Guyana Times -- Friday, April 22, 2022

Teachers’ P15 voices will not find resistance in Education Ministry – Minister Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4986

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

New Eccles substation to widen transmission for power generated by gas-to-shore, Amaila projects

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

All Region 5 schools being upgraded in time for Monday’s reopening P15

…“state-of-the-art" national control centre to be built Page 7

Husband jailed for 18 months for stripping, beating wife P13

President, Opposition Leader to meet in 2 weeks

Guyana to open special court to help juvenile drug addicts

Guyana votes Exxon to ensure contractors in favour of recruit, train suspending women for roles in Russia's OAS construction Permanent process …as EIA for US$1.3B project submitted to EPA for approval Observer status

$45M worth of ganja unearthed, destroyed by P11 Police

Page 2

…to discuss constitutional agencies, commissioners

…to provide specialised P11 treatment, alternative sentencing

Gas-to-shore project

Page 3

“You will see the Saharan air layer appearing” – Hydromet chief to Guyanese

Page 16

Murder suspect found hiding in father’s house

See story on page 12

… as Guyana to feel impact of Saharan dust

P12

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President, Opposition Leader to meet in 2 weeks’ time …to discuss constitutional agencies, commissioners

President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has signalled his intention to meet with Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton within two weeks, and pending constitutional matters are to be ironed out.

The Head of State told media operatives on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday evening that the Opposition Leader should be in receipt of an invitation in this regard.

Among the appointments to be discussed are those for the Police Service Commission, Public Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, and the Integrity Commission.

The appointments of a Chancellor and Chief Justice are also pending.

At the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) press conference on Thursday, Norton said he is hoping for ‘good sense to prevail’ in engagement with the President. Moreover, he wants discussions to extend beyond constitutional responsibilities and lean towards governance, among other matters.

“Meeting with the President, should it occur, must extend beyond the appointment of commissioners and judges. Meetings must also discuss Opposition concerns about good governance. As I understand, the Opposition is to represent the cause of the people of Guyana. In representing them, there will be constitutional matters and matters not stated in the Constitution as a constitutional issue to be determined between the President and the Opposition Leader. I will push for both…It is my sincere hope that good sense will prevail and we attempt to deal with issues in society

in a holistic way,” Norton told media operatives.

Norton, who secured a landslide victory at that party’s internal Congress in December 2021, had not been declared the Opposition Leader immediately, since Joseph Harmon had held that substantive post. Harmon, who lost his bid for the PNCR leadership position to Norton, had been adamant at that time that he should remain in the position, which was given to him by former PNCR Leader Granger. And despite being co-opted previously, Harmon has neither been re-elected to the party’s Central Executive Committee – the highest decision-making body of that party – nor co-opted.

Harmon’s resignation as Opposition Leader came in January, one day after he had also stepped down as General Secretary of the APNU, while Granger resigned as the party’s Chairman.

The APNU Chairmanship was then taken up by Norton, but the Opposition Leader’s post had remained vacant for weeks.

Granger and Harmon had met with Khemraj Ramjattan and other AFC leaders – Chairman Raphael Trotman; Vice Chair Catherine Hughes, and General Secretary of the

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

AFC, David Patterson – in January 2022 to discuss several matters of interest, including his replacement as Opposition Leader.

It was reported that Norton had a mandate from the PNC Central Executive Committee (CEC) to take up both that position and the position of Representative of the List of Candidates. The current list representative is former PNC/R Leader David Granger.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips had called on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition to move with haste in filling this important position, noting that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration

stands ready to work with the new leader in the interest of Guyana.

This was in conjunction with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo indicating that President Ali was hoping to consult soon with the Opposition Leader and bring closure on the reinstation of a number of constitutional service commissions, which has been delayed for some time.

The President has contended in several reports that while he is not averse to engaging APNU/AFC, the coalition party continues to show disdain for the will of the people who elected the PPP to Government with 233,336 total votes in the 2020 General and Regional Elections. (G12)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, April 22 – 22:30h-00:00h and Saturday, April 23 – 23:00h-00:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, April 22 – 08:20h-09:50h and Saturday, April 23 – 09:40h-11:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Light to heavy rain and lightly cloudy skies are expected during the day and into the night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 08:26h and 21:19h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 14:40h reaching a minimum height of 0.82 metre.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

02 04 08

13 21 23

16

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

01 04 11 13 15 LUCKY 3

2

2

5

5

Afternoon Draw

7

8

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

06 07 09 12 13 15 18 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

02 05 06 08 15 13

01 06 09 20 21

9

8 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

2

3 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$107.30/barrel

-0.98

Rough Rice

$291.60/ton

+0.02

London Sugar

$541.10/ton

-0.06

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1948.30

$1949.30

Low/High Change

$1935.40 -3.60

$1955.10 -0.18%

Gas-to-shore project

Exxon to ensure contractors recruit, train women for roles in construction process …as EIA for US$1.3B project submitted to EPA for approval

By Vahnu Manikchand

U

S oil major ExxonMobil, through its local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report seeking approval for the gasto-shore project into which it is injecting some US$1.3 billion and wants to see the inclusion of women in the construction of the facility.

The gas-to-shore project includes the construction and operation of a natural gas pipeline from the Exxonoperated Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to an onshore

natural gas liquids (NGL) processing plant. A second component of the project will be a power plant that will be constructed by the Guyana Government to use the rich gas produced to generate electricity to feed into the national grid, thus potentially lowering costs and improving power efficiency in the country.

The pipeline will transport approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, which will then drop the pressure of the gas; dehydrate the gas; separate out the natural gas liquids (ie, propane, butane, and pentanes+); and treat the remaining dry gas to the specifications appropriate for use as fuel or raw materials.

The purpose of the EIA, which was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this week for approval, is to provide the factual and technical basis required by the Agency to make an informed decision on EEPGL’s Application for Environmental Authorisation for the Project.

It was noted that EEPGL conducted a robust public consultation programme to both inform the public about the Project and to understand community and stakeholder concerns so this feedback could be incorporated and addressed in the EIA, which was conducted

by Environmental Resources

Management (ERM) in association with several other Guyanese consultant firms.

According to the EIA, EEPGL will use proven and good international industry practices and has incorporated many embedded controls into the overall project design to reduce environ-

mental and socioeconomic impacts.

Following the receipt of the EIA earlier this week, the EPA has since given a 60-day timeline for the public to make submissions on the project.

When the EPA grants the Environmental

Authorisation to EEPGL and its co-venturers in the Stabroek Block – Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, construction is likely to commence soon after receiving all other approvals. In fact, the oil company is targeting August this year to start the preparation of the NGL plant site.

The entire construction process will take some three years hence rich gas is expected to be delivered onshore by the end of 2024, and the NGL plant to be operational by mid-2025.

The gas-to-shore project, which has a 25-year lifespan, is expected to employ up to 800 workers during the peak construction stage, as well as some 40 full-time workers during the operations stage, and another 50 workers during the decommissioning stage.

TURN TO PAGE 10

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Mental health investment

M

uch discussion has been had locally recently about the mental health of citizens. While the topic was categorised as ‘taboo’ in many cultures, it came to fore as the COVID-19 pandemic took centre stage. It is well-known that the pandemic has taken a severe toll on the mental well-being of persons all over the world.

For example, the initial challenges of dealing with the lockdown measures, the fear of being infected with the virus, or having to deal with the death of a loved one have caused tremendous stress and anxiety on many. All of this is added to the economic pressures that are brought on due to persons not being able to go out and work to support themselves and families.

Due to the lack of resources, many countries are unable to mount the kind of response that is needed to address the mental health challenges of their populations or many are forced to scale back the level of response needed due to other areas competing for scarce resources.

According to a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) survey, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93 per cent of countries worldwide while the demand for mental health is increasing.

The survey of 130 countries provides the first global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services and underscores the urgent need for increased funding. The survey was published ahead of WHO’s Big Event for Mental Health, a global online advocacy event on October 10 that will bring together world leaders, celebrities, and advocates to call for increased mental health investments in the wake of COVID-19.

According to WHO, the survey was conducted from June to August 2020 among 130 countries across WHO’s six regions. It evaluates how the provision of mental, neurological, and substance use services has changed due to COVID-19, the types of services that have been disrupted, and how countries are adapting to overcome these challenges.

It was reported that over 60 per cent of countries reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable people, including children and adolescents (72 per cent); older adults (70 per cent) and women requiring antenatal or postnatal services (61 per cent).

More than a third (35 per cent) reported disruptions to emergency interventions, including those for people experiencing prolonged seizures; severe substance use withdrawal syndromes; and delirium, often a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Additionally, 30 per cent reported disruptions to access for medications for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.

Around three-quarters reported at least partial disruptions to school and workplace mental health services (78 per cent and 75 per cent respectively).

WHO had previously highlighted the chronic underfunding of mental health. The Organisation had pointed out that prior to the pandemic, countries were spending less than two per cent of their national health budgets on mental health and struggling to meet their populations’ needs.

The pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services, for example, bereavement, isolation, loss of income, and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. People with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection; they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death.

WHO has issued guidance to countries on how to maintain essential services, including mental health services, during COVID-19 and recommends that countries allocate resources to mental health as an integral component of their response and recovery plans. The Organisation has also urged countries to monitor changes and disruptions in services so that they can address them as required.

It should be pointed out that although 89 per cent of countries reported in the survey that mental health and psychosocial support is part of their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17 per cent of these countries have full additional funding for covering these activities. This all highlights the need for more money for mental health. Spending two per cent of national health budgets on mental health is not enough, according to WHO. As stated by WHO, those who do invest in mental health will reap rewards. Pre-COVID-19 estimates reveal that nearly US$1 trillion in economic productivity is lost annually from depression and anxiety alone. However, studies show that every US$1 spent on evidence-based care for depression and anxiety returns US$5.

President Dr Irfaan Ali examining the 3D Map of the International Building Expo 2022 venue at the launching at Pegasus Hotel.

Also in photo are Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal; British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller; and India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa; among others. Building Expo 2022 will be hosted at the National Stadium, Providence, EBD from July 22-24, 2022 (Office of the President photo)

Economic war against Russia can help Ukraine’s reconstruction

By Maximilian Hess

T

he costs Russia’s invasion has inflicted on Ukraine’s economy are enormous. The World Bank warns the country’s GDP may contract as much as 45 percent in 2022. According to the Kyiv School of Economics, the direct infrastructure damage incurred due to Russia’s aggression currently stands at around $80bn. And the overall cost of rebuilding the country is expected to prove far greater – Ukraine’s ex-central bank governor Valeria Gontareva warns it is already nearing $600bn, and may exceed one trillion dollars.

Despite the ever-growing costs of the invasion – not only for Ukraine but also for Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, does not appear ready to de-escalate. On April 12, Putin said peace talks had reached a “dead end” and insisted his so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine will not stop until it accomplishes all of its goals. Three days later, Russia carried out a new round of missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, for the first time since the withdrawal of its troops from the region. Since then, attacks have escalated in Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv, and Russian troops have been gearing up to stage a new offensive on the Donbas region.

Putin seems determined to turn every Ukrainian city and town resisting its invasion into rubble, showing little care not only for the lives of civilians but also for the economic future of the country he is allegedly trying to save from itself and “de-Nazify”. And he also seems incapable of – or not interested in – developing, or even sustaining, the economy of whatever territory he manages to claw away from Ukrainian sovereignty.

Moscow, for example, has not invested in restarting the economy of the parts of the Donbas region it occupied some eight years ago. The Yenakiyeve steel works, which was in working condition when Moscow took control of it in 2014, has been struggling ever since.

Even Putin’s prize jewel of the 2014 invasion, annexed Crimea, where he made investments worth billions in recent years, still endures massive economic struggles.

And Mariupol is now suffering an even worse fate in Russia’s hands.

The population of the strategic port city has always skewed pro-Moscow and continued to vote for parties perceived as close to Russia even after the beginning of the 2014 war. But while not being at all enthusiastic about Ukraine’s gradual move away from Russia, the Mariupol residents never yearned for a Russian military operation in the city – and for good reason.

