweek postponement of the AGM, he hoped it would now provide enough time for the BCA and GCB to look over the consolidated statements, so a quorum could be had and the meeting proceed as scheduled. “Why shareholders would take any action that damages the brand of their company and damages that reputation is unfathomable to me … but I continue to be surprised and shocked by some of the actions,” Grave pointed out. “I very much hope, maybe naively, that the 11th will happen. Barbados said clearly that they wanted longer to look at the consolidated statements so they now would’ve had four weeks to look at the CWI accounts and two further weeks to look at the CCG accounts. “I would like to think that on that basis the BCA would attend.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

‘We just got destroyed’

- Warriors blown away in record Raptors win

TORONTO Raptors recorded the biggest win in their history with a 130-77 demolition of Golden State Warriors. The 53-point winning margin could have been worse, with Raptors leading by 61 points at one stage. For Warriors, it was the third-worst loss in their history - and “humiliating for everybody involved” according to coach Steve Kerr. “We just got destroyed. Not a whole lot to be said,” he added. T h e Wa r r i o r s w e re without Stephen Curry and

Draymond Green and the loss was their sixth defeat in their last seven games. “I think without Steph and Draymond out there I think we were a little bit rudderless when things went south. We didn’t have the internal fight that we needed to kind of get over the hump,” Kerr said. “This is a time for soul-searching for sure.” Pascal Siakam marked his 27th birthday with a season-high 36 points for Raptors, who themselves were on a four-game losing streak. E l s e w h e re t h e M i l-

waukee Bucks enjoyed a 127-109 win over the inform Portland Trail Blazers thanks to star man Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 47 points - the third time he has reached the 40-point mark this season. Luka Doncic starred as Dallas Mavericks beat New York Knicks 99-86 and Boston Celtics beat Houston Rockets 118-102. There were also wins for Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and LA Lakers. (BBC Sport)

THE move is aimed at helping cash-strapped boards host cricket during the pandemic. THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has set up a US$5M fund to help members who are struggling with staging international cricket during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Member Support Fund is available over the next three years and has been set up in response to the rising costs of staging cricket in bio-secure environments. “There are boards currently who are struggling and are short of cash,

who have said that they cannot host cricket as it needs to be during the pandemic,” an official told ESPNcricinfo. “Costs of arranging chartered flights, of ensuring hotels are fully bio-secure, which means booking out entire hotels - these are all extra costs that some of the smaller boards have pointed to and said, either we have more money or we can’t do it. So it’s trying to help cricket carry on.” The exact percentages have not been discussed but the ICC’s contribution will not go over 50% of the grant application. Each

board will be required to make a business case for why they are asking for a grant. Concerns over the financial fallout of a spate of cancelled or postponed bilateral series have been building over the last year. The postponement of the T20 World Cup, originally due to be played last year in October-November in Australia was also earmarked as a disruptive moment, given that a majority of cricket boards rely heavily on revenues from ICC events that are distributed to them twice a year. (Cricinfo)

ICC sets up fund for financially-hit members

Benjamin Mendy and Gabriel Jesus give Premier League leaders victory PEP Guardiola says he will “never forget this season” as runaway leaders Manchester City closed in on the Premier League title with victory at third-placed Leicester. Second-half goals by Benjamin Mendy and Gabriel Jesus left City requiring 11 points from seven matches to seal a third league crown in four seasons. “I love the Premier League more than any other competition. We are close, very close,” added Guardiola after his team moved 17 points clear at the top. “The champions are Liverpool, they have the crown - but we are close to taking it.” Guardiola said City’s efforts were “incredible” given most matches this season have been played without spectators because of the coronavirus pandemic. “In lockdown without spectators - every game we were there,” he added. “I will never forget this season.” In their first match since announcing club-record scorer Sergio Aguero is to leave at the end of the season, Guardiola’s free-scoring side were frustrated before

Benjamin Mendy broke the deadlock. Fernandinho had a goal disallowed, Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick hit the bar and Riyad Mahrez was denied against his former club by Kasper Schmeichel’s save.

PERFECT START TO A HUGE MONTH This was the perfect start to a huge month for Guardiola and his players as they attempt to close in on a historic quadruple. Having started April with a controlled, disciplined and

Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus

However, France defender Mendy produced a lovely curling finish after stepping inside a challenge from Marc Albrighton before Gabriel Jesus sealed the points for the visitors from close range. Leicester thought they had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time through Jamie Vardy but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.

impressive win against a team that had taken 16 points off the supposed big six this season, they could end it with the Carabao Cup, and a place in both the FA Cup final and the semi-finals of the Champions League. It is no longer a question of if they win the Premier League for the third time in four seasons, but when. (BBC Sport)

Babar Azam leaves Kohli behind by breaking another ODI record PAKISTAN cricket team captain Babar Azam is relentless in the pursuit of runs and continues his run of form against the Proteas. In the first ODI against South Africa, the Pakistan captain managed to score 103 runs in a classy innings that saw his team out of the woods against South Africa after Fakhar Zaman fell early on. Azam’s century puts him in a league of his own as the cricketer becomes the fastest batsman in the world to score 13 ODI centuries. It took the Pakistan captain only 76 innings to score 13 tons in the 50-over format. Hashim Amla, India’s Virat Kohli, and South Africa’s Quentin de Kock - his contemporaries scored 13 centuries from 83 innings, 13 centuries from 86 innings, and 13 tons from 86 innings, respectively. Azam is currently placed at number 2 in the ICC ODI batsman rankings. Kohli occupies the number

one spot but, according to a cricket statistician, Azam can surpass Kohli to become the best batsman in the world in the 50-over format.

the foundation for the visitors’ victory with 103 off 104 balls and Imam ul-Haq added 70 as Pakistan posted 274-7 in reply to South Africa’s 273-6.

They needed three runs from the final over with Faheem Ashraf scoring a single off a wide delivery for the win. Earlier Rassie van der

Pakistani skipper Babar Azam (left) and Indian captain Virat Kohli

Meanwhile, Pakistan secured a last-ball victory over South Africa to win the first one-day international by three wickets on Friday. Captain Babar Azam set

Three quick wickets for Anrich Nortje pegged Pakistan back as their chase stumbled to 203-5 before Mohamed Rizwan and Shadab Khan put them back in charge.

Dussen scored his maiden ton for the Proteas, finishing unbeaten on 123 at Supersport Park, Centurion. The next match in the three-game series is in Johannesburg, today.

Injured Woods will miss Masters 20 years after Tiger Slam (AFP) - Severe leg injuries in a February car crash ensured Tiger Woods won’t be playing in this year’s Masters on the 20th anniversary of his ‘Tiger Slam’ victory at Augusta National. But the 45-year-old superstar, whose 15 major titles include five Masters green jackets, will have his legacy felt across the famed layout. Woods is recovering at home in Florida after suffering serious injuries when his car flew off the road and flipped several times during the Southern California accident. Hours of surgery were required to repair his shattered lower right leg and ankle, including a rod inserted into his tibia and the use of screws and pins to stabilise the joint. Woods, who won his most recent major at the 2019 Masters, became the first black golfer to win a major title when he captured the 1997 Masters in record fashion. On Thursday, the Masters will pay tribute to the first black golfer to play in the event when Lee Elder hits a ceremonial tee shot alongside

usual honorary starters Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. “Lee was a pioneer. He was the one that broke the colour barrier here and paved the way for players of colour like myself to be able to play this event,” Woods said about Elder.

Tiger Woods will not be playing in this year’s Masters after suffering severe right leg injuries in a February car crash

“It’s ironic that he did it in ‘75, I was born in ‘75, and when I won in ‘97, he was on the back of the green.” “To have him as our Honorary Starter, it’s awfully special and important in the history of the event,

but also for me personally, it’s probably even more special.” Woods, whose 82 US PGA victories is level with Sam Snead for the all-time record, faces a long recovery and questions about his future. He was already recovering from a fifth career-back surgery at the time of the crash, which investigators have described as “purely an accident” with no evidence of impairment. Woods completed a fairytale comeback from multiple back operations to win the 2019 Masters, an emotional victory that saw him hug his children the way he did he late father after his 1997 triumph. AN EMOTIONAL SLAM But his most amazing golf feat was likely the ‘Tiger Slam’ when he won the 2000 US and British Opens and PGA Championship and then added the 2001 Masters to capture four major trophies in a row. “I’ve had some very special things happen to me,” Woods said in 2001.

“But I guess to win four consecutive majors! I don’t think I’ve ever accomplished anything this great.” Woods, who was 25, recalled himself as “a little young, a little naive” for his 1997 victory but said in 2001 “I understand. I’ve been around the block. I have better appreciation for winning a major championship, and to win four of them in succession, it’s just hard to believe. “You’ve got to have your game peak at the right time. You’ve got to get some good breaks and you’ve just got to have everything kind of go right. And to have it happen four straight times, that’s awfully nice. Some of the golfing gods are looking down on me the right way.” Woods became emotional on the 18th green after victory was assured, putting his cap over his face to hide his feelings. “It was just a weird feeling,” Woods said in 2001. “When I didn’t have any more shots to play, that’s when I started to realise what I had done. I started getting a little emotional.”

First match of ESports series goes to super over THE first match of the inaugural virtual CPL was a run-filled spectacle as Trinbago Knight Riders’ Colin Munro emerged victorious against Ashmead Nedd after a Super Over finish. Guyana Amazon Warriors batted first and boundaries were flying immediately. Shimron Hetmyer kept the pressure on the bowlers as he dispatched three sixes but it was Brandon King who was the star player, making 74 (14). It was left to Dwayne Bravo to bowl the last over to try and keep the total down to something that his team could chase with Hetmyer on strike. He took up where King had left off as he too brought up a half-century, this one from 11 balls. The Warriors closed their five overs with a score of 139-2 and with Munro a self-confessed novice at this game, there were few who would have thought he would come close to winning this match. It wasn’t the perfect start for Knight Riders with Lendl Simmons going for 10 from the third ball of their innings. It was when Munro took

control of himself that the fireworks started as he hit four sixes in his 25 off six balls. TKR were still behind the rate, even after Sunil Narine hit the first five balls off a Romario Shepherd over and then more sixes coming from the bat of Kieron Pollard when he faced Imran Tahir. Going into the last over Knight Riders needed an improbable 35 to win the game. Darren Bravo made a mockery of that near-impossible target, hitting five sixes in a row before a four tied the scores and took it to a Super Over. Munro batted first in the Super Over and carried on where he had left off, smashing another 33 runs from his six balls with Pollard once again doing damage. That left Nedd’s side needing 34 to win. As in the match itself, it came down to the last ball. Nedd needed a six to win it, anything else and Munro would beat his more experienced opponent. Nedd could only manage a four and it was Munro and his TKR team who emerged victorious. (Sportsmax)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Sunday, April 04, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S: Brian Lara-11,912 runs (130 Tests) Mahela Jayawardene-12,400 runs (149 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI bowler has taken most Test wickets to date? (2) Which SL bowler has claimed most Test wickets to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Sri Lanka stand firm as 2nd Windies Test fizzles out NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – Ten wickets proved too tall an order for West Indies on a placid strip as captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando hit half-centuries to earn Sri Lanka a draw on the final day of the second Test here Friday. Starting the day requiring a massive effort in order to win the contest and claim the series, West Indies managed only two wickets, with Sri Lanka reaching 193 before both captains shook hands on the stalemate 20 minutes before the close at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. Left-hander Karunaratne used the occasion to end his wretched run in the series and top-score with a polished 75 while Oshada Fernando carved out an unbeaten 66 and left-hander opener Lahiru Thirimanne, 39. A West Indies victory was always in doubt once rain forced a 35-minute delay at the start and with Karunaratne and Thirimanne surviving the first session to reach lunch on

93 without loss, the odds of any dramatic victory decreased significantly. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite said afterwards they were always aware of the challenge before them on a good batting pitch but

none of the guys ever gave up,” Brathwaite pointed out. “Even down to Alzarri’s (Joseph) last spell (today), he was still giving an effort to get some short balls in so I’m very happy with the effort of the team.

Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne pulls during his top score of 75 on Friday’s final day

praised his young side for their disciplined approach. “Obviously it was a good pitch. In both Test matches the bowlers really worked hard and what I was pleased with is that

“And batting-wise, we continued to bat a number of overs – 90-plus overs which is a positive for us. “And yes, we would have liked to have won but I was

very happy with the attitude and discipline that we had. The pitch was a good one throughout; it didn’t spin at all but I was very happy with the fast bowlers’ effort.” Karunaratne said the flat nature of the wickets in both Tests meant outright results were always going to be difficult. “If you take the wickets (into consideration), it’s not easy to take wickets,” he conceded. “In the first two days there was something for the bowlers but after that it was just getting flatter and flatter. “I think both teams have done really well, both teams have done a lot of hard work. Overall, I’m really happy with the performance.” With just 16 runs in his previous three innings in the series, Karunaratne grabbed the opportunity to find his touch, hitting nine fours off 176 balls in just over four hours to cement his 25th Test half-century. He put on 101 for the first wicket with Thirimanne who faced 114 balls in 2-¾ hours

Region Four reign supreme in Janet Jagan Memorial Circle Tennis competition REGION Four surged to victory in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission-sponsored Janet Jagan Memorial Circle Tennis Female competition, which was held last week at the D’Urban Park tarmac. Initially, the event was expected to attract four regions, but Region Five did not field a team. Regions Three, Four and Six were at the event, which was organised by Sports Officers A. Munroe and Deon Carew and officially declared open by Assistant Director

of Sport, Melissa Dow Richardson. In the opening clash of the 50-delivery round-robin event, Region Four won the toss and batted first. Peggy Wade and her opening teammate Allison Weeks set the tone of the clash by scoring 202 for the opening wicket. In total, the side registered 208-1 in their allotted deliveries. Wade struck ten sixes in her 74, while Weeks smashed five sixes in an even 50. In reply, Region Six were restricted to 159-3 in their allotted deliveries. Shauntay

Bacchus led the visiting side with a top score of 61 (8x6). Region Six lost their second clash when they faced Region Three.

er-of-the-competition, Wade, they were able to amass 234-5. King struck eight sixes in her 66, while Wade supported

Captain of the winning region, Samantha Porter, collects the winner’s trophy from Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson

Trevor Fraser was honoured for his outstanding contribution to circle tennis. In the photo, he receives a trophy from National Sports Commission staff Oslyn Brathwaite

Region Six won the toss and took to the circle first. They scored 151-4 with Keyoka Cort hitting 52 (7x6) and Wilma Alexander 25. In reply, Region Three, led by Temica Wilson, reached 160-4. Wilson blasted nine sixes in a top score of 79. Eboni Ross added 29. With Region Three and Region Four both registering opening victories, their clash was the virtual final of the event. Region Four batted first in the final. Led by Christine King and play-

with 56 (5x6). Samantha Porter chipped in with 34. In reply, Region Three could only reach 170-0 before their deliveries ran out. Wilson scored six sixes in her 41, while Sherlena Henry added 27. Meanwhile, Trevor Fraser was presented with a special award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sport. He is one of the few persons who would have played circle tennis before the Guyana Games era and is still active in the game.

and struck five fours before perishing in the fifth over after lunch, caught at first slip by Rahkeem Cornwall off fast bowler Joseph. Thirimanne was one of two wickets to fall in the session as Karunaratne followed about 20 minutes before tea, lbw to medium pacer Kyle Mayers at 146 for two after posting a further 45 with Fernando. With Sri Lanka on 146 for two at tea, it meant West

Indies needed a burst of wickets on the resumption in order to press for a victory but that success never came. Instead, Oshada hit eight fours off 119 deliveries in just under 2-¾ hours to notch his third Test half-century as he frustrated the hosts in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 47 with veteran Dinesh Chandimal who was unbeaten on 10 when the game ended.

SCORECARD

WEST INDIES 1st innings 354 SRI LANKA 1st innings 258 WEST INDIES 2nd innings 280-4 decl. SRI LANKA 2nd innings (target: 377 runs) (o/n 29 without loss) L. Thirimanne c Cornwall b Joseph 39 D. Karunaratne lbw b Mayers 75 O. Fernando not out 66 D. Chandimal not out 10 EXTRAS: (lb-1, w-1, nb-1) 3 TOTAL: (2 wkts, 79 overs) 193 Fall of wickets: 1-101, 2-146. Bowling: Roach 12-2-33-0, Holder 10-3-24-0 (nb-1), Cornwall 26.4-8-53-0, Gabriel 5.2-2-20-0, Joseph 10-2-33-1, Blackwood 6-1-17-0, Brathwaite 3-0-7-0, Mayers 6-4-5-1. MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: KRAIGG BRATHWAITE MAN-OF-THE-SERIES: SURANGA LAKMAL

Limit on squads at ICC events increased to 30 in response to COVID-19

…Up to seven additional players or support staff permitted at senior ICC events TEAMS at senior ICC events, starting with the 2021 T20 World Cup, will be allowed to take up to seven additional players or support staff, as part of the governing body’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, ICC brought in a squad limit of 23 - comprising 15 players and up to eight staff - for senior men’s and women’s tournaments, and 20 for junior events. Countries competing at the T20 World Cup later this year as well as the Women’s 50-over World Cup in 2022 will now be able to extend their playing squads to 22, or include additional support. Enlarged squads to cover for injury and illness have become a feature of interna-

tional cricket played over the last year, as teams negotiate the various border control and quarantine restrictions in place around the world. The ICC’s latest board meeting included an update on preparations for the Men’s T20 World Cup in India, and referred to “positive discussions” between the BCCI and the Indian government around tax arrangements and visa guarantees. As reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier last week, ICC has also decided to continue with a range of pandemic-related measures, including the use of non-neutral umpires, COVID substitutions and a ban on saliva being used to shine the ball. 11:11 hrs Space Kid

English Racing Tips Market Rasen 08:10 hrs Yauthym 08:40 hrs Fitzroy 09:10 hrs Universal Folly 09:40 hrs Armattiekan 10:10 hrs Bootleggar 10:40 hrs First Class Return 11:15 hrs Tigerbythetail Southwell 08:00 hrs Jean’s Maite 08:36 hrs Robbie Roger 09:06 hrs Dylan’s Lad 09:36 hrs Terrichang 10:36 hrs Burning Sun

Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:50 hrs Buddy Rich 09:20 hrs Regiba Dracones 09:50 hrs Thedevilcoachman 10:20 hrs Atlantic Story 10:50 hrs Grand Paradise 11:25 hrs Jerandma South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 08:15 hrs Hawker Typhoon 08:50 hrs Princess Calla 09:25 hrs Vars Vicky 10:00 hrs Majorca Palace

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 4, 2021

Simplicity behind return to form form,, says Brathwaite

NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite believes returning to simplicity was the key to his return to form in the second Test against Sri Lanka. The seasoned opener hit 126 in the first innings at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium to end a three-year run without a hundred before following up with 85 in the second innings to complete an outstanding Test. “One of the main things for me was to keep it simple,” Brathwaite said following the drawn encounter on Good Friday here. “In the first Test I batted a number of balls and I didn’t get the scores I would’ve liked but I had some positives. So I made sure I had a solid plan (for the second Test) and backed it one hundred per cent.” He continued: “It is very pleasing. Obviously as the leader of the team you want to lead from the front so I was happy to get two good scores.” Brathwaite managed scores of three and 23 in the opening Test which also finished in a draw at the same venue here, but then turned the page with two excellent performances in the second Test which earned him Man-of-the-Match honours. His first-innings hundred

– his ninth in Tests which took him past 4 000 runs – saw him bat the entire first day before being the last wicket to fall on the stroke of lunch on the second day.

after they were sent in and Brathwaite said it had been important for him to occupy the crease. “I could change (my pace) at times but for me I play the

full-time appointment, said the Test side was continuing to develop. “For me it’s all about discipline. We showed that in back-to-back series we could

GFF mourns loss of former Audit and Compliance member Pretipaul Jaigobin THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday paid tribute to Ministry of Finance analyst and former GFF Audit and Compliance Committee member Pretipaul Jaigobin, who died in a road accident near Mabura last Thursday. A highly-respected economics and financial policy expert, Jaigobin joined the GFF’s Audit and Compliance Committee in2016. The committee plays a vital role in monitoring the responsible management of GFF finances and ensuring strict compliance with FIFA’s rules and regulations. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of such an upstanding and well-regarded member of the community,” GFF president Wayne Forde said. “On behalf of the Guyana Football Federation and the entire football community, I would like to send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to Jai’s family at this tragic time. Jai had been a valued member of one of GFF’s most important oversight bodies. He will be greatly missed by us all,” Forde said.

GDF register thrilling one-wicket win against Malteenoes West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite (left) and Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne pose with the series trophy after their team drew the second Test in Antigua (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

All told, he spent 8-½ hours at the crease and faced 311 deliveries in a marathon innings which has been typical of his approach to batting throughout his 68-Test career. West Indies lost wickets regularly during the first day

situation of the game,” he explained. “I’m pretty confident I can score at whatever rate I choose to at any time.” Brathwaite, who oversaw a historic 2-0 whitewash away to Bangladesh recently as standin captain which led to his

be consistent with bowling and with scoring runs, and it’s just to take that belief into the next series,” Brathwaite stressed. “I think we’re headed in the right direction and once we keep that attitude, we’ll be a team to reckon with.”

Boodie and Anderson blast centuries to leave Police in control against Transport on first day CENTURIES from Kevon Boodie and former West Indies U-19 cricketer Kevlon Anderson propelled home team, the Police Sports Club to a dominant first day against Transport Sports Club in their GISE, Star Party Rental, and Trophy Stall first-division two-day Cricket match. When bails were lifted, the Lawmen were on 370-3 from 44 overs, with a first-innings lead of 269 after having bowled out Transport Sports Club for 101 in 27.5 overs. Boodie smashed his way to a mammoth 161 with 14 sixes and nine fours before he was caught on the boundary off the bowling of 13-yearold leg spinner on debut, Riyad Latif. Anderson on the other hand ended the day

Kevon Boodie blasted his way to 161

unbeaten on 129 not out. He has so far struck nine fours and eight sixes. The dominance of the pair, who put together 248 for the third wicket, overshadowed the bowling prowess of left-arm spinner Anthony Adams and Eon Rodrigues who spurred the Lawmen in control early. Transport had no answer for Rodrigues who decimat-

ed the top order with 4-62 from 14 overs, while Adams damaged the lower order with 5-26 from 8.5 overs. Only Rafael Singh with 38 (3X4s, 1X6) and Adrian Hinds with a similar score (2X4s, 3X6s) were able to show resistance. Today, Police will be hunting for an outright victory.

Kevlon Anderson had also scored a century two weeks ago against GNIC

Kwacey McPherson carried GDF to victory

AN aggressive unbeaten knock of 34 by number eight batsman Kwacey McPherson propelled the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to a thrilling one-wicket win against the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) yesterday at the Queen’s College ground. McPherson played some big shots towards the end and held his nerve at key moments of the reduced fixture (28 overs) of the NBS 40-over Second-Division cricket competition, which came down to the final over. With 42 runs from 30 balls—a monumental task owing to the discipline of the Malteenoes cricketers in the field and the low nature of the wicket—the 25-year-old was able to bring his team back into the game. The seesaw battle drew to a close with GDF on the back foot, needing 18 runs from 12 balls with two wickets in hand, but McPherson was able to score 14 runs off of the first three balls of the penultimate over. He struck a six and was then dropped at short third man—one of the few fielding blunders by the MSC. With momentum on his side, McPherson then blasted a huge six, which disappeared into a tree on the northern side of the ground. This placed GDF in control, but Stephon Brown was able to bowl three dot balls,

which left the batting team needing four runs from six balls. Ntini Permaul was able to keep his bowling tight in the final over. After the first two balls went for singles, he made the breakthrough.. Derrick McCalmon was however caught deep enough for the batsmen to cross and McPherson was given the charge again with two runs needed from three balls. He made no mistake and he laced the ball on the ground for a double, which pushed them to 172-9 and the win. Earlier, top-order batsmen Javed Karim (32) and Leon Andrews (35) had given their team a respectable start, while Kurt Lovell had played a quickfire 17 (2X6s), but Malteenoes were able to pull the game back with discipline fielding. C. Mars was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. When Malteenoes batted, Brown led the attack with 38 (3X6s, 2X4s). A few others had starts, including 21 (3X6s) quick runs from Nichosie Barker, but the side settled for 171 from their allotted overs. Left-arm spinner Keith Simpson picked up three wickets, while Colvis Sam, McCalmon and Junior Sinclair supported with two wickets each.

Guyana’s National Basketball team that will compete at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Pre-Qualifiers in El Salvador

SEE PAGE

Nicaragua

… Stanton Rose Jr returns as captain

GCB, DCB executives extend heartfelt AGM fiasco condolences on the passing of Pretipaul Jaigobin has hurt West

Pretipaul Jaigobin SEE PAGE

IT was with profound sorrow that the staff and the recently-elected Executives of both the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) learnt of the vehicular accident on Thursday, April 1, 2021 that resulted in the tragic death of Pretipaul Jaigobin, the Treasurer of both Boards. Pretipaul was reportedly travelling from Mahdia to the Ministry of Finance after completing a COVID-19 assignment when the accident occurred. He was an Economic and Financial Analyst of the European Union Task Force Unit of that Ministry. Jai, as he was popularly known, was well liked and respected; his congeniality, humility and sense of humour endeared him to many. Pretipaul had been an active and trusted Cricket Administrator for over twenty (20) years with a vast knowledge of the name especially in relation to cricket records and statistics. His contributions to the deliberations and decisions at cricket meetings especially on financial issues and effective governance were invaluable. Jai had a special affinity for youth cricket. His professional approach helped in the stimulation of affirmative action in cricket administration. He was constantly looking at ways to improve the accounting and marketing procedures. He had previously served on the GCB as the Assistant Treasurer during the period 2009 to 2011. In May 2011, shortly after a particularly tumultuous meeting of the GCB Executive Committee, he was badly burnt with acid by an unknown assailant and spent forty-two (42) days in the Georgetown Hospital. Jai was a stalwart and contributed immensely during the long struggle for accountability and legality at both the GCB and the DCB. In February of this year, he was elected Treasurer of the DCB at the court-supervised elections of that Board. On March 29, 2021 he was elected Treasurer of the GCB at the elections convened by the Cricket Ombudsman in accordance with the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, No. 14 of 2014. It is sadly ironic that Jai died just after so much was achieved after that long struggle. Pretipaul’s passing is a tremendous loss to the wider cricket fraternity. It is with heartfelt grief that the Executives of the GCB and the DCB and the staff members extend sincere sympathy to his family, relatives and friends. Please be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of bereavement. May Pretipaul Jaigobin be comforted by the good Lord as he takes his eternal rest.

Indies brand: CEO

SEE PAGE

Cricket West Indies CEO, Johnny Grave

Boodie and Anderson blast centuries to leave Police in control against Transport on first day

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, APRIL 4, 2021