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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
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
Neat governmental tricks The government has settled for a rather clever strategy, which its leaders think are so sophisticated that the wool is pulled over the eyes of Guyanese. But no matter the thickness of the paper bags that the PPP government tries to place on the heads of citizens, they see through them. Citizens see the trickiness that is at work, and come to their own conclusions that all is not well, indeed, far from well. What we at this publication have detected, is that the government has a certain standard behaviour on those things that they wish to be cagey about, be it about oil, governance, or a better Guyana in the future. What the PPP government and its leaders are doing is delivering information, but all the while pretending at consultation. The sum of it is best done this way and goes like this: this is it. Take it or leave it. In addition, regardless of how Guyanese respond, whatever they do, or they don’t do, the deed is as good as done. It is a done deal and long before it reaches a public that might be fooled to think that it counts and that it is being consulted. Two recent examples of this come to mind. The first was a sharp looking and finely presented advertisement by Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the media on May 24. It was with respect to an application by the Exxon subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), for clearance from the EPA to proceed with the “Yellowtail Development Project…in the Stabroek Licence Area, Offshore Guyana.” In keeping with the Laws of Guyana and associated EPA rules and regulations, the public is notified via this advertisement that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required. According to the advertisement, interested “members of the public” have “28 days to make written submissions to the EPA, setting out those questions and matters which they request to be answered or considered in the EPA.” It is one of those long-awaited steps that a few have raised their voices to have. Well, it is here, in this instance, and we should be satisfied. There is a problem: we are neither comfortable nor content, and here is why. In view of what now comes across as the unalterable leadership outlook on dealing with this oil wealth of ours, we are skeptical. We will take the bit in our teeth and go full throttle: we at this paper think that this is a ploy. That is, regardless of what the questions Guyanese may have, what the concerns of citizens are, and what the anxieties and fears of interested members of the local population, and as documented by them, the process in which the EPA will be engaged in is no more than a formality. At best, it is clerical, namely, receiving and acknowledging receipt of such communications from citizens; and administrative, in that they have been reviewed, but that nothing of merit or substance was found, which was persuasive enough to delay or withhold authorisation from Esso Guyana (EEPGL) going ahead and conducting its exploration and production business with the Yellowtail Project. At its worst, the whole EPA review and likely release process is a sham that is intended to mislead gullible Guyanese. We regret saying this, but the facts bear us out, so we must the record of Exxon’s parent company and its subsidiary, Exxon Guyana, has been nothing but that of an entity that will get its way by any means necessary. If the requirement is that the formal and proformal have to be gone though, then it will be so, since the outcome is foregone. It becomes a matter of going through the motions for the sake of appearances. The second issue of note was that of electoral reform, which confirmed beyond a doubt that whatever the government does, and calls consultation, is nothing more than information sharing, and that is where all roads lead and end. The outcry against the IRI-led involvement has been long and loud. Yet, on this most sensitive and crucial matter of national significance, the PPP government is barging full speed ahead, as though it has the whole of Guyana solidly behind it. When there should be pausing and listening, with adjusting following, there has been nothing of the kind. Any claims about consultation on anything of substance is more than a joke, it is a full out farce.
Heavy rainfall alone is not responsible for immense flooding DEAR EDITOR, It is helpful to Guyanese that the New York Times highlighted the magnitude of the flooding in Guyana. This may help to get the government to change its act and employ competent persons to avoid these kinds of failures that exists across our society. The intensity of the flooding in Guyana has created misery for thousands of Guyanese, which will extend years after the flooding subsides. What I find appalling, disgusting and backward is the number of ministers including President,
Irfaan Ali, running all over the country looking worried and pitiful and sharing out hampers. How long will these hampers last? A few days? The fact is that the flooding cannot be attributed to heavy rainfall alone. Not of this magnitude. The missive flooding is also a result of 50 years of incompetence and neglect of a major infrastructure in this country. Drainage. The major canals are not cleared and dredged. Mining activities are allowed without proper oversight. So, rivers are likely being destroyed and blocked, which will also cause
flooding. Housing developments are created on this threatened piece of coastland with drainage infrastructure that dates back to the Middle Ages, shallow mud drains that quickly fill with silt, weeds, and caves in resulting in the roads also falling apart as the drains cave in. The second fact is that politicians in this country do not care about Guyanese and the future of Guyana. Their mental focus is short term. Their focus is what is in it for them and their families. Then giving jobs to party hacks instead of competent persons. One former PNC minister stated this publicly. One current PPP minister
quickly appointed someone to head GUYOIL. Look at the result. The sad and tragic thing is that none of these ministers has the decency and integrity to resign. This incompetence is not only resulting in flooding. It affects all aspects of the economy and society. This incompetence and some other bad traits, is also the reasons foreign companies, including the oil companies, are able to take advantage of Guyana. This cannot stop unless Guyana gets a new breed of politicians. Even the two or three politicians who mean well are a failure because they lack the strength of character to take (Continued on page 5)
Let good sense prevail DEAR EDITOR, We’ve all witnessed the devastating effects of the ongoing rainfall. Some of us are fortunate to escape it and some are not. Regardless of race or religion, Guyanese tend to look out for one another. My honest opinion is that the flooding didn’t come about by the negligence of our administrators. The rainfall volume was one of rare proportions, and flooding in Guyana is unavoidable. Fortunately, we have a caring government that quickly acts towards the interest of
Guyanese, makes the necessary plans to help those affected, even promises to help them rebuild, and gives them a start with their agriculture. Given the magnitude of rainfall and the expectation of more, there’s nothing we could do to avoid Mother Nature’s wrath, but pray for the best and hope we all survive. Editor, as expected, tremendous damage has been caused, which puts a tremendous burden on every Guyanese. It affects lots of us from working, causes great loss to crops and livestock,
which causes the prices for meat and vegetables to increase. Without a doubt, many unscrupulous vultures manufacture excuses pertaining to this flood in order to increase the prices on their products they are selling. Whilst the government is going around Guyana to donate and promise those that are heavily affected by the floods, they conveniently missed the part where the vultures increase prices for greens tremendously, citing the flood as an excuse. Fortunately, we
have survived various disasters in Guyana, but sadly, one we cannot eradicate, even though we could. We have religious groups and certain political parties going about giving help to selected people. Is that humane? Time we stop that! For me, if someone comes to give me help and omitted my neighbour because of their political/ religious choice, problems occur. We can do better in our time of needs. Yours faithfully, Sahadeo Bates
Wild men have no regard for the law DEAR EDITOR, There is in existence a grouping whose former leader of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), Robert Corbin, once famously described as a ‘bunch of wild men.’ Their public views are extremist, sometimes seditious and often calculated to excite racial hostilities in this land. Frequently, they attempt to varnish their verbiage with a repugnant veneer of warped interpretations of law and the constitution, acquired auto didactically. During ‘the five (5) months of madness’ which succeeded the 2nd March, 2020 elections, the nation heard them, repeatedly, calling on President, David Granger, to ‘discipline’ the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for not accepting Clairmont Mingo’s fraudulent declaration of the results of the elections for District No. 4 and Keith Lowenfield’s perverse Report of the final results of the National Recount, as well as, advising the President to ‘ignore’ the elections results declared by GECOM and to remain in government “in the best interest of the nation.” Such verbal idiocies and the depraved minds, from which
they emanate, have no place in modern civilisation. They resonate from an era to which modern Guyana will never revert; but their authors are so delusional that this selfevident truth is lost upon them. One eminent member of this rogue gang cannot apprehend the possible lawful existence of criminal proceedings in the justice system and departmental disciplinary proceeding being maintained simultaneously against the same individual. As a result, with blissful ignorance, he attacks the Chairperson of GECOM for directing the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, and Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, to show cause why they should not be removed from office, consequent upon motions being laid before the Commission seeking their removal. That the Chairperson is affording to these individuals the facility of natural justice completely eludes this obtuse mind. The truth is that there is sufficient evidence within the personal knowledge of the Commission, including acts
of attempted fraud, dishonesty, insubordination and willful refusal to comply with clear statutory provisions, that ought to render these persons dismissed, instantaneously with cause, over nine months ago! In this regard, the Commission itself is guilty of dereliction of its constitutional duty to the people of Guyana for not acting decisively and condignly on this matter. But that is a debate for another time and place. This reckless critic of the GECOM Chairperson’s actions blatantly refuses to recognise that both the Constitution and the Elections Law Amendment Act expressly mandate that its employees are to be hired by the Commission and must remain, at all times, subject to the direction and control of the said Commission. During the “five months of madness” when the Chief Elections Officer went rogue, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice pronounced that he is not a “lone ranger,” but subject to the direction and control of the Commission, citing the very constitutional and statutory
provisions to which I have made reference. The Courts further emphasised that the Commission reserves the power to discipline and dismiss officers as it sees fit. There is no obligation known to law, which enjoins the Commission to await the determination of any criminal proceedings before it activates its lawful powers of dismissal. This self-same wild man views the activation by the Prime Minister of a constitutionally provided mechanism, which the Prime Minister is expressly empowered to do, in respect of the members of the Police Service Commission, as a violation of the law and of citizens’ rights. Such irrational insipience is unworthy of a response. In the end, an absurd irony becomes clear: these “wild men” are so accustomed to ignominiously advocate for abrogation of the rule of law, that they cannot see compliance with the rule of law, even if it hits them in the face. Yours faithfully, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP Attorney General & Minister of Legal Affairs