Today after nearly two months of indiscriminate shelling and heavy fighting, Mariupol lies in ruins. Ukrainian forces are making a valiant last stand from the belly of the Azovstal – one of Ukraine’s largest steelworks – but there is little hope for the future of the city. Thousands have lost their lives, and almost no infrastructure is left to maintain survivors after the fighting is over. Looking at its previous performance in the occupied Donbas, there is reason to believe, if it manages to hold on to Mariupol in the long term, Moscow will show no real effort to rebuild the city or its steelworks.

All Ukrainians, living in areas controlled by Ukraine and under Russian occupation, will continue to suffer the devastating economic impact of Russia’s aggression for a very long time. The West’s economic war against Russia – which will undoubtedly continue, bar a major change in Russian policy or leadership – will compound these economic challenges.

But the West can punish Russia economically for its ongoing aggression while also ensuring that it pays for the damages it inflicts on Ukraine and its economy.

To achieve this, the Western nations should not only seize Russian assets, but also establish a ledger for the costs borne by Ukraine because of the invasion – both in direct and indirect damages. Of course, Moscow will fight any such effort tooth and nail, and has experience doing so. For example, under existing laws Moscow successfully avoided paying over $50bn in compensation to the former shareholders of its once leading oil company Yukos, which it nationalised in 2004. But Western governments can ensure the Ukrainian people and not the lawyers benefit from the seizure of Russian assets by coming together and agreeing on a new legal framework.

Additionally, Ukraine’s foreign debts should be placed on Russia’s balance sheet to cauterise the economic bleeding the country is currently undergoing.

Those debts do not have to remain there forever. But with Moscow headed for a messy default despite a low debt-to-GDP ratio, making them Moscow’s responsibility – at least for the time being – could incentivise Moscow to make concessions.

Even if all these measures are implemented, however, Ukraine’s recovery would require investment and support from the West. Therefore, beyond making Russia pay for what it did, Western nations must also come up with a “Marshall Plan” for Ukraine.

The first Marshall Plan not only rebuilt Europe’s economy after the second world war, but also created lucrative investment opportunities for American firms and ultimately new capital markets. A Marshall Plan for Ukraine can do the same. Investors affected by the forgiving of Ukraine’s debts can be invited in on preferential terms. More countries can join Poland in offering swap lines for Ukrainian currency imminently and long-term state-backed investment programmes supported by official development finance institutions can be established.

The West is undoubtedly waging an economic war against Russia. But there are legitimate concerns that some countries, including the US, are not yet fully committed to this “war effort”. If Ukraine is to withstand this invasion and rebuild its economy, the West must do everything it can to help Ukraine and weaken Russia – at least economically. To this end, new “financial NATO” should be formed to help minimise the costs of sanctioning Russia for Ukraine’s allies.

None of these moves will renew growth imminently, or halt the continued pain caused by Russia’s war. But they can help ensure that the West’s economic war against Russia would not only inflict the maximum damage on the Kremlin, but also secure some much-needed relief for Ukrainians. (Al Jazeera)

(Maximilian Hess is a Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a Political Risk consultant based in London)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

When will Guyana have Reducing VAT a normal Opposition?

Dear Editor, I shall preface my remarks by asking the following questions: When will Guyana be afforded the opportunity of having a proper Opposition? Or when will we be afforded the opportunity of having a normal, rational, and responsible Opposition?

These questions I put to my readers as I go into what I have to say this morning.

Normal, rational beings are expected to act in a certain way, especially when they are placed in the privileged position of representing the people of a country.

This is not coming from the main Opposition PNC, something they were engaged in while in Government, and even greater still now that they are in the Opposition.

It is most repugnant to see the way this group of individuals behave, they oppose every conceivable bill

brought by the Government, even the shameful display of grabbing the Mace. They are operating as one big terror fabulous, ghetto-style clique, who would do anything to get their point across.

I guess they are still suffering from the pangs of March 2020, when they lost the general elections despite that valiant attempt at rigging. But that is something they would have to measure up to in the present, and I would certainly say would be their stark reality in the foreseeable future.

Because no one in his or her right mind would accept that kind of behaviour from their elected officials.

Now, the sordid display as they made the rush for the Mace surrounds the passage of The NRF Bill. Their action was to force the hand of Parliament that the Bill could not be passed. That

did not succeed, hence the recourse to the court, to see if their lunacy could be upheld. But that would be defeated also.

Now, if you examine their actions carefully, you would see that they are really standing in the way of progress and development. You cannot convince me that a set of individuals who, when in Government could not account for our first oil money, would now turn again to deny us what is rightfully ours? This does not make any sense, and defies basic logical thinking.

We would like to be candid and transparent with the present administration as to the spending of our sovereign wealth, so anyone or anything that would hinder that process we readily condemn.

It goes even further when you see their action now that

a board that would oversee oil spending has been set up.

The main Opposition PNC are up in arms in the choices the Government have made.

Isn't this total madness?

Isn't this the epitome of lawlessness? It must be noted that the Government have no qualms with the choices the PNC have made, and are willing to work with them; however, they are condemning our choices, even to the point of trying to direct the affairs of the board. It behooves us to question whether Guyana is a real place.

Could someone please advise the Opposition that they are not the Government? It would go a far way in helping them to get to the place where they might make a conscious effort to become normal!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Sugar tax levy saved other sectors of economy Dear Editor, Over the past decade, the criticism of the sugar industry has been incessant. The crucial role of the sugar tax levy (contributing over G$100 billion to other sectors during the period 1974 to 2000) has often been ignored in these discussions.

Notwithstanding, criticisms have become more pronounced after the European Union (EU) withdrew its preferential treatment in 2009, which immediately reduced its buying price of sugar by 34%. That drastic price reduction exposed weaknesses in the sugar industry, such as higher production costs compared with open market prices. And past corruption, coupled with a top-heavy management structure with extra-generous compensation packages, continues to weaken the financial viability of the sugar industry.

With the PNCR-led coalition’s rationale that the closure of 4 sugar estates in 2016-2017 would allow for consolidation, re-engineering, and better performance, the 3 surviving sugar estates (Blairmont, Albion, and Uitvlugt) have fallen short of this expectation, at least for the first six years. It would be a huge challenge, though not necessarily insurmountable, for GuySuCo to turn around this industry within the next two years.

An encouraging signal is the movement away from bulk sugar to packaged sugar, which dou-

bles GuySuCo’s earnings from sales (US$300 per MT vs US$670 per MT). It is hoped that GuySuCo would build upon this piece of success, despite some production setbacks.

Sugar output in 2019 was 107,203 metric tonnes (MTs); in 2020 production declined to 87,875 MTs (18%); and it plummeted to 58,025MTs in 2021 (34%). With 22,000 MTs set aside for local consumption, this means that only 44,000 MTs will be available for the external markets. Cost of production of sugar is a nagging problem. It is reported that cost of sugar is twice the world market price (production cost of $US 0.33 per lb. vs open market cost of $US 0.16 per lb.). When one considers that Guysuco has incurred a debt of $(G) 72+ billion and had to be subsidized from 2010 to 2020 by $(US) 76.965 billion at an average of $(G)7.6965 billion per annum, the PPPC government had to address this matter with urgency.

While the statistics cited here do not paint a rosy picture, the PPPC government contends that the sugar industry might not be financially sound at this time, but this does not necessarily mean that sugar is not economically viable. Sugar is a community-based industry, like bauxite, it is woven into workers’ history and culture. Sugar has been so dominant in the economy that the history of Guyana up to 1980 could be regarded as a history of sugar. Estates have been

providing sugar workers’ livelihood, a sense of selfworth, as well as helped to shape their perspective on life.

A transition from sugar to any other product must therefore not only be gradual but also sensitive.

While the PPPC had promised to re-open 3 (Enmore, Skeldon, Rosehall) of the 4 closed sugar estates, a meticulous survey that they conducted upon taking office, revealed that the factories, the dams, the trenches, and the abandoned cane fields at Enmore and Skeldon could not be economically and logistically rehabilitated. When this is combined with Guysuco’s heavy debt, as well as, its huge annual subsidy, the government felt that they must address this problem in a way that will not hurt workers and their communities. They therefore changed their strategy for Enmore and Skeldon.

Enmore would be reopened but not necessarily around sugar, and so is Skeldon. Dismissed workers at Skeldon are given part time jobs, while the government seeks to divest the sugar estate.

Acqua-culture (rearing of shrimps), peasant cane farming and other crops will be encouraged like the cultivation of industrial hemp. At Enmore, the packaging plant is scheduled to be relocated at Albion, and workers there have been absorbed at GK+B Industries’ $(US) 35 million fabrication facility. Approval was also given to Rudisa to set

up an agro-processing factory at Enmore. President Dr Irfaan Ali says that Enmore will become an industrial hub for the East Coast region.

Rosehall is scheduled to re-open with sugar production its main goal in early 2023. Wales is slated to become another industrial center The $(US) 900 million gas-to-energy project for the Wales Development Zone includes the construction of a plant to convert gas into electricity (300 megawatts). There has been a suggestion that Uitvlught sugar estate might be converted into ethanol production but there is no confirmation on this. The factory has not been grinding due to mechanical problems for several weeks. Workers there are being provided with alternative jobs during this down time.

Sugar is going through a bad patch but with the right vision and commitment it will survive and continue to make major contributions to the country as well as to sustaining vibrant sugar estates and adjacent communities that are interlocked with spinoff industries such as travel, businesses, insurance, mortgages, etc. The role of sugar in the agriculture diversification process must not be diminished; it still has the potential for financial and economic viability. Sugar should not be allowed to become a casualty of the Dutch disease.

Sincerely Dr Tara Singh

Dear Editor, According to consumers, the fourteen percent VAT we have on goods is still high, compared to many Caribbean countries.

Value Added Tax needs to be reduced to ten percent (10%) the least. Fourteen percent (14%) is still a burden on the average family. Since the oil money has come in many good uses, it shouldn't be a challenge for the Government. Food items, clothing, and building materials are the main necessities that should all

be very affordable to the Guyanese public.

The PPP Government has made promises for improvement. Many developments have been made to Guyana: increase in jobs, improvement in infrastructure, and provision of great incentives for teachers. But what about the promise of VAT reduction?

We need more affordability on goods to satisfy our need to live and function.

Sincerely, Dianne Persaud

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Balloon inside a bottle

I

it on a secure surface.

Ask the adult to carefully put the balloon over the mouth of the bottle and observe what happens.

Materials: Glass bottle with a narrow neck Balloon Water Measuring spoon Funnel Oven mitts

How it works: The water heats up in the microwave and turns to steam.

This pushes air out of the bottle.

When the steam cools it contracts and turns back into liquid water.

This lowers the pressure inside the bottle allowing the higher outside pressure to push the balloon inside the bottle.

Instructions: Use the funnel to put a tablespoon of water in the bottle.

Heat the bottle in the microwave for one minute.

You may need to tilt the bottle in a bowl if it is too tall for the microwave.

Have an adult remove the bottle with an oven mitt and place

Make this a science project: Try this easy balloon experiment with a medical glove.

Does adding salt to the water have any noticeable effect on the experiment? Do different amounts of water have any noticeable effect on the rate at which the balloon inverts into the bottle. (sciencefun.org)

n this fun and easy experiment, we’re going to show you how to use science to put a balloon inside a bottle.

NB: This experiment requires adult assistance and supervision.

Test Match Sabina Park

By Stewart Brown Proudly wearing the rosette of my skin I strut into Sabina England boycotting excitement bravely something badly amiss.

Cricket. Not the game they play at Lords, The crowd- whoever saw a crowd At a cricket match? – are caged vociferous partisans, quick to take offence.

England sixty eight for none at lunch.

‘What sort o battin dat man?

Dem kaaan play cricket again, praps dem should-a-borrow Lawrence Rowe!’

And on it goes, the wicket slow as the batting and the crowd restless.

