Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-07-2021 by Guyana Chronicle

MONDAY 19thJuly, 2021

' No.106426

Dr. Ramsammy: COVID-19 passes should be instituted for work, social gatherings

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Discredited, backward and dangerous PAGE

–– Ramkarran shuts down Norton’s claims that ‘education cash grant’ geared towards creating ‘dependency syndrome’

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has reiterated his government’s intention to support the widows, orphans and families of the policemen and women who have laid down their lives through service and protection for the people of Guyana (See story on page 8)

GPL facing high NA teen tops 15 demand for 02 Caribbean in CAPE prepaid meters Performing Arts PAGE

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Suspects in 05 Rockstone robbery apprehended PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

What parents say about the ‘Because We Care’ grant

SINCE the return and relaunch of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, some Opposition politicians have been critical of the $19,000 being given to parents/ guardians of each child within the public school system. The “Because We Care” grant was initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government prior to demitting office in 2015. The programme then, saw the issuance of $10,000 per child in the public school system. When the party returned to office in August 2020, it

opted to not only reinstitute the programme but improve the per child allocation to $19,000. As it is, a total of 172,000 students have been earmarked as beneficiaries, bringing the overall cost of the programme to $3.2 billion. Recently, in addition to the confirmed beneficiaries of the grant, there are parents and guardians of private school children who welcomed the government’s decision to at least examine the possibility of extending the grants to children attending private institutions. In making the announcement,

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo had pointed to the fact that many parents were able to put forward solid arguments as to why their private school child/children should also be given the grant. Some of those persons also spoke with the Guyana Chronicle. On Sunday, the Guyana Chronicle decided to reach out to several parents, some of whom are beneficiaries of the grant as well as parents with children who attend private schools and are hoping that they too receive the nod to benefit from the good gesture of the government.

Vicalett Wilson Mother of three school-aged children “For a whole week during this pandemic my daughter didn’t go to school because I wasn’t working and didn’t have money to send her to school, and she miss a lot. Then I’m using my neighbour Internet to do the work on Zoom and if I don’t get the Internet, the two small ones haven’t gotten a chance to go to class. I am grateful; I can’t wait to get it just to get the uniforms, and stuff. But I’m praying that school does open because I don’t want to spend the money to buy the uniforms with it and then school doesn’t open.”

Vental Jainarine Unemployed father of one school-aged child “I struggle a lot because I

can’t work [due to an injury from a boat accident] and it is hard to get income. This means a lot to me because it could help my daughter throughout the school [year] and to help buy things for her; her school clothes, pencils, books, erasers, crayon and things like that. I am thankful to the government for helping us in this situation; to help out with our children and their needs. The money that they are giving out is helpful because where are we going to get it from? We can’t get it anywhere. It’s good.”

Laticia Anthony Teacher Mother of one “I think it’s a wonderful initiative. When we’re coming to school to do marking of the worksheets and so on, you would hear the parents talking about it, and they were all excited. I am also excited for it. I think it would be really, really good, and as the minister said, you decide what you do with that money, so you determine how best you can help your child. Some people have lost a lot, so this definitely would come in handy.”

Nadine Jagmohan Housewife Mother of three s chool-aged children “It [the cash grant] is going to be a great help to the parents… never mind children have working parents, it is still so hard at times, because if the children have school work like printing stuff and getting textbooks and it will now come into great use for that. “But some parents can’t afford personal items for their kids, other than school items. They have some kids that are not too fortunate and they will be happy to get something proper other than just with their school needs. Some parents may need internet, some may not need internet [but] they may need a proper meal for their kids. It’s just such a great help and for me I’m just excited.”

Alicia Shephard Expectant mother of two school-aged children “It’s really beneficial to us, because at this time, I know there are a lot of parents who are going through a rough time; everything has been costly on us…I am really very thankful about this…they have kept their promise.” See page 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Discredited, backward and dangerous

–– Ramkarran shuts down Norton’s claims that ‘education cash grant’ geared towards creating “dependency syndrome”

“UNBELIEVABLE,” said prominent Attorney, Ralph Ramkarran, S.C., as he reacted to People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R), Aubrey C. Norton, who contended that the ‘Because We Care’ grant is “both inadequate and ill-conceived”. Writing in his weekly column ‘The Conversation Tree’ on July 18, 2021, Ramkarran describes Norton’s comments expressed in a Letter to the Editor as “fallacious nonsense”, “largely discredited”, “backward” and “dangerous”. Norton in his letter said that the ‘Because We Care’ education cash grant “fits into” the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) “scheme to create dependence rather than increasing our people’s capacity to earn and live decent and fulfilling lives” and that “The PPP’s use of State resources creates dependencies to dominate and control the lives of the people of Guyana”. “For Mr. Norton to

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Aubrey C. Norton join with the most conservative, reactionary, politicians worldwide to perpetuate this now largely discredited, backward, dangerous and fallacious nonsense, that cash grants actually create any kind of dependency whatsoever, whether on politicians or anyone else, is quite unbelievable,” Ramkarran said. He pointed out that the local ‘education cash

grant’ comes in the midst of significant developments in the United States of America (USA) economic policy, staking the claim that President Biden administration’s economic and “poverty alleviation” policies are “revolutionary.” He contrasted the USA’s ‘Child Tax Credit’ which facilitates a maximum US$300 monthly payment to most American families for each child which is estimated to cut child poverty by half in the USA to the education cash grant for context. “One of the most important obstacles in the past to social security, or social help, or assistance in the form of cash grants or otherwise, has been the reactionary excuses oppressors have used for centuries to sustain their oppression of the enslaved, indentured, poor and disadvantaged, which is today referred to as the dependency syndrome,” Ramkarran said. He clarified that in simple terms, ‘dependency

syndrome’ is where help is extended to families from poor backgrounds to improve their conditions and they become ‘dependent’ on the help to the extent where they lose initiative to help themselves. “This theory was not only confined to conservatives and reactionaries. It has held sway over many who have themselves, by their own efforts, made successful lives. They argue that if only ‘those people’ would not complain, would work, rather than rely on ‘charity,’ or ‘handouts,’ they would succeed,” he penned. However, the attorney-at-law highlighted that the current evidence “has smashed the myth of the dependency syndrome and destroyed the arguments of its advocates”. Ramkarran drew attention to the “great success” of the ‘bolsa familia’ programme implemented in Brazil through which ‘cash grants’ substantially reduced poverty and further highlighted that similar programmes have been

successfully implemented to varying degrees all over the world. He also quoted the Nobel Prize winning economist, Paul Krugman who in a July 15, 2021 New York Times stated “… economists have assembled a great deal of data pointing to the benefits of public spending, especially aid to families with children”. Subsequent to cumulating the arguments he proposed to support his contention, Ramkarran expressed that he was “horrified” to read Norton’s letter as he opined that “if this is the kind of extremist views, plucked out of the dungeon of Mr. Norton’s political mind, that he will bring to the PNC/R if he wins the leadership, then God help us.” Norton has since responded to Ramkarran claiming that he did not oppose the cash grant, rather he argued for more money to be distributed and for a more comprehensive approach. “Clearly, Mr Ram-

Prominent attorney-at-law, Ralph Ramkarran karran missed the point. If I said in my letter that the cash grant is inadequate to address the key objectives of ensuring children access education then it follows ipso facto that I am saying that there is need for our people to get more money. Nowhere in my letter did I oppose cash grants,” Norton said.