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Tulsa is a stark example from which Guyana must learn DEAR EDITOR, This month marks the centenary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, which occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June, 1921. It is considered one of the most vicious race riots reported in the United States. For many years, efforts were made not to discuss those horrible events. Tulsa was a thriving black community, with its centre at Greenwood. This Black American community had established its own banks, commercial and educational institutions. This community was so progressive that it was familiarly referred to as the Black Wall Street, a source of envy and jealousy for the white supremacists. In a few days, white supremacists including city officials using aircrafts, vehicles, bombs and guns reduced this attractive and thriving centre to death and rubble. Several enquiries were held but nothing concrete came out as to the real cause, save that there was an alleged issue between two teenagers, one white, one black. This alleged blackwhite relationship was the little spark, in the tense environment that developed in that part of the US as a
result of Tulsa’s sterling achievements. People who read this letter must obtain at least a few lessons from this incident, which is relevant to the present Guyana situation. First, to recognise an environment of envy exists, we should all be careful about the things we say and do, and to guard and overcome our prejudices. Second, there is the reality of polarisation, and racial tension; real or perceived racial incidents should be handled professionally and with great care to prevent any sparks from flying that lead to trouble. The First World War began because the heir to the Austrian throne was assassinated by a teenage Serb in a tense ethnic environment. And, third, we must learn the virtue of accommodation, mutual respect and justice in a community where there are two or more racial groupings. Finally, the Police and those responsible for law, order and justice should always be professional and avoid being misguided by a political directorate, as happened in Tulsa. Yours faithfully, Hamilton Green, OR
Readership should welcome clarification DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the Editor’s note that followed my letter; (KN June 08, 2021) captioned “I welcome the note of civility in Vishnu Bigram’s polemics.” The Editor’s note states: “There is no policy or directive to restrict any letter published in the newspaper from being published online.” This was a necessary and
timely clarification of your editorial position on this issue. In accepting your assurance as a reader and letter writer, I can say with (out) fear of contradiction, that your clarification will be welcomed by the readership of the Kaieteur News. Yours faithfully, Tacuma Ogunseye
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Desist from using this flood situation to gain political mileage DEAR EDITOR, I find it sad that in a time when Guyana is experiencing a natural disaster, several agents of the Opposition continue to play on the emotions of the citizens in an attempt to peddle misinformation and cause division. The rains and floods have not discriminated against persons based on whom they would’ve voted for during the last Regional and General Elections. The people chose and today the PPP/C is in government. This fact needs to be accepted and respected. His E x c e l l e n c y, President Irfaan Ali, and all Ministers of Cabinet along with other PPP/C Members
of Parliament have been visiting flood-affected areas across the country engaging citizens and offering assistance regardless of race or perceived political affiliation. Contrary to what is reported during their many unsubstantiated social media rants, the Opposition has demonstrated that it is incapable of delivering to the citizens of this country. The President himself has been leading floodassessment outreaches across the country. Rather than sending officials from the various Ministries, the Head of State has been on
Caught in selfentrapping web DEAR EDITOR, HR it seems acted like a puppet master. The same persons justified in hiring are the same persons now
justified in firing. Right then, wrong now, and caught in a web of its own making. Yours faithfully, Shamshun Mohamed
Indifference and silence bring disaster DEAR EDITOR, Years ago, one of Hitler’s greatest allies in the Holocaust was the indifference of the world. Today, one of the oil companies’ greatest allies in robbing the Guyanese citizenry of its oil is the indifference of the people of Guyana. Editor, Hitler had an allpowerful ally without whom he could have never succeeded. His ally was the world that chose to remain silent as Germany kept testing the limits of the universal tolerance for its evil actions. Likewise, the oil companies have an all-powerful ally without whom they could never succeed in Guyana.
Their ally is a Guyanese population that chooses to remain silent as the oil companies keep taking out our oil. The opposite of love, it’s been pointed out, is not hate. It is indifference. And if one can charitably say that the whole world didn’t hate the Jews at the time of the Holocaust, most of the nations were, at the very least, strongly and strangely indifferent. Yours sincerely, Tony from Mahaicony
the ground engaging the people and delivering relief to those affected. These acts must be respected and commended. Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s activities must also be commended. The agriculture sector is one of, if not the most affected by the ongoing flood situation in Guyana. Many farms and pastures are now inundated and he has been on the ground almost every day engaging those who were affected. The Minister has assured residents that every effort is being made to ensure floodwaters are drained in addition to the systems being put in place to minimise further instances of flooding. Although most areas are still severely flooded, it would be unfair to say that the government has not made attempts to remedy the situation or that the government is only engaging persons in perceived PPP/C strongholds. Noticeably enough, the NDIA has been mobilising machines and mobile pumps to pump water on a 24-hour basis and clear clogged drains and canals in various communities. The GLDA has also been
...Heavy rainfall alone is not From page 4 a stand for what is right. They simply go along with the bandwagon to enjoy the gravy train. As an FYI, you cannot train persons to become competent. You have to appoint persons who demonstrate competence. Sincerely, Harrish Singh
supplying livestock farmers with feed and treatment for their animals. Efforts were also made to relocate animals after sections of the Cookrite Savannah have become inundated. Other agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture have also commenced floodassessments in many if not all of the affected farming communities. Minister Mustapha has also openly pledged to assist farmers to return to the land once this period passes. The CDC has also been working, through the Regional bodies, to provide hampers with food items and cleaning supplies to every h o u s e h o l d . To d a t e , thousands of hampers have been distributed to affected persons across the country. I am appealing to those persons with political influences to desist from using this very unfortunate occurrence to gain political mileage and promote division. Once again, I stand in solidarity with those who were affected and hope relief comes your way soon. Yours sincerely, Raymond S. Chapman
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Kaieteur News follows a fairer letter policy DEAR EDITOR, In reference to Mr. Tacuma Oguyseye’s letter of 6-8-2021 titled “I welcome the note of civility in Vishnu Bisram’s polemics” I note he complains that his letters are sometimes not published in both the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News. I sympathise with him although I note that the Kaieteur News Editor has disclaimed any such policy of blanket denial of not publishing anyone’s letters. I can attest to the Kaieteur News following a more liberal policy and is fairer as more often my letters are published in this newspaper to which I am most grateful. The Chronicle carries my letters
whenever I send it to them. Not so in the Stabroek News where I have been locked out for no apparent reason for a long time. The last letter published in Stabroek News had to do with Ms Ryaan Shah whom I recommended for some public office. Not knowing who I am she told me (subsequently after I had identified myself to her) that she had approached the Stabroek News Editor to ask him who I am. Editor not every letter writer is personally known to an editor to make a judgment on publishing their letters. The Stabroek News has unfairly blackballed me for this reason as far as I am
aware. I agree with Mr. Ogunseye that “unequal access in the public media is in part responsible for unfair public debate on national issues.” I do agree with Mr. Ogunseye that Dr. Bisram is very polite in his letters and he is friendly with everyone. We attribute this to his countryside upbringing. Mr. Freddie Kissoon is a Georgetown lad and has all the attributes of a city man. But I don’t believe he hates people. He is just a passionate writer not a journalist. I believe he is still salvageable towards his lost ethnicity. Sincerely, Sultan Mohamed
What qualification does one need to contribute/discuss/debate issues of national importance? DEAR EDITOR, I usually ignore politicians who demonstrate absurdity when they speak or write. However, I am hardpressed to respond to a politician or someone who appears to be a politician within, Mr. Shawn Simmons – whose letter was carried in Kaieteur News on June 5, 2021. Mr. Simmons, instead of contributing in any meaningful and substantive manner to the debate or the subject matter – he instead sought to question my credentials. Mr. Simmons appeared to have enquired as to who I am and what qualifications I hold and from his description – he visited my LinkedIn profile as well. But if he so did, I am wondering why was he dishonest to state that he did not find which university (ies) I studied with, or maybe it was a case where he did not look thoroughly; or he was being deliberately mischievous – which would not be surprising given who he seems to be. So, for Mr. Simmon’s information and whatever its worth, I did my first Master’s Degree with Edinburgh Napier University, which is ranked (globally) in the top five percent World University Rankings or in the top 100. It is also among the top 10 universities for graduate employability in the United Kingdom. I studied with the University of Cambridge as well,
which has global rankings. In addition, if my credentials were not authentic – I would not have been awarded a US$5,000 tuition waiver sponsored by the InterAmerican Development Bank to participate in an Executive Training Course in Macrofinancial policymaking in emerging economies with another highly prestigious university in the United States, Columbia University. I am currently doing another Masters in Accounting and Finance through London School of International Business and the University of Chichester, another university of international standing – ranked among the top 30 universities in the United Kingdom (national rankings produced by the Guardian University Guide, 2021). With respect to my PhD studies, I am doing a PhD in development studies concurrently through published works with Edinburgh Napier University, a route to a PhD available only to employees and alumnus of the university. I should mention, too, that last year I participated in an international academic conference (my first international academic publication) with the West East Institute (WEI) International Academic Conferences on Business, Education, and Social Sciences, which is held annually at the Harvard University Faculty Club in Boston. The paper I
presented was published in the Journal of WEI Business and Economics (this is an annual international academic conference, which I intend to participate every year going forward and have my work published in the WEI Journal of Business and Economics). Having said that, Mr. Simmons is out of his depths because one does not need a specific qualification to contribute, comment, discuss or critically analyse any issue of national importance. Further, I am well aware of the profiles of the professors whose writings I have challenged and like I usually tell my students, to be a critical thinker, one has to have a mind of their own and ought to be able to examine critically complex issues. Not because someone is regarded as distinguished and holds five degrees it means what they say is gospel. It doesn’t work like that. Finally, the fact that Mr. Simmon’s did not address my argument in any meaningful and substantive manner is not an unusual style by Guyanese politicians of a certain political entity. In other words, it is not an unusual practice by some politicians in Guyana that when they do not have anything of substance to say or contribute on an issue – they resort to attacking the person. Look at the quality of the budget (2020 & 2021) debates in the National Assembly, for example. Yours faithfully, J.C. Bhagwandin
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Where are the professionals? DEAR EDITOR, I have been following something for a while, but withheld public mention. The hope was that it would fade, or diminish, at least. Since the opposite has occurred, I must write; less as criticism, more by way of encouragement. The issue is political involvement at the ministerial level in everything in every location, and almost all the time. Browse the dailies, and it is minister after minister commandeering space and attention on whatever issue is at hand. The prime practitioner of this noble art of communication, and massaging messages, is Guyana’s top media fox, the Hon. Vice President with universal portfolios, and the countless duties attached to those. This is well and good for some, but I think it has been taken too far, and gotten away with for too long. Somebody has to say something about this state of affairs, and it may as well be yours truly. The VP and ministers should be talking about, engaged in, and immersed in the big policy matters. The execution and delivery of the programmes,
projects, and putting the pieces together on those, really does fall under the duties of the cohort of public servants whether professional or political or pretended - that is in place to oversee and administer on a day-to-day basis, and document, report, and make public accordingly. The concern is my part, which I articulate for indifferent and dispirited citizens is best presented this way: where are they? Where is this highly touted, well-paid brigade of veteran bureaucrats and newly appointed czars? By this, I speak of the senior officials, as in permanent secretaries, chief of this, and head of that ministry or state agency? It is as if they don’t exist anymore. Or have developed a case of permanent laryngitis. Or have nothing informative to offer, so they do what wise people do: they hold their tongue and bide their time. I think that most of them operate by the standard of better to hold tongue, and keep head; rather than use tongue, out of turn (as interpreted by controllers) and lose head. There has been summary
judgment here with that, and the Geneva and UN Conventions do not apply in this democratic and civilised nation. I think America afforded a waiver of such rules. Editor, I think the public (I would) like to hear more from the public service Chiefs (Education, Social Assistance, Hydraulics, Roads, Sea Defence, and so forth). Incidentally, whatever happened to that now endangered species, the Chief Medical Officer? And, is there a Chief Environmental Officer (Executive Director), even an acting one? If they are around and still breathing, please accommodate a little fellow, and send a signal to the public. I am interested. This crew of professionals should not be reduced to being benchwarmers, and nodding heads with rapturous smiles, while wondering why they are part of political performances. Last, it should be noticed that I didn’t seize the opportunity to merge ministerial photo ops and media moments with 2025 campaigning. Sincerely, GHK Lall
If this is not gross incompetence, somebody please tell me what is! DEAR EDITOR, It seems the COVID Task Force and the police are on two different pages as it relates to enforcement of the COVID-19 curfew. While the Airport remains open for 24 hours per day, the COVID-19 curfew is set from 10pm to 4am. No distinct protection or permission is available for passengers and their families using the airport in the curfew hours. It is in this grey area of uncertainty created by the COVID-19 Task Force that the police pulled in two sons and daughters-in-law of a citizen from Victoria on the East Coast whose flight was set at 1am on a Saturday morning. The boys and their wives had escorted their father to the airport and were en route to Victoria village, when they were stopped and cited for breaching the COVID-19 curfew by a police patrol at Grove, EBD, around 12am on Friday night, May 28. What followed is an all too familiar scenario when the police are out to hustle! The policemen did not
want to hear anything about the boys returning from the airport as their reason for being on the road during the curfew. An argument ensued because the boys were asking the police to be allowed to drive the two cars to the station to be charged or whatever. However, the police wanted the cars to be parked on the road and the occupants walk into the street where the station is located. The boys protested, citing that their vehicles would be left unprotected on the road. An altercation ensued. One of the boys was allegedly beaten by someone not wearing a uniform; his pregnant wife was hit in her tummy when she instinctively tried to protect her husband. The aggressor in civilian clothes turned out to be a policeman. The occupants of both cars were marched to the station where the sum of $40,000 was deposited for their release. This harassment of these
citizens by the police falls squarely on the ineptitude or lack of initiative of the COVID-19 Task Force. How do you have an airport open for 24 hours per day and a curfew for six hours without expecting patrons to breach the curfew? Planes do not stop in mid-air and wait for daylight to land! How could the Task Force have missed that? Our leaders seem to be thinking with the soles of their feet rather than their brains! Another example on COVID. It was alleged that, “COVID cash grant was conceptualised to assist the most vulnerable in society. Lo and behold, homeowners got first while people who pay rent are still languishing with “white mouths” hoping for their $25,000, which would most likely be used to pay rent to members from the homeowner’s category. If this is not gross incompetence, somebody please tell me what is! Yours faithfully, Rudolph Singh
Wednesday June 09, 2021
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Wednesday June 09, 2021
Passenger hijacks taxi after luring driver into trap A 53-year-old taxi driver was lured into a trap by his passenger who along with another man, hijacked his silver-grey Toyota 212 motorcar, PKK 1580, and robbed him. According to police, the passenger had stopped the taxi driver, in the vicinity of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and hired him for a trip to Back School in East Ruimveldt. Upon arrival, around 23:30 hrs, Monday, the passenger then made a call and he further requested to
be taken to Rasville, next to the New Guyana School. At the new location, as the car stopped, another man showed up, placed a gun to the driver ’s head and demanded that he exit his motorcar, which he did. The second armed man then went into the driver’s seat and they both escaped. The taxi driver also lost one Samsung smart phone, valued $35,000 and $8,000 in cash, which were in the car. An investigation has been launched.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
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It is just another day in paradise Five coronavirus-related deaths were reported yesterday. All of the victims were above the age of 55 years; four of the five were 65 years and older – globally the most vulnerable group for deaths. Are these elderly persons gallivanting around their country? Not likely! It is most probable that they were infected in their homes by some younger person, most likely a family member who got infected and brought the virus home. There is a high probability that this is exactly what is driving the coronavirus–related deaths of the elderly. A recent country report indicates that persons between the ages of 25-29 years account for the greatest number of actives cases over the past week. This may well also have been the situation over the past month. The numbers of coronavirus deaths have soared in recent months. The increases are frightening. In January, there were only 13 deaths. This has since surged to 20 in February, 36 in March, a staggering 66 in April, a total of 99 deaths in May and so far for June 18, including five yesterday. Guyana has a high infection rate. One in every 45 persons has been infected locally. This is higher than in India where the rise in
infections caused a global alarm. Yes, Guyana has a higher per capita infection rate than India! Guyana also has a higher per capita death rate than Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. So what empirical evidence is the second Vice President really looking at? The majority of those dying are the elderly. They have become expendable. Even the general public do not seem to care much that so many are dying in a country with such a small population. Had they been more concerned, there would have been demands for greater social restrictions, such as a longer curfew. T h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s bizarre theory is that there is no empirical evidence that lockdowns work. That is inverse thinking. Lockdowns do work but they take time to do so. A good way of looking at things is ask yourself what would have happened had there not been a lockdown. Trinidad and Tobago had 8,206 reported infections as at the end of March. As at last Monday, total infections had risen to 26,799. In the same period, active cases moved from a mere 269 to 9,877 overwhelming that country’s healthcare system. Deaths have risen steeply from 182 to 589. Imagine what would have happened had there not been a lockdown. In India, which appeared
to have had the virus under control earlier this year, it was the lockdowns, which have brought the situation under control. Just about a month ago, on the 6th May India had more than 400,000 new cases. India imposed strict lockdown in some states and communities. As at yesterday, the rise has been quelled with less than 100,000 new cases in a country with a population of 1.3 billion. Barbados earlier this year experienced a surge in cases. They went on lockdown. In addition, their numbers have improved. Active cases have declined from nearly 789 in midFebruary to a mere 61 cases as at last Sunday. Barbados has registered only 4,032 cases and a mere 47 deaths. Moreover, the reason why is because they took firm and decisive action early. They can now reopen their economy because they were not afraid to bear the sacrifices of a lockdown. In Guyana, old people are falling like flies. And the level of concern is appalling. A country where our leaders like to speak about protecting the vulnerable is leaving the elderly to die even though action can be taken to reduce the deaths. It is not too late for stronger social restrictions. This does not have to involve a total shutdown. The evidence has been provided
De water still high boys seh... in dem canal Dem
De Vee Pee tekkin’ lass. A man ask he a simple question: fuh name three or four achievements wah happen under de new Pee Pee Pee administration over de past 10 months. De Vee Pee rattle off a whole list of Budget measures. Dem is not achievements. Dem is measures. Measures can lead to achievements. For example, if yuh remove or reduce taxes on certain things, it can reduce de cost of living. But de Vee Pee tekkin measures and calling dem achievements. Nuff children does write exam but not all dem achieving passes. Is de same thing with government. Dem boys seh every year government spending billions pun drainage. But where is de achievement. Ask dem farmers in Mahaicony, Mahaica, Black Bush Polder and dem people wah house under water at Kwakwani. Well right now de majority of de people
in Guyana nah concern about achievements but about de measures wah gan improve de drainage, flood or no flood. Dem boys waiting fuh hear wah dem gan do with dem antiquated and dysfunctional kokers. Ensuring better drainage and storage would be an achievement, not simply spending more money. It mek dem boys remember how some men does mek children and call dat achievement. Like de man wah had six children. He was so proud dat he start calling he wife, “Mother of Six,” in spite of her objections. One night dem went to a party. He decided dat it was time to go home, and he wanted to find out if he wife was ready to leave as well. So he shout at de top of de voice, “Shall we go home, Mother of Six?” His wife, get irritated and shouted back, “Anytime you’re ready, Father of Four!” Talk half and know de difference between measures and achievements!
that the age group with the highest number of active cases is 25-29. It should be obvious what should be done. These are young people and they are mingling and socialising in their communities and at
entertainment spots. One way of addressing this is to have a 7:00 pm to 4:00 am curfew. This would target specifically, all those young persons who are socialising after work, including visiting friends and it would
help reduce the risk of them taking home the virus and infecting their elderly parents and grandparents. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday June 09, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The near destruction of a country, March - July, 2020
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friend sent me a column in the New York Times (NYT) of May 12, captioned, “Fatigue Is a Luxury You Can’t Afford” by Charles M. Blow. Here is a quote from that commentary which I find relevant to my life as a columnist within the context of how I saw the rigging of the March 2020 election in Guyana. Here is what Mr. Charles Blow wrote, “As columnists, we often test the boundaries. We want to write in provocative ways that inspire readers to think and discuss. But we don’t want to descend into hyperbole or, worse yet, hysteria. As many of our critics are quick to remind us, we often slide right into that abyss. Sometimes they are right. There is no real science or formal methodology to this form of commentary. We write it not only as we see it, but also as we feel it, and our feelings fluctuate. The
danger, of course, is the Chicken Little problem: If you inflate everything into a sky-is-falling panic, what does one write when the sky really does begin to fall? What credibility does one have left among the watchful when the country truly nears the possibility of a political apocalypse? Well, I’m not sure how to answer that. It seems to me that the possibility of destruction came in waves during the Trump administration, with more near misses than the heart could handle. We are human beings; our panic can’t be permanent. Our minds and bodies simply aren’t meant to sustain it. But here we are again facing another very real threat to our democracy, and it would be a shame if we were so weary of Donald Trump and his supporters’ attacks on the pillars of this country that we dismissed warnings about what it all means, as
with all others that preceded it.” On reading that columnist, if you care about democracy, you had to see the vivid relevance to Guyana in relation to the March disaster. In my exchange with Alfred Bhulai of Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) and the Electoral Reform Group (ERG), on the silence of his two outfits in what went on in March (please see my column of Wednesday, June 2, 2021, “The Electoral Reform Group is a devious organism”), I tried to explain that there had to be ulterior motives for his two o rg a n i s a t i o n s a n d t h e Guyana Human Rights organisation remaining silent. Reading the NYT columnist puts one in a position to better judge what went on between March and July last year. I like the following sentence from Mr. Blow, “What credibility does one have left among
the watchful when the country truly nears the possibility of a political apocalypse? It seems to me that the possibility of destruction came in waves during the Trump administration.” We w e r e n e a r t h e apocalypse between March a n d J u l y. T h i s i s a perspective I believe Mr. Bhulai subscribes to. It would be quite obvious to him that given his age (meaning he saw what rigged elections did to Guyana under President Burnham), he must have seen written large all over Guyana, that once rigged election had succeeded this country would not have survived. I still reflect, the way Mr. Blow does in his NYT piece, on how so many of us could have remained unconcerned, unmoved about what occurred March – July, 2020. Mr. Blow stated that the possibility of destruction came in waves under Donald
Trump. It was the identical process in Guyana. I n 1 9 6 8 , national election was fraudulent. The crooked process repeated itself in 1973. A referendum in 1978 to change the constitution, the brainchild of Prime Minister F orbes Burnham, w as massively tampered with which was not a true reflection on how the electorate voted. Rigged elections took place in 1980 and 1985. In 1992, there were violent attempts to stop the first free and fair poll since 1968. The PNC rejected the 1997 and 2001 national elections and created mayhem. In between these disasters, Guyana endured the evil of the Buxton Troubles. These were waves of destruction. From 2006 when the Buxton mayhem ended, Guyana experienced unprecedented moments of social and psychological
s t a b i l i t y. T h e r e w e r e authoritarian excesses. There were opposition anger but society was normal and people were optimistic. The wave that destroyed democracy returned in March. When you examine the March 2020 catastrophe within the context of the persistent waves from 1968 to 2006, then there has to be a dangerous and twisted mind that can see Guyana on the brink of collapse between March and July and cynically remain silent. To think that there are civil society groups like that makes you sick. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday June 09, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Confessed drug seller creates uproar after Magistrate remands him for robbery A 23-year-old shop owner on his first court appearance yesterday admitted to the court that the only crime he is involved in is the selling of “petty narcotics.” Moments after the Magistrate remanded the defendant to prison, he started an uproar, while being escorted to the court lockups. The defendant, Dennis Johnson, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, charged for robbing a taxi-driver of his motor vehicle and his cell phone. He denied the charge which alleges that on May 20, 2021, at Cane View Av e n u e , w h i l e i n t h e company of another and armed with a dangerous weapon, he robbed Alwyn DaSilva of a motor car HC 8838 valued $3,600,000 and a cellphone valued $4,000. According to the facts of the charge that was presented to the court by the police prosecutor, DaSilva is a hire car driver and was hired to pick up a man at Bachelor’s Adventure to transport him to South Ruimveldt. It is alleged that upon DaSilva’s arrival to pick up the passenger, Johnson pulled out a knife and held it to his neck, and with the assistance of his accomplice, robbed
DaSilva of his motor vehicle and his cell phone. The court heard that on June 4, 2021, while inquiring a b o u t a n o t h e r m a t t e r, DaSilva saw Johnson at Brickdam Police Station and alerted the police that that is the man that robbed him. The following day, Johnson and another were arrested. The prosecutor objected to bail being granted to Johnson citing that he is a repeat offender, and highlighted that he was previously charged with possession of firearm and armed robbery, but the matter was dismissed. Johnson told the court that DaSilva is lying and claimed that the only crime he was involved in, was the selling of narcotics. Principal Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus remanded him to prison and the matter was adjourned to June 18, 2021. While Johnson was being escorted to the lockups, he began speaking loudly and continuously shouted that he didn’t do anything and repeated that DaSilva is lying on him. Johnson’s parents were at court and while a police officer held onto him, his mother shouted, “Why that officer choking my son.” Johnson was placed in the court lockups where he continued to behave disorderly.
Remanded, Dennis Johnson at the court lockups yesterday.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Narcotics found on data entry prison clerk
The narcotics stuffed inside of the Ensure bottle.
A data entry clerk attached to the Lusignan Prison was caught on Tuesday with a quantity of narcotics stuffed in a bottle. According to police, the 22-year-old data entry clerk of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was subjected to a mandatory search and the narcotics was discovered in an Ensure nutrition shake bottle in the clerk’s haversack. The narcotics was weighed and amounted to 80 grams and the clerk was arrested. An investigation was launched.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Kaieteur News
Five more Guyanese succumb to COVID-19 The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday recorded that five more persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 416. The latest fatalities are that of a 65-year-old man from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); a 72-year-old woman and a 70-year-old woman both from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); and a 56-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man both from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara). All five persons died over a two-day period while receiving treatment at a medical facility. Further, the Health Ministry via its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 87 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 17,805. The dashboard also revealed that 17 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 95 persons are in institutional isolation, 1,649 in home isolation and three are quarantined institutionally. To date, a total of 15,628 recoveries have been recorded.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
The body of Shemar Drakes on the trail at Sowanda Backdam.
Gold miner killed in row over girl A gold miner was killed sometime between Sunday and Monday at Sowanda Backdam, Mazaruni, following a misunderstanding with a Brazilian man over a woman. His death was confirmed by police yesterday. The dead miner has been identified as Shemar Drakes of Bartica. Reliable sources told this newspaper that on the night of the incident, the miner and the Brazilian man were at a woman’s residence where they were waiting to have sexual intercourse with her. While waiting, a fight broke out between the two, during which Drakes received several cuffs about his body. Sources revealed that while trying to defend himself, Drakes used a bat and lashed the man several times about his body when a few persons
came to part the fight. Kaieteur News understands that the two ended up meeting again by a shop where a party was being held. It is there that another encounter occurred, which resulted in Drakes’ death. At the party, the Brazilian man came from behind Drakes and chopped him several times to his abdomen area with a cutlass, then escaped in an unknown direction. It is unclear what happened directly after, but Drakes was found sometime on Monday morning motionless on a trail not far from where the shop is located. Police sources close to the investigations have indicated that the matter is being investigated, but no report has been released since the incident happened.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Murder convict among two escaped from Lusignan prison The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) have launched a manhunt after two inmates reportedly escaped from the Lusignan Prison yesterday. The escaped prisoners have been identified as 24year-old Shazam Kalil, of Lot 53 Shieldstown, West Bank Berbice, and Andrew Chaung, 26, of Lot 73 New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara. Kaieteur News understands that Chaung was in the lock ups after he was remanded in April of this year for break and enter and larceny, while Kalil was sentenced to life imprisonment back in 2016. He was found guilty of murdering 19-year-old Shazina Mohamed, his exgirlfriend. The young woman was brutally stabbed about her body around 19:00 hrs. on January 17, 2015 outside of a Chinese restaurant in Rosignol. According to the GPS release, sometime around 07:30 hrs. during the
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Gun toting bandit robs pensioner on Main Street Avenue The Main Street Avenue in the vicinity of Quik Serv and the New Thriving Chinese Restaurant where the pensioner was robbed of his haversack.
Escaped, Shazam Kalil
Escaped, Andrew Chaung.
unlocking of the Prison’s Quarantine Section by the ranks, they observed that the two were unaccounted for during the checking of the tally. Immediately, a report was made to the Officer-inCharge of Lusignan Prison, Superintendent of Prisons (Ag.) David Shepherd. Shepherd then ordered a roll call and upon conclusion, the two inmates were confirmed as unaccounted for. The release further states
that the Emergency Action Plan in relation to the escaping of inmates was activated and the Director of Prisons (Ag.), Nicklon Elliot, was informed of the incident who then informed the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. Up to press time, the Prison Service was unable to provide any information on how the men managed to escape, but have indicated that an investigation has since been launched.
A pensioner, 70, was yesterday robbed of his black haversack by a guntoting bandit along Main Street Avenue, Georgetown, near the New Thriving Chinese Restaurant and Quik Serv.The pensioner, Lennox Rutherford, of New M a r k e t S t r e e t , Cummingsburg, related that he was heading home a little after 12:00 hrs. when the bandit reportedly pounced on him “I was walking in the northern direction towards my home in New Market Street with my haversack hanging from my left shoulder,” said Rutherford. “All of sudden,” he continued, “I feel my haversack being ripped off from my shoulder.”
Rutherford said that when he turned around, a tall, thin, young male of African descent pointed a gun to his face.He recalled the bandit walking backwards with the haversack in his hands before jumping onto a waiting motorcycle as its pillion rider.“It all happened so fast. I did not have a chance to note the colour of the motorbike or the number plate but it sped off east along Quamina Street.” Rutherford told Kaieteur News.Rutherford added that instead of continuing his journey home he walked all the way to the Brickdam Police Station, where he lodged a report. He said that the bag does
not contain cash but his spectacles, valued at $35,000 and “some very important documents” which included his NIS card and valuable blueprints for some construction works. Rutherford revealed that this is the second time that he has been robbed by bandits in the city.“The first time they took away my phone and wallet and left me with my haversack. This time they gone with my haversack, but I am lucky that they left me with my wallet and phone” he said. The pensioner is hopeful that the cops will be able to catch the bandit who robbed him of his haversack at gunpoint along with the getaway rider.
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Kaieteur News VACANCY Pump Attendant & Cashier. Shifts (6AM-2PM & 2PM10PM). Shell Station Providence E.B.D. Email: Shellramsburg@gmail.com Vacancy for Legal Secretary. Call 633-0237 for details.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: F R I D G E S , A I R CONDITIONER,WASHING MACHINE,FREEZER,SALE OF AC'S. TEL#6294946,225-4822. Keep Clean Powerwashing buildings and yards lawn scaping. Tel# 216-2951,6721680. Customs house brokerage service. For Motor vehicles i n d u s t r i a l equipment,barrels. Registered broker asycuda certified.661-3043.
FOR SALE Shares in Regent Street Property @8am. Tel# 6537628. 3 Combines,132 fiatgari John Deere. 7300 tractors 399 and 290 massy. Cal: 6952220. Massey Ferguson Tractor( Foreign used). MF165$1.5M, MF 135-$1.1M, Pickup Ford Ranger-$1.1m, F150-$1.2M. 682-5230, 6154414. 1 Toyota Allion PWW Series $1.8M & 1 Honda CRV $3.2 negotiable.Contact 649-0956 for more info.
FOR RENT
Upper flat Bel Air (3) bedrooms apartment furnished$2000 USD,unfurnished$1500 USD. 225-4106. 8:00AM-4:00PM. 1-2 bedroom fully furnished apartment- 237 Gorden St.Kitty, $190,000 monthly. Water included. Contact 696-7163. Two bedroom apartment to rent on E.C.D. Tel#629-6237. 3 Bedrooms,Livingroom Pouderoyen W.B.D.Asking $70,000.Front road, 10min from bridge. Contact: 6824622 & 617-7389.
WANTED Wanted one experienced Gold Smith, Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn shop 16 Pike street Kitty Tel#622-4970 Wanted (2) experienced Welder/Fabricator. Contact Tel#222-3844. Urgent: Malachi Christina and Emir Alleyne. United States of America. Contact Lennox Alleyne at 627-6070/ 602-5008. Live in family, wife sales, husband driving Car/Van license. Free separate cottage for living. Tel: 227-1813. Experienced Cooks and Servers,Cleaners, Handyman. Call:626-7285 to book interview. Female Domestic for house keeping $3500 daily.Wardrobe $10,000 empty water barrel $5000. 682-5230, 615-4414. Wanted Security. InterService Enterprise Security. 21 Seaforth Street Campbellville. Tel#653-2832/ 626-6845.
VACANCY Clerical assistants live-in accommodation available for out of town applicants covid vaccinated persons only.223-7500. Security officers male and female 18 years and above. Contact 223-4172,632-0101 or 632-0909. Maid to cook and clean. Call: 615-9132. Hotel Attendants.Call: 2277714 & 223-3448. Two upholsterers and a frame builder needed. Please contact 227-3660. Must have NIS and TIN number. Workers for P.S.G.C.S cleaner, labourers and maintenance workers Contact 621-6969/ 615-7784 serious inquiries only
Experienced masseuse/cosmetologist required. Nalini's hair salon,225 New Market Street (opposite Maggies). 226-6705/609-6259. R o o m Attendant,Supervisors,Receptionist, 30-50 years old. 233 South Road Lacytown. Tel#2252304.
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
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Younger persons urged to donate blood to reap major health benefits World Blood donor day…
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ounger people are being encouraged to donate blood since it helps reduce their risk of hypertension, cholesterol and other health complications when they get older says, Dr. Pedro Lewis, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). Dr. Lewis was at the time speaking on the importance of voluntary blood collection during a live-aired show of the “Your Health Matters” programme on Kaieteur Radio yesterday. In this regard, the NBTS Director noted, that the Blood Bank has been lobbying for donors between the ages of 18 – 25 years. “The more blood you get out of them by the time they reach 65, the less they have to worry about when they are older; it significantly reduces their risk of damage to liver and pancreas,” Dr. Lewis said. In addition, the Blood Bank Director says, giving blood regularly can also help improve cardiovascular health and reduce obesity. Further, Dr. Lewis told Kaieteur Radio that for the observance of World Blood Donor Day 2021, the NBTS will be placing emphasis on Voluntary Blood Collection.
Director of NBTS, Dr. Pedro Lewis World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14, annually. During the interview, Dr. Lewis revealed that a list of activities have been planned to show appreciation and recognition to persons and institutions for their assistance to the Blood B a n k , a n d e m e rg e n c y patients needing blood throughout the years. “We have a list of persons and entities that regularly help to host and facilitate these much needed blood drives, and so we want them to know that their contribution has been noted and appreciated,” he said. Dr. Lewis also stressed
on raising awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion during the observance. The NBTS Director noted that safe blood and blood products and their transfusion are a critical aspect of care of the public health system. “They save thousands of lives and improve the health and quality of life of many patients every day. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not. The day also provides an opportunity to call to action, governments and other stakeholders to provide adequate resources, and put into place systems and infrastructures to increase the collection of blood from voluntary blood donors,” Dr. Lewis emphasized. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Blood Donor Day 2021 will be observed under the slogan “Give blood and keep the world beating.” The message highlights the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others’ health. It reinforces the global call for more people all over the
world to donate blood regularly and contribute to better health. This year, the WHO is stressing on ensuring that everyone who needs safe blood has access to it, since all countries need voluntary, unpaid donors who give blood regularly. Throughout
the COVID-19 pandemic, the global health body noted that despite limited mobility and other challenges, blood donors in many countries have continued to donate blood and plasma to patients who need transfusion. “This extraordinary effort during a time of
unprecedented crisis highlights the crucial role of well-organised, committed voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply during normal and emergency times,” WHO said in a message ahead of World Blood Donor Day.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Young Guns and Rohan Auto Spares advance into the play off Young Guns and Rohan Auto Spares have advanced to the playoffs of the WeCare Community Services and Promotions inaugural Independence Inter-Region Softball Cup which commenced on Sunday last at Strathavon Sports Club. Rohan Auto Spares beat Strathavon SC by two wickets. Batting first, Strathavon scored 143 for 6 in their 10 overs. Randy Hemraj scored 89 with 13 sixes. Bowling for Rohan Auto Spares Chris Seymore claimed 3-22 and Noel Johns 2-23. Rohan Auto Spares replied with 145 for 8 in 9.5 overs. Travis Alphonso slammed 73 including eight
sixes, Shawn Thomas made 20 and Lionel Alphonso 11. Jermaine Persaud captured 315 and Navin Lacklall 2-23. Man of the Match was Travis Alphonso. Young Guns overcame Avengers by two wickets. Avengers batted first and score 89 for 7 in their allotted 10 overs. Sachin Jagnarine top scored with 21 and Rakesh Persaud got 14. Bowling for Young Guns were Naresh Singh with 3-17 and Chandra Haimraj 1-11. Young Guns responded with 91 for 8 in 9.4 overs. Chandar Haimraj scored 30 and Troy Ford 16. Navindra Singh captured 3-14 and Mark Dobaj 2-24. Man of the match was
Chandar Haimraj. Rohan Auto Spares defeated Strathavon All Stars Over 40 by seven wickets. Strathavon Over 40 batted first and scored 65 for 6 in their allotted 10 over. N. Samlall made 12 and P. Persaud 10. Ramnarine Boodram grabbed 4-8 and Narine Bailey 2-2. Rohan Auto Spares scored 67 for 3 in 5 over in reply. Alfred Seemangal made 27 and Shawn Thomas 24. D. Haimraj had 1-25. Man of the match was Seemangal. In the Zone final between Young Guns and Rohan Auto Spares, Rohan Auto Spares batted first and score 65 for 7 with Shawn Thomas scored 31 and Seemangal 14. Chandar
Wednesday June 09, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Recent hesitation on your part may have suddenly put you in a bind, Aries. It may feel like you've reached gridlock and your choices are limited. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) There are powerful forces operating now, Taurus. Whether you realize it or not, you have tremendous control over the direction of these energies. Take control of the situation instead of letting someone else do it for you. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If conflict arises in your world, you must keep in mind that there is no one else to blame except you. Keeping your sights set on one goal is useful as you concentrate all your energy toward that one thing. CANCER(June21–July22) Life may seem like a great train ride, Cancer. You have your own little compartment that you're striving to keep comfortable and neat. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You need to learn an important lesson in follow-through, Leo. As you strive for perfection, you may get the feeling that nothing is ever fully completed. Try not to be so hard on yourself. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be careful about being driven so strongly that you fail to take into consideration the changing environment, Virgo. Things have probably changed quite a bit since you first set out on this mission. You may have packed for sunshine and suddenly it looks like rain.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may be hit with some extreme circumstances that cause you to feel uneasy about continuing along your path, Libra. Use this jolt as a reminder that nothing is set in stone. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may feel like you're on a road to adventure and excited about the frontiers you're encountering. Unfortunately, it seems that not everyone is as excited about this path as you are. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) There's a tremendously sensitive side to your personality that's tender and extremely vulnerable. Be careful about putting too much of yourself out there now. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) There's a tremendously sensitive side to your personality that's tender and extremely vulnerable, Sagittarius. Be careful about putting too much of yourself out there now. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your self-esteem should be strong these days, helping you build more confidence in yourself every day. There may be a glitch in the action today, however, as someone with an extreme perspective on things suddenly steps into the picture. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A ray of sunshine is likely to shine on you, Pisces. Things may have been cloudy lately, making it harder for you to maintain a positive disposition.
Haimraj took 2-62, Ford 2-9 and Budhan 2-3. Young Guns replied with 66 for 4 with Chandar Haimraj scoring 36. C. Haimraj was named man of the match. The competition will continue on Sunday.
...SHC forward Babb earns From page 31 (Saints Hockey) club have been super supportive and inspiring.” Although hockey has not proven to provide as much sports scholarship as track & field, Bobb, who is set to write CSEC next year, is optimistic that she can help make a breakthrough not only for herself but other players to come. “I find as an athlete and as a student it’s really easy to be swayed from your goals. I’ve never really thought of aiming for a scholarship but after seeing it’s possible and after making it so far already there’s no way I’ll step back from the possibility,” Bobb posited. Most notable success has found the stick wielder in the 2019 GHB Second division outdoor league and she will be aiming for more success when Guyana’s competes at the Pan American Indoor Championships that is scheduled to run off from the 25th to 27th of this month in Pennsylvania, United States.
Carmeletta Gomes (right) presents the first place trophy to a member of the organising committee, compliments of Trophy Stall.
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Wednesday June 09, 2021
Tokyo 2020 board talks about vaccines,but not a word on further delay
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euters - Japan’s 2020 Olympics committee may seek further vaccine donations to make the rescheduled Games as safe as possible, Tokyo 2020’s CEO said after a board meeting yesterday, stressing that there had been no talk of further delays. The Olympics have already been postponed by a year amid global concerns over how organisers can keep volunteers, athletes, officials and the Japanese public safe when they begin on July 23 after a fourth wave of infections. To k y o 2 0 2 0 C E O Toshiro Muto flatly denied there had been any talk of a cancellation or further postponement at the executive board meeting. “There was no talk on that whatsoever,” he told reporters. Instead, he spoke of possibly seeking further vaccine shots, adding that “there is an ongoing discussion on whether we should be vaccinating Olympic-related staff more widely”.
Most people in Japan oppose holding the Games at all, several polls have shown, and a top Japanese virologist and government adviser was quoted on Tuesday as saying it was impossible to have a riskfree Games. To h o k u U n i v e r s i t y professor Hitoshi Oshitani was an architect of Japan’s “Three Cs” approach to the pandemic, which advises avoiding closed spaces, crowds and close contact. “ I t ’s 1 0 0 p e r c e n t impossible to have an Olympics with zero risk...of the spread of infection in Japan and also in other countries after the Olympics,” the London Times quoted Oshitani as saying. “There are a number of countries that do not have many cases, and a number that don’t have any variants. We should not make the Olympics (an occasion) to spread the virus to these countries,” he added, noting most countries lack vaccines. However, a former Olympian turned public
Tokyo 2020 Olympics organising committee president Seiko Hashimoto and Tokyo organising committee CEO Toshiro Muto chat before the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics executive board meeting in Tokyo, Japan June 8, 2021. (Behrouz Mehri/Pool via REUTERS) health expert said she believed the Games can be pulled off with an acceptable level of risk. “There will be cases, but having one case or a couple of cases doesn’t mean that it was a failure,” Tara Kirk Sell, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told Reuters on Tuesday. Playbooks from event organisers detailing testing regimes and movement restrictions for athletes and other visitors “outline a good strategy” for minimising contagion, Sell added. PRAYING FOR SAFE GAMES Media arriving from abroad to cover the Games will be closely monitored to ensure they don’t leave pre-
registered areas such as hotels and sports venues, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said. She also said Japan’s Olympicsrelated staff were expected to start getting vaccinated in mid-June. “... we are still in a very difficult situation, but we have seen a gradual decrease of infections in Tokyo, and I am praying that the pandemic is brought under control as swiftly as possible,” Hashimoto said at the start of the Tokyo 2020 board meeting. Japan has been spared the explosive outbreaks seen elsewhere but has recorded over 760,000 cases and more than 13,600 deaths. Tokyo and other regions are under a state of emergency as the
nation battles a fourth wave which is straining hospitals. The government’s top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, said last week medical experts planned a statement on the Games by June 20, when the state of emergency is set to be lifted. A labour union in the northern island of Hokkaido, where the Olympic marathon will be held, petitioned its governor on Monday calling for the Games to be cancelled, media said. Japanese Olympic Committee board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a judo bronze medallist at the 1988 Games, said on Friday Japan had been “cornered” into pressing ahead with the Games.
Japan’s public remains divided about holding the Games, although opposition appears to be easing somewhat. A poll by broadcaster TBS this week showed 55% wanted the Games either postponed or cancelled - down 10 points from last month. Sell, a silver medallist swimmer at the 2004 Games in Athens, said accelerating vaccinations and ebbing case numbers in Japan were positive signs the Olympics can go ahead. “These Games are very much a symbol of the whole world emerging from this terrible, global pandemic,” she said. “If we wanted to be as safe as possible, we’d never leave our house.”
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
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Edghill signs long-term contract with Smalta
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malta signed National Table Tennis prodigy Chelsea Edghill to a long-term contract as its newest Brand Ambassador on Monday June 7, 2021; ahead of her Olympic voyage in Tokyo. Edghill, who is a former Under-21 Caribbean Champion and 2018 National Sports Woman of the Year, recently got her ticket for the Olympics, a first for Table Tennis in Guyana. However, the contract will not just be for the Olympics but will also last until 2022 as Smalta aims to foster a significant partnership with the rising star. The Lindenwood University graduate expressed her gratitude to Smalta and highlighted
during the contract signing that this is probably a first for any athlete in amateur sports aspiring to be a professional in Guyana. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with a brand like Smalta, I’m happy with this route that this brand has taken as it pertains to supporting athletes, the investing approach is a pioneering one. This partnership will go a long way with supporting my efforts at home and abroad to achieving the goals set for the future.” “This opportunity also paves the way for future athletes of Guyana who will one day aspire to greatness. Once again, I’d like to say thank you to the Smalta brand for seeing the potential and acknowledging my abilities as an athlete and individual,” Chelsea noted.
Chelsea Edghill receives Smalta branded items from Business Unit Head of CBL, Errol Nelson.
...Hope, Seales named in From page 28 averages 53.74 after 81 games in the format, but hasn’t found a similar gear in Tests - he averages 26.27 after 34 Tests, with only two hundreds. The first match of the Betway Test Series bowls off tomorrow, Thursday, at 10am (9am Jamaica Time) at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The second match will be played at the same venue
on June 18-22. The series will be contested for the Sir Vivian Richards Trophy. Squad for the first Test: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Jermaine Blackwood (vicecapt), Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales
Country Manager of Carib Brewery Limited (CBL), Kelvin Singh, noted that this was a significant moment for Smalta. “We are extremely happy and proud to partner with Chelsea Edghill as a Brand Ambassador to the Smalta Brand, this is a strategic partnership we are looking to continue beyond the Olympic Games and the next 12 months as Chelsea continues to evolve and take her career to the next level.” “Also, we would like to thank Chelsea and her team for working with us to finalize this agreement within such as short time frame. All engagements and communications have been great. On behalf of the team, I would like to wish Chelsea safe travels to her various destinations to reach Tokyo, and best of luck for the
Olympics. Do continue to inspire, motivate, and make your fans, family, and country proud,” Singh expressed during the contract signing. Further, Brand Manager for Smalta, Gabriell Lopes made it clear that Smalta view sport development as critical to the brand. “Chelsea has persevered, and your hard work is paying off and Smalta is proud to partner with you. Smalta
believes in the development of our youths and sports and we want to show our support with Chelsea as she heads to the Olympics.” Lopes stated. T h e G u y a n a Ta b l e Tennis Association (GTTA) in a statement shared that such relationships between corporate Guyana and athletes fosters development of the athlete. “This is ground-breaking and pioneering move on behalf of the company in the
sponsorship approach and agreement with Chelsea in terms of the long term arrangement, the elements and tenants of the contractual arrangements which understands that the sponsorship provided is athlete centered”, Lopes added. Edghill is set to depart for Portugal where she trains before heading to Tokyo for the Olympics that will begin on July 23.
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Kieran Powell (right) and Shai Hope
Wednesday June 09, 2021
Hope, Seales named in 13-man West Indies squad for first Test - Gabriel out injured - Roston Chase and Kieran Powell also named, Darren Bravo misses out ESPNcricinfo - Shai Hope has been picked in West Indies’ squad for the first Test against South Africa, and could make a return to their Test XI after being dropped last year. Trinidad & Tobago’s Jayden Seales, the 19-year-old
rookie fast bowler, has also made the cut after being named in the 17-man squad for the series earlier. Shannon Gabriel has missed out on selection due to injury. The inclusion of Hope, who also keeps wicket, has meant that Jahmar Hamilton misses out as backup-keeper to Joshua Da Silva. Darren Bravo was left out of the squad, while Roston Chase and Kieran Powell - who last played a Test in 2018 - are also in line for a Test return, having missed West Indies’ series against Sri Lanka in March. There is familiarity apart from these changes, with Kemar Roach, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, and Rahkeem Cornwall all but certain to be the frontline bowlers. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was the fourth player to miss out. Seales’s only first-class match so far was for West Indies A in New Zealand last December, and in all, he has played only ten professional games at senior level. Seales was particularly impressive in the Team Hamilton vs Team Blackwood four-day intra-squad game more recently, taking 4 for 40 in the second innings, including the wickets of Hope and Bravo. “Jayden Seales is young, very enthusiastic and has a big heart. In the ‘Best v Best’ matches he bowled with pace, got movement and has displayed the ability to take
West Indies squad for the first Test against South Africa. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd)
wickets. We think he is capable of adding potency to the bowling attack,” said CWI chief selector Roger Harper about Seales’ inclusion. Seales had first made an impression in the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa last year, claiming ten wickets in six matches at an average of 18.30 and an economy rate of 3.89. He went on to bag a CPL deal with the Trinbago Knight Riders, who have retained him ahead of the upcoming season. “Kieran Powell we know is a very capable batsman who we expect to add quality and depth to the batting department. He put himself in the mix with his performance in the Best v Best match. Shai Hope has performed very well in the red ball matches he has played, following on the back of his highly successful One-Day International series against Sri Lanka, so he has forced his way into the squad by performance,” said Harper. Hope was dropped after a prolonged period of low scores last year, and has missed series in New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in the interim. He was, however, tipped for “a tremendous future in Test cricket” by Harper, who said he was being given time to work on his game. Hope has been West Indies’ most successful ODI batter and (Continued on page 27)
Wednesday June 09, 2021
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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers
‘Golden Jaguars’ end campaign with 0-2 loss to ‘The Blue Hurricane’; debuts for Javier George and Marcus Wilson By Franklin Wilson in Antigua with the compliments of the GFF and Industrial Safety Supplies Inc.
Captain Matthew Briggs and his teammates tried their best to penetrate the Puerto Rico defense but did not succeed. (Franklin Wilson photo)
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uyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ ended their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign with defeat against Puerto Rico at Wa r n e r P a r k h e r e i n Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. They lost on account of two early goals to Puerto Rico’s ‘Blue Hurricane’ which saw them ending the group in 4th place on 3 points. Puerto Rico, with the win ended Group play in 3rd place with 7 points, Trinidad and Tobago which defeated St’ Kitts and Nevis also by a 2-0 margin yesterday in the Dominican Republic, ended in 2nd place with 8 points one less that the Group F winners, St. Kitts and Nevis who booked the lone place from the group to the next round of qualification. The Bahamas ended with a single point. The Puerto Ricans controlled the first half of play and took the early lead when Ricardo Rivera rocked the nets in the 12th minute. The Guyanese team has been very vulnerable in the opening minutes of all three matches that they lost in this qualifying campaign. It was an area that was addressed by the Technical staff but they did not get it right yesterday afternoon. Hosting the Puerto Ricans at this neutral venue owing to covid-19 challenges, Guyana sunk even deeper when they gave up a penalty (questionable) in the 25th minute, Isaac Angking
taking the shot, sending custodian Kai McKenzieLyle the wrong way. Coming back from such a deficit proved beyond the reach of the ‘Golden Jaguars’ and even as their game improved in the second half, ‘The Blue Hurricane’ took all three points. Two changes were made by Head Coach Márcio Máximo from the team which lost to St. Kitts on Friday last, Jobe Caesar started in place of Bayli Spencer-Lyle, while Osafa Simpson in only his second game at this level, was favoured ahead of the more experienced Pernell Schultz. Simpson did not make too much of an impact and was pulled out of the game in the 31st minute, replaced by Nathan Moriah-Welsh. This team, which is in the rebuilding stage, were not able to penetrate the opposition in the final third and apart from the four goals they scored in their win against the Bahamas, they were not able to trouble the T&T, St. Kitts and Puerto Ricans in the attacking third. The changes were wrung
in the second half in their quest to score, Miguel Scarlett made way for Nicholai Andrews in the 46th minute, Jobe Caesar was replaced by debutant Javier George in the 55th minute, Kelsey Benjamin came in for Daniel Wilson in the 65th minute as did Marcus Wilson, another debutant for Omari Glasgow. The fresh legs brought life to the park for Guyana but that did not translate into the desired penetration in the final third. Giving a summary of the game in the post math press conference, Máximo stated that he saw some level of development in this match from the St. Kitts clash, positing that the players coming on and responded very well. “Again we conceded easy goals, I think that game by game the team will improve like you saw in the second half. A lot of our players from the Under-20 that come to the pitch did good. Of course Puerto Rico have quality team that’s why their FIFA ranking is better
than us but comparing with the last game we had good improvement and I hope it stays like this for the Guatemala game.” Puerto Rico’s Coach, Dave Sarachan said that his players started the game very well and handled the ball well noting that Guyana was not a threat in the first half. “The second half they competed as we knew they would, we felt a little bit
under pressure but I thought our guys really grinded out the victory, 2-0 and just did a great job competing all day. I’m very proud of the group, young team will grow with a game like this.” Starting X1: 1Kai M c K e n z i e Ly l e ( G K ) , 3Matthew Briggs (C), 4Liam Gordon, 5Miquel Scarlett(46'), 15Terence Vancooten, 6Jobe Caesar (55’), 7Keanu MarshBrown, 11Stephen Duke-
McKenna, 14Daniel Wilson ( 6 5 ' ) , 1 7 O m a r i Glasgow(65'), 19Osafa Simpson (31’). Subs: 18Shawn Adonis (GK), 22Akel Clarke (GK), 2Bayli Spencer-Adams, 13Nicholai Andrews (46'), 23Kevin Layne, 8Javier George (55'), 9Kelsey Benjamin (65'), 12Pernell Schultz, 16Marcus Wilson (65'), 20Trayon Bobb, 21Nathan Moriah-Welsh (31').
Golden Jaguar’ Nicholai Andrews challenging for the ball in the second half. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Omari Glasgow takes on the Puerto Ricans yesterday at Warner Park. (Franklin Wilson photo)
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Wednesday June 09, 2021
Kevin Durant steers Brooklyn Nets to huge win over Milwaukee Bucks BBC Sport - Kevin Durant scored 32 points in three quarters to help the Brooklyn Nets cruise to an empathic 125-86 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final series. The Nets, without James Harden who had a tight hamstring, led by 49 points in the fourth quarter. The victory is their fifth doubledigit win of the post-season. Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 122-105 in game o n e o f t h e We s t e r n
Conference semi-finals. At Brooklyn’s Barclays C e n t e r, D u r a n t , w h o registered his fourth 30point game of the postseason, shot 12 from 18 on the field, alongside four three-pointers. Durant also added six assists, while Kyrie Irving scored 22 points as the second-seeded Nets set a franchise post-season record of 21 three-pointers. It is the fourth time in seven post-season games the Nets have shot at least 50% from the floor. “I like our attention to detail - I like how we didn’t
get a lot of plays perfect but we made second and third efforts,” said Durant. “For the most part we just did what we were supposed to do, win two at home now we got to see if this game is going to travel on the road for us.” Game three is in Milwaukee tomorrow night, with the series winners to face the Atlanta Hawks or the Philadelphia 76ers for a place in next month’s NBA Finals. Atlanta lead that series 1-0. In the night’s other game, the Nuggets led 72-63 at one stage, but the Suns outscored them 59-33 in the final 20
James Harden, who was injured 43 seconds into game one, watched from the sidelines and celebrated with Kevin Durant. (Getty Images) minutes to take the win. The second game of that series is in Phoenix tonight, with the winners facing the Utah Jazz or the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western final.
Meanwhile, the New Yo r k K n i c k s ’ To m Thibodeau was announced as the 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year on Monday after ending the Knicks’ seven-
year absence from the playoffs. It is the second time Thibodeau has won the award after doing so with the Chicago Bulls in 2010-11.
Zidansek, Pavlyuchenkova reach semifinals at French Open
Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek celebrates as she defeats Spain’s Paula Badosa during their quarterfinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Tuesday, June 8, 2021 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
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ARIS (AP) — Before the French O p e n , Ta m a r a Zidansek had never advanced past the second round at any Grand Slam. The former snowboarder has now become the first woman from Slovenia to reach the semifinals at a major tournament. Spurred on by the vocal support of her coaching team on Court Philippe Chatrier, the 85th-ranked Zidansek defeated Spanish rival Paula
Badosa 7-5, 4-6, 8-6 Tuesday at Roland Garros. “It feels overwhelming,” she said. Zidansek’s next opponent at the clay-court event will be Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, another first-time semifinalist. Pavlyuchenkova came out on top of another tense battle to rally past her doubles partner Elena Rybakina 6-7 (2), 6-2, 9-7. The 31st-seeded Russian had lost at this stage 10 years ago at Roland Garros and was 0-
6 in Grand Slam quarterfinals before taking to the court. “Mentally it was really, really hard this morning,” she said. “Especially since I needed to play Elena. But this is tennis, we both wanted to win. The key was to be able to return her serve.” Pavlyuchenkova did it well and converted six of 17 break points against her rival and friend. Six of the eight women’s quarterfinalists at this year’s French Open had never made it so far at a Grand Slam tournament, including Zidansek, Badosa and Rybakina. “I couldn’t control the nerves during the entire match,” Badosa said. Her match with Zidansek featured 15 breaks of serve, and they hit a combined total of 86 unforced errors. Rybakina, who upset Serena Williams in the previous
Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, left, is about to hug Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina after winning their quarterfinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Tuesday, June 8, 2021 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) round, struggled with her serve throughout. When asked to reflect on her win, Zidansek said: “I guess I managed to keep my composure today a little bit better than her.” After splitting the first two sets, Badosa violently threw her racket in anger at the changeover after Zidansek held for a 6-5 lead in the third. She regained her composure but Zidansek then saved three break points to take a 7-6 lead and converted her second match point with a big forehand in the next game. In perfect weather conditions, both players pulled off some spectacular winners but also hit a lot poor shots. “I didn’t feel myself in the whole match,” Badosa
said. “I’m a little bit sad about that, because I think I played maybe the worst match of the tournament and of the clay season, but sometimes it’s like that.” Badosa applied pressure from the start with a flurry deep groundstrokes from the baseline. The strategy worked as Zidansek dropped her first service game and then trailed 3-0. But an errorstrewn game from Badosa gave her rival a break and a boost. Zidansek started to return better and went for her shots, linking attacks with bold moves at the net to even the score at 3-3. Badosa saved a set point in the 12th game with a forehand attack but could not fend off the second as her poor drop shot ended up in the net. Badosa trailed 4-2 in the
second set after a series of unforced errors but Zidansek could not build on the momentum and struggled with her serve, too. The Spaniard rallied, made the decisive break in the ninth game at love and sealed the set with a big forehand. The 23-year-old Zidansek, a three-time national junior snowboarding champion in Slovenia, opened this year’s tournament by upsetting seventh-seeded Bianca Andreescu in the first round for her first career win over a top-10 player. In that match, she was two points from defeat in both the second and third sets. Zidansek reached a career-high ranking of No. 56 in June 2019.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 09, 2021
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High Performance Camp for Swimmers selected for Tokyo
Leon Seaton
Jamila Sanmoogan By Sean Devers Olympian Jamila Sanmoogan and Andrew Fowler have been given ‘wild cards’ to attend the Olympics in Tokyo from July 23 to August 2021 and the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has been able to enter National Swimmers into a FINA high performance training camp in preparation for the Olympics. “This initiative is a collaborative effort between GASA and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA),”stated GASA President Dwayne Scott. The universality places (wild card) typically allow smaller nations and those with developing swimming programmes to send athletes
to the Olympics. The main Olympic qualifying criteria set up ‘A’ and ‘B’ time standards for athletes to qualify. But if a nation has no athletes selected that way, it can still be represented in swimming at the Olympics through the universality system. In short, the system allows a nation with no Olympic swimming qualifier to enter up to one man and one woman in the Olympics. The training camp will be hosted at the AZURA Aquatics facility in Florida, USA. The camp will be run by FINA approved coach Gianluca Albertan. The Camp Commenced on June 1, 2021 and will run until the 10th July, 2021. The 25-year-old Fowler competed in Florida last
month where he clocked a personal best of 26.44s in the 5 0 m B u t t e r f l y, a n d represented Guyana at the FINA World Championships held in South Korea in 2019. The 24-year-old Sanmoogan, along with Hannibal Gaskin represented Guyana at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Both swimmers missed last month’s four-day Puerto Rico International Olympic Qualifier. It is understood that the qualifying period for the Olympics conclude on June 27 and Scott informed that there are still about two or three more such Events until the Olympics. “Our two Swimmers are not vying for qualification, they are already going… but what are trying to do is to expose them to International
SHC forward Babb earns National callup
By Calvin Chapman A s p i r i n g e n g i n e e r, Clayza Bobb, has become the latest player from Saints Hockey Club (SHC), to be called up by the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) to have the opportunity to represent the Golden Arrowhead. The forward, who reached the significant birth milestone of 16-years-old in May, shared with Kaieteur Sport that is was an honour and a pleasure to have the opportunity and it was testament to the hard work that she has been putting in. However, Bobb, during an interview with Kaieteur Sport confessed that when she was aware of the opportunity, she began to work even harder, “Prior to the official selection of the national team our coach announced that in March that the GHB wanted a list of the pool of players (female) and I was scared because I knew I wasn’t trying my best, so then I dedicated all of my
Clayza Bobb (right) marking Gabriella Xavier. efforts into making the national team and in May when it was announced I was super elated and very proud of myself.” Like many athletes that have gone on to represent Guyana in recent years, the discovery was made by former National player, now coach, Robert Fernandes. Bobb, who decided to make the switch from volleyball to
hockey, explained that, “It was Sir Robby (Robert Fernandes) that really pushed me to be my best. I really liked the sport but I was banned from playing in Form 2 after I had a dip in my grades, but Sir Robby is the one who really vouched for me. From then my journey really began towards this point and everyone in the (Continued on page 25)
Andrew Fowler competition and a chance for them to improve their times for the Olympics. At the end of the day we want to be proud of what we showcase to the World at the Olympics,” Scott stated. Sanmoogan and Fowler were selected for this training Camp after being recently shortlisted to represent Guyana at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Fowler departed Guyana for the camp on June 1, while Sanmoogan’s departure is still pending due to commitments with school
informed Scott who took over from previous President Ivan Persaud. Meanwhile, young Leon Seaton, who is currently on a Scholarship at the ZURA facility, is slated to return to Guyana at the end of this month. Competing in the Puerto Rico international Open (PRESO) last month, Silver Shark Aquatic Swim Club’s 17-year-old Seaton Jr clocked a personal best of 28.10 in the preliminary rounds of the men’s 50m fly to shave of .0.3 of his entry
time and followed it up with another PB time 1:08.04 in the 100m backstroke after starting the Event with a time of 1:10.87. “Additionally, a team of local swimmers is slated to depart Guyana to take part in a regional meet in Bahamas at the end of the month. We are extremely grateful to the Olympic Association for supporting this initiative and we know our swimmers will benefit greatly from this taking into consideration all the challenges we face,” concluded Scott.