‘Eh white bwoy, how you brudders dem does sen we sleep so? Me pay me monies fe watch dis foolishness? Cho!’ So I try to explain in my Hampshire drawl about conditions in Kent, about sticky wickets and muggy days and the monsoon season in Manchester but fail to convince even myself.

The crowd’s loud ‘busin drives me out skulking behind a tarnished rosette somewhat frayed now but unable, quite, to conceal a blushing nationality.

Summary

The persona is an Englishman who comes to Sabina Park to watch a cricket match between his home team and the West Indies team. A proud man, he becomes uneasy once he realises that something is wrong. His team appears to be abstaining from any exciting gameplay, and the pace of the match is slow. He notices the stark differences between cricket at Lords and here at Sabina Park. Here, there is a massive crowd unheard of in England. The crowd is rowdy, and is restless due to the slow and unimpressive gameplay of the English team. The persona is targeted by the restless spectators who want to know why the English team has so failed to produce a thrilling game. The persona, now feeling crestfallen and embarrassed for his nationality, his team and himself, leaves the parkthe complete opposite of how he felt going in.

The mood here is tense and frustrated. The tone is one of frustration (from the West Indian attendees) and embarrassment (the British man).

Analyse the following lines:

“You must be shapeless, formless, like water.

When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water, my friend” – Bruce Lee

"Proudly wearing the rosette of my skin I strut into Sabina" "England boycotting excitement bravely, something badly amiss."

"Cricket. Not the game they play at Lords, the crowd- whoever saw a crowd at a cricket match? – are caged vociferous partisans, quick to take offence."

"The crowd’s loud ‘busin drives me out skulking behind a tarnished rosette somewhat frayed now but unable, quite, to conceal a blushing nationality."

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New Eccles substation to widen transmission for power generated by gas-to-shore, Amaila projects …“state-of-the-art’ national control centre to be built

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The Wales Development Zone

new substation is in the pipeline for Eccles, on the East Bank of Demerara, in order to augment the reach of power generated through the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the gas-to-shore project.

The 300-megawatt gasto-shore plant is expected to achieve commercial operation by the end of 2024.

Additionally, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project will be set to generate 165 megawatts of power in 2027.

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Bharat Dindyal, spoke on Thursday at AMCHAM’s Energy Roundtable Discussion, where it was announced that the power will be transmitted as far as the Corentyne with the introduction of this facility.

“The power from the 300-megawatt [gas-to-shore project] is going to be transmitted from Wales to a new substation at Eccles via two 230-kilovolts transmission lines. From Eccles, there is going to be an interconnection for an existing substation at Sophia, but we hope that the 230kv transmission would be extended from Eccles to Williamsburg

GPL CEO Bharat Dindyal

on the Corentyne…The hydropower connection would be from Amaila Falls to the Eccles site,” the CEO outlined.

GPL is currently working on a smart-grid proposal for the automation of the entire system. It would feature automation of transmission, distribution, generation, metering – all spearheaded through a national control centre at Eccles.

Dindyal has informed, “That is going to be a stateof-the-art system, and by the time this is completed, we expect to have all of our isolated systems on the

Essequibo Coast, Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica, and even Linden integrated into the national grid.

“The quality of power is going to dramatically improve. We’re going to be investing in power quality, voltage regulation, and monitoring of the entire system. We’re going to have the ability to simulate the system in different configurations to determine what is the best configuration to ensure security and stability,” he added.

Dindyal has pegged a realistic timeline of eight years to completely rely on this system. He recognises that the demand for electricity will skyrocket. While the peak demand for electricity in the DBIS is below 140 megawatts, this is expected to climb to 501 megawatts by 2027 – a timeline by which all the current systems would be consolidated to the national grid.

He noted that Guyana inherited a ‘basic’ system following its independence.

With demands growing, he outlined, there is need for an enormous investment to fix generation, transmission, distribution and automation.

“The buildout of the sys-

An artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project

tem to meet modern electricity standards requires quite significant investment…

Currently, it stands at over US$3 billion. That requires inputs to the extent of $1.5 billion in generation, and the two projects would be the foundation of the system in the foreseeable future.”

This is the first of a series of roundtable discussions hosted by AMCHAM Guyana. Guyana is one of the world’s newest oil-producing nations, but has one of the highest costs of energy within the Caribbean.

Heavily reliant on fossil fuels and heavy fuel oils for power generation, it has been recognised that this can pose serious setbacks to the business community and the manufacturing sector.

Given the urgency at which the country should find new sources of energy, and coupled with Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, talks on renewable energy are geared at advancing clean and reliable power at the earliest possible time.

During the discussion, AMCHAM President Devindra Kissoon said robust efforts to hop onto a renewable energy transition must be supported. Government initiatives such as solar farms and hydropower projects are all important starts. However, he outlined that the Private Sector also has a part to play in these efforts. He emphasised the need to generate a mindset of sustainable renewable practices in ener-

gy.

“We in the Private Sector have a responsibility to oversee, implement, and share to ensure that we have a sustainable future,” Kissoon has said.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, reminded that this transition would not happen overnight, as modernisation is required to allow for reliability.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, brought into focus the Government’s revised Low Carbon Development Strategy, which aligns with this transition. He also concluded that it is not an easy task, but would be a requirement to support the growing oil sector. (G12)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Latchmie Rahamat appointed GNBA Chair

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he Office of the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of the new Board of Directors of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) by President Dr Irfaan Ali, pursuant to the Broadcast Act No. 17 of 2011.

Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat has been appointed Chairman of the new board.

The other members of the board are: Communication and Public Policy Specialist Carlton James; Attorney-at-Law Sadie Amin; Broadcaster & Radio Frequency

New GNBA Chair, Attorney-atlaw Latchmie Rahamat

Communication Engineer Robert Mohamed; Digital Communications Specialist Jason Abdulla; and Information Technology Specialist Darryl Akeung.

The Opposition nominee is yet to be named by Leader of the Opposition, and so is the Head of the Telecommunications Agency (ex-officio).

The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority is the body in Guyana that is legally charged with the responsibility to regulate, monitor, protect, improve and maintain the highest standards of broadcasting in Guyana.

Fit and proper...

W Board Member, Specialist in Communication and Public Policy, Carlton James

…to oversee our bonanza? ith us Guyanese, our partisanship knows no bounds. And therein lies our greatest challenge going forward. It doesn’t matter what’s the issue, it always boils down to which party you’re PERCEIVED to support. And invariably, that boils down to the race of the individuals involved. But it isn’t as simple as that! If either of the two behemoths pick an individual from outside their ethnic base to show they’re “multiracial”, you’d think that’d be accepted as “inclusive”, no? No!!

Those persons are immediately branded as “tokens”!!

So, you’d think efforts would be made to rubbish that accusation through actions, that count more than mere words? Like Granger picking Nagamootoo as PM in their coalition. Then he treats the man like a doormat, rather than giving him the extra powers he promised!! He just made it so much more difficult for inclusiveness to break us out of our racial straitjacket.

Like with the appointment of the five-person Board that’s supposed to advise our Government on using our Natural Resource Fund (NRF). The PNC’s already challenging the Act that created the NRF - and cancelled and replaced theirs!

But, of course, the PPP can’t just wait for the wheels of the Judiciary to respond to every cockamamie legal concoction the PNC throw out. They’ve been going full steam ahead with operationalising the use of the NRF, so as to make that nominal 47% GDP growth rate become real - with real production of infrastructure and goods!

So, they’ve finally submitted the names of the three persons that can be nominated by the President to the Board. And, of course, there are squeals of protests from the Opposition benches!!

Earlier, the National Assembly had nominated and voted their one representative. But even though the PPP bent backwards - they have a majority - and nominated a former PNC MP and Bauxite Executive, the PNC shrieked! So, your Eyewitness leaves to your imagination the noises made when the PSC chose Ramesh Dookoo as their nominee!!

But let’s try to be objective when we examine the last three members, shall we? There’s Carolyn Rodrigues, Maj Gen. (rtd) Joseph Singh as Chair, and UK Labour MP David Lammy. Of the lot, maybe Carolyn and Ramesh may lean towards the PPP. But Barrow, Joe Singh and Lammy?? Jeez!! Singh has served in so many capacities, starting when he helped put down the Rupununi Rebellion in 1969, that it’s downright demeaning for his loyalty to Guyana to be questioned!

And Lammy?? The man has been a beacon for standing up on behalf of blacks in the UK for decades!! The PNC dare suggest that he won’t consider what’s best for all of Guyana??

Which of his actions has suggested a “sellout” to AfroGuyanese?? …development Your Eyewitness deliberately used the word “development”, rather than “growth”, in considering the progress made on the gas-to-shore project. The Environmental permit’s been requested of the EPA, and the public can now comment. But we know that it’ll be mostly those members of the chatterati, who just love to “virtue signal”. Their standards of “virtue”, of course, set by their “woke” counterparts in metropolitan countries that don’t give a rat’s a55 about us in the boons.

From where your Eyewitness sits (firmly in the bosom of ordinary stiffs!) he sees this project kicking off the Guyanese Industrial Revolution. At long last, we’ll be producing something that’s not a primary product, like sugar, rice or timber - which we’ve been shipping away since our creation as price-takers! The urea we’ll be producing from the gas is gonna be used in the agricultural diversification that’ll catapult us as a breadbasket for the region and beyond!!

More crucially, they’ll be employing West Bankers fired by the PNC!! THAT’s development!! …Stabroek Market Square Your Eyewitness thought he’d croaked and gone to heaven!! There it was - a picture of Stabroek Market Square - and it wasn’t filled with the flotsam and jetsam of our urban detritus??

Now let’s wager how long this’ll last! A week?

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Exxon to ensure contractors recruit...

However, in the EIA, the Exxon subsidiary highlighted the gender disparity with regard to employment in Guyana and particularly in sectors such as the construction sector, which is male-dominated. To this end, the oil company has committed to ensuring that the contractors for both the pipeline and NGL plant recruit and train women for various roles in the project as part of its efforts to improve gender equality in Guyana.

Women employment

According to the EIA, EEPGL has continually engaged with vulnerable groups, including women in Guyana. In fact, it was noted that during the public consultations on the EIA, special care was given to understand the opinions of women, the elderly, and youth.

“It is very likely that women will not have equal access to project employment opportunities with Guyanese businesses unless they are directly targeted for recruitment. EEPGL will develop contract language for pipeline and NGL plant contractors encouraging recruitment and training of women for various project-related construction roles, as well as advertising the types of goods and services they will procure locally...”

“It is anticipated that these mitigations will decrease rates of unhealthy local competition driving up the cost of living and improve gender disparity during the construction stage. EEPGL will also proactively communicate the project’s limited direct staffing requirements and the number and types of jobs expected to be con-

tracted during the construction stage. The significance of these potential residual impacts on unmet employment and business opportunity expectations, cost of living increases, and gender disparity during the construction stage is minor.”

Meanwhile, the EIA further stated that the planned project activities are predicted to have negligible to moderate impacts on physical resources stemming from potential noise and dust impacts on residential properties during the construction stage of the onshore pipeline corridor that will be in close proximity to existing communities or isolated residences.

There will be similar negligible to moderate impacts on biological resources during the construction relating to mortality and injury of marine benthic organisms from the offshore pipeline installation; while negligible to moderate impacts will also be felt on socioeconomic resources. These include potential impacts from infrequent and short-term periods of noise during construction and operations stages. It was noted as well that if the project was unable to avoid removal of the silk cotton tree along the current pipeline route, then there would also be impact on cultural heritage resources.

The EIA also detailed that there would be a number of positive impacts on socioeconomic conditions.

“The significance ratings of these potential impacts are reduced through the suite of embedded controls that will be incorporated into the project design and execution.

These same embedded controls contribute to the lower significance ratings for

the other potential impacts assessed for planned project activities. Additionally, the consultants have recommended a suite of mitigation measures to reduce potential impact significance to as low as reasonably practicable,” the EIA noted.

Flaring and spills

One impact on the environment from the oil and gas operations in Guyana has been the issue of flaring of excess gas – which is limited to offshore. But according to the EIA, there could be incremental flaring at startup of the project and during pigging of the pipelines, that is, maintenance to ensure smooth flow.

The EIA stated that flaring in normal operations would be minimised since there would be flare systems to safely combust excess gas during start-up, commissioning, emergencies, upset conditions, and depressurisation for maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting.

“The flare system will be designed to safely accommodate flaring of all emergency pressure-relieving scenarios, including facility blowdown.

Flares will be sized for flaring during pigging of the pipeline to handle any excess gas that would not be used by the power plant, but is required to meet the minimum flow for the pigging activity. The size of the pipeline (12-inch [304.8-millimeter] diameter) requires a higher gas flow rate for pigging operations than would be required by a smaller-diameter pipeline. Because of this higher flow rate requirement (greater than 50 mmscfd [1.4 MMsm3/d]), incremental volume flaring is likely to be required during pigging.”

As a result of this, the NGL plant will have a wet flare system for the offshore streams and a cold flare system for the onshore streams.

Moreover, the EIA highlighted other unplanned events, such as a vessel fuel spill or a loss of integrity of project infrastructure resulting in a fire or explosion, are unlikely to occur owing to the extensive preventive measures employed by EEPGL, but were nevertheless considered in the assessment.

It was noted that the types of resources that would potentially be impacted and the extent of the impacts on those resources would depend on the nature and location of an unplanned event, as well as the ambient conditions like wind speed/direction and river flow conditions.

“Based on the limited volume of fuel that would likely be released to the environment in the unlikely event of a marine fuel spill from one of the offshore pipeline installation vessels or a support vessel, and the fact that marine diesel would weather (ie, evaporate, degrade, and partition to the water column) very rapidly once in the ambient environment, the impacts from this type of an event would be expected to be short-term and limited in extent. Socioeconomic resources (eg, to fisheries or shorelines) would only be expected if the spill occurred in the nearshore/shore crossing segments of the offshore pipeline,” the EIA explained.

“In the case of a riverine spill, the same limited spill volume and rapid weathering would reduce the level and extent of potential impact. However, the constrained geography within the Demerara River would lead to a high likelihood of shoreline impact, with the length of shoreline oiled being a function of spill location and ambient river conditions (ie, flow volume and tidal stage) at the time of the spill. This event, assuming a spill of the nature reflected in the modelled scenario, would, therefore, have a high likelihood of affecting biological and socioeconomic resources in the Demerara River and potentially along the shoreline adjacent to the river.

According to the EIA, the magnitude of impact for either a marine or riverine fuel spill would depend on the vol-

FROM PAGE 3

ume and duration of the release as well as the time of year at which the release occurred. It was noted that the effective implementation of EEPGL’s Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) would reduce the risk to resources primarily by efforts to protect shorelines from oiling.

With respect to a potential loss of integrity of project infrastructure leading to a release of hydrocarbons – and potentially a fire or explosion, the EIA included a preliminary analysis of the potential consequences of such an event, including evaluation of multiple scenarios that could lead to an accidental release of hydrocarbons.

The gas-to-shore project has been much touted by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government since it is expected to reduce Guyana’s energy sector emissions and also cut electricity costs by more than half. The high cost of power has been hindering investments in Guyana for years.

Back in February, Head of the Gas-to-Shore Taskforce, Winston Brassington disclosed that 21 companies had submitted Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to be pre-qualified for the construction of the natural gasfired power plant and the NGL plant.

He had stated that those applications were being reviewed after which the Request for Proposals (RFP) would be issued for the selected prequalified bidders to make their submissions.

The funds Exxon will be pumping into the project come from cost oil. While its preliminary investment is pegged at an estimate of US$1.3 billion (G$260 billion), the oil major is yet to make a Final Investment Decision on the project. It is anticipated that this figure will grow.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana to open special court to help juvenile drug addicts …to provide specialised treatment, alternate sentencing

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reparations are steaming ahead for the launch of Guyana’s first Adolescent/ Juvenile Drug Treatment Court (DTC), which is aimed at rehabilitating drug abusers for their reintegration into society, the Supreme Court of Judicature has said.

In this regard, the Supreme Court, in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), is conducting a training workshop aimed at ‘Development of an Adolescent/Juvenile Drug Treatment Court, and the Strengthening of the Adult Drug Treatment Court’. The workshop, which began on Wednesday, ends today.

The Judiciary of Guyana has said it is aware that drug addiction has become a societal and public health issue, and that many drug addicts commit minor offences to support their habit.

The Judiciary has noted that, through sensitisation and training locally, regionally, and internationally, it is also aware that the

treatment of persons with substance abuse disorders is a better response than punitive measures. The Judiciary explained that such a response gives persons the opportunity to enter long-term treatment programmes, and agree to court supervision.

The Judiciary explained that it has been found that participants who complete the programmes are also significantly less likely to be arrested again, compared to those who are sentenced with traditional punishments.

Problem-solving court

According to the Judiciary, a DTC is essentially a problem-solving court that seeks to address the needs of each participant, including their drug use as well as the criminal behaviour associated with it.

It is noted that these courts are an important tool in the fight against drug addiction, having a focus on the individual, to ensure that not only is justice

served, but that the individual receives the support necessary to help them become, or resume being, productive, law-abiding persons.

64 persons are participating in this Supreme Court training workshop.

They include persons from the Magistracy, and justice sector stakeholders/partners from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP); Ministries of Home Affairs, Health, Education, Human Services and Social Security, and Culture, Youth and Sport; the Guyana Police Force (GPF); the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU); the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic; the Linden Legal Aid Centre; the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory; Phoenix Recovery Project; the Salvation Army, and Social Life Issues.

The overall aim of the workshop is to sensitise representatives of these partner agencies about the goals and objectives of the adult and adolescent drug treatment courts, and the roles they would be required to play as

drug court team members.

Participants would learn about substance use and the effects of different substances; the various stages of adolescent development; assessing risk, needs and resilience of adolescents in conflict with the law; the need for specialised interventions for adolescents; trauma and its impact on adolescents; and related issues such as gender considerations.

In addition, participants would identify support systems that are necessary for the success of the courts, including family support groups.

The coordinating facilitator of the workshop is Esther Best, Consultant at the Institutional Strengthening Unit, Executive Secretariat of the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS.CICAD). The other facilitators include Dr. Travis Freeman, Drug Demand Reduction Project Director; and Wayne Hunte, Consultant, Ministry of Health. The date for the launch of the Adolescent/ Juvenile DTC will be announced shortly.

CANU’s intervention

Cognisant that the use of illicit drugs is becoming more frequent among

school children, CANU Head James Singh had earlier this month revealed that the agency is collaborating with the Education Ministry to tackle this issue.

He explained that CANU, the Education Ministry, and other agencies are working to develop a programme that would see officials visiting schools to educate children on the ills of using drugs.

While the main target audience would be students, he said, the programme would see teachers playing a crucial role in its implementation and effectiveness.

“It’s not only about working with the students, but also working with the teachers. They must also be able to see the behavioural patterns of persons. That gives

us a better idea if persons are on drugs or something else, so we can work with them also,” Singh explained.

Moreover, he revealed that the law enforcement agency has been doing a lot of work in communities to stop the use and sale of illegal drugs. He added: “We’re doing a lot of work in various communities, and the aim here is to target persons who are engaged in selling narcotics, regardless of where, whether it is close by a school or even in that community itself. That’s why again I will ask…if you know persons who are engaged in selling narcotics within your community anywhere, let us know confidentially, and we will take the necessary action.” (G1)

$45M worth of ganja unearthed, destroyed by Police

One of the camps being destroyed

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s the Narcotics Unit within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues its drug eradication exercise, a whopping $45 million in ganja was destroyed in communities along the Berbice River on Wednesday.

The Police have said that the exercise, which commenced at 4:00h, lasted for almost 12 hours. First, as

the Police made their way up the Berbice River, two plots of land measuring one acre each were discovered under marijuana cultivation. The farms had about 10,000 ganja plants measuring between one foot and five feet in height, and weighing approximately 250 lbs.

Both farms were destroyed by fire. The estimated value of the cannabis destroyed in

those two farms is approximately $7.5 million.

However, as the Police ranks continued their exercise along the Berbice River, another ganja farm was discovered at Gateroy Village.

That farm measured about six acres, and had approximately 50,000 plants ranging from one foot to six feet in height. The estimated weight of the ganja plants destroyed

The cannabis plants before being set alight

there is 1,250 pounds.

Two makeshift camps were also on this farm, and those were destroyed with the cannabis.

The estimated value of

the cannabis destroyed at Gateroy Village is $37.5 million.

Police have said that the total weight of all the cannabis destroyed at these three

locations is approximately 1,500 pounds, and the street valued has been pegged at $45 million. No one was arrested during these operations.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 22,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“You will see the Saharan More opportunities should be provided to women in agriculture air layer appearing” – Hydromet chief to Guyanese sector – Caricom Rep.

…as Guyana to feel impact of Saharan dust

By Amar Persaud

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uyana is currently experiencing the impacts of Saharan dust, which can irritate a person’s airways and cause respiratory issues.

Plumes of Saharan dust are being blown from the African continent, and travel westward across the Atlantic Ocean, regularly reaching, and often settling over, the Americas.

In February 2021, the local Hydromet Office issued a statement indicating that the Caribbean – including Guyana – was being affected by the Saharan dust. In January and February of this year, Guyana was once again affected.

During an interview with this publication on Wednesday, Chief Hydrometeorological Officer Dr Garvin Cummings revealed that the country is now again facing some impacts of the dust.

“We are seeing some of the impacts, right now actually, of the Saharan air layer on local weather. This does not mean that it will necessarily put a threat to the May/June rains, but, yes, you will see the Saharan air layer appearing from time to time,” he explained. “So, what the Saharan air layer basically does, it absorbs all of the moisture in the atmosphere, and therefore reduces the potential for cloud development, which really is the source for rainfall. So, as a result of it inhibiting cloud development, it means that rainfall amounts would be

restricted,” he added.

Dr Cummings noted, too, that Saharan dust can also affect human health, although not significantly.

“It is dust! It is the equivalent (to) the impact that you would find from pollen…it can cause respiratory discomfort, but I think that’s the greatest extent for persons who suffer with allergies,” he explained.

Dr Cummings explained that Guyana has been experiencing this weather condition for the past ten years.

However, the Hydromet Office and other relevant agencies are now becoming more knowledgeable of its impacts on local weather and people.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had, in late 2021, acquired five air quality sensors.

Earlier this year, one of the sensors was set up at the EPA’s Office at Ganges

Street, Sophia, Georgetown, and was revealed to be able to detect the Saharan dust.

In fact, Dr Cummings said the Hydromet Office and the EPA have a strong and growing relationship, which involves the sharing of necessary information, including on the Saharan dust.

“The EPA and Hydromet, we have a working relationship because of our common interest in the environment… there is scope there for sharing of data, exchanging of ideas, transferring of knowledge. Some of the data that the EPA is collecting can be utilised by Hydromet for its purposes, and vice versa,” he explained.

“Not only in the area of the Saharan air layer or air quality monitoring, but as well as water resources management as well,” Dr Cummings added.

A

s the Caribbean region fights for the creation of an infallible food security strategy, the Agriculture and AgroIndustrial Development Programme Manager at the Caricom Secretariat, Shaun Baugh, has said that more opportunities should be provided to women if the region wishes to achieve food security.

Baugh made his remarks on Wednesday via a zoom panel discussion hosted by the Woman and Gender Equality Commission on the topic: “Is Gender Equality Important to Achieving Food Security?”

Baugh pointed out that women are disadvantaged in the Caribbean region, specifically in terms of achieving food security.

“Women are disadvantaged due to the fact that they do not have access to some opportunities or resources as men, owing to stereotype issues based on gender; and these are manifested in the areas of ownership of assets and certain resources, such as land, energy, technology, loans, pesticides, fertilizers and others,” he said.

“Women have more limited access to training, information, public service, and social protection in some of the areas within the Caricom region,” he also said.

Baugh noted that there are women who play major roles in the issue of food security, but he said they are not given the level of recognition that their male counterparts receive.

“If we are to agree that women play a critical role, we also have to agree that sometimes it is not acknowledged

at the level it is supposed to be. Certainly, when we speak about food and nutrition security, unfortunately, what comes out in the studies and discussions has to do with domesticated matters; but, based on research that has been done, women play a far greater role in some of these areas, more than men,” he posited.

In this regard, Baugh recommended that there should be more opportunities for women in the agriculture sector, and that those opportunities should start with empowering women to join the field, or fight for food security, by allowing equal participation of women in identifying specific actions, and promoting their roles in the agriculture sector.

Baugh recommends that women be given improved access to productive activities; and women should be given opportunities such as incentives, access to loans, access to land, and access to the means of capital in order for them to play a greater role in relation to agriculture production and agricultural development.

According to Baugh, for the agriculture sector in the Caribbean to progress, there must be incentivisation and adoption of advanced technology.

“Technology is the way to go in agriculture; it is the only way. And in order for us to make it a little bit more equitable, a little bit more profitable, it must be one that we promote the use of technology, and certainly among our women population,” he said.

The Caricom Secretariat also explained that strengthening of data collection in the agriculture sector can con-

Agriculture and Agro-Industrial Development Programme Manager, CARICOM Secretariat, Shaun Baugh

tribute to enormous progress in relation to accounting for women, who are playing major roles in the agriculture sector but are not being recognised for their hard work.

“I am putting forward that we need to increase our data-collecting ability, so we can better account for women’s involvement in rural areas in agriculture and in the food system. It is my view that if we’re able to do this, we’re better able to put forward policies, programmes, projects, and actions that will bring the type of returns we want, and development that we want to see, certainly for our female population in relation to rural development and agriculture,” Baugh related.

On this note, Grace Paris of the Guyana School of Agriculture related that 40 women’s groups are being funded in the hinterland regions by the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development Project - a project designed to improve the livelihoods of families by targeting female-headed households.

Murder suspect found hiding in father’s house

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lmost two weeks after the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had issued a wanted bulletin for 19-year-old Joshua Williams, for questioning in relation to a murder, he was arrested on Wednesday in his father’s home at Kuru Kururu, on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

Based on information received, at about 16:45h on Wednesday, Police acting on information received went to the home of the suspect’s father, a 41-year-old taxi driver of Kuru Kururu, and found the suspect hiding behind a chair in the living room.

Williams has been wanted for murder allegedly committed on Joseph Davis, a 41-year-old resident of Swan Village, on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

Guyana Times has been informed that the suspect and the victim had had an argument on March 19,

Murder suspect Joshua Williams

2022, and it resulted in a fight, during which Davis was wounded.

Davis had been taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was admitted as a patient in the Intensive Care Unit

(ICU), but died on March 28.

While he was in the GPHC, the Police had visited him on three occasions to get a statement, but were unsuccessful on each occasion.

When Police officers returned to that medical facility on Monday, March 27, to interview Davis, they were informed by a nurse that he had died earlier that day while receiving medical attention. As such, Police had been unable to obtain information on what had eventually led to his demise.

The Police said on Wednesday that Joshua Williams’s father has also been arrested, for harbouring a wanted fugitive, since he was aware that a wanted bulletin had been issued for his son.

The suspect and his father were escorted to the Timehri Police Station, where they have been taken into custody, pending charges.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Husband jailed for 18 months for stripping, beating wife A man who was caught on CCTV camera mercilessly beating his 23-year-old wife has been slapped with an 18-month jail term on Thursday.

Rawl DaCosta of Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) appeared on Thursday before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to a wounding-related charge. The act was reportedly committed on April 11, 2022 at Charity, Essequibo

Jailed: Rawl DaCosta

Coast, while he was imbibing and dancing with two other women.

In the CCTV footage, which went viral on Facebook, DaCosta was seen stomping, kicking, slapping, cuffing, and tugging the mother of two. He was further seen choking the woman, after which he stripped off her shirt and brassiere, leaving her half-naked.

The woman, who was beaten in full view of her younger child, was hospitalised for a few days, and

due to the severity of her injuries, had had to receive stitches in her head.

The couple had travelled to Charity with their two young children to spend time at a relative’s home. However, upon arriving, DeCosta started to consume alcohol.

After some time had elapsed, the woman requested that they return home, since she had the two children with her. The husband reportedly became angry, and started to verbally and physically

abuse her.

She, however, went to the Charity Police Station and made a report against him. There, she was reportedly told to find a relative at whom to spend the night. Soon after, the man returned at a relative’s home and started to beat the woman again.

Prior to his court appearance, DaCosta was arrested by the Police and placed on $50,000 bail pending investigations into a report made against him by the woman.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 22,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 new COVID-19 cases recorded GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD APRIL 21, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

10

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

87

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

83

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

9

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,219

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,180

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,399

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,081

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2519

REGION 2

2494

REGION 3

8060

REGION 4

31,363

REGION 5

2381

REGION 6

5779

REGION 7

2423

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

4022

REGION 10

3471

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask.

437,900 336,228

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1228

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

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he Health Ministry has reported 10 new coronavirus cases in the country as of Thursday.

Testing has continued on a rapid scale, with 1,193 samples being processed in one day.

The dashboard showed a total of 63,339 confirmed cases in Guyana in March 2020, which translates to 29,180

males and 34,219 females.

Deaths have not increased from 1228.

With zero patients being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), seven are in institutional isolation, 83 are in home isolation and nine are in institutional quarantine.

A remarkable 62,081 recoveries have been made. Across facilities, 587,994 tests have

been conducted to date.

This week’s vaccination statistics show that some 439,306 persons, or 85.6 per cent of the adult population, have received the first dose of a COVID vaccine; while 338,438 persons, or 66 per cent of those 18 years and older, have been fully vaccinated.

For the 12-to-17 age

group, some 34,435 persons, or 47.2 per cent of them, have received a first jab, while 25,194 persons, or 34.5 per cent of them, have returned for their second dose. As it relates to booster doses, a total of 61,042 COVID-19 shots have been administered.

Uptake has remained low within the past months, and now there is the possibility that some vaccines would have to be discarded due to impending expiration.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has already urged persons this week to get vaccinated before the doses in stock expire, in order to prevent wastage. The country has supplies of Sinopharm,

AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson (J&J), and Pfizer vaccines. The Sinopharm vaccines will not expire until 2023, but the others are due to expire much sooner.

In the latest COVID update on Wednesday, Dr Anthony has been quoted as saying, “We have adequate COVID-19 vaccines. We have adequate storage. You would recall that when we were preparing for these vaccines, we spent a lot of money to develop storage capacity for these vaccines. The vaccines vary in the temperature you ought to keep them, so some of them require refrigeration at -70°C. At the time when

we were looking for the vaccines, we did not have that capacity, but we built that capacity.”

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, that person is asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotlines: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit www. health.gov.gy.

Global figures show that almost 503 million people have tested positive for the virus, and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 152 confirmed cases have been reported, with more than 2.7 million deaths.

(G12)

Drug Court participants receiving residential, outpatient treatment

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ince its commissioning on October 21, 2019, only men have applied to the Drug Treatment Court (DTC) for help. The specialised court, which is located in the same building that houses the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, initially received applications from 15 men between the ages of 18 and 60.

In providing an update on the works of the DTC, the Supreme Court of Judicature said that only four of the 15 men were accepted into the programme.

But shortly after, two of them exited. Then, two other men later joined. Of these four participants, three of them were in Phase One of the programme, while the other was in Phase Two. But one of them was unable to complete the programme. As of March, there were three participants: two in Phase Two and the other in Phase One. Two of them are receiving outpatient treatment, and the other is receiving residential treatment.

Their illicit substances of choice were marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and prescription medication. The Supreme Court disclosed that just as the programme was about to gain traction, it was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to its suspension.

The DTC, however, recommenced operations utilising virtual hearings.

In-person hearings, home visits and counselling have recommenced.

The court is presided over

by Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse and Magistrate Rhondel Weever. Its drug treatment team also includes State Counsel, legal aid lawyers, and probation officers.

At the launching of the DTC, the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, had explained

Inside the Drug Treatment Court (file photo)

that offenders would get to choose to do community service or enter a drug rehabilitation programme. She had noted that participants first have to sign an agreement, which binds them to follow certain rules, including regular attendance at the programme and submitting to random drug testing.

“Once the offender comes to the court, and the offender pleads guilty or is found guilty by the Magistrate, that offender is provided with the option to accept a custodial sentence or to enter a treatment programme which the drug court provides as an alternative to incarceration.

Participation in that treatment programme is voluntary…the programme will provide treatment tailored to the needs of the participants. Some of the key interventions are educational sessions, one-to-one counselling, group counselling, treatment recovery plan, reintegration, post-graduation plans,” Justice CummingsEdwards had informed.

She also highlighted the disadvantage of jailing drug users without addressing their underlying issues.

“We have realised that many offenders have a substance use disorder. Some even have mental health disorders. The grim reality is when these offenders are charged and found guilty,

they’re likely to be incarcerated. While in prison, the drug problem remains.

When they’re discharged, they go back to base as before. And then reappear in the courts with similar offences and are labelled recidivists.”

The DTC collaborates with non-governmental organisations, including the Phoenix Recovery Centre and the Salvation Army, to assist persons in rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, a recent United States State Department report found that while Guyana has a comprehensive drug demand reduction strategy, the use of drugs like marijuana and even cocaine is a growing domestic problem.

The report pointed out that while marijuana is the most commonly used drug, there were reported seizures of synthetic drugs like Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as “ecstasy”.

Guyana’s National Drug Strategy Master Plan 20162020 has outlined several initiatives to address the drug problem from both a public health and public security perspective. These include exploring various alternatives to imprisonment, reducing sentences for various non-violent drug-related offences, and the establishment of Drug Treatment Courts. (G1)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teachers’ voices will not find resistance in Education Ministry – Minister …says Ministry, Union must work in partnership for better future of Guyana’s children

Education Minister Priya Manickchand speaking at the opening of the conference

the ultimate defender of the rights of all teachers.

She said that the Union must stay resolute in its desire to be the impartial intermediary that teachers need and deserve and must resist being easily swayed by the objectives and agendas of desperate groups within society. She said that it was on this premise that the relevance, evolution, and eventual success of the Union rested.

Further, she reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working hand in hand with the Union to advance the overall standing of

he Guyana Teachers’ Union will not find any resistance from within the Education Ministry during engagements, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said at the opening of the Union’s 2nd Triennial Delegates Conference.

Addressing the gathering at the Bertram Hamilton Auditorium at the Union’s headquarters, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, Manickchand said, “Your voice will not find resistance in the Ministry of Education, where it is practical, where it is sensible and where it is impartial. That voice must be the amalgamation and reflection of the highly diverse and sometimes contrasting ideas and desires of our teaching force.”

Manickchand said, according to a release from the Education Ministry,

teachers since the Ministry viewed this as a vital pre-

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requisite for the improvement of the education system.

Manickchand noted that at present, more than 2500 teachers were beneficiaries of scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) pursuing degree, master’s, PhD and postgraduate programmes.

Additionally, she said that owing to COVID-19 and the physical closure of the Cyril Potter College of Education, teacher training was expanded and offered online which increased the intake at the College from the traditional 535 to now

Some of the teachers at the opening of the conference at the GTU headquarters

that it was vital that the Union was perceived as being balanced, unbiased and

enrolling 3000 new students as training was of-

GTU President Mark Lyte

fered online.

The aim, the Minister noted, is to have 100 per cent of the teachers in the education system be trained or in the process of being trained. She said that although there were great untrained teachers in the system, students were more likely to receive better instruction from teachers who had undergone training.

Moreover, she said that the Ministry and the Union must work in partnership and meet each other earnestly and objectively with a singular mission of securing a better future for the children of Guyana. To that end, she said that both parties must develop a stronger alliance that fostered greater social dialogue to facilitate the voices of teachers being fully and continuously heard.

She also pointed out that this partnership must

ensure that teachers receive access to professional development opportunities that align with the needs of educators and that policies must be devised to advance the empowerment of teachers and their professional practice.

Guyana Teachers’ Union President Mark Lyte, in addressing the gathering, pointed out that COVID-19 allowed the Education Ministry and teachers to utilise and embrace the benefits of technology to education delivery and management. He called for greater investment in the use of Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology (ICT) moving forward.

At Wednesday’s opening, presentations were also done by Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton and Lincoln Lewis on behalf of the Guyana Trades Union Congress.

All Region 5 schools being upgraded in time for Monday’s reopening

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he Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) administration has said that facilities at all schools are being upgraded in time for Monday’s reopening of schools.

This announcement was made by Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal during the statutory meeting of the Region Five Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Thursday.

One Councillor, Carol Nurse, reported that the Bath Settlement Primary School needs urgent attention, and plumbing deficiencies that were evident in the washroom area during last term have remained unaddressed, which had forced students to walk in inches of dirty water if they wanted to use the washrooms.

This Councillor disclosed that the Bath Settlement Primary School is not conducive to learning, and urged that immediate steps be put in place to remedy the situation.

“I don’t know if they

have leakages, but the entire area would be filled with water, and children using the washroom have to walk in that water to use the washroom and then to go back to their class, and so you would find that for the rest of the day they have on wet shoes. The water connection system there needs to be looked at urgently,” Nurse told the RDC. She also described the wash bay sinks as filthy, and said children should not be made to use those facilities to wash up.

“I am asking that, at every term, some visitation should be done to every school between the Regional Administration and the Department of Education, because the school, I can say that from since last term, you have bins there with rubbish overflowing and it is not healthy for people’s children. The sinks that you have there and asking the children to wash their

Bath Primary School

hands before they enter the building, they need scrubbing – they are very dirty,” the Councillor added.

Following the RDC meeting, this publication visited the school and

found the washroom facilities all in order. In fact, Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal said systems are in place that, before the commencement of a new school term, the

Engineering Department would visit schools in the Region to assess the facilities, and where needed, repair works are carried out.

“This is to ensure that the plumbing and other

electrical facilities are functioning properly, and as we are in this meeting, there is staff on the ground and we have engaged contractors to fix these schools across the region, and I am sure that Bath Primary is one of those that will be fixed,” Ramphal told the RDC. He said that apart from that, each school in the Region has its own management system, which is monitored by the Regional Education Committee.

Headteachers, he explained, play an important role, being the managers of each school.

“They have to ensure that things are in place and communication is being made in a timely manner, so that we will be able to address these problems,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman told this publication following the RDC meeting that all schools are being upgraded in time for Monday’s reopening of schools. (G4)

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“We will have a solution soon” – Pres Ali on Guyana-Suriname fishing licences

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s the Guyana Government continues to push for local fisherfolk to become licensed

by Surinamese authorities to operate along the Corentyne River, President Dr Irfaan Ali has issued a call to the business community of the neighbouring country to stand in solidarity with the Guyanese fishermen.

In August 2021, following a high-level meeting in Guyana between President Ali and Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the two leaders had issued a joint press statement indicating that the age-old issue of licences for Guyanese fisherfolk to operate in Suriname’s territorial waters would be addressed.

These fishermen operate from the Corentyne coast and have to use the Corentyne to get access to the Atlantic where they get most of their catch. The Corentyne River is considered Surinamese territory.

Currently, the licences are issued to Surinamese businessmen at US$100 per year and rented to the

Guyanese fisherfolk at US$3000 annually.

To date, however, the matter remains unresolved.

“I spoke to President Santokhi sometime [Wednesday] afternoon.

I spoke to Minister [of Foreign Affairs Albert] Ramdin also [Wednesday afternoon]. They said to me that they are going to send some statistics to show how many licences were issued to Guyanese. Minister Ramdin claimed that a high percentage of licences issued by the Surinamese authorities were issued to Guyanese, so I am waiting for that. And President Santokhi assured me that the remaining issues will be addressed and that we will have a solution soon,” President Ali told reporters during a sideline interview on Wednesday evening.

“We are not wavering on our position. We must have a resolution on this issue,” the Guyanese Head of State affirmed.

Nevertheless, President Ali reminded of the support enjoyed by Surinamese businesses in Guyana and appealed that this be re-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

ciprocated for Guyanese fisherfolk.

“We have been asking for these licences for our fisherfolks. Guyana has always been welcoming to investors, we’ve always opened our arms and welcomed investors. We have Surinamese investors…in insurance, financial services, supplies, construction…and we’ve always supported them. And I expect that these investors, too, the Private Sector from Suriname…would also add their voice on this issue to ensure that our fisherfolks

are not treated differently,” he posited.

Last week, during an outreach to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo contended that Guyanese authorities would keep the pressure up on this matter.

“This issue was discussed at the highest level during which an agreement was put in writing.

We can’t go higher than that raising this matter and still it is unsolved. More so, you have discrimination against our fishermen because some have complained of harassment and we think that there is a group of people out there who are benefiting enormously from this – the current system, they want it to stay like this…the only thing that we can commit to is keeping the pressure up,” Jagdeo explained.

“Dealing with this means we have to wait on them, we cannot make the decisions because it is another country and it is their waters we are talking about. Never for one minute should the fisherman of this country doubt for one moment where the People’s Progressive Party

sympathy is; it is just that we are in the same boat with you. Trying to get this solved for a long time,” the Vice President added.

About 150 boats operate from the Number 66 Fisherman’s Co-op Society thus providing direct employment for about 800 fishermen. Additionally, some 200 persons are employed in providing services which include transportation, fish vending, and repairs to machinery and equipment.

However, Chairman of the Fishing Co-op, Pamashwar Jainarine explained that while they were expecting to get their licence for 2022, fisherfolk were now being further pressured. He said the Surinamese were now demanding that they reduce the size of their vessels.

Currently, most of the boats are 40 feet in length and the fishermen are now being asked to reduce them to 30 feet. Jainarine argued that because of the amount of ice that is needed to store catch during a fishing expedition and the 100 pounds of seine they carry, the suggested smaller boat will not

work.

Further, it is now required that the fishermen leave their boats on Suriname’s side of the Corentyne River. However, the Co-op Chairman pointed out that no security was provided to secure the boats and the river current was very strong which could result in them being pulled into the Atlantic.

He explained that each boat was valued over $4 million.

Further, Jainarine related that the middlemen were now collecting back the licences which were rented to the Guyanese fishermen if they did not comply with the new imposed regulations.

Already four licences have been reclaimed.

“If we do this, the co-op will have to close because there are a number of people who depend on this coop. They will have to sell all of their fish to Suriname and so the fishing industry here will die. They will have to buy their ice in Suriname and that is one of the things we here at the co-op use to generate revenue,” he pointed out.

Guyana votes in favour of suspending Russia’s OAS Permanent Observer status

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he Organisation of American States (OAS) on Thursday voted to adopt a resolution suspending Russia as a permanent observer to the inter-governmental institution over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

When the vote was taken, 25 countries voted in favour, zero against, eight abstained, and one was absent. Guyana was among the countries that voted in favour of the suspension on Thursday.

This led to the Permanent Council approving the res-

olution titled: “Suspension of the Status of the Russian Federation as a Permanent Observer of the Organisation of American States”.

The resolution, which was adopted by the Permanent Council on Thursday, stated that the OAS, alarmed by the rising number of deaths and the increasing displacement of people and, also, by the destruction of civil infrastructure caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine and its ongoing war, resolved to “immediately suspend the status

of the Russian Federation as a Permanent Observer to the Organisation of American States (OAS) as provided in resolution AG/RES. SO (I-0/71) and in accordance with resolution CP/RES. 407 (573/84) of this Council, until the Russian Government ceases its hostilities, withdraws all its military forces and equipment from Ukraine within its internationally-recognised borders and returns to a path of dialogue and diplomacy”.

According to the resolution, the Secretary General

will notify the Russian Federation accordingly of the decision of the OAS Member States.

Meanwhile, on April 7, the United Nations General Assembly voted to adopt a resolution calling for Russia to be suspended from the Rights Council over allegations of “gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights” as a result of its troops invading Ukraine.

While 93 Member States voted in favour of the resolution, some 28 countries voted against, and another 58 countries abstained, including Guyana. In fact, several Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations were among the abstentions.

President Dr Irfaan Ali subsequently told the local media that Guyana remained “very strong” against the war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He reminded that Guyana had previously voted “yes” on many issues relating to this issue, but on that occasion, he explained, the coun-

try was awaiting the outcome of two sets of engagements – one at the UN level and the other at Caricom – before making a decision.

“We stand solidly with the rest of the world in condemning the war and in asking Russia to go back to diplomacy and in having this war brought to an end; that is without a doubt. This matter was discussed among heads,” Dr Ali detailed.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Council (HRC) last month established a Commission of Inquiry which has a mandate to investigate all alleged rights’ violations and abuses and related crimes by the Russian military, and to make recommendations on accountability measures.

President Ali had told reporters, “Let me be very clear on this: 1) we are strongly in support of every action to bring this war to an end; and 2) we are against the invasion of Ukraine and the military action.”

The Irfaan Ali-led Guyana Government had joined global condemnation of Russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 24, and had called for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution of differences between the two European neighbours.

“Guyana is gravely concerned over the recent military intervention by Russia in violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy,” a February 24 statement from Government had said.

According to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, “Guyana deplores the threat or use of force in the conduct of international relations, and urges a peaceful resolution of the differences that currently exist, in consonance with the rule of international law and the provisions of the United Nations Charter.”

The missive went on to outline that the current military action in Ukraine was contrary to the principles of respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state.

“The aggression against Ukraine is a threat to the region and countries everywhere. Guyana supports the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General to bring a speedy resolution to the situation in Ukraine and cease the threat to international peace and security,” the Government had stated.

Guyana had further indicated that it has been consulting with its international partners on this matter.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T&T girl finds grandmother murdered Local brokerage firm Rafeek and Moore gains after arriving home from school J ISO certification ust over an hour before a 14-year-old schoolgirl walked into her home and found her grandmother dead, Debe residents reported hearing two people fighting.

Neighbours of Sita Jagessar, 63, said they saw a relative run to the gate of their Clarkia Drive, Wellington Road home screaming for help on Tuesday evening.

Barrackpore police reported that they responded to a report of homicide around 3.45 pm on Tuesday.

When a team of officers arrived, they saw Jagassar, a mother of three, lying on the floor in her living room with several chop wounds on her face. The schoolgirl told police

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afeek and Moore Licensed Customs House Brokers and Logistics, a local brokerage, has recently achieved the prestigious International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001: 2015 certification.

ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organisation with a membership of 167 national standards bodies.

Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

The firm, which is 100 per cent Guyanese owned, is also HAZMAT Certified for air and sea, as well as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) certified, thus meeting all of the international standards of operation.

Rafeek and Moore (R&M), which has been operating in Guyana since 2010, is headed by Colin Moore and Amanda Rafeek.

Commenting on the ISO certification, Moore and his team said that they were satisfied that the hard work

she had just returned home from school and found her grandmother dead.

Detectives from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, responded and interviewed several people.

And while investigators may have some theories on what happened, they have not yet established a motive or arrested anyone.

There were no family members at Jagessar’s home yesterday and neighbours told Guardian Media they went to Port-of-Spain.

Jagessar’s childhood friend, Paramday Balchan, visited the home yesterday after she only learned of the

killing on CNC3 News.

“I knew her since childhood. We born and grew up together in Coconut Drive, Cross Crossing, San Fernando and then she got married and came here,” Balchan said.

She last saw Jagessar a month ago and they shared a meal together. All seemed well with Jagessar, so the way she died, chopped on her face, was shocking, Balchan said.

“She was a good person, nothing to say why anyone would do her that. I am so sorry.”

Undertakers took Jagessar’s body to the Forensic Science Centre for an autopsy. (T&T Guardian)

run.

"Netflix is preparing to crack down on password sharing to get more users, get a lot more revenue which of course that money does drive new programming," he said. "They still have 200 million paid subscribers and there’s 100 million people watching who are watching Netflix around the Netflix around the world not paying for it at all."

Netflix has allowed what they call generous out-of-home password sharing because it helped get users hooked on the service. But with compe-

tition from other streamers like Disney and Apple TV +, charging a discounted price to add another household is a necessary move. A trial program outside the U.S. has so far proven to be successful.

Netflix also revealed they’re considering an ad-supported version of the streaming service to boost the company's growth. Users would pay less but have to sit through commercials.

There’s no word on when commercials would come into play or a price for subscribers to pay. (Fox5 News)

As shares plunges: Netflix takes aim at password sharing

W Colin Moore (right) with Amanda Rafeek (centre) and Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Timothy Tucker

they put in to gain compliance has finally paid off. “It’s not just a status, but it helps us to manage better. meeting the requirements and expectations of you, our clients.

“We believe that we are positioned to make an impact in the oil and gas sec-

tor, but how can we make an impact if they never give us a chance; if they feel that they have to hold on to these international logistics companies? We are prepared to show the authorities that we have the capacity to perform with the same level of excellence,” Moore expressed.

hen it comes to sharing Netflix passwords the streaming video company estimates more than 30 million U.S. and Canadian households share passwords with family or friends.

Lance Ulanoff, U.S. Editor in Chief with Tech Radar says Netflix lost some 200,000 paid subscribers during the January to March quarter this year - despite more people returning to work postCOVID and inflation. But he believes the streaming service will make up for it in the long

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

Regional

Honduran ex-leader UWI commemorates Earth Day with Sustainable Seeds of Development extradited to US

Former President Juan Orlando Hernández was transferred to his extradition flight under heavy guard

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former President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, has been extradited to the United States to face charges of drug trafficking and money laundering.

Hernández, who governed the Central American nation until January, was put on board a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plane for New York.

He was arrested at his home just weeks after his

second term in office ended.

The ex-leader has denied wrongdoing, arguing that disgruntled drug traffickers are trying to frame him.

Hernández is facing charges of: conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the US; using or carrying firearms, including machine guns and conspiracy to use or carry firearms.

In a video posted on his wife’s Twitter account, he denied the allegations, saying: “I am innocent. I have

been subjected to an unfair trial.”

In a statement, the US Department of Justice said Hernández would make his first appearance before a New York court today.

US Attorney Damian Williams said the former President had “partnered with some of the world’s most prolific narcotics traffickers to build a corrupt and brutally violent empire based on the illegal trafficking of tons of cocaine”.

The head of the DEA, Anne Milgram, called Hernández “a central figure in one of the largest and most violent cocaine trafficking conspiracies in the world”.

The 53-year-old’s legal troubles were triggered by the trial against his younger brother Tony, a former member of the Honduran Congress, who was sentenced to life in prison last year. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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he Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA) at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, is hosting its Sustainable Seeds of Survival (SOS) Fair today, April 22, Earth Day this year. The event is geared towards raising awareness about seed preservation and food security in the country.

From 09:00h until 13:00h, the public can visit its University Field Station in Mount Hope and learn more about the importance of seed saving for food and seed security in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Commercial vegetable producers as well as backyard gardeners, seed savers and seed suppliers will be present to help initiate a movement for seed saving and seed food envi-

ronmental education and awareness.

Dr Wendy Ann Isaac, Senior Lecturer, shared that the SOS Fair will introduce the public to the Faculty’s recently-completed Seed Facility for seed testing and seed banking activities and showcase various diagnostic services offered

by the Department of Food Production in seed testing and other related services, such as soil testing and plant disease identification.

While Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, Dr Mark Wuddivira, will speak on the theme “SOS – Reclaim our Seeds”. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Ex-Diego Martin Central MP Earl and Countess of Wessex Joseph Laquis dies postpone Grenada trip

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he Grenada leg of the Earl and the Countess of Wessex’s Caribbean tour has been postponed, a day before their week-long trip begins.

The decision was made after talks with the island’s Government and Governor General, Buckingham Palace said.

Prince Edward and Sophie will still visit other islands on the tour to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were criticised for some

parts of their recent Caribbean tour.

A Buckingham Palace source said discussions were held with host nations to ensure the itinerary would meet the aims of the tour, which are to celebrate the islands and mark the Queen’s 70-year reign.

Within those discussions, Grenada – on the advice of Dame Cecile La Grenade, its Governor General and the Queen’s representative in the country – suggested a postponement.

Prince Edward and Sophie hope to visit the is-

land at a later date, the palace said.

Their tour of three Caribbean nations – St Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda – begin today.

In March, part of Prince William and Catherine’s Caribbean tour was axed after opposition from locals.

The pair had been due to visit a cacao farm in the foothills of the Maya Mountains but it was removed from the couple’s schedule following reports of a protest opposing the royal trip. (Excerpt from BBC News)

PM joins other C’bean Heads in criticisms of unfair targeting of financial sector

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rime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has joined other Caricom leaders voicing objection to the imposition of the harsh sanction and regulation of their financial sectors, while money launderers are taking advantage of opportunities in larger, more powerful jurisdictions that are not similarly regulated.

The matter got the ear of the Chairwoman of the US House Committee on Financial Services, Maxine Waters, who headed a United States congressional delegation attending a Caribbean Financial Access Roundtable in Barbados on Wednesday.

Declaring that the Government of Barbados was dedicated to the international fight against financial crime, Mottley said: “We are unflinching in our support for international efforts

F

ormer People’s National Movement (PNM) Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Laquis died at his home in Mayaro on April 21.

Laquis, a doctor, served as MP for the Diego Martin Central constituency from 1981-1986.

A statement from the PNM’s Public Relations Officer, Laurel LezamaLee Sing on April 21 said, “Laquis robustly advocated on behalf of his constituents on every occasion, and was instrumental in the development of Powder Magazine Phase 1.

“As a medical doctor, he offered his services to his constituents who were in need. His spirit of service would not be quelled…”

After he left represen-

Ex-Diego Martin Central MP Joseph Laquis

tational politics, he served as Chairman of the PNM Diego Martin Central executive.

The statement said, “The PNM deeply mourns his passing. Our sincerest condolences are extended

to his family, to his friends and to all who loved and cherished him. Thank you, good and faithful servant.

Your work here is done.

May you rest in God’s eternal peace.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Brazil’s Bolsonaro pardons political ally, snubbing Supreme Court

B Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in conversation with Belize Prime Minister and Caricom Chairman John Briceño

to stop crime, to stop terrorism and to stop their financing.”

But she noted that countries where financial crimes were more prevalent were subject to fewer consequences in terms of sanctions, compared to smaller coun-

tries like Barbados.

“We do not hear any of these centres being sanctioned, neither do they face the spectacle of enhanced due diligence. On the other hand countries like Barbados must face this. . .”

(Nation News)

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday that he would pardon an allied federal congressman who was sentenced to nearly nine years in prison by the Supreme Court, a move likely to heighten tensions between the nation’s executive and Judiciary during an election year.

In a 10-1 ruling on Wednesday, Brazil’s top court, known as the STF, established that Silveira had interfered with the “free exercise” of Government and had threatened the nation’s judicial authorities.

Silveira, a right-wing former Police Officer from Rio

de Janeiro, provoked controversy in 2021 after questioning the integrity of several STF Ministers, calling on supporters to invade the court and saying that an anti-democratic decree in place during Brazil’s 1964-1985 military dictatorship should be reinstituted.

Bolsonaro’s move is the latest escalation in his feud with the court, and could add to the likelihood of a constitutional crisis ahead of October’s presidential vote, in which Bolsonaro is seeking re-election.

His opponents had cheered the verdict. They maintain that the rightwing former army captain

and his cohorts are a threat to democracy, and some fear he may not concede if he loses in October, especially as he has baselessly argued that the nation’s electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud.

Bolsonaro and his allies have complained of increasing judicial overreach by the STF. They criticised the Wednesday ruling as a politically-motivated threat to free speech.

The President couched his decision to pardon Silveira as a defence of the “inviolability of opinion” granted by the nation’s Constitution. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil edges higher on concerns over Russia, Libya supply disruption

O

il prices rose on Thursday, buffeted by concerns about tightened supply as the European Union (EU) mulls a potential ban on Russian oil imports that would further restrict worldwide oil trade.

Brent crude futures settled up US$1.53 to close at US$108.33 a barrel, after earlier reaching a high of US$109.80.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures ended up US$1.60, or 1.6 per cent, to US$103.79, after earlier reaching a high of $105.42.

Buyers also reacted to ongoing interruptions in Libya, which is losing more than 550,000 barrels per day of oil output due to blockades at major fields and export terminals.

Brent has gained nearly eight per cent in the last seven trading days, but the rally has come at a slow, grinding pace, unlike the frenzy that accompanied moves in late February when Russia invaded Ukraine and in mid-March as well.

"It's not as easy a trade as it was a couple of weeks ago," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group. "You have to risk more, and that may be by design with these hedge funds and algo funds trading more."

The market sold off somewhat after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Thursday that the EU needs to be careful about a complete ban on imports of Russian energy because it would likely cause oil prices to spike.

The EU is still weighing such a ban over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise its neighbour. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Putin claims victory in Mariupol; Ukrainian fighters hold on R ussian President Vladimir Putin claimed victory on Thursday in the biggest battle of the Ukraine war, declaring the port city of Mariupol "liberated", although hundreds of Ukrainian troops and civilians were still holding out inside a giant steel works.

The United States disputed Putin's claim and said it believed Ukrainian forces still held ground in the city.

Putin ordered his troops to blockade the steel complex, where Ukrainians were told earlier to either surrender or die.

Ukraine said Putin wanted to avoid a final clash with its forces in Mariupol, as he lacked troops to defeat them.

But Ukrainian officials also appealed for help to evacuate civilians and wounded soldiers.

In a televised meeting at the Kremlin, Putin congratulated his Defence Minister

A service member of pro-Russian troops stands in front of the destroyed administration building of Azovstal Iron and Steel Works during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the southern port city of Mariupol

and Russian troops for having "successfully completed the combat effort to liberate Mariupol".

He said it was unnecessary to storm the industrial zone containing the Azovstal steel plant.

"There's no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through

these industrial facilities...

Block off this industrial area so that not even a fly can get through," Putin said.

Mariupol, a major port in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, sits between areas held by Russian separatists and Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula Moscow seized in 2014. Capturing the city

would allow Russia to link the two areas as it intensifies its offensive in Ukraine's east.

Even as Putin claims his first big prize since his forces were driven away from the capital Kyiv and northern Ukraine last month, it falls short of the unambiguous victory Moscow has sought after months of combat in a city reduced to rubble.

In a late-night address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia was doing all it could "to talk about at least some victories", including mobilising new battalion tactical groups.

"They can only postpone the inevitable – the time when the invaders will have to leave our territory, including from Mariupol, a city that continues to resist Russia regardless of what the occupiers say," Zelenskiy said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Arab League urges Israel to stop Jewish prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

T

he Arab League has called on Israel to end Jewish prayers inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem and warned that such actions were a flagrant affront to Muslim feelings and could trigger

wider conflict.

The league broke its silence on Thursday on recent violent events at Al-Aqsa, saying Israel had restricted Muslims in their right of worship in Jerusalem’s Old City, while also allowing ultra-nationalist Jews

to enter the sacred site under police protection.

“Our demands are clear that Al-Aqsa and Haram al Sharif in all its area is a sole place of worship for Muslims,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told reporters after an emergency meeting of the league in Amman.

The meeting was called to discuss what the league termed “illegal Israeli policies and measures” in Jerusalem.

Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Israel was violating a centuries-old policy according to which non-Muslims may visit the Al-Aqsa compound, but they must not pray there.

Israeli riot police stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque compound last week during which at least 158 Palestinians were wounded and hundreds were detained. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Deadly blasts hit northern Afghan cities Korean leaders exchange friendly letters in rare break from tensions China's Xi proposes 'global security initiative', without giving details An Afghan man receives treatment in a hospital after he was injured in an explosion at a Shi'ite mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, April 21, 2022

A

n explosion claimed by the Islamic State at a Shi'ite mosque in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif on Thursday killed at least 11 people, a health official said, one of a series of blasts around the country.

A separate blast caused at least 11 more casualties in Kunduz, another northern Afghan city, according to a provincial health official.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for both attacks, according to statements on the group's Telegram channel.

The explosions happened during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan

and two days after blasts tore through a high school in a predominantly Shi'ite Hazara area in western Kabul, killing at least six.

"A blast happened in 2nd district inside a Shi'ite mosque," Mohammad Asif Wazeri, the spokesman for the Taliban commander in Mazar-e-Sharif told Reuters.

Zia Zendani, the spokesman for the provincial health authority, said 11 people had been killed and 32 wounded in the blast.

The Shi'ite community, a religious minority in Afghanistan, is frequently targeted by Sunni militant groups, including Islamic State. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes new weapons test to enhance nuclear capabilities-KCNA

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orth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has exchanged letters with outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in and thanked him for trying to improve relations, State media KCNA reported on Friday, amid tension over Pyongyang's weapons tests.

The exchange of letters came against a backdrop of strained cross-border ties since a failed North Korea-US summit in 2019, and flaring tension after Pyongyang launched inter-

continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) last month, breaking a self-imposed 2017 moratorium.

Moon's office confirmed that he had exchanged "letters of friendship" with Kim. Moon sent a letter on Wednesday and promised to continue to try to lay a foundation for unification based on joint declarations reached at summits in 2018, despite the "difficult situation", the official KCNA news agency said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping

C

hinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday proposed a "global security initiative" that upholds the principle of "indivisible security", a concept also endorsed by Russia, although he gave no details of how it would be implemented.

During a video speech

to the annual Boao Asia Forum, Xi said that the world should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, while paying attention to the "legitimate" security concerns of all.

"We should uphold the principle of indivisibility of security; build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and oppose the building of national security on the basis of insecurity in other countries," Xi told the gathering on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.

In talks over Ukraine, Russia has insisted that Western Governments respect a 1999 agreement based on the principle of "indivisible security" that no country can strengthen its own security at the expense of others. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Don't expect to get something for free. Show your willingness to put in the time and do the work. Someone will take advantage of you if you are too accommodating. Put your responsibilities first.

(March 21-April 19) Discuss your intentions, and see who wants to get involved. Get clearance from anyone or any organizations that might hinder your progress. A change of scenery will serve as inspiration.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Leave nothing undone or for someone else to finish. Work alone and pay attention to detail. Hard work will help you avoid being broadsided by the changes someone implements. Leave nothing to chance.

Expand your interests and push forward. Take the initiative to use your imagination. Working with someone you love will bring you closer. Shared expenses are favored.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Be a friendly observer, and learn from those with experience. Hone your skills, be open to suggestions and prepare to turn your goal into a reality.

Leave nothing to chance personally or professionally.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Attend events that offer a platform to show everyone what you have to offer. Get others to see things your way.

Consider partnering with someone who shares your objective. Romance is on the rise.

Don't give in or give up. Control your spending and avoid situations that involve shared expenses. Implement a tight budget, and take care of time-sensitive matters. Maintain integrity.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Put your plan in motion, then proceed. You can get things done your way if you refuse to let others meddle in your affairs. A change of heart will help you make a decision that sets you free.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Do your best to dodge an argument or getting caught up in someone's drama.

Look at what you are trying to achieve, and turn your attention to reaching your personal goals. Say no to temptation.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Evaluate your situation and make adjustments that allow you to take advantage of current opportunities. Don't let fear stop you from getting what you want. Make your dreams come true.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Shut down anyone trying to coax you to get involved in something that doesn't fit into your plans. Keep your eyes on your long-term goal. Don't lose sleep over what others think.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) What you do will help you advance.

Don't limit what you can do due to a lack of confidence. If you want something, say so, and show everyone what you can accomplish. Romance is featured.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

21

Dhoni rescues Chennai Super Kings in last-ball thriller an offcutter.

In all, Choudhary bowled three overs in the powerplay, claiming figures of 3 for 19.

B

Vintage MS Dhoni in full flow

utter-fingered Chennai Super Kings dropped at least four catches, including two by their captain Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni fluffed a stumping chance, but Dhoni produced a vintage display with the bat to hand Mumbai Indians their seventh defeat in as many games this IPL. With Super Kings needing 16 off the last four balls, Dhoni went 6,4,2,4 and aced his match-up against Jaydev Unadkat once again.

It was Dwaine Pretorius, picked in place of Chris Jordan, who set the scene for Dhoni's trademark finish by clattering 22 off 14 balls, 12 of which were scored off Jasprit Bumrah, who left Unadkat with 16 to defend off the final over.

Unadkat started well by pinning Pretorius in front with an on-pace yorker, but Dwayne Bravo pinched a single next ball to put Dhoni back on strike. From thereon, only one result was possible, and that was Dhoni tearing into Unadkat and winning it off the last ball for Super Kings.

Super Kings' left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary had played a key role for Super Kings in the early exchanges by dismissing both Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan for ducks.

Choudhary then had Dewald Brevis nicking off for 4, and he could've had Tilak Varma for 2 off his next ball to make it four strikes in the powerplay, had Bravo clung onto a

c h e s t - h i g h catch at slip.

Varma pressed on to make an unbeaten 51 off 43 balls, and a late cameo from Unadkat (19 off 9 balls) hauled Mumbai to 155 for 7 on a grippy DY Patil track. It allowed Mumbai to apply pressure on Super Kings at various points during their spirited defence, but it was not enough for them to break their duck.

Choudhary gives CSK new-ball bite Choudhary's ability to swing the new ball saw him graduate into the main squad from being a net bowler last season. Choudhary, however, might not have even got a game this season had Deepak Chahar been fit. It was Tushar Deshpande who started the season ahead of Choudhary, but the 25-year-

old Maharashtra seamer has quickly moved up the pecking order to become their first-choice powerplay option.

His first ball to Rohit was a full inswinger, which Rohit squirted out. The second was a length-ball inswinger that stopped on Rohit and had him weakly chipping a catch to mid-on. In the same over, he knocked over Kishan with a yorker that swerved away from him. Brevis then advanced down the track, but Choudhary bested him with

Varma, Shokeen repair Mumbai's innings Suryakumar dashed out of the blocks, but Mitchell Santner and Jadeja then slowed him down with restrictive lines. Suryakumar went searching for release, and ended up splicing a sweep to deep square leg for 32 off 21 balls.

Mumbai were 47 for 4 in the eighth over at that point, with Super Kings' spin trio of Santner, Jadeja, and Maheesh Theekshana in control.

Varma and Hrithik Shokeen, who was playing his first formal T20 match, then steadied the innings with a 38run fifth-wicket partnership.

It was Bravo who snapped the stand when he had Shokeen holding out for a run-a-ball 25.

After being on a run-a-ball 35, Varma turned up the

tempo to end with 51 not out off 43 balls.

History repeats itself at the DY Patil Stadium In the 2010 IPL final, Dhoni had Matthew Hayden at an unorthodox straight midoff position, in addition to having a more conventional longoff. Dhoni dared Pollard to go over the top, and he ended up holing out to straight mid-off.

Twelve years later, at the same venue, Super Kings had posted a straight long-on in addition to a more conventional long-on. Pollard took the bait once again, picking out Shivam Dube at straight longon for 14 off 9 balls. Despite that, Mumbai smashed 29 off the last two overs to give their bowlers something to bowl at.

Sams' comeback After being carted for 35 runs in a single over by Pat Cummins, Daniel Sams marked his comeback on Thursday by giving up only 30 runs in his entire set. Tellingly, he struck in each of his four overs to dent Super Kings' chase.

After snagging Ruturaj Gaikwad and Santner in the powerplay, Sams returned to remove the in-form Dube and the set Ambati Rayudu. Rayudu rallied Super Kings' middle order with 40 off 35 balls before splicing a fulltoss to Pollard at long-off.

Daniel Sams claimed four wickets

Dhoni aces the chase When Jadeja picked out long-off off Riley Meredith, Super Kings required 50 off

Heartbreak for Mumbai after a seventh defeat (Photos: IPL/BCCI)

26 balls. Pretorius, who walloped a 21-ball 43 at #3 for Paarl Rocks in the 2019 MSL final, introduced IPL fans to his big-hitting when he belted Bumrah for four in the 'V' in front of the wicket, and then scooped him for four more in the other 'V'.

He fell at the start of the final over, but Dhoni completed the job Pretorius had started.

When Unadkat missed his on-

pace yorker, Dhoni crunched him over long-off for six. The next ball was a slower bouncer, which was hauled over short fine leg for four. Unadkat finally nailed a yorker fifth ball, but Dhoni scampered back for two. He marginally missed the yorker last ball, which was enough for Dhoni to shovel it past short fine leg for the winning four. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Rohit Sharma (c) c Santner b Mukesh Choudhary 0 Ishan Kishan † b Mukesh Choudhary 0 Dewald Brevis c †Dhoni b Mukesh Choudhary 4 Suryakumar Yadav c Mukesh Choudhary b Santner 32 Tilak Varma not out 51 Hrithik Shokeen c Uthappa b Bravo 25 Kieron Pollard c Dube b Theekshana 14 Daniel Sams lbw b Bravo 5 Jaydev Unadkat not out 19 Extras (lb 2, w 3) 5 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.75) 155/7 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Rohit Sharma, 0.2 ov), 2-2 (Ishan Kishan, 0.5 ov), 3-23 (Dewald Brevis, 2.6 ov), 4-47 (Suryakumar Yadav, 7.3 ov), 5-85 (Hrithik Shokeen, 13.3 ov), 6-111 (Kieron Pollard, 16.2 ov), 7-120 (Daniel Sams, 17.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mukesh Choudhary 3-0-19-3 Mitchell Santner 3-0-16-1 Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-35-1 Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-30-0 Dwaine Pretorius 2-0-17-0

Dwayne Bravo

4-0-36-2

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (Target: 156 runs from 20 overs) Ruturaj Gaikwad c Tilak Varma b Sams 0 Robin Uthappa c Brevis b Unadkat 30 Mitchell Santner c Unadkat b Sams 11 Ambati Rayudu c Pollard b Sams 40 Shivam Dube c †Ishan Kishan b Sams 13 Ravindra Jadeja (c)c Tilak Varma b Meredith 3 MS Dhoni † not out 28 Dwaine Pretorius lbw b Unadkat 22 Dwayne Bravo not out 1 Extras (lb 1, w 7) 8 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.80) 156/7 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 0.1 ov), 2-16 (Mitchell Santner, 2.3 ov), 3-66 (Robin Uthappa, 8.6 ov), 4-88 (Shivam Dube, 12.5 ov), 5-102 (Ambati Rayudu, 14.5 ov), 6-106 (Ravindra Jadeja, 15.4 ov), 7-139 (Dwaine Pretorius, 19.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Daniel Sams 4-0-30-4 Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-29-0 Riley Meredith 4-0-25-1 Jaydev Unadkat 4-0-48-2 Hrithik Shokeen 4-0-23-0

MoE, GFF discuss School Football programme …launch promised in May

A

Education Minister Priya Manickchand is flanked by other reps present at the MoE-GFF meeting

ccording to a missive from the Ministry of Education (MoE), Education Minister Priya Manickchand met with representatives of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to

discuss the implementation of a FIFA-sponsored football programme in schools.

Present during the meeting were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alfred King; Education

Specialist Dr Olato Sