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Thursday July 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
What is the problem with presenting truths? There is a growing problem in Guyana with speaking truths, and sharing them publicly. It is a big problem that threatens to get even bigger. The PPP government and its senior leaders by attitudes and actions have conveyed to the whole world where both stand regarding those media entities and Guyanese citizens that think differently, raise an unwanted objection, ask a sharp question, arrive at a believed dangerous conclusion and take a strong position. From the perspective of the current government and its leaders, it must be their message and none other, their way and don’t get in the way. As we at this publication think of all this, some firm thoughts leading to firmer mindsets rush to the surface which we now share in the most pointed manner. It cannot be possible that a government, that calls itself democratic, be so uncomfortable with hard truths and undeniable facts, and the reciprocally reinforcing accuracy of both, that it seeks either to dilute such facts, or distance from them, and when diluting and distancing do not work, then move to suppress them. Surely, no leader of any stature, with any bone of decency and integrity within him (or her) can be so insecure, as not to possess any speck of confidence in the unchallengeable rightness of his case and cause, and let untouched reality provide the best proofs possible. Surely, we think again that no leader can be this unsure of himself, or the purity of his actions and their ability at withstanding any deep probing, that he would deny any quest for more details, any inquiry for greater clarity. And just as surely, there can’t be such a leader in this Guyana of ours, who is so vainglorious that he believes that he alone knows it all, and he alone must have his say and how he wants to say it, with what he wants to say, and what he wants to hide. As incredible as this may sound, and of this we at this paper can stand up and say, even shout, that it is so for both this government and its leaders, who think of themselves as the only trendsetters and the only truthtellers. Except that they aren’t, in the least sense of any of those two words, given what they have done, how they have operated, and in what they have delivered. There are other trends, one of which is that most Guyanese have come to a clearer appreciation of how they lie, what they conceal and cover over, and what causes them great discomforts and agitations, and that which they move with determination and strength to suppress, or to diminish, or to destroy. The leaders of this government, who say that they are committed to democratic ideals, are more about dealing in darkness, and so much so nowadays that they have become children of darkness. They cling to shadows, they clutch at straws, and when those fail them, they rush out to lash out, either sharply and publicly, or slyly and secretly. We will give examples of both, because we know from our own experience, and as more and more Guyanese are beginning to understand. There have been lawsuits over the things and projects for which they would not tolerate exposure and the embarrassing fallouts that such revelations heap upon their corrupt heads. Think billion-dollar projects and the dirtiness that went on with them, and which are now on firmer footing with new developments and discoveries in several fields, and none as promising and prospering as oil. On the sly and secret side, there is the record of those who were trained to be dedicated sleuths and dig deep, now weaned away, through the calculated dangling of taxpayers’ dollars to remove facts and figures from the same taxpayers, who are made to live in ignorance and blind obedience. It was advertising dollars before, today it is more subtle, involves people. Any government that has pride, any leader that is of the honourable, and any cabinet of politicians that is of incorruptibility would have none of any of the above. But they have, and in the worst ways possible, with more promised.
The Diaspora is the most potent resource available for Guyana’s development, let’s not waste it Dear Editor, I am referencing a news article published on July 25, 2021 on Demerara Waves titled “Diaspora stakeholder complains to President about slothfulness, discourtesy on investment webinars.” It is quite paradoxical that Mr. Forde, who is “committed to promoting and encouraging active diaspora engagement for social and economic development in Guyana,” would exhort such energy and resources to complain and express disappointment with the Government and suggest widened mistrust between Guyana and the diaspora. This seems quite contrary to his UGDGN’s core purpose of “a prosperous and harmonious Guyana for all Guyanese.” I am an active member and advocate for deeper and wider engagement and participation of the Guyanese diaspora in the development of Guyana. However, like so many in the diaspora, we find Mr. Forde’s statements insincere and counterproductive, especially in the midst of an unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic and the recent floods. Guyana’s development is directly and critically linked to its global diaspora population. The global
Guyanese diaspora is estimated at one million possessing significant wealth, skills, disposable income and a deep desire for Guyana. More than 50% of the diaspora are second and third generation Guyanese, who are talented, innovative and excited to explore and contribute to Guyana. Without a doubt, the diaspora is our most potent and valuable resource, more than all the natural resources available in Guyana. We must commend the Irfaan Ali Administration for recognising this prized potential and creating an environment to leverage the resources of our diaspora. Let’s mention a few for clarity. The early opening of the airports to ensure investors, diasporeans, and others can access Guyana’s potentials; upgrade of GOINVEST to highlight and bring urgency to the vast investment opportunities in Guyana; the establishment of a Diaspora Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop the structures and strategy for active and ongoing diaspora engagement; pursuing a bustling private sector focused economy with benefits for the diaspora as well as local investors; the commitment to a “one window” economy to deliver
efficient services; and more than anything else, the Government has placed Guyana back on a development path after years of economic neglect and mismanagement. No one will disagree that there is room for improvement on the Government’s strategy and execution. The diaspora on the other hand, notwithstanding their potentials, lacks leadership and organisation. Represented by hundreds of loose associations and groups globally, the diaspora is largely without a single voice, framework, or strategy. So whom does the government engage with or talk to when it comes to the diaspora? I believe Mr. Forde’s frustration and “disappointment” should be channeled to the diaspora who he seeks to represent and claim to shepherd. Mr. Forde’s frustration stems from a planned investment webinar that did not happen because of the unavailability of the President. Mr. Forde should know that the President meets diaspora investors almost daily in Guyana; these are serious investors who are making real effort with time and money to do business in Guyana. Secondly, the
President has already outlined his vision and commitment in the May 22 Diaspora Conference, it is for the diaspora to learn and align itself to access investment opportunities. Thirdly, Mr. Forde should have worked with GOINVEST, Diaspora Unit and the private sector, these are the organisations that execute on the President’s strategy and have deeper knowledge of the opportunities and how to access them. As mentioned above, the diaspora is the most potent resource available for Guyana’s development. It requires bridges and structures to be built that would enable a tangible and robust engagement between Guyana and its diaspora. This will have to go beyond talking, webinars and expectations from the government and frustrations. The diaspora, knowing their individual and collective worth with access to technology, finance and experience, need to professionally organise itself, build a strategy and establish the structures to engage and impact Guyana and Guyanese. Yours truly, Salaudeen “Salim” Nausrudeen
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and should be mandatory Dear Editor, The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the existence of multitudinous persons throughout the world, in unprecedented ways. The virus was spreading rapidly and the lives of over four million persons, in more than two hundred countries, were snatched away due to it. The world panicked. The practice of wearing masks, washing hands and physical distancing came into use to reduce the spread of the coronavirus but it did not make a significant difference in the transmission of it. This is when Researchers and Scientists expeditiously brought a ray of hope to the world by creating vaccines. Sadly, persons are hesitant in getting vaccinated because of the amount of misinformation that has been peddling on social media. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), vaccines stimulate your immune system to produce
antibodies, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease. After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease, without having to get the disease first. Therefore, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and should be mandatory since they reduce the risk of infection and transmission, prevent severe illness and death and protect unborn babies as well as infants. The coronavirus disease is caused by a virus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) and the spreading of it by people can be reduced if they are vaccinated. When persons are immunised, their bodies began to produce antibodies. These antibodies fight against the virus, so if someone contracts it, the risk of getting the disease will lessen. Senior research fellows, Jenifer Juno and Adam Wheatley (2021), stated that, “In April, Public
Health England reported the results of a large study of COVID-19 transmission involving more than 365,000 households with a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated members. It found immunisation with either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine reduced the chance of onward virus transmission by 40-60%.” This study proves that if persons are infected after being vaccinated, the chance of transmitting the virus is only 40-60% whereas, the chance of spreading the virus by infected persons who are not vaccinated is 100% certainty. Clearly, the COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial tool in decreasing the risk of being infected and infecting others with the coronavirus disease. Covid-19 vaccines have been proven to serve as a shield against getting severe complications that are life threatening for persons who are infected. According to the World Health Organisation (2021), COVID-19 vaccines
protect you from severe illness and death from the virus helping the body to develop immunity. It should be noted that severe complications caused by the coronavirus lead to hospitalisation and even death, but when persons are vaccinated these symptoms become relatively mild and manageable at home. However, one should not get away with the idea that once vaccinated they cannot be infected with the virus. “If vaccinated people do get sick, they are likely to have milder symptoms. In general, it is very rare for someone vaccinated to experience severe illness or die.” (WHO 2021). It is therefore evident that the COVID-19 vaccines develop immunity, protect persons from becoming severely ill, and die due to virus. This indicates that the world will only be back to normal with vaccines. Interestingly, pregnant mothers and newborn babies (Continued on page 6)
Thursday July 29, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Plaudits for Agriculture, Infrastructure, Local Govt. Ministries in flood response Dear Editor, The Ministries of Agriculture, Public Works & Infrastructure, and Local Government have come in for plaudits for their emergency response to address the devastating flood that gripped the country in recent weeks. This, according to the findings of an opinion poll conducted by this writer over the last couple of weeks for NACTA. Ministers, Zulfikar Mustapha, Bishop Juan Edghill, Deodat Indar, and Nigel Dharamlall, among others, received praises from the public for their rapid action to mitigate the effects of the flood. They were commended for taking actions to rescue and or help victims, including livestock and farm products, providing various forms of relief. Other Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Regional Chairs, like, Dr. Vindya Persaud, Priya Manickchand, Vickram Bharrat, Anil Nandlall, Joseph Hamilton, Mark Phillips, Oneidge Walrond, Faizal Jafarally, Vickchand Ramphal, David Armogan, Inshan
Ayube, among others, also received kudos for touring affected areas and provided hamper relief, cleaning detergents, medical supplies, etc. In addition, the public also notes the difference in the flood response between this and the preceding administration. President, Irfaan Ali, and Government Ministers were lauded for touring various flood-hit areas, empathising with victims. It was pointed out that the President and Ministers used aircrafts and rescue boats to reach out to flood victims in some isolated areas not accessible by roads that were covered with water. The Ministers energetically visited flood affected areas all over the country and were praised for giving out various forms of assistance including food hampers, clothing, and household items. The disaster management team responded quickly in emergency operations coordinating activities. The public praised the teamwork of various ministries. Even critics of the government and supporters of the previous
administration were loud in praise of the work of the line Ministers and the overall government to mitigate effects of the flood. The public has been very pleased with the visits and assistance of the government, pointing out that the President Ali led administration is far more responsive and helpful in addressing flooding than the preceding administration. The public showered accolades on President Ali and Ministers Mustapha, Edghill, Indar, and Dharamlall among others for visiting them during the flood situation and taking stock of their losses. People in floodaffected areas say they were pleased with the visits by the President and Government Ministers to check on and assess the damage caused by and interventions taken to mitigate the effects of the floods. Zulfi, Dharamlall, and Indar were in the forefront coordinating emergency response with rapid action getting work done on the spot. “They were on the ball,” was how one respondent in Region 5 put it. Several
respondents on the coast stated: “Nigel, Indar, and Zulfi really stood out for emergency infrastructure work. Dem dey with us giving help. Dem responded to every request.” Farmers note that Minister Mustapha was seen almost everywhere in flood affected areas with strong connection on the ground interacting with them and offering various forms of assistance. The Ministry responded with a NDIA team, headed by Chairman, Lionel Wordsworth, that provided emergency equipment to clear blockages and manage the major conservancies as well as the Hope Canal and other waterways. The Ministry was praised for its quick action that saved thousands of acres of rice cultivation. NDIA also contracted the private sector to assist with drainage. In rural areas, especially in Regions Five and Six, the public express gratitude to rice farmers for responding to
calls by Ministry of Agriculture to drain floodwater on the land with make shift methods using rice field pumps. The flood caused by excessive rainfall and topping of banks of rivers and other waterways, led to billions of dollars in damages to homes and properties and infrastructure and losses of crops and animals. Asked if government should provide assistance to the victims of flood, almost everyone answered in the affirmative. Respondents say it is a no brainer to help farmers get back on their feet to resume productivity. Agricultural issues and condition of roads, bridges and other infrastructure are among the leading problems the public list as requiring urgent attention. Assistance for agriculture and road rehabilitation tops the list of priorities of the public. The public expresses strong support for the recent
supplementary budget geared towards flood relief. Almost everyone polled feels that those who suffered losses caused by the flood should receive fair compensation and support from government to get them back in production. Flood victims have high expectation for relief to compensate them for losses. The public also expresses their gratitude to US Ambassador, Sarah Lynch, and other diplomats for the assistance rendered to flood victims. Overall, the public is satisfied with government’s response to the flood although some respondents feel that government should have prepared for the flood and take deterrent measures. Some suggest that government consider building more canals and kokers particularly in the Mahaica and Mahaicony areas. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
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Thursday July 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
A hole in the boat is a hole in the whole boat Dear Editor, I am quite disturbed and worried that there are some Guyanese writing to say that refusing to vaccinate against COVID-19 is a human right. Is that really a “human right” or a “human wrong?” More disturbing and disappointing is that Minister Manickchand disclosed on Globespan that only 23% of our teachers were vaccinated! So I ask how is it that the supposedly smartest, more educated people among us – the teachers – have such a low rate of vaccination? What is the Guyana Teachers Union doing about this? How do we explain this? Should it not be the teachers who are the ones to spread the word and be advocates for vaccination, especially if we want to open school in September? What went wrong? Why isn’t GTU mobilising members to get vaccinated? With all the devastation that the COVID-19 virus has inflicted on the whole world, can you believe we have such people? The virus has
affected everything – the production and supply chain, employment, the education process, travel, recreation, millions of loved ones have died including over 500 Guyanese, and some people have learned nothing from all of this! The Government has done its job finding vaccines when there is a limited supply. If they did not do that, people would have criticised the government for not doing its job. Now we have stockpiles of vaccines that run the risk of spoiling and our poor country would lose millions of dollars if people don’t step up to be vaccinated. On top of that, the unvaccinated poses a risk to the health and safety of the rest of us, with the emergence of new variants of the virus. Someone said, “Man, all these highly educated doctors, scientists, epidemiologists, i m m u n o l o g i s t s , microbiologists, anatomists, and researchers worldwide have worked hard and advised that COVID-19 is
dangerous, but all these people who barely passed science in high school keep saying it’s not.” We have to be immunised against COVID-19 the same way we are immunised after birth with the MMR vaccines (measles, mumps, and rubella), the flu vaccine, hepatitis, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, etc. Why are some people listening to wackos and school and college dropouts pretending to have superior knowledge than the educated experts? You would have no human rights when you are dead! We are in an expensive fight to save our lives and our economies. Now is not the time to listen to vaccine myths, rumours, and simply silly things people say about the vaccine. We cannot open up the economy and return to normal unless everyone play their role in this worldwide emergency. This week in the USA, Stephen Harmon, a member of the popular Hillsong mega church in California, died after
a month-long battle with the virus. In his last tweet, he said, “don’t know when I’ll wake up, please pray.” He had been a vocal opponent who mocked the COVID-19 vaccines, making a series of jokes about not having the vaccine. I fear there might be a special hell for those preachers in Guyana who discourage members from getting the vaccine. This is wicked and obstructionist. Is the Assembly of God, Full Gospel Fellowship and others encouraging vaccination? People who opposed and politicised vaccines now realise the folly of their ways. “These shots need to get in everybody’s arms as rapidly as possible,” US Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, said. A number of Republican governors implored their citizens to get vaccinated — including Florida’s Ron DeSantis, who has been vocal in denouncing
strict COVID mitigation strategies, such as mask mandates and business closures. “I believe in the science of vaccination,” Fox News commentator, Sean Hannity, said during his primetime show while imploring his viewers to “take COVID seriously.” These desperate times call for desperate measures. I applaud the business community for saying employees should be vaccinated if they want to keep their jobs. I support Giftland Mall requiring staff to be vaccinated or to get tested weekly, at their own expense, as a job requirement. Employers have “human rights” too. Right? This week, the US Justice Department lawyers have determined that federal law doesn’t prohibit public agencies and private businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccines — even if the vaccines have only
emergency use authorisation. Some public and private colleges are requiring their students to get vaccinated before returning to classes. City and local governments are requiring vaccines too. Most teachers are vaccinated. CNN is reporting that President Biden will announce on Thursday a requirement that all federal employees and contractors be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be required to submit to regular testing and mitigation requirements. So, in Guyana, the Government and key sectors of the economy need to do what they need to do, and who vex, vex. It’s the road we must take, because “a hole in the boat is a hole in the whole Guyana boat.” We prefer you to live so you may enjoy more “human rights.” Don’t hesitate, go vaccinate! Yours truly, Dr. Jerry Jailall
...COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and should be From page 4 can also be protected from the coronavirus with the COVID19 shots. Dr. Gait Alter (2021), said, “We now have clear evidence the COVID-19 vaccines can induce immunity that will protect infants.” Pregnant women and lactating mothers should no longer worry whether vaccines are safe or not for their unborn babies and infants, since immunity against the virus is passed on to them through the placenta and infants through breast milk. Cosmos Van De Van, MD, (2021), asserts, “We now have evidence that antibodies created by the vaccine can travel through the placenta to the baby before birth and also during lactation.” Again, the health risks associated with coronavirus lead to hospitalisation and are life threatening even to unborn babies and infants. When it comes to pregnant and
lactating women, it is not only one person who is at risk but two. By getting vaccinated, the life of developing infants and newborn babies can be protected. Furthermore, one of the main concerns of persons being hesitant in getting inoculated is the short time in which these vaccines were developed. They are aware that vaccines take years to create and to have one created in less than a year is somewhat questionable. However, persons need to understand that researchers have been studying corona viruses for several years now, so they did not start from scratch. In addition, with the number of new coronavirus cases and death that were rapidly increasing daily, scientists cannot sit back and wait for years to create a vaccine. They had to swiftly develop vaccines to help reduce the transmission of the
virus thus, exiting the pandemic. It is worth mentioning that there is not one reported case of death because of COVID-19 vaccines but there have been millions of deaths reported due to COVID-19. The question is, will we sit and wait to be infected with the virus and die or will we get vaccinated and be protected against it? Although, persons are entitled to their right to choose and are being reluctant in getting immunised, COVID-19 vaccines should become mandatory because it reduces the risk of infection and transmission, prevents severe illness and death and protects unborn babies as well as infants. This is the only way the world can once again experience normalcy. Yours truly, Ashan Bacchus (School Teacher)
Thursday July 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
Kiss tomorrow goodbye! With the discovery of new oil wells in the Stabroek Block, the US$18M signing bonus now increasingly looks like a breadcrumb. Guyana accepted this pittance when it signed the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the oil companies in October 2016. The APNU+AFC opted to keep the signing bonus secret. One person even went as far as saying that he thought it was a gift to the country. That is the most absurd explanation you can find because the agreement itself makes no illusions about the signing bonus. The PSA clearly states that the sum was a signing bonus and was to be paid into a Bank of Guyana bank account. At the time of the signing of the PSA, there were only five discoveries: Liza, Payara, Snoek, Liza Deep and Turbot. Since then another 15 discoveries have been made which have increased Guyana’s oil reserves to almost 10 billion barrels. This fact alone ought to have been sufficient cause for the Guyana governments – both the APNU+AFC and now the PPP/C – to demand an increase in the signing bonus. At the time of the signing of the contract, one economist said that instead of US$18M, Guyana should have received US$238M. With these new discoveries, Guyana should be receiving another US$1 B. However, no attempt was ever made and is ever likely to be made to demand an increase in the signing bonus. And the Guyanese people seem unperturbed. Instead of the signing bonus of US$1B and each school child being eligible to receive a one-off G$2M cash grant, people are getting excited with G$19,000. It shows the power of political loyalty and competition. One side is reluctant to come out and
criticise the signers of the agreement for shortchanging the nation. And the other side does not wish to be critical of the present government, which is refusing to renegotiate the contract. But how can the government settle for a signing bonus of US$18M when since then 15 other discoveries have been made: Ranger, Pacora, Longtail, Hammerhead, Pluma, Tilipia, Haimara, Yellowtail, Tripletail, Mako, Uaru, Yellowtail 2, Redtail and now Whiptail. Ironically, while the oil companies are naming their discoveries after local fishes, the fishermen are complaining that since drilling and seismic studies commenced, their catches have declined by as much as 40 percent. And while the oil companies are giving their discoveries names such as Yellowtail, Longtail, Tripletail, Redtail and Whiptail, it is the Guyanese who are ‘ketching their tails.’ This is another way of saying, ‘Guyanese are experiencing hardships.’ As this newspaper reported in 2017, at the same time that Exxon handed Guyana a US$18M signing bonus, it also paid US$1.19B for blocks in Brazil, according to a Reuters Report. In December of 2019, TOTAL paid Suriname a US$100M signing bonus for a 50 percent stake in an oil block. This was reported in the local media. But what really shows how the oil companies shortchanged Guyana was that a Canadian company paid CGX a US$33M signing bonus for a 33 percent interest in two oil blocks. But hear this… no oil has yet been discovered in those blocks. Yet, Guyana had five discoveries at the time it signed its PSA with Exxon, but settled for a pittance of US$18M. Since then the country’s reserves have been estimated to have been increased by more than six times but no additional
payment is forthcoming. But apart from not making any attempt to renegotiate the signing bonus with Exxon, Hess and CNOOC, the governments of Guyana have also failed to demand signing bonuses from Ratio Energy Limited, CGX Energy Inc., Eco-Atlantic and Tullow Oil with whom there are also agreements. But to add insult to injury, Guyana also settled for a two percent royalty. One oil expert described this as the lowest he has ever seen. The oil companies got what they wanted. They paid a pittance as a signing bonus. Mind you, the people of Guyana may not see a cent of this money because it will end up, most likely, paying legal fees for Guyana’s case before the International Court of Justice. The oil companies are also offering a pittance in royalties and a 50 percent on profit oil. The oil companies have a stabilisation clause, which protects them from any changes in the country’s laws. It makes them virtually exempted from changes to laws, which would adversely affect them. Then there is a Force Majeure, which protects them from unpredictable events. The contract is so lopsided that it can be challenged on this ground before the International Court of Arbitration (ICA). But we know that Guyana will not seek to have the ICA nullify the PSA. And this means that Guyanese can kiss the oil dream goodbye! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dem Boys Seh…
Smarter de population wiser de government Guyanese lining up fuh cricket ticket. While some people dying to see cricket, others praying fuh rain fuh wash out de game. Dem afraid dat dem gan get a COVID surge after de match since is three games and a maximum 6,000 persons can attend each game. But dem boys know dem cricket fans nah worried about de COVID numbers. Dem wan see cricket and dem gan go to de match. Some of dem planning fuh borrow people vaccination card fuh show how dem fully vaccinated. But dem boys hear how yuh gan gat fuh produce a photo ID along with de vaccination card. And if de card nah match yuh name, is lock up yuh gan get lock up fuh fraud. So all of dem wah playing styles pun de vaccine and still want watch cricket had better nat go and see de match. De Army gan be waiting with de big bus fuh lock dem up.
It mek dem boys remember de time when a man get arrest fuh having narcotics in he pocket. “Office-saw,” he seh, “I can explain.” “How?” de officer asked. “Every time I throw dem drugs in de toilet, dem magically reappear in meh pocket.” “Don’t lie to me,” de office-saw say. “Leh me show you den.” So de office-saw allow he to show it. De man tek out de drugs, throw it in de toilet and flush. “Let me see your pocket now,” say de office-saw. “My pockets?” “Yes, to see those drugs,” say de Officesaw “What drugs?” Talk half and watch yuh cricket from home!
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Thursday July 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Thursday July 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
Agri. Minister commits to carrying out needed drainage works at Buxton/Friendship TO LET Fully furnished/unfurnished upper apartment for a couple/single professional. Call: 616-7695.
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Farmers of the Buxton/ Friendship area on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will soon benefit from muchneeded upgrades to the communities’ drainage and irrigation system. This was announced by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a recent visit to the community. Over the past few months, Minister Mustapha has been engaging farmers’ groups from the community in a bid to resuscitate and develop the community’s agriculture sector. On Tuesday afternoon, Minister Mustapha visited the community and met with farmers from various farmers’ groups to discuss projects needed to improve agriculture in the community. One farmer who was present at the meeting said that there was need for major improvements to the village’s drainage system. He also said that farmers’ groups should work together so that a more comprehensive approach can be taken when executing works in the community. The farmer also told the Minister that members of the various farmers’ groups have been in discussion with officers from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to identify a piece of land that can be used as a demonstration plot so that farmers in the village can be taught how to properly grow and manage the cultivation of crops like ginger, turmeric and other non-traditional crops. Another farmer said works were done to some extent but were discontinued abruptly in the early parts of 2019, and that since then, maintenance works on the drains have not been carried out. Minister Mustapha told farmers that there are a host of opportunities available for all scales of farmers, more so, small-scale farmers in Guyana under the PPP/C administration. “Right now, there are a lot of opportunities that exist in the agriculture sector for small farmers. We are pushing VACANCY E x p e r i e n c e d Carpenters.Apply in person at Alabama Trading at 65 Robb Street, Bourda. Experienced Accounts Clerk, must pass in Maths,Accounts, English.Apply at Alabama Trading at 65 Robb Street,Bourda. ExperiencedSales Clerks,must be computer literate.Apply at Alabama Trading at 65 Robb Street,Bourda.
One of the farmers engaging the Minister of Agriculture during the meeting. for the production of a lot of crops. Our extension officers are working with farmers to enhance their production and in a smarter way. With climate change taking place, we cannot do agriculture the way we used to. We are also building a number of packaging facilities so that farmers can package their produce and make it more value-added. If we are going to really develop the sector, we cannot work in isolation. We have to involve everyone. If farmers need help, I will work with you,” Minister Mustapha said. Minister Mustapha also welcomed the suggestion of having all the farmers’ groups in the community work together. “When the groups are consolidated and they
come as one body, then stronger representation can be made. I will work along with you to ensure these things that you are requesting get done. We may not be able to do everything at once but we will do works to develop agriculture in the villages. I’m happy that you recognise the importance of developing agriculture and that you are willing to work with the government to develop the sector in your community. I am prepared to work with you and give you the kind of help to get things going. Right now, the most important thing to do is the drainage system in the community,” Minister Mustapha said. The Minister told residents that the Ministry, through the National
Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), would be working to restore the drainage and irrigation system in the village. “Our engineer will be coming back tomorrow to do a comprehensive report with all the works that are needed. We will do the sideline trenches and all the drains in the community. Once I have that report, I will give instructions for the works to commence. I am making that commitment. If we have to send in a machine or two to do the work or get a contractor, we will do it,” the Minister stated. He further noted that when the major works are completed, the Ministry would be employing community groups to do the maintenance works.
3 women are country’s latest COVID-19 fatalities The Ministry of Health (MoH) reported yesterday that three women, who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 533. The latest fatalities are that of a 67-year-old from Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), a 64-yearold and a 68-year-old both from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). All three women succumbed to the virus over a two-day period (July 26 to July 27), while receiving treatment at a medical facility. Further, the Health Ministry via its COVID-19 dashboard yesterday reported that within the last 24 hours it recorded 81 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 22,315. Out of the number of confirmed cases, 11,422 persons are women and 10,893 are men. A breakdown of new cases per Region shows that
Region Four leads with 41 new cases, Region Nine with 20, Region Three with 13, Region Five with four and Regions One, Six and Seven with one each. Presently there are 11 patients in the COVID-19
Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 64 in institutional isolation, 857 in home isolation and two in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 20,850 persons have recovered after testing positive for the virus.
Thursday July 29, 2021
Man found dead in boss’ truck…
Fatal blow was caused by heavy object - PM reveals A post mortem examination conducted on the remains of Laurel Samaroo, 31, the man found dead in his boss’ truck, has revealed that he was killed by a blow to the head with a heavy object. According to the autopsy report, the death of the truck driver was due to cerebral haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head with a heavy instrument. Samaroo was found slouched over the steering wheel of his boss’ truck around 02:00hrs on Saturday, July 24, last. The truck was at the time parked in front of his boss’ house located at Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE). According to investigators, Samaroo a resident of Tuschen New Scheme, EBE, had uplifted a fuel tanker from Parika during the evening hours the previous day. He was last seen alive sometime close to 21:00hrs that day when he left to head home. Unfortunately, Samaroo never made it home to his family that night. Hours later, on July 24, his employer upon seeing the truck parked on the road in front of his premises decided to venture out. He reportedly walked around to the driver’s side and opened the door. The businessman told investigators that when he saw Samaroo he thought he was sleeping. He reportedly tried to wake him up but after Samaroo failed to respond he contacted the police.
Dead truck driver, Laurel Samaroo. When detectives arrived, they observed that there was a wound to his head. He was removed from the truck and taken to the hospital where he was officially pronounced dead. Following checks made around the area, investigators found his haversack, wallet and keys stashed behind a stall located at the Parika Market. Investigations are ongoing.
...Suspect out on bail for shooting, robbing businesswoman, skips court From page 14 have resulted in her demise. Recounting the day of the incident, the relatives related that the woman had closed up her business in the afternoon and had driven home. Edwards reportedly parked her car in her driveway but did not turn off the engine because a strange cat had caught her attention. The businesswoman, a relative detailed, stepped out of the car and hurried to snap a photo with her phone. She was not aware when the bandits arrived but had told relatives that someone shouted out “way d bag
deh?” Startled, Edwards reportedly turned around, only to see a man standing just outside her gate with a gun. She told relatives that she was scared and responded, “what bag?” Immediately after, the man took aim and fired. Edwards recounted to her relatives, that in that moment she was left in a state of shock and reacted by trying to dodge but she got hit in the leg and fell to the ground. Her shooter reportedly ran into the yard, entered her car and exited soon after with her hand bag before he escaped. One relative recounted
that he was driving down a highway in Miami, United States when he received a video call from Edwards. He recalled her saying these words, ‘I just get shoot… I just get shoot’. According to the relative, he was left in a state of disbelief and as he focused on the video call, he noticed that she was in her yard in a pool of blood. The businesswoman reportedly ripped a piece of her clothing which she used to tie around her leg to stop the bleeding. Help had later arrived and she was taken to a hospital where she underwent surgery.
...Poor record keeping blamed for From page 13 update on what has been done…?” Edghill asked. In response, the PS told the committee that the investigation by the MoE uncovered that the issues were really due to poor record keeping when accounting for the expenditure. “There was no real accounting as such the money was stolen at Karasabia Primary School. That sum has since been fully recovered. And there is a system in place for the former headmaster at the Maruranau Primary School to repay the missing amounts; the Ministry of Finance was notified for it to be deducted from his gratuity,” King explained. The PS further noted that
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the Ministry has since implemented systems to guard against future occurrences. “There were a series of training programmes conducted with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of how records are supposed to be kept to safeguard against any possible reoccurrence… We also do periodic checks at some schools in the areas where these issues were highlighted,” King said, adding that, the Ministry has seen some improvements since introducing the system. In its 2016 report, the AG’s office called out education officials over the appropriation of the funds allocated for the school feeding programme. The AG report outlined,
“The absence of this key control measure can lead to the perpetration of wrongdoing, without prompt detection.” The report noted too that there was no evidence of supervisory checks of cash books by the management committee in three of the schools. “Supervisory checks were also absent in the stock ledgers and goods received book for six schools in Region Nine … the safeguarding of public funds was compromised. Moreover, cash was kept in the personal possession of the treasurers in eight schools. This unsatisfactory situation could lead to the perpetration of wrongdoing,” the report stated.
Harding fails in bid to have lawsuit against State for baton-rape restored - ordered to pay $2M in court costs to respondents Colwyn Harding, the man who was allegedly sodomised by a police rank with a baton back in November 2013, has lost his final chance to have his $80 million lawsuit against the State heard in the High Court. According to documents issued to the press via the Attorney General’s chambers, Harding was seeking to have the case restored after Justice, Navindra Singh, dismissed the matter after he failed to show up in court in February this year. Justice Singh had recalled his judgment on the condition that Harding pays the two respondents, the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, and policeman, Devin Singh, $150,000 each in costs by July 16, 2021. However, according to a statement from the AG’s Chambers, Justice Singh was forced to officially dismiss Harding’s case when it came up before him on Tuesday, because his failure this time around to pay the awarded costs. However, Harding failed to show up at all. As a result, he will now have to pay $1 million each to both parties as ordered by the Court. Last February the two civil suits filed by Harding were dismissed for want of prosecution. The matters were thrown out since neither Harding nor his attorneys were present for the hearing.
Colwyn Harding. Back then, the judge obliged the request of the AG Chambers to dismiss the matters and ordered Harding to pay costs. In each of the matters, Harding alleged that he was assaulted and battered by policemen and thus sustained serious injuries. Specifically, he contended that he was viciously assaulted by several members of the Guyana Police Force on November 15, 2013, who entered his home. He also claimed that Police Constable, Devin Singh 19175, had inserted a foreign object into his anus triggering a need for corrective surgery, and that the said rank repeatedly assaulted him in the Timehri Police Outpost between November 15, 2013 – November 18, 2013.
In the first action, Harding asked the Court to grant him damages in excess of $100,000 for assault and battery between the 15th and 22nd days of November, 2013, at Timehri and exemplary damages. In the second matter, Harding alleged that his fundamental rights were breached as a result of the actions of the police ranks, and asked the Court to grant him the following damages in excess of $80 million for breach of his fundamental right to protection from torture, and or inhuman and degrading treatment as guaranteed by Article 141 of the Constitution of Guyana. As such, he sought damages in excess of $100,000 for breach of his fundamental right to protection from inhuman treatment; damages in excess of $100,000 for breach of his fundamental right to protection against arbitrary search of his person as guaranteed by Article 143 of the Constitution of Guyana; damages in excess of $100,000 for breach of his right to protection against torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment as provided by Article 154 A of the Constitution of Guyana, and the Convention against Torture and Other Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
...Locals to set up US$600M shore base From page 12 deepening dredging of the access channel to 10-12 metres deep along with the deepening dredging of the port basin and berth pocket. It will also include offshore dredging and reclamation of the lay down area behind quay wall with total capacity of approximately 400 hectares. With the phased construction, jobs will be provided for 150-200 persons during construction and 50100 persons for the basic operation and maintenance of the base port facilities indi-
cated in Phase 1. NRG Holdings said that it expects when the Phase One components are fully operational, inclusive of service providers, approximately 1,000 persons will be employed and that will double with Phase Two compon e nts completed and operationalised. The project summary detailed that the main activities associated with the project: land clearing, earthworks, stockpiling, machine operation and concrete works will have the potential to affect the environment directly or indi-
rectly. Those potential impacts are loss of land and habitats, pollution of air and sedimentation of surface water, generation of solid waste, and health and safety-related. However, the EPA had announced in a public notice on Sunday last that the project would not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Instead, it will require an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to address issues that arose during the screening process.
...Alleged Ponzi schemers fail to appear in court From page 8 Inc., a company that lured thousands of Guyanese to invest their money by promising them a 40 percent profit on their investment. The company also encouraged its investors to enlist others in order to earn a 10 percent commission for each person they enlist. The “investors” in-
cluded businessmen and church members, with a number of religious leaders being accused of playing roles in recruiting unsuspecting Guyanese. Moreover, in June 2021, two agents/marketers for Garcia Dominguez were slapped with money laundering charges. Aubrey Norton and Martina Seepersaud of Lot
242 Track ‘A’ Coldigen, East Coast Demerara, were slapped with two charges under the Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. They too were charged by SOCU. The duo was not required to plead to the charges that were read to them and were placed on $200,000 bail each.
Thursday July 29, 2021
Fiji beat New Zealand to clinch back-to-back Olympic titles TOKYO (AP) — There’s only one player who can really compare the elation of winning Fiji’s first Olympic gold medal with the emotions of defending the rugby sevens title. For Jerry Tuwai, the world sevens series player of the decade and captain of Fiji, the gold medal draped around his neck after yesterday’s 2712 win over New Zealand meant more than the celebrated prize he took home from Rio de Janeiro five years ago. It gave the people of his Pacific island nation a reason to celebrate in the midst of a deadly coronavirus outbreak. And to think, he almost quit during the months of enforced
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separation from his three children. “I nearly jumped camp because I missed them,” Tuwai said, crediting Fiji coach Gareth Baber for convincing him to see a bigger picture and keep the squad together “so we can continue the journey to Tokyo.” “We’ve been away from our family for about five or six months,” he added. “I think this one is special.” All the rugby sevens medals at the Tokyo Games went to the Southern Hemisphere, with Argentina beating 2016 finalist Britain 17-12 for the bronze. South Africa, the bronze medalist in Rio, beat the United States 28-7 in the playoff for fifth place. Australia
beat Canada to finish seventh. The Fiji government declared a national holiday and the central bank printed $7 notes to commemorate Fiji’s gold medal — the country’s first Olympic medal of any kind — when rugby sevens made its Olympic debut in 2016. It’ll be hard to top that. There’ll be time to think about it, though. Tuwai’s squad has already been in camp in bio-secure bubbles since the first week of April, starting in the Christian hostel in Suva, where they had to build a gym in the garage to remain in isolation, then in
Thursday July 29, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Come out of serious mode for a day and let yourself laugh, Aries. Hold a game night at your home and invite some good friends over to play cards and nibble on snacks until all hours. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You have an incredibly strong influence on others today, Taurus, just because yours is a fun-loving, peaceful, and harmonious nature.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Bask in today's warm, loving energy, Libra. Adopt an attitude of gratitude and look to see the beauty in everything around you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It's time for you to come out of hibernation, Scorpio. Shake off the blues and come into the light. Today is a day to play and have fun.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Put your aggressions away today, Gemini. Laugh a little! Transform your energy from intense, hard, and caustic to lighthearted, fun, and loving.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Other people's stubborn attitudes may hinder your progress today, Sagittarius, so take this as a hint that you might need to loosen your grip on a certain viewpoint you're fiercely clinging to.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) It's a terrific day for you, Cancer. Your jovial approach to every situation is just what the doctor ordered. Spend time with children and enjoy their magical world.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The doldrums are over and it's time to pick up the pace, Capricorn. Come out of your house in full regalia today. Be proud of what you have to offer to the world.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Take a time-out today and relax a little, Leo. Let your romantic nature have some fun. Don't feel guilty about not being as serious as you think you should be. The day's winner is the one who can smile the most.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) People are going to appreciate extra long hugs today, Aquarius, so give them out like candy to everyone you meet. A kind gesture and warm word won't be forgotten. Let your generous and kind spirit shine through.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might find that others have a "me first" attitude that doesn't sit quite right with you, Virgo. You may need to wake them up and say, "Hey, what about everybody else?" Try not to whine as you deliver this message.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) People are going to appreciate extra long hugs today, Aquarius, so give them out like candy to everyone you meet. A kind gesture and warm word won't be forgotten. Let your generous and kind spirit shine through.
Australia and in Japan. There’s still a two-week quarantine when they get home. But there’ll be no wild celebrations in the streets across the country this time, for the health and well-being of everyone. “A gold medal can’t replace human life,” Tuwai said. Relative to its population of less than 1 m i l l i o n p e o p l e , F i j i ’s outbreak is currently among the worst in the world. Fiji reported a record 1,285 new cases in a daily update on the eve of the Olympic final. It has reported 193 deaths since the outbreak began in April. Still, Tuwai said the atmosphere would be brighter for a little while at least. “I think they’ll not be thinking about the pandemic now,” he said. Rugby is the national sport in New Zealand and Fiji. But rugby sevens means more to the Fijians, who hone their instinctive passing and one-handed offloads in barefoot games on beaches and in villages across the islands. “It’s hard to underestimate the effect this has in Fiji,” head coach Baber said. “It’s something that’s obviously closely linked to national identity. Succeeding as a small nation against the odds, against bigger brothers, it’s particularly good for Fiji.” The silver was an improvement for the New Zealand men’s team after it missed the podium when rugby sevens made its Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. “We trained four or five years for this moment .... we just came up a little short,” New Zealand co-captain Tim Mikkelson said, explaining the close team huddle at the end. “It’s not easy to make a final of the Olympic Games. For that moment, we just wanted to congratulate each other.” The Fijians were always in front in the final, just as they were in Rio, scoring three first-half tries to lead 19-12 at the break. When Asaeli Tuivuaka raced over to score in the right corner with about two minutes remaining, another title was assured.
Shiv Chanderpaul commits to work with Sports Ministry
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport , Charles Ramson Jr (Right) and Former West Indies cricketer Shiv Chanderpaul Yesterday, the living legend dropped into the Ministry and we had a long discussion. I am pleased to an-
nounce that Shivnarine "Tiger" Chanderpaul has committed to working with the academy the Ministry will be establishing.
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Thursday July 29, 2021
Fraser-Pryce on brink of amazing 100m hat-trick
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OKYO (Reuters) Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be looking to make history on Saturday as the first woman to win three Olympic 100m gold medals and cement her place as one of the transcendent talents in the sport. Thirteen years after her triumph in Beijing, at the age of 34, and having taken time out to have a baby, Fraser-Pryce arrived in Tokyo on the back of an astonishing 10.63 second run and hot favourite to match compatriot Usain Bolt with a third gold in the blue ribbon 100m event. The performance made her the world’s fastest woman alive - the time topped only by Florence Griffith Joyner - and is the fastest sprint in more than three decades, a performance that surprised even Fraser-Pryce herself. “I never expected I would run 10.6,” she said after the June race. “Because 10.6 has been a dream, a goal, I’ve been working so hard, being so patient to see it finally unfold. I’m so ecstatic.” Now she is the woman to beat as she seeks to add to her 2008 and 2012 titles, alongside a bronze from Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Things haven’t gone completely smooth this season as she had a disappointing fourthplaced finish in the opening Diamond League meeting of the season in May, where she lost to
Britain’s 200m world champion Dina Asher-Smith. But she won her next Diamond League race in Doha, then stunned the sport with her 10.63 and followed up with a Jamaican
national title in 10.71. STACKED WITH POTENTIAL Fraser-Pryce is one of a trio of talented and explosive athletes in the Jamaican team that could collect a clean sweep of the medals. Defending Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah looks best equipped to deny compatriot Fraser-Pryce victory. She ran the second fastest time this year - 10.71 - on her way to defeating Fraser-Pryce in Hungary three weeks ago, a sign that the 29year-old may not be ready to relinquish her Olympic title just yet. Another Jamaican, Shericka Jackson, the 400m Olympic bronze medallist in Rio, has this year focused on short sprints and has run her way into contention. She promises to be in the medal hunt after producing the fourthfastest time of 2021, finishing behind Fraser-Pryce at the Jamaica’s national championships with an astonishing time of 10.82s. The United States’ chances of a first legal gold since Gail Devers triumphed in 1996 - Marion Jones was stripped of the 2000 title for doping offences - were massively reduced after national trials winner
Sha’Carri Richardson was ruled out after testing positive for cannabis. Richardson’s ban means that 26-year Javianne Oliver carries the burden of challenging for medals but her best of 10.96 suggests she might struggle to compete at the very sharp end. Britain’s hope of a first medal in the 100m since 1960 rest with captain Asher-Smith, the 200m world champion. She has not lost this year and came second at the 2019 world championships behind FraserPryce. With a personal best of 10.83, Asher-Smith is a true contender for the podium in Tokyo, and if everything goes her way and the Jamaicans are a fraction off, she could even dream of a first women’s 100m gold for her country. Fraser-Pryce, however, is vastly experienced and will start as hot favourite. “Shelly is the only person who can lose this race,” Usain Bolt told Reuters recently. “All she has to do is go out there and execute and it shouldn’t be a problem.” Round one of the race is tomorrow, Friday, the first day of the athletics programme, with the final on Saturday night.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 29, 2021
Richarlison heads in the first of his two goals as Brazil beat Saudi Arabia at the Olympics.
Richarlison fires Brazil into Olympics quarter-finals, Germany out
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FP - Richarlison continued his fine form at the Olympics with a double as Brazil eased into the quarterfinals after a 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia yesterday, as Germany exited the men’s tournament and hosts Japan progressed with a thrashing of France. Reigning champions Brazil, who won gold for the first time on home soil in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, finished top of Group D and will face Egypt in the last eight on Saturday. Matheus Cunha put them ahead in Saitama yesterday, but Abdulelah Al-Amri’s goal brought the Saudis level before the half-hour mark. A draw would have been enough for Brazil to go through as group winners, but Richarlison netted in the 76th minute and again in injury time. The Everton forward is now the leading scorer in the tournament with five goals after his hat-trick against Germany. The Germans, runnersup to Brazil in 2016, bowed out after a 1-1 draw with the Ivory Coast. Germany had to win to progress, but Benjamin Henrichs’ own goal midway
through the second half proved costly. E d u a r d L o w e n ’s equaliser shortly afterwards set up a tense finale, but the Ivorians held on to seal second spot in the group and a quarter-final against Spain. The Spaniards are one of the gold medal favourites after naming a strong squad featuring six members of the team that reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals. But they scored only twice in the group stage, with a 1-1 draw against Argentina enough to edge them through. Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino put Spain in front in the 66th minute. Tomas Belmonte netted a late equaliser for Argentina but the point sealed 1992 champions Spain first place in Group C. Egypt set up a dream clash with Brazil by seeing off Australia 2-0 with goals from Ahmed Yasser Rayan and Ammar Hamdy. - France humbled by Japan France had given themselves hope of progressing from Group A when Andre-Pierre Gignac scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 win over South Africa. But they crashed out as
their defence proved fragile again in a 4-0 loss to Japan. The home side, who reached the semi-finals in London in 2012, made it three wins from three and booked a match against New Zealand. Real Madrid youngster Takefusa Kubo netted for the third straight match before former Marseille defender H i r o k i S a k a i ’s t a p - i n doubled the lead. Substitutes Koji Miyoshi and Daizen Maeda added to F r a n c e ’s b l u s h e s a s youngster Randal Kolo Muani was sent off on a miserable evening for Les Bleus. South Africa’s slim hopes of reaching the quarters were ended by a 3-0 loss to Mexico in a game which ended with both teams a man down. The Mexicans will take on South Korea on Saturday, in the same half of the draw as Brazil and Egypt. South Korea finished top of Group B after a 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Honduras and were joined in the knock-out stage by the Kiwis, who played out a goalless draw with Romania to finish above their opponents on goal difference.
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Rain plays spoilsport as first West Indies-Pakistan T20I gets washed out after nine overs ESPNcricinfo - Incessant rain first reduced the first West Indies-Pakistan T20I to a nine-over shootout before eventually washing away the match. Pakistan had chosen to bowl first under cloudy skies with rain also predicted, but the teams raced off to the dressing room just after completing their national anthems. It took almost three hours for the rain to stop and the ground to dry, with the umpires then deciding to curtail the contest. But of whatever was played, Kieron Pollard and the Pakistan bowlers combined to ensure there was entertaining cricket while it lasted. Debutant Wasim has instant impact All it took right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim to land a blow was five balls, although that was not a wicket. In the second over of the West Indies innings, he pitched one short of a length on middle and off, and got it to angle in with the bounce on to Lendl Simmons, who missed his pull. The ball instead hit him on the right side of his neck, immediately inviting the physio on the ground, who decided to take Simmons off with a sling protecting his right arm. Wasim was taken off after that, but returned to bowl the seventh over. After hurting Simmons, he then had Chris Gayle caught at long-on as the bowler now brought out the slower ball. Gayle, who had come in after Simmons, played away from his body to try and heave that, but only found the fielder in search of rapid runs. Just wickets and sixes Amidst a flurry of dot balls - which were 30 in total
Kieron Pollard’s nine-ball 22 was the most entertaining batting display on the day. (AFP/Getty Images)
- and a bunch of extras, which contributed 14, there were five wickets claimed with as many sixes slammed from the third over until the eighth. Hasan Ali got two, while Mohammad Hafeez, Usman Qadir and Wasim all grabbed a wicket each. Nicholas Pooran cracked twin sixes off Hafeez, before Gayle deposited Shadab Khan over his head and Andre Russell dispatched Qadir over extra cover - all this, before Pollard got into Ali with a whip. Pollard provides late entertainment, but Hasan delivers too Pollard arrived at the crease with one ball of the sixth over left, but watched from the other end as Gayle fell in the following over with West Indies’ run rate still under nine. With Pollard on strike, Ali was brought back for the eighth after foxing Evin Lewis off his first ball earlier in the innings. This time, Ali was whacked first ball over deep square leg as Pollard swung his bat to a good length ball on middle and leg, and despite not quite finding the middle of the bat, sent the ball sailing over deep square leg.
But that was the only boundary Ali conceded off his two overs, digging the slower balls perfectly on a rain-affected pitch to keep the West Indies batters quiet. Ali then got Shimron Hetmyer three balls later Mohammad Rizwan completed a good diving catch - with the hosts struggling for momentum amidst the numerous cutters from the visiting bowlers. Pollard was on 10 off 5 deliveries when only four balls remained in the innings, and the West Indies captain ensured they were well taken care of. A dot ball later, Shaheen Afridi pitched one short on middle and leg as Pollard pulled fiercely to bisect deep square leg and deep midwicket for four. After nabbing two more runs, he ended with a maximum by sending the ball crashing over deep square leg when he made room to a length ball on middle and off, and pulled with disdain. Although he got 12 runs off the last three balls, rain would have the final say with Pakistan not having to chase the total. No result West Indies 85 for 5 (Pollard 22*, Hasan 211, Qadir 1-6) vs Pakistan.
Daizen Maeda (C) scored Japan’s fourth goal as France were humbled in the Olympic football.
Hasan Ali dismissed Evin Lewis cheaply Jul 27, 2021 © AFP/Getty Images
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Thursday July 29, 2021
Biles out of next event, mental health in Games spotlight TOKYO, (Reuters) Simone Biles withdrew from the individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics yesterday, a day after she shocked the world by pulling out of the team event. Olympians past and present flooded the U.S. gymnast with messages of support as the mental health of athletes — and the extra pressures brought by the COVID-19 pandemic — were in sharp focus at the Games. “The advice I would give is to reach out, to colleagues and friends,” said Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics. “Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability, it’s a badge of honour in a way to want that help.” The International Olympic Committee admitted “more could be done” around athlete mental health. IOC spokesman Mark Adams said it was a matter the organisation had been working on for some time. As the U.S. Team adjusted to a Games without Biles securing her 10th gold
Yui Ohashi of Japan poses with her gold medal. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) medal, host city Tokyo grappled with a record surge in coronavirus infections. Fears over rising cases cast a shadow over Japan’s onfield performance. The host nation continued to top the medal standings with 13 golds and 22 in total. China had 12 golds with a total of 27 medals, with the United States in third position on 10 golds and 31 medals in all at about 10:30 p.m. Tokyo
time. Japanese swimmer Yui Ohashi won her second gold in the 200m individual medley during a morning dominated by champion women in the pool. It was also a day of firsts for countries around the world with historic victories and losses in various sporting arenas. ‘BROKEN HEARTS’ FOR BILES American Biles will be
The national U-23 team after their victory in the first game.
Second round of exhibition volleyball games on Tomorrow night The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) is hosting a second round of exhibition matches tomorrow night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The games will begin from 6:30pm with the first game showcasing some of Guyana’s best female players. This will be the first female game hosted by the GVF for the year. The Guyana Volleyball Federation hopes to increase female participation in the sport and also to develop the level of playing of females in Guyana. The second game will see a rematch between the National Senior team and the National under23 male teams which will begin at 19:30hrs. In the last exhibition match which was held on the 2nd of July, the National under-23 team came out victorious with top scorers Kristoff Shepperd and Tyrone Farley leading the charge and the seniors are hoping to come back swinging in
this second exhibition match. The Guyana Volleyball Federation continues to encourage all athletes to stay safe during the pandemic hence all COVID19 protocols will be in effect. The female squads have not been released as yet but the male teams are available. The senior side will be comprised of the following list of players Quacy Matheson, Devendra Latchman, Vance Harding, Juan Valasques, Shemroy Ross, Klondyke Rodney, Ian Bagot, Creston Rodney, Trevon McRae, Corwin Richards and Beepaul Bando. Meanwhile, the under-23 squad reads Kristoff Shepperd, Levi Nedd, Tyrone Farley, Montel Denny, Ronaldo Bobb, Daniel Joseph, Steffon Norah, Tyreece Farley, Andre Jagnandan, Omari Joseph and Andy Rohoman.
evaluated to see if she can take part in the individual apparatus competitions, USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Twitter. Biles made the decision so she “can focus on her mental health,” the organisation said, adding that it supported her “wholeheartedly”. “It broke my heart,” U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps told broadcaster NBC. “But also, if you look at it, mental health over the last 18 months, is something that people are talking about.” Phelps, the greatest swimmer in history and the winner of 23 Olympic gold medals, has publicly discussed his own battle with depression, including contemplating suicide. The 24-year-old Biles said the pressure of living up to expectations around her quest for a record gold medal had prompted her to drop out of the team competition after receiving a low mark in her opening vault. “We have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do,” Biles told reporters. JAPAN BATTLES COVID-19, HEAT The host city recorded 3,177 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, a daily record high for a second straight day as a spike in infections puts pressure on hospitals, and a new state of emergency was
expected in three prefectures neighbouring the capital city. Organisers have reported 169 COVID-19 cases related to the Games, a miniscule number given the tens of thousands of people visiting for the event. While unprecedented restrictions and spectator bans have kept numbers down in the Olympic village, athletes voiced concerns about the heat on Wednesday. Wo r l d n u m b e r t w o tennis player Daniil Medvedev, who struggled to breathe during his match against Italian Fabio Fognini, gave a frank assessment when asked by a concerned chair umpire if he was all right. “I’m fine. I can finish the match but I can die. If I die will the ITF (governing body I n t e r n a t i o n a l Te n n i s Federation) take responsibility?” Medvedev replied. The governing I n t e r n a t i o n a l Te n n i s Federation later said matches at the Olympics would be pushed back to start from 3 p.m. local time beginning on Thursday. SHINING WOMEN Australian Ariarne Titmus, American Katie Ledecky and Ohashi clinched gold medals in swimming, their powerful showing underscoring how women have emerged as the
most commanding figures of the first week of the Tokyo Olympics. Titmus won a second gold medal at her first Olympics in the 200 metres freestyle. “I’m just from a small town in Tasmania and it just goes to show if you believe you can do something, you can 100% do it if you work f o r i t , ” Ti t m u s t o l d Australia’s ABC News. Ledecky took gold in the 1500m freestyle, the first time the event has been held for women. Diversity is a focus for the Tokyo Olympics with women’s events being added in other sports, including boxing. Ledecky, who has 15 world titles and multiple gold medals, stressed there was more to life than winning. She said she was at peace with her performance in Tokyo, after a run of rare defeats by Titmus that may signal the end of the American’s near-decade of freestyle dominance. “I kind of laugh when I see things like ‘settles for silver’,” Ledecky said. “I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me or feel like silver or any other medals besides gold is a disappointment.” “I would much rather people be concerned about people who are really, truly struggling in life.”
Caribbean Champ Clarke gets boost from Dr. Dukhi
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eigning Central America and Caribbean ( C A C ) b o d y b u i l d i n g Championships winner; Kerwin Clarke, received major support from Neurospine Services Inc. that is run by Guyana’s only N e u r o s u rg e o n , D r. Amarnauth Dukhi. Clarke, who won the under 176lb category in 2019, in an invited comment to Kaieteur Sport, explained that he is extremely grateful for the timely support from the company. Meanwhile, Dr. Dukhi, in presenting the sponsorship cheque to Clarke, explained that he is always happy to support Guyanese athletes and he wished Clarke the best and hopes that he continues to make Guyana proud in the sport of Bodybuilding.
T h e f i v e - t i m e M r. Guyana champion revealed that he is pleased with his preparations so far for the regional showpiece and noted that Bodybuilding is quite an expensive sport with air travel and accommodation to San Salvador, El Salvador (the host venue for the 2021 CAC Championships) amounting to in excess of US$1500. The muscle man who has been training smart to perfectly sculpt his physique had shared with Kaieteur sport that although he is excited to be competing at this event once more, he is not fazed by his fellow competitors, “I don’t feel pressured in anticipation in of this year’s competition because I am always physically and mentally prepared to take center stage, that has always been
my game plan and I continued to operate in that regard.” Clarke, who will be part of a seven member team representing the Guyana Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (GBBFF), also highlighted the contributions of the other supporters and gave sincere thanks to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Fitness Express and Fitness 53. The other athletes making up team Guyana to the CAC bodybuilding championships are Rosanna Fung, Yannick Grimes, Emmerson Campbell, Roger Callendar, Darius Ramsammy and Nicholas Albert. The GBBFF also looks forward to having its President, Keavon Bess, lead its delegation along with at least one coach to ensure that the athletes are taken care of.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 29, 2021
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SPARTANS REIGNS! Wins the late Faye Joseph Gold is Money sponsored Domino Birth Anniversary Competition
Players accept 2nd prize from Orson Joseph, son of the late Faye Joseph. Spartans receive 1st prize from Orin Joseph Jr., son of the Late Faye Joseph.
A
s predicted the d o m i n a n t S p a r t a n s Domino Team won the just concluded the Late Faye Joseph Birth Anniversary dominoes tournament which was contested at Turning Point. In the Quarterfinals match-up - C6 vs Turning Point vs Executives; C6 was eliminated. In the semifinals - Turning Point vs Players vs Spartans; Turning Point fought up to the 4th round of the contest, but succumbed in the 5th round and was eliminated.
Executives drew the bye to the finals. In the finals played between Spartans, Players and Executives. Spartans sailed through to 1st place in the final amassing a whopping 86 games, ahead of Players in 2nd position on 78 games, while Executives could only muster 65 games and took the 3rd position. For the Spartans - Dexter Thompson and John Chance marked the maximum possible 18 games, while Leroy Edwards supported with 15 games. For the Players team, W. Stephens,
A. Singh and W. Sergeant marked 16, 14 and 13 games respectively and for Executives Andrew Young marked 13 games, while Trevor Smith and Selwyn Prescott made 12 each. Spartans took away $150,000 and a trophy, while 2nd placed Players took$100,000 and Trophy, Executives in 3rd place received $50,000 and a trophy. Presentations were done by the sons of the Late Faye Joseph, who thanked Mr. Imtiaz Alli of Gold is Money for the sponsorship.
Allard’s 127 not out highlights ORSCA’s third round Destructive right-handed batsman Zaheer Allard hit an entertaining 127 not out to inspire Renegades to a convincing 104-run win over Cool Runningz on Sunday in Brampton as actions continued in the 2021 Ontario Round-Arm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) twenty-over tournament. Allard struck 14 sixes and five fours as his team piled up a massive 230-2 from the allotted 20-overs, while Cool Runningz only responded with 126-9 at the expiration of the 20-overs. Apart from Allard, skipper Faheer Juman scored 53 not out too. In Cool Runnings’ innings, Rishi Sukhoo topscored with 33 and captain Mitch Bacchus made 27. Juman complemented a fine all-round display by capturing 3-28 from his maximum four overs and Allard with 2-11 off three frugal overs. At another venue, Canada-based Guyanese Davendra Ramkissoon also registered a century (105*)
as Brampton Gladiators made light work of Industry Cricket Club (ICC). Gladiators raced to 266-4 from the allotment of 20overs while ICC, in reply, reached 173-6 when the game concluded. Veteran softball player and former Demerara Inter-County softball skipper Bobby Parasnauth supported the flamboyant Ramkissoon with 56 and 40 from the exciting opener Avish Rukhram. When ICC batted, Fazal Khan hit a fighting 46, 42 and 30 from Ramesh Lall and Paul Anderson respectively. Bhagwandin grabbed 4-17 in his four-over spell. And Spartans continued their winning ways chalking three consecutive victories in as many matches. On Sunday as well, they thrashed 11-Man Army by a comprehensive 174-run margin. Spartans rattled up a formidable 227-5 off the 20overs and then bowled out the Army Boys for 53 in the 14th over. Kemel Khan snatched 3-17 off four overs to lead the demolition job,
Zaheer Allard while skipper and former Essequibo inter-county youth player Fazil Gani and Raymond Sitaram assisted with two victims each. When Spartans batted, aggressive opener Morrison Edwards led the way with 76 and another hard-hitting batsman Rawl Scott slammed 76 as well. Dave Budhram and Deo Bajja took two wickets each. In another game, Aces Cricket Club defeated Smashers by 41 runs. Aces tallied 139-4 off 20-overs and then restricted Smashers to 98-9 off 20-overs. Krishna Persaud scored 47 for Aces with 34 from Imtiaz Abjal. When Aces bowled, Kemraj Rama grabbed 4-9 off four overs. The competition will resume on August 8.
Orson Joseph hands Over 3rd prize to Executives Captain Selwyn Prescott.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 29, 2021
Thursday July 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
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