GPL facing high demand for prepaid meters

WITH advantages such as being able to self-monitor consumption, and avoid reconnection charges, more and more consumers are interested in receiving prepaid meters from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). This demand has resulted in a backlog of over 10,000 requests, according to GPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bharat Dindyal. Dindyal told a virtual panel discussion organised by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) under the theme “Energy and Electricity: What we

should all know”, that there was a push back when GPL first rolled out prepaid meters in 2013. Guyanese consumers now have a preference for them, he said. However, the electrical company no longer imports the meters and is currently using the meters under the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). “Although we stopped importing the prepaid and continued with AMI, there is still high demand [for the prepaid]. Right now we have an interest for about 10,000 prepaid meters. [But] rather

than continue with the prepaid we realise the AMI was vastly superior; we could track consumer consumption based on season and time of use,” Dindyal related. He further explained that the AMI system has the ability to convert to functioning as a prepaid system; however, this will require some amount of new infrastructure being put in place. The company is currently working on this aspect. “The AMI communication infrastructure has not been installed so it’s not providing the kind of informa-

tion that consumers value. Hopefully next year we will build out the communication infrastructure to make our AMI meters capable of being prepaid or postpaid mode,” Dindyal shared. Also speaking at Friday’s engagement was consumer advocate, Dexter George, who also highlighted the benefits that the prepaid meter has been affording consumers. “The Prepaid meter was a great initiative because what it does is gives you power to control your spending. In the past you consume electricity

and you hope they come with a bill relevant to your budget and it’s a lot of running around and frustration on the consumer in rectifying a bill. There are also lots of situations where the meter reading process is incorrect and it’s a back and forth with a lot of time wasting. But with the prepaid meter you know how much is consumed; how much is left. If you are disconnected that’s your fault and not on GPL,” George said. He called on GPL to be proactive in returning to prepaid meters.

GPL CEO, Bharat Dindyal

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

What parents say about ... From page 2

Faye Melville

Dorothy Richards, mother of six school-aged children “All my money I does invest in them. I don’t have a job, this man (her husband)

does bring in the money. Every single dollar, I does spend on them. I don’t

Monday July 19, 2021 – 01:00hrs - 02:30hrs

stress on myself too much. I does work hard and [I don’t] really want them to work so hard like me. Me want to do something to keep me going with them children because they’re not easy to support every day, them daddy don’t be at home all the time, just me and them.” [Richards plans to utilise the monies to not only purchase school supplies, but to invest in the start-up of a business to further support her children.]

Single mother of three children attending private school “I’m a single parent with three children going to private school. Their father put them in this school and leave me almost three years now. I usually go in the bush to work to pay school fees and rent. Sometimes I even owe the school; it’s very hard but the children doing very good at this school, and I’m scared to move my children to a public school. So, this would be a great help for my kids and I’m sure there are more single parents like me out there that this programme will help in so many ways. We got to buy books, school uniform, shoes, and the list goes on. I can go on but I think you understand what I am trying to say.”

Vidya Maraj Mother of one school-aged child “I am elated to be a parent receiving this cash grant. We may have a house and we may have a piece of land, but it doesn’t mean that we can provide for our children and can afford text books and so. This is going to add to the pot; it is a helping hand, especially in the country areas [that] are now being hard hit by the floods. I am grateful.”

Purnell Allsopp Guardian “It’s hard as a guardian to know that my nephew contributes to the many successes that the Education Ministry can boast about, and yet, he cannot be a recipient of the cash grant because he attends a private institution. Is he only counted when it comes to the accolades and other achievements? The small gestures like that goes a far way and that would be good if they [the government] actually go through with it [extending the grants to private school students].”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Suspects in Rockstone robbery apprehended

THE three identified suspects in an alleged robbery committed on a 57-year-old businesswoman and her grandson of Rockstone Junction, Region 10, were intercepted on Saturday at Kanawaruk Junction, Region Eight. According to police headquarters, the suspects, a 29-year-old male of Georgetown and two 25-year-old males of Linden, were intercepted

phone valued at $6,000; one Blue cellular phone valued at $20,000; $1500 in phone cards; one gold chain valued at $150,000; one gold ring valued at $60,000 and six gold studs valued at $30,000. Police reports that the suspects were seen riding two ‘XR 150’ motorcycles when they were intercepted. A search was conducted on the suspects and a number of articles, all matching the

pects are all in custody as investigations continue. Police reported that at the time of the robbery, one of the suspects, who is known to the victim, approached the shopkeeper to purchase a pack of cigarettes, two bottles of water and one tin Canada Dry. She reported that the suspect then returned to his accomplices and rolled a ‘joint’ of marijuana and began to smoke.

Some of the articles which matched the description of those that were reported stolen seys and who were armed with two handguns, then followed and took him to the shop and instructed him not to make noise as they barged in and confronted the owner. They instructed her to lie down and she complied. One of the ‘XR 150’ motorcycles used by the suspected robbers due to a collaborative effort between police in Regions Eight and 10; they are now all in police custody. The businesswoman was in her shop with her grandson around 22:00hrs on Friday night last when the three identifiable male suspects rode up on two ‘XR’ motorcycles without number plates to purchase some items; she was subsequently robbed of a quantity of cell phones and jewellery. The bandits stole a Samsung Note 5 cell phone valued at $90,000; one BLU Smart phone valued at $22,000; one Logic Smart phone valued at $26,000; one Ique

description of the articles stole, were found. In addition, a search was conducted in a haversack belonging to one of the suspects, and three bulky scotch taped plastic parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis, were found. Police reports that the suspect was informed of the offence committed and cautioned; he admitted ownership of same. The suspects, along with the said phones, yellow metal jewellery, motor cycles and suspected cannabis were then escorted to the Mahdia Police Station where the cannabis was also weighed and amounted to 1243 grams. They sus-

The victim went into her room where she normally sleeps and observed the suspects heading in the direction of Mabura. However, about 20 minutes later, she heard her dogs barking continuously in her back yard, which is surrounded by thick vegetation. Police report that her grandson armed himself with a cutlass and ventured outside into the dark to assess the situation when he was accosted by one of the suspects, whom he knows from Kuru Kuru, who choked him and pointed a hand gun to his head. The other two suspects, whose faces were covered with black jer-

According to a police report, the suspects then removed the victim’s jewellery and made way to her shop counter where her “money bowl” was situated along with a number of cell phones. The victim reported

that she raised an alarm and alerted a car driver who made an effort to apprehend the suspects; however, this proved futile since they had already escaped on their motorcycles through the trail.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Taking Government To The People

ONE of the hallmarks of good governance is the extent to which policy-makers are accessible the people and people to policy-makers. The PPP/C administration has always embraced an open-door approach to governance, one in which ordinary citizens can have easy access to those in positions of power in order to address issues of concern and to arrive at solutions. This approach to governance has had a long history dating back to the elections of 1947, when Dr. Cheddi Jagan won for the first time a seat as an independent in the colonial-dominated legislative assembly. A young and jubilant Dr. Jagan emphatically declared after the results had been declared that ‘we the people have won’ and vowed to pursue a new approach to governance, one in which ‘parliament will be taken to the people, and people to parliament.’ It is in this context that the outreaches planned by the President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet has to be seen and appreciated. From all indications, the government machinery has now been

placed in overdrive, as the President and his team of ministers and advisers traverse the length and breadth of the country interfacing with Guyanese from all walks of life. This was all the more apparent during the recent flood situation when the President braved the floodwaters and the difficult terrain on the ground to connect with his people and extended that hand of support and solidarity to those affected. The energy displayed by the President was extraordinary and no doubt played a key role in arriving at on-the -spot solutions to problems. In the same vein, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and other senior management staff met recently with members of the public to discuss matters of concern to them in relation to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). According to media reports, the meetings were very productive and several festering issues were examined and promptly dealt with. It is common knowledge that a significant number of contributors to the

scheme have, from time to time, expressed concerns regarding long delays in the processing of their benefits and entitlements, due to incomplete records of contributions and in some cases missing contribution statements. The scheme was designed to bring financial relief to contributors, especially those in their advancing years and the removal of bottlenecks and undue bureaucracy must be a welcoming gesture for which the minister must be given credit. Already there has been a significant reduction in the number of outstanding claims over the past months, due to a more aggressive and proactive approach taken with respect to the management of the Scheme. According to Minister Singh, the number of backlogged cases had been reduced from 14,000 to just around 3000 since the appointment of the new NIS Board last November. One major advance was in terms of the processing of Life Certificates, which could now be verified by way of WhatsApp video calls. One consequence of that innovation was that the number of unprocessed Life Cer-

tificates have now been reduced from an average of 3000 to zero! The benefits of reaching out to people in their various communities cannot be overemphasised. The mere fact of listening to the people’s concerns and putting in place measures to solve problems are satisfying to the populace in their own right. At a more fundamental level, it brings people closer to government and affords them opportunities to become active participants of the decision-making and problem-solving processes. That is what is commonly referred to as ‘grassroots’ democracy, which forms an integral part of the overall governance process. The days of ‘arm chair generals’ are now over and there is now a symbiotic link between those entrusted with positions of power and the intended beneficiaries of the governance processes. Indeed, citizens participation in decision-making is the bedrock of any democratic society, as it allows for all Guyanese to make use of their talents, skills, ideas and resources to advance the common good.

Some issues that need to be looked at urgently

Dear Editor,

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Government of Guyana and the Minister of Public Works must come in for high praise for the transformational road projects that they are undertaking. The new roadways along the East Bank of Demerara, the one from Parika to the planned new harbour bridge across the Demerara River that will connect the West Bank to the East Bank and the East Coast road that will be connecting with the East Bank are all so necessary. It is visionary leadership. Roads are the arteries through which the economy of a country pulses. By linking producers

to markets, workers to jobs, students to school, and the sick to hospitals, roads are vital to any development agenda. However, there is a serious problem developing in all of this development, one that has to be addressed now or else it will get further out of hand. A number of unscrupulous individuals have decided to indiscriminately occupy the verges of these new highways, creating a nightmare for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. These persons, many of whom own trucks, park them at the sides of the roads, blocking entirely the pedestrians and cyclists paths; some even decide to erect tents along with their trucks and vend

all day, from fruits, to vegetables, whilst others operate as butcheries, selling every type of meat, even slaughtering chickens right there. Others sell bread and dog food. Not only are they encumbrances and traffic hazards, but they are also very unsightly. Some even set up roadside mechanic shops with large trucks being parked and repaired right there at the side of the highways for days and weeks. At Providence, there is a nice little tourism hub being developed in the area known as ‘Red Road’ and the East Bank highway with an international branded hotel, casino and movie theatre now being joined by a spanking new mall, gym and supermarket. But alas! There is now

a most hideous row of more than twenty permanent shacks that have appeared along the roadway (Red Road), giving the entire area a slum-like appearance. This is most unfortunate and needs to be corrected immediately, not just for aesthetics, but for the safety of persons visiting the area, particularly at night. As a country we have to decide if we are serious about developing Guyana as a tourism destination by beautifying our country, or if we are going to allow vendors to pop up anywhere, creating a shanty town façade everywhere Yours sincerely, Anu Bihari

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Performing arts company launches ‘Painting the picture’ production

UNIQUE Arts Entertainment (UAE), on Saturday evening launched “Painting the Picture”, a performing arts production which will be travelling across the country over the next few months using dance, poetry, drama and other creative arts to bring awareness to issues surrounding trafficking in persons (TIP), domestic violence and mental health. The launch was held at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street. The production is being funded by a programme under UNESCO to the tune of $5 million. Executive Director of UAE, Kelton Jennings conveyed the company’s gratitude to have the opportunity to get the resources to advocate awareness on issues, while also giving the company an opportunity to showcase across the country what they can do.

The company is scheduled to begin the production later this month, and it is expected to run for the rest of the year. “It’s a country tour/documentary. We will be travelling across Guyana accompanied by UNESCO, doing dramatic pieces, telling the stories. We’re using dance, music, etcetera to draw persons in and tell a strong story and tell a message that we think is really, really needed in the world not only in Guyana,” Jennings commented. During the tour, the production will be focusing on making persons aware of what they can do if they came across any of the social issues being addressed by the project. TIP, domestic abuse and mental health challenges are all social issues very prevalent in Guyana’s society; however, notwithstanding continuous interventions be-

ing made, all three social ills continue to thrive. Jennings believe that by attractively packaging the awareness using the creative arts, Guyanese will perhaps become more sensitized and capable of playing their part in helping to eradicate these social scourges. “A lot of people know what domestic violence or mental health or TIP is. They know the words, but they don’t know what it means, they don’t know how they can identify those social ills. So, we will be enhancing person’s knowledge so they can understand it more and know how to identify and catch it,” he explained. During Saturday night’s launch, attendees got a preview of some of the talent that is available at the UAE, with several cultural and dramatic performances in dance, poetry and music. Poet Elsie Harry per-

Man shot dead during trip to Linden to meet ‘female friend’ A 23-year-old resident of Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown, was gunned down on Saturday night while on his way to meet a “female friend” he had travelled to Linden to see. The dead man has been identified as Delron McKenzie. His friend, Calvin Daly, who had accompanied him on the trip received two gunshot wounds and is currently a patient at Linden Hospital Complex. According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Daly told investigators that on Saturday around 17:00hrs, he and McKenzie left Georgetown because he had asked him to accompany him to visit a female friend in the mining town. Daly, who is scheduled to be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for surgery, told the police that they arrived in Linden around 21:00hrs via public transportation and went to Church’s restaurant to purchase food. He recalled that McKenzie subsequently received directions from his female friend via telephone. The instructions he recalled were to “join a boat at the last stelling at the McKenzie shore.” On arrival at the Wismar shore, the deceased contacted the female and was told to walk up the road through Sunflower Street. The injured man told police investigators that they made their way through the street to a bridge and a short distance into

the cross street. McKenzie then received another phone call,during which the female told him to turn around since she was sending a silver wagon to pick them up. The duo then approached the said silver wagon and attempted to open the back door. It is alleged that a male of African descent opened the door first and started to shoot , while another male came out of the front passenger seat and also opened fire. Based on preliminary investigations, the car had three unrecognisable male occupants. After the shooting the gunmen re-entered the car and drove off in a southern direction towards Silver City Street. Daly received two gunshot wounds on the left and right lower arm and abrasions to both of his arms. He was escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was admitted a patient. He told police that he does not have any information on the female friend McKenzie was on his was to meet when he was killed. McKenzie was then escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was examined by the doctor and pronounced dead on arrival. The body was then escorted to the GJetso Funeral Home to await a post-mortem. Even as police investigations are ongoing, there are no suspects in police custody.

One of the cultural performances at the launch of “Painting the Picture” formed a spoken word piece called “The Norm” which spoke to domestic abuse and a call to action for women to not stay in abusive relationships.

Also making a presentation was renowned Guyanese designer Randy Madray, who, in his remarks, spoke about his own struggles with mental health and how fash-

ion literally saved his life. He commended initiatives such as “Painting the Picture” as they reach and bring help to those who need it most.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Benn recommits to supporting families of ‘fallen heroes’

MINISTER of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has recommitted his government’s support to the widows, orphans and families of the policemen and women who have died while on duty. “Mr. Commissioner, Police Officers and citizens, we commit to improving on and providing the requisite, succinct support and direction to help reduce the service risk, the incidents of loss of life and injury and the shared grief we experience on the death of our policemen [and women] in service of our country,” Benn assured. He was at the time addressing those gathered at the Police Officers’ Mess

Compound in Georgetown on Saturday, for the 182nd wreath laying ceremony for fallen heroes. “In gathering, every year, at this place, we remind ourselves, formally, of the ultimate sacrifice made by our policemen in providing us with the ‘Service and Protection’ we continuously need in order to allow for the growth and development of our citizens, society and country,” the Home Affairs Minister said. He added that the ceremony, and others similar to it, give particular emphasis on “recognising that their loss, to us, identifies the ennobling features of the protective and preventative

Minister Benn lauded the bravery of members of the Guyana Police Force in ensuring peace and safety prevail across the country service against criminality; the loss of life, limb and

property and in ensuring peace in Guyana by service in the Guyana Police Force”. Further, Minister Benn asked that the names of the fallen heroes be “read out and that a flame eternal and a spring be emplaced, at this place, in their memory.” The 56 ranks remembered were killed in the line of duty from 1913 to 2010. They include Corporal 1546 James Ramsay, who was killed in 1913 at Plantation Rosehall Canje, Berbice by armed strikers; Corporal. 3485 Ferdinand Mitchell who was killed in 1927 when he was ambushed and shot dead on Tarlogie, Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice; Constable. 5527 Claude Allen who was shot at Field 10 aback of Reliance Canje, Berbice, while escorting payroll in 1957; Constable 5062 Leslie Hannibal, hacked to death in 1958 by notorious criminal Edward Lashley in Georgetown; Corporal 4683 Edgar Benn, shot in 1959 by notorious criminal Clement Cuffy at Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo; Constable 4733 Henry Chester, also shot in 1959 by notorious criminal Clement Cuffy at Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo; Sergeant 5065 Clarence Bacchus shot in 1961,

while investigating a report of burglary in Albouystown, Georgetown; Supt. Deryck McLeod shot by an unidentified sniper in Robb Street, Georgetown during ‘Black Friday Riots’ in 1962; Inspector 4412 Whittington Braithwaite, attacked and killed by the Harts and Melvilles at Lethem Police Station during an insurrection in 1969. The other fallen heroes include Sergeant 4590 James Anderson; Constable 5611 James McKenzie; Constable 5691 William Norton; Constable 7178 Kendall Michael; Constable. 8905 Michael Robinson who, in 1973, was attacked, beaten and thrown into a canal where he drowned, while on duty at Canal # 2, West Bank Demerara; Constable 8898 Kennard Nicholson, stabbed in 1973 at Enmore Police Outpost, East Coast Demerara by Abdool Sammy; Constable 7137 Bhagwan Persaud, who died after being struck down by a car at a road block on Beterverwagting Public Road, East Coast Demerara in 1974; Constable 8646 James Henry who was shot at Number 62 Toll Station, Berbice in 1974; Constable 9002 Audie Bourne, who was shot in Station Street, Kitty, while responding to

a 911 call in 1974; Corporal 8250 Gavin King, shot in Albouystown, while investigating a report of robbery in 1978; Constable 0407 – John Shepherd – shot in Laing Avenue, Georgetown by wanted criminal, Simon Mc Phoy in 1979; Constable 10510 Lakhram Sukdeo, stabbed while on duty at GEC, Sub Station, David and Sheriff Streets, Kitty in 1980; Constable 8818 John Toney, shot and burnt at Mora Point Police Outpost in 1981; Constable 16418 Adrian Williams, shot while attending to a report at West La Penitence, Georgetown in 1996; Sergeant 11117 Richard Faikall, shot by bandits, who had robbed the GNCB, Anna Regina, Essequibo in 1996; and Constable 16138 Allan Higgins, shot by notorious criminal, Hilton Rodrigues at Cromarty, Corentyne, Berbice in 2000. “We all thank them and their families for their exemplary service at the most critical of times and occasions. Eternal Glory and Memory to these, forever young, Fallen Hero Policemen as we work to ensure that their sacrifice would not have been in vain!” Minister Benn concluded.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn pays tribute to the ‘fallen heroes’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

COVID-19 passes should be instituted for work, social gatherings

–– Adviser to the Ministry of Health says

ADVISER to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has opined that COVID-19 passes should be instituted for work and social settings in Guyana as a way to protect those persons who have taken the vaccine. This comment was part of a post made on his social media page on Sunday. The former health minister’s statement comes on

the heels of an announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron to have the rights of health workers and other frontline workers protected against persons who are opting out of the country’s vaccine drive. Those protective measures being taken by France include the presentation of newly instituted health passes, which goes into effect in August and will be used for access to

shops, bars, cinemas and long-distance train journeys in the country. Nightclubs, festivals, theatres and hospitals will also require these passes come July 21 from those above 12-years-old. Dr. Ramsammy noted that this type of policy complements the current global position of noncompulsory vaccination to protect citizens who have taken the vaccine from being unwillingly exposed

Construction of multimillion-dollar pasteurising plant to begin soon By Naomi Parris AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has announced that a new multimillion-dollar pasteurising plant will soon be established in Region Five by a private investor. This was revealed on Saturday during a meeting with farmers of Number Nine village, where the minister disclosed that the project will see the creation of a host of job opportunities for residents. “The investor has already brought in all his equipment into the country, the general manager and the board of MMA-ADA are now looking to see a proper piece of land so that the investor can set up his milk plant.” The minister added that works on the project will begin over the next two months. He further reiterated

that the project is a part of the government’s plans to advance the agricultural sector. “Last year people were talking about waiting until the oil sector comes on stream; all the revenue from the oil and gas we will have to develop our country. Now people are not only talking about the oil and gas sector. As a government, we also want to develop all the sectors of our country. We want a resilient country, not one that depends on only one sector.” The minister added that agriculture, mining, construction, oil and gas must all contribute to Guyana’s development. He said when a country depends on one sector and that sector fails, it can have devastating effects on the economy. He further stated that agriculture creates jobs, wealth and food security, and he noted that Guyana

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha is leading the agricultural agenda across the Caribbean. “In the last two years we have seen our country surrender its position to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, they were talking about agriculture. Comrades, I am very proud today, that our very young vibrant President is now the leading spokesperson on agriculture in CARICOM,” he stated.

to the deadly virus. “The most comprehensive policy on COVID-19 vaccination has been announced by the French President. It basically preserves the non-compulsory vaccination policy we all have, but it takes steps to protect those citizens who are vaccinated from those who are non-vaccinated. While someone has a right to refuse the vaccine those persons do not have a right to expose the rest of us to their reckless risks,” said Dr. Ramsammy. In France, he noted that those unwilling to take the COVID-19 vaccine will be required to present negative COVID-19 tests when

entering work sites. These costs for frequent testing according to Dr. Ramsammy, would be covered solely by the individual instead of the government. “A health worker or teacher or other frontline workers can only go to work if they are vaccinated or produce a weekly test result to show they are negative, the test being at their personal cost. The same applies to going to a restaurant or to a show or in public transportation or in any other public place. If you want to exercise a right to not take the vaccine you must be prepared to face the consequences at your cost, not mine. France is doing the right thing. We must all do

Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy the same,” Ramsammy’s Facebook post read. Government has been rolling out an aggressive COVID-19 vaccination programme which will give those above the age of 18 an opportunity to receive a vaccine to protect themselves against the severe form of the virus. Currently, government is offering first and second doses of the Russian-produced Sputnik V vaccine, the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine, and the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Get connected to adolescents

CHILDREN in their teens can become preoccupied with sexual issues if they are not given clear information and guidance, preferably from parents. There is nothing strange or phenomenal about an interest in sex during this stage of development; it is hormonal. A part of the brain stimulates hormonal change; it will happen once you live and have normal brain function. Do your pre-adolescent children have

normal brain function? Then prepare yourself for the changes in their body and behaviour and work out how you will handle them before adolescence occurs. Decide what you will tell your child and when. It need not be dramatic or formal, such as a sit-down session, but it must be age-appropriate. For example, when you leave young children with a neighbour or friend, teach them rules to stay safe. Never follow

company. Never let anyone touch you inappropriately (your private parts). If anyone behaves rude or bullies you, tell an adult and let me know. If you are asked to do anything wrong, don’t do it, tell an adult and let me know. If something said or done makes you uncomfortable, tell an adult and let me know. Children should feel protected even when you’re not with them. Let them know their safety is important to you. Let them tell you how they spent their time when you collect them. Listen to what your child has to say and stay connected. Being astute and not half-hearted in your approach will give your child confidence and help develop the relationship needed to guide the child through adolescence. When adults overlook parental duties, children are left to their own devices. Without guidance, they can end up confused and bewildered about their sexuality. A mother didn’t give a second thought about leaving her eleven-year-old son with her nextdoor neighbour, whose daughters had played with him for many years. The two girls were slightly older than her son, but the children got along fine together like brother and sisters. When the girls hit puberty, the games they played with the boy next door changed. As far as the parents were concerned, the children were fine. They hadn’t noticed that some of the games were secretive, played out of adult sight. In short, the sisters introduced the boy to sexual encounters during his many ‘stays’, of which the parents were unaware. The adults trusted the children to occupy themselves in the usual way but failed to supervise them or ask how they spent their time. It never occurred to them that the children would embark on sexual experimentation. The ‘baby party’ came to a head when the boy, now aged 13, attempted to molest a younger female cousin. When he proposed his learnt sexual behaviour to the girl, she was disgusted to the point where she complained to her aunt and asked to go home. By now, his family were living far away from the sisters in another village. But the boy, fascinated by his sexual initiation with them, had developed warped ideas, views and understanding of the sexual world. When his mother recovered from her disappointment and anger over the entire incident, she sought help for her son and herself through counselling. Adults cannot monitor children 24/7, but they can teach them moral

conduct and how to behave and react when faced with awkward situations. They can ask questions and check up on activities that their child should have completed or attended, to show an interest and ensure the child stays on track. Parents should always be their child’s first port of call. Children should have no reason to be secretive, embarrassed or afraid to discuss anything with their parents, within reason. Addressing issues of puberty and helping young people to navigate their adolescent jungle is a job for parents. It is a time when they should stay connected to their children more than ever. Parents can talk about body changes, personal hygiene, acceptable behaviour, sex, contraceptives, unwanted pregnancies, STD’s and abstinence over time. Children’s hormones start changing at least one year before there are visible signs of puberty (between the ages of 8 and 14 years), marking the end of childhood and the beginning of adolescence. Adolescence ends during their early twenties so there is plenty of time for discussion, questions and fine-tuning. Even though times are evolving and information is at our fingertips, some parents still do not understand their role in the minds and lives of their developing children. With the onset of adolescence, guidance from adults is necessary more than ever, but some mothers cuss their daughters and throw them onto the street, calling them derogatory names and failing to connect with their girls appropriately. Teenage boys also have their fair share of neglect, where parents fail to monitor their conduct; give them a sense of direction or keep track of their whereabouts. When parents lack vision, so do their children. The actions and deeds of an adolescent girl or boy are reflective of those who raised them and the type of childhood they experienced. Parents should anticipate the stages of development and prepare their children’s minds accordingly. But if they are not connected with their growing child, who, regardless of size, is still a child, how will they guide them beneficially and adequately to adulthood? If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Regularisation of Amelia’s Ward Phase Four to begin soon

– close to 900 informal settlers found in area

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will soon begin the regularisation of informal settlers in Amelia’s Ward Phase Four, Linden, Region 10. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said a verification process conducted by the agency found close to 900 illegal structures erected in the area earmarked for housing development. The minister, along with Permanent Secretary Andre Ally and a team of engineers from the projects department, recently visited the area and found persons erecting large concrete structures. “So, the teams have done a verification of what is existing. In fact, they have already come to the facilities and verified what is here, and they have tagged every loca-

tion; so we have a numbering system in place,” Minister Croal told DPI in a recent interview. He explained that the verification process does not mean the settlers will get house lots in that area. “In the regularisation, we have to take note of who are the persons that are there; we have to verify if they have ownership elsewhere and if they have already benefitted from the system. So, those are some of the things that we go through the screening process before we go to the physical regularisation,” he explained. Once the regularisation begins and the area is surveyed, the squatters will have to shift or move to accommodate the necessary infrastructural development, which will be catered for

in the ministry’s 2022 programme. “As we normally do for every new housing area, we will put the necessary roads and drainage network in place, of course catering for water… we have the expansion of the water distribution network in Amelia’s Ward because of the expansion in that area.” Minister Croal urged Lindeners to desist from squatting, since new illegal structures would not be recognised and included in CH&PA’s inventory. As part of its housing programme in Linden, the CH&PA had acquired additional lands from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), with Amelia’s Ward Phase Four among areas zoned out for house lot

The area where illegal structures are being erected in Amelia’s Ward Phase Four (DPI photo)

Former China-based medical student offering classes in Mandarin By Jeune Bailey Van Keric MALIKA Ross of Kiltern Village, Corentyne, had travelled to China to pursue a medical career but after spending the initial year learning the Mandarin language, she had to return home because of health issues. Prior to her departure from that foreign land, she successfully completed the fourth and fifth levels of the HSK examinations at the Shandong University in Ji-

nan Province, China. HSK is the abbreviation for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi and is an international standard skill test for persons who are not native speakers of the Chinese language. HSK is the official Chinese exam for foreigners, similar to Cambridge for English. The test was introduced in 2010 by the Chinese government. The HSK exam consists of two separate sections: a written and an oral examination. The written exam consists of six levels from HSK Level 1 to HSK

Level 6. The oral exam is sub-divided into three stages comprising HSK basic, HSK intermediate and HSK advanced. Having completed the fourth and fifth levels, Malika cannot only speak fluent Chinese and communicate with native speakers, but she can also read Chinese newspapers and magazines and enjoy Chinese films and television programmes. With this knowledge, the now 28-year-old mother See page 12

distribution. The ministry held its largest house lots distribution exercise last week, which saw some 400 Lin-

deners allocated lands in Amelia’s Ward. Another 144 land titles and transports were also distributed. (DPI)

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

466 Leguan students benefit from ‘Because We Care’

PARENTS of 466 students in Leguan, Region Three, are now in a better position to prepare their children for the new school term. On Saturday, they benefited from government’s ‘Because We Care’ and the school uniform and supplies cash grants, which saw parents receiving $19,000 for each public-school child. The exercise was led by Education Minister Priya Manickchand at the Leguan Secondary School. Parents who turned out in their numbers expressed how grateful they were and shared what it meant to them. Corinne Hilliman-Bobb

said, “I have one child at school and I am very much happy for this cash grant ‘Because We Care’ and I would put it and use it to the best of my ability towards my daughter.” Bibi Mohamed said the money will go a far way for the children of Leguan.

they appreciate it; thank you very much, we are going to put it into the good use.” “I would like to thank the government for giving us this grant because we are really in need of it and I will see that put it to good use when it comes to the child, making sure the child gets what he

to receive this grant for the children to help them buy clothes and whatever it may be,” he said. Minister Manickchand addressing the parents assured them that there will be no prejudice as government rolls out the programme. The minister urged parents to ig-

these five years is harmful to you and your children,” Minister Manickchand said. “I believe anything that is spent on in the service to your children is a good way to spend the money, a blessed way to spend the money,” she added. Parents were also assured

Education Minister Priya Manickchand overlooking the cash-grant distribution process (DPI photo)

Parent, Anola Alleyne

“I want to say thank you very much to the Minister of Education for giving us this grant… I want to say congrats and overall, for everybody on the island, I know

needs and what he deserves with it,” another parent, Anola Alleyne said. Azim Hanif also expressed similar sentiments. “I must say that I am happy

nore those who are trying to mislead them and politicise the programme. “You have plenty things you can make politics about in Guyana, education should not be one of them. Educating Guyanese children should not be one of them… This politicising everything in

by the minister that at the end of government’s first term in office, the cash grant will be increased to $50,000 dollars, as promised. Minister Manickchand also made a pitch to parents to get vaccinated. She said government is considering reopening schools in Sep-

Parent Bibi Mohamed tember. The possibility of that the minister said depends on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Taskforce. However, she noted that getting vaccinated plays a big role in the decision of the taskforce. The minister said while government has been doing all it can to get students engaged through various platforms, there is no substitute for face-to-face learning. The grant was first introduced in 2014, valued at $10,000; however, it was discontinued under the previous APNU+AFC administration. Upon returning to office, the PPP/C Government increased it to $15,000 in addition to doubling the school uniform and supplies voucher from $2,000 to $4,000. Approximately 172,000 students will benefit from the $3.2 billion programme. (DPI)

Former China-based medical ...

From page 11

of one has commenced virtual classes for persons interested in learning Mandarin, which she believes is essential , due to the influx of Chinese and the growing number of Chinese-owned businesses. Guyanese, she noted, are encountering much difficulty in communicating with these foreigners; it is for this reason that there is the need to learn the language. Standard Mandarin is the official language of the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. It is also one of the four official languages of Singapore and is used as one of the working languages of the United Nations (UN). Prior to leaving for China, the then 17-year-old former student of J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School had secured 12 CSEC subjects which had afforded her the opportunity to secure a Government of Guyana scholarship. Although it was unfortunate that she was unable to complete her medical training, Malika advised future scholarship awardees to face their hurdles, to manage their lifestyles, to take care of their health and to trust God, who has a master plan for our lives. Malika can be contacted on 697 8466.

Malika Ross

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

NA teen tops Caribbean in CAPE Performing Arts By Jeune Bailey Van- Keric

NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Deborah Darlington is still basking in her success after being adjudged the Region’s top performer for Performing Arts (Cinematics Arts) Unit 2, at the 2020 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). The teenager secured a Grade One, above four Barbadian scholars and fellow Guyanese Towana Newton, who secured the sixth position with a Grade Three on the top candidates’ merit list. In 2019, Darlington had written Performing Arts (Drama) Unit 1, Communication Studies, Caribbean Studies, Integrated Mathematics, and English Literature. She secured the top student award in Communication Studies for her alma mater, the Berbice High School. But in 2020, being advised by Shaundel DQ Phillips, a teacher, and a local filmmaker director, Darlington opted to study Cinematics Arts instead of pursuing Drama at the Unit Two level.

In this Berbice High School photograph, Deborah Darlington collects her top performer award for Performing Arts (Cinematics) from Sir Zahir Moakan According to the Carib- (CXC) website, the Cinebean Examination Council matic Arts option is intended to give the student of film the opportunity to learn the storytelling processes and understand the theoretical aspects of this evolving art form. A working appreciation of the aesthetics, and the social and economic potential of the medium in the Caribbean space and context are the ultimate goals of this option. A balance of theory and practice is provided and the necessary skills give the student the confidence to either pursue higher education and training in this art form, or informed entrance into the film, television and digital video industry. Darlington, a devout Christian, previously attended St Therese’s Primary and had secured a placement at the Tutorial Academy Secondary School. Subsequently, she was transferred to the New Amsterdam (Multilateral) Secondary School where she secured 10 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. She confessed that her success was a result of the constant push from her parents, Pastor Gary and Ann Deborah Darlington receives the Communication Darlington. “I never knew my ability. Studies award from Sir Cordell Austin.

I did not realise my capabilities. I was a bit lazy, but my parents pushed me. I spent more time reading, writing and spelling, which resulted in improved grades . Eventually I was among the top in my class,” she said during a recent interview at her Down’s Avenue, New Amsterdam home. Prior to achieving the regional top award, the teenager had also written Sociology and Literature. She had copped the top student award for Sociology Unit 2 and Performing Arts Unit 2 at the Berbice High School where she had opted to write the advance examinations. “I was overwhelmed after seeing my name on the Ca-

ribbean Examination Council merit list. Initially, I thought it was a national award, but I later recognised I was a regional (Caribbean) top performer. I was ecstatic,” she recalled with a twinkle in her eyes. Her success did not come without several challenges as Darlington had “to steer her ship on uncharted waters.” She, along with her classmate Towna Newton, and a few other students wrote Performing Arts at Berbice High School. “My greatest challenge was [the] internal assessment. But, my colleagues and I were adamant that it was completed in a timely manner. Leading up to the ex-

aminations we had to travel twice monthly to Belladrum Secondary School, West Coast of Berbice, where we collaborated our efforts with students there. Credit must be extended to teacher Shinelle Kendall (Temporary) and Teacher Shundell DQ Phillips, who connected me with Canadian-based [sic] filmmaker Ryan Singh, and Errol Chan. Together they guided me, as I was without a permanent teacher,” she recalled. For the future, Darlington is aspiring to become a teacher, but is open to whatever direction her Creator, may lead her in the field of Performing Arts.

Family seeks justice following fatal shooting of Essequibo man

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

The bus shed where the shooting incident took place By Indrawattie Natram AN reported misunderstanding over “ganja” has left a 23-year-old Queenstown, Region Two farmer dead and another man hospitalised with several gunshot injuries. Dead is Keyion Mc Lennon, called “Bamzey.” The injured man, who has been identified as “Fronto,” is currently a patient at the Suddie Public Hospital. The shooting incident occurred around 19:30hrs on Saturday at the Queenstown bus shed. Police acting on information searched the backlands and parts of On-

Keyion Mc Lennon derneeming for the suspect but up to press time he had not been caught. Residents recalled hearing the sounds of two gunshots coming from inside the bus shed. According to the information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the deceased and the suspect were having a heated argument when “Fronto” assumed the role of peacemaker and intervened. The suspect later pulled out a gun and discharged several rounds which fatally struck Mc Lennon and injured “Fronto.” Persons gathered at the scene told the Guyana Chronicle that they found the deceased lying in a pool of blood and immediately rushed him to the Suddie Public Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. Mc Lennon’s father Donald was unable to contain his tears when this publication

Father of the deceased, Donald Mc Lennon approached him. He called for justice for his slain son before recalling that he last saw him around 18:00hrs on Saturday. He recalled that earlier in the day he and the suspect crossed paths and they raised their hands at each other. “I raise my hand to he. I did not know that he would shoot my son. I am so sad over this. That’s my second son and I love him a lot. He doesn’t trouble no one but the man who killed him is a bad boy, he does go jail steady and come out,” the man said. He urged the police to continue searching the Onderneeming backlands for the suspect. “We don’t know what stemmed the issue, but it was a misunderstanding and we want the police to do their part and catch the suspect,” he added. Meanwhile, an aunt of the deceased, Shondel Venture, said when she heard of the incident she immediately went to the bus shed where she saw her nephew lying lifeless. She said he was shot twice to his abdomen. She like Mc Lennon’s father is calling for justice. This newspaper understands that many youngsters would usually hang out in the evening at the bus shed to allegedly smoke ganja. Residents are therefore calling on the police to increase patrols in the area. Mc Lennon’s body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Former Guyana captain Daesrath to run off softball tournament in Canada FORMER SENIOR national cricket captain Damodar Daesrath will run off a one-day T10 knockout softball extravaganza on Saturday, July 24 at Keele Top in Toronto. The event, which is organised by “Dassie” and Friends, will be held in the memory of former Cricket Canada team manager, Johnny Bujun. According to Daesrath, who is also a former Canadian international cricketer, a number of high-profile softball players from the Greater Toronto Area are expected to be part of the action. Only the first ten teams will participate in the roundhand games. The event is fixed to bowl off at 09:30hrs and an entrance fee of C$300 per team is required. The winning team will pocket C$4,000 while there will be other cash prizes and trophies up for grabs. The 40-year-old stated that the organisers want to remember Bujun for his service to hardball cricket in Toronto and by extension, Canada. Bujun also helped direct cricket in Canada for a lengthy period and made several international tours with the men’s senior team. He died in 2016 via a vehic-

Damodar Daesrath is also set to play in the competition.

ular accident in his native Trinidad and Tobago.

He was also a co-owner of the Masters Cricket

Club, formerly known as Brampton Cricket Club, that participated in the annual Toronto and District Cricket Association tournaments in the last two decades. A large number of Guyanese cricketers have represented the club over the years. Daesrath added that all Covid-19 measures would be put in place for both players and fans. He also thanked all of the sponsors for their continued support. Daesrath, Royston Crandon, Dillon Heyliger, Hemnarine and Harrinarine Chattergoon, Rovendra Mandolall, Farouk Hussain, Troy Gobin, Zaheer Haniff, Devon Ramnauth and Azib Alli Hanif are some of the Guyanese cricketers expected to compete in the event.

Shihan Jeffrey Wong receives official Karate-do ... From page 22

at the Anglican Archbishop’s residence in High Street, Kingston. At that time, karate in Guyana was under the umbrella of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and Shihan Wong was able to benefit from interaction with and teaching from the fathers and masters of karate, Masatoshi Nakayama, Teruyuki Okazaki, Takayuki Mikami, Shigeru Takashina and Yutaka Yaguchi

Shihan Wong attended, as a brown belt, the first Caribbean Championships in 1976 that was held in Trinidad. Team Guyana brought second with him getting two silver medals, after which he successfully attended all the other Caribbean and National championships. He held the title of kumite champion for a number of years. For more than 50 years, Shihan Wong has trained between three and five times a

week, and has not restricted his teaching to only Guyanese students but was also responsible for setting up a dojo in St. Kitts and training its students in the 1980’s. Shihan Wong’s capabilities in karate are clearly evident with many of his students blazing the trail, both in Guyana and across the globe, capturing many gold, silver and bronze medals and world championship titles. The International Karate

Archibald eyeing ... From page 22

big for me and the country as well,” Archibald told Chronicle Sport. Though representing Guyana at the Olympic Games in the 100 metres, Archibald is more versed and accomplished in the Long Jump, where he’s also the country’s National record holder. Mark Mason’s long jump

record of 8.07 metres, which he had set in April of 1993, was broken by Archibald on March 7, 2019, at a meet in Jamaica, after the now Malta Carib athlete had leaped 8.07. Showing that his feat was no fluke, Archibald, at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) All Comers Meet 1 on May 11, 2019, reset the National long jump record to 8.12

metres. The Linden athlete had opened his season this year by posting an impressive 8.10 metres at the National Track and Field Centre. At the time, it was a world-leading distance in the long jump. Archibald has represented Guyana at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, chalking up an impressive résumé in

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Organization is an authentic traditional Shotokan karate institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Shotokan karate. The IKO is the most professionally setup martial arts organisation in the world. With members in over 100 countries, and is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization and the only legal karate entity officially recognized by the Japanese government as an association of members for the promotion of karate. They intend to spread Shotokan Karate throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. The International Karate

Organization insists that Karate is not a game of points, but is a martial art and way of life that trains a practitioner to be peaceful; but if conflict is unavoidable, true karate dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow. The insist that such an action from their students require strength, speed, focus, and control. This harmonious unity of mind and body is intensely powerful. Even the greatest physical strength and skill are no match for the power of wholeness. Shihan Wong is currently touring IKO-affiliated dojos in the USA.

Jamaica where he’s based as part of the Ricketts Performance Centre under Coach Kerry-Lee Ricketts. He told Chronicle Sport recently that making the games in the 100 metres came as a surprise, stating “I’ve always known that I’m a better long jumper, so I was surprised. But this is the first time I’m getting to focus on one event going into a competition and I should do my best at it.” Jasmine Abrams, who

claimed Bronze in the 100 metres at the South American Championship, along with her sister, Aliyah Abrams, in the 400 metres, will join Archibald as the track and field representative at the games. Boxer Keevin Allicock, Table Tennis star, Chelsea Edghill, and swimmers Aleka Persaud and Andrew Fowler are the other athletes who will represent Guyana at the biggest global sporting event.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Yadram continues batting dominance, leads Lions to two-run victory

AN entertaining century by national cricketer, Bhaskar Yadram, led the Liberty Lions to a thrilling two-run victory, when action continued over the weekend in the New York National Cricket League (NYNCL) Saturday 30-over competition. The predominantly overseas-based Guyanese team which had several players with national experience in its lineup, won the toss and opted to bat against Game Changer’z in a reduced 25over match at the Cunningham Park ground. Skipper Richard Ramdeen and Syed Abdulla played a few shots and put together 60 for the opening wicket. Ramdeen, a former national cricketer, scored 32 (2X4s, 3X6s)

Bhaskar Yadram has scored back-to-back centuries in the NYNCL 30-over Saturday tournament.

Success Playfield renamed in honour of late Olympian Harry Prowell

Some of the persons who came together to make the project a reality (Photo: Avenash Ramzan/News Room)

THE late Harry Prowell, who represented Guyana at the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968, was honoured on Saturday, with the renaming of the Success Playfield on the East Coast of Demerara; its now named the Harry Prowell Playfield. Prowell, who ran the gruelling 5,000m and 10,000m races, passed away in June 2000, aged 63, lived just a corner away from the playfield. Pioneer of the project, Mustafaa Azimullah, told the News Room Sport they wanted to appreciate the outstanding accomplishments of the late Prowell. “An athlete would die twice-- at the end of their

career and their natural death. Harry Prowell’s achievements are immense, they cannot be equated, and that was one of the driving forces behind this initiative.” Azimullah added, “This would serve as a reminder, not only for us, but the youth of tomorrow about who Harry Prowell really was, who this great man really was, who this legend was.” More so, grand-daughter, Michelle Rampersaud, said the Prowell clan is proud to witness the honouring of the Olympian, one that will serve to preserve his remarkable legacy. “This day will cast a permanent mark on our minds. We cherish this day as this event keeps the accomplish-

ments of a great athlete, a great son and a true champion alive,” Rampersaud told the gathering. Prowell participated in the 10,000 metres at the 1967 Pan American Games in Canada and represented Guyana at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland. Prowell has personal best in the Marathon with a time of 2:39:11 set on 4 February 1968 in St. Georges, Grenada. He was named Guyana’s National Sportsman of the Year in 1969 and received the Order of Service of Guyana, known as the Golden Arrow of Achievement in 1970.

from 18 balls before he lost his wicket. This brought Yadram to the crease, and he began batting himself in. After Abdulla fell for 42 (1X4, 4X6s) from 24 balls, Yadram and fellow current national cricketer, Chanderpaul Hemraj, added 46 for the third wicket, before the latter fell for six. Yadram continued his onslaught, and with number five batsman, Satish Dwarka also playing freely, the two were able to add 108 runs for the fourth wicket. In total, Yadram belted 16 sixes and two fours off 47 balls in his score of 116. Last week, he scored 105 unbeaten runs against Meeri Peeri in the same competition. When he fell in the 20th

over on Saturday, his teammates tried to keep up the run rate. Dwarka with 39 (3X4s, 2X6s) from 25 balls and Kevin Ramdeen 32 from 11 balls helping to push the score to 285-9 by the end of the innings. Game Changer’z were up to the task in the middle and dominated the first 10 overs of their innings, with their openers, Umar Farooq and Nosherwan Adil blasting 112 in 10.3 overs. Farooq, who was bowled by Yadram, scored 70 (1X4, 9X6s) quick runs from 31 balls. Adil lasted six additional overs before he was bowled by Hemraj for 82 from 56 balls (4X4s, 8X6s). With the opening pair out of the equation, the

Guyanese cricketers were able to wrest some control back in the middle overs with Yadram and Kevin Ramdeen leading the bowling attack. A blitz of an attack from number seven batsman, Saqib Shahid (51 from 21 balls, 2X4s, 4X6s), however, brought Games Changer’z back. When he fell, caught by Yadram off the bowling of Kevin Ramdeen, the side needed just 22 runs from 14 balls, but the Lions kept their bowling and fielding tight, which left their opponents just short on 283-9 when the overs expired. Yadram finished with 3-53 and Kevin Ramdeen 3-72 from their allotted five overs.

Simmons expects stronger fightback from Aussies in ODI series THE number three ranked nation in the 50-over format, Australia, take on West Indies, lodged at eighth. Now, while in the recently concluded five-match Twenty20 series, rankings proved of little significance since West Indies outplayed the higher-ranked Australia, this longer format could prove more testing for the hosts when the first of three One-Day Internationals gets underway Tuesday in Barbados. West Indies, buoyed by a clean sweep of Sri Lanka in March, and the Aussies batting depleted with the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith missing, Head Coach Phil Simmons still feels the Australians will come with stronger grit in this format. “Every series you go into, you look for full points, you looking to win all three games; Australians are not going to be an easy target, they play well in all-formats, they will be coming stronger especially after losing the T20 series, so, we got to make sure to continue and add to where we finished

against Sri Lanka”, the West Indies coach indicated at a virtual briefing on Sunday. These three matches form part of the inaugural ICC Super League which takes place across two years and aims to raise the stakes of bilateral 50-over games. In its first edition, the Super League will help decide which teams feature in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Australia is third on the current standing with 40 points from six matches while West Indies are ninth with 30 points from six matches. Each team gets ten points for a victory. In their last series against Sri Lanka, all three of the West Indies top-order batsmen, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis and Darren Bravo, got hundreds, and Simmons wants one of them to bat through the innings so they can post or chase totals in excess of 300 which is the new norm in the format. “We are looking forward to the way we batted to continue, and improvements have to be made in the mid-

dle-overs from 20-39 in order for us to get from 280-290 to the 320-330 which we will need against an Australian team to be winning games.” The Head Coach said that captain Kieron Pollard, who missed the entire T20I series due to injury, “should be fit” for Tuesday’s opener. The match time is 14:30hrs. West Indies Squad: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Anderson Philip, Nicholas Pooran and Romario Shepherd. Australia Squad: Australia squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Riley Meredith, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Guyana’s Olympic athletes urged to compete to the best of their abilities

By Rawle Toney AS Guyana’s representatives to the Tokyo Olympic games begin to arrive in Japan, the country’s Chef De Mission of the delegation, Garfield Wiltshire, is encouraging them to give their best. Table Tennis star, Chelsea Edghill and boxer, Keevin Allicock, will be joined by track athletes, Aliyah (400m) and Jasmine Abrams (100m) and Emanuel Archibald (100m), along with swimmers Aleka Per-

saud and Andrew Fowler, as the athletes suiting up for Guyana at the 32nd Olympiad. Wiltshire is hoping that the Guyanese athletes “compete to the best of their abilities, achieve personal bests and if that result in any medals then that would be excellent.” Michael Parris’ 1980 Moscow Games bronze medal accomplishment in the sport of boxing remains Guyana’s lone medal at the Olympics. Meanwhile, it is being

reported that games organizers are searching for ways to deal with a rising number of athletes and officials who are testing positive upon arrival in Japan. South Africa’s football governing body said, on Sunday, two of its men’s team members based in the Olympic Village and a technical staff member had tested positive and were being isolated. Also testing positive after arrival was International Olympic Committee member Ryu Seung-min from South

Archibald eyeing Olympic 100m glory By Rawle Toney Q U A L I F Y I N G for the Tokyo Olympic Games wasn’t something Emanuel Archibald dreamt about during his formative years competing in Track and Field in Linden. However, after falling in love with the sport, his perspective and focus changed and now, he’s one of seven

representatives set to fly the Golden Arrowhead in Japan. “I started Track and field to have fun and to get free schooling. I’ve been doing it for fun and 2018 is the year that I realized that I can compete with the rest of the world and after then I’ve been serious throughout,” the usually candid national sprint champion said. Archibald will join

Emanuel Archibald during his silver medal performance at this year’s South American Senior Championships

Mark Mason (long jump 1992), Onan Thom (swimming 2004), Marian Burnett (800m, 2004 and 2008) and Desmond Hector (800m 1992) as the athletes from Linden to have represented Guyana at the Olympic Games. Mason was the last Guyanese athlete to compete in the men’s long jump at an Olympics, finishing 15th out of 53 athletes. That event was won by the USA’s Carl Lewis. This year’s South American Championship 100 metre silver medallist (10.23 seconds) and Guyana’s highest-ranked sprinter and National Champion, is focused on taking it one step at a time at the 32nd Olympiad. Archibald’s personal best in the distance is 10.22 seconds, set in 2018 in Kingston, Jamaica. He also clocked a wind-assisted 10.18 seconds to win Guyana’s senior Men’s 100 metres at the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) National Championships in June. “My goal is to basically make the finals; take every round at a time. Right now, I’m getting season-best going into the games, which is good. This games is big for me. This is the second big event I’m going to this year, so getting a medal will be See page 21

Korea, Games organizers said. The British Olympic Association also confirmed that six athletes and two staff members from its track and field team were identified as close contacts of an individual—not from the Team GB delegation— who tested positive following their arrival in Tokyo on Friday. The British delegation members have continued to test negative and are in self-isolation in their rooms at the team’s camp.

In all, 55 persons connected to the Olympics, including officials and contractors working on the Summer Games, have tested positive since July 1, according to data from the organizers. Wiltshire said he’s “extremely worried with all the reports coming out from Japan with regards to the increase in cases and the lockdowns in numerous places…and the desire of the Japanese population that they’re no longer comfortable or want the games to occur now.”

Boxer Keevin Allicock is on his way to Tokyo where he will touch gloves with the world’s best featherweights on July 24 when the boxing competition gets going. Edghill will also be in action on July 24 when the women’s singles table tennis serves off; so too will swimmers Persaud and Fowler. Track athletes, Archibald and the Abrams siblings, will take to the starting blocks on July 30 at Japan’s National Stadium for the qualifying rounds of the 100 and 400 metres.

Shihan Jeffrey Wong receives official Karate-do conferment in Florida, USA C H I E F Instructor and Chairman of the International Karate-do Organization’s Academy of Guyana, Sensei, yesterday formally received the conferment of the Kodansha (High Dan Rank) from the Chief Master of the International Karate Organization, Shihan Adrian Ellis and the members of his Shihan Kai Senate at their Great Dojo in Winter Park Florida. Shihan Jeffrey Wong, who is currently on an official Karate visit to the United States, had, several months ago, successfully undertaken his 7th Degree Black Belt or (Shichi-dan) examination. The Shihankai consists of a small group of the IKO’s most senior instructors. They provide advice and counsel to the Chief Instructor on all matters Technical and Administrative. In addition, they review decisions by the Technical Committee and other committees and make recommendations to the Chief Instructor as needed. The designation Shihan is a Japanese term that is used in martial arts as a title for a Master or “teacher of teachers,” responsible for the structure and standards of style of those Senseis under his authority. Under the International Karate Organization’s rules, Shihans must

Shihan Jeffrey Wong (Left) receiving certificate from Shihan Adrian Ellis (Right)

carry the rank of seventh dan or above. Shihan Wong, in an interview after being conferred with this high accolade, with humility said that grading is no longer the most important part of practising karate for

him, and said he was focused on passing his knowledge on to others. Sensei Jeffrey, as he is popularly known, began his training in the early 1970’s See page 21

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday July 19, 2021) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-- 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Malcolm Marshall- 41 wickets (26 ODIs) (2) James Anderson-- 32 wickets (21 ODIs) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best ODI bowling figures by a West Indian versus England to date? (2) What are the best ODI bowling figures by an English player against the WI to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 19, 2021

Hamilton wins after crash with Verstappen REUTERS - Lewis Hamilton celebrated a record eighth British Grand Prix victory on Sunday after fighting back from a 10-second penalty for a first-lap collision that halted the race and sent title rival Max Verstappen to hospital. The Mercedes driver, now only eight points behind Red Bull’s Verstappen after 10 races, passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with two laps to go as a capacity 140,000 crowd rose to cheer on their home hero. Hamilton’s team mate Valtteri Bottas finished third after being told to let Hamilton through to chase Leclerc, who had led from the re-start and was voted driver of the day. The win was the 99th of seven-times world champion Hamilton’s Formula One career, fourth of the current campaign and one of the more controversial in his long list of achievements. It was also the worst possible result for Verstappen, who had started on pole position with a 33-point lead but failed to complete a lap after suffering the biggest accident of his career when he crashed out at Copse corner. Hamilton went down the inside, Verstappen moved across and they tangled wheels -- the Red

Bull’s rear right touching the front left of the Mercedes. The stewards deemed Hamilton was to blame. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner criticised Hamilton for a mistake he deemed amateur, dangerous and desperate but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said it “takes two to tango”. Verstappen was flown by helicopter to hospital in Coventry after initial checks at the circuit and released at 2200 local time without any major injuries, the team said. A day that was almost a return to pre-pandemic normality, with crowds cheering in the sunshine from packed grandstands, ended with a British winner, a thrilling late chase for victory - and plenty to argue about. It also lit a fire under the title battle, after previous pleasantries between the two rivals, with the gloves now decidedly off and Red Bull’s momentum abruptly halted after five wins in a row. From being 44 points clear in the constructors’ championship, Red Bull are now only four ahead of Mercedes. The front-running pair are now at daggers drawn with Red Bull accusing Hamilton of dangerous driving and the Briton highlighting Verstappen’s aggressive approach.

British Grand Prix - Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain - July 18, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the race REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

Simmons expects stronger fightback from Aussies in ODI series SEE PAGE 21

West Indies will expect a tougher test from Australia in the 50-over format

Guyana’s Olympic athletes urged to compete to the best of their abilities SEE PAGE 22

Table Tennis player Chelsea Edghill enjoying a light moment in Japan at the Athletes Village.

Swimmers, Aleka Persaud (first from right) and Andrew Fowler, along with coach Shyka Gonsalves, were the first Guyanese athletes to arrive in Tokyo, Japan ahead of the July 23 - August 8 Olympic Games.

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Monday, July 19, 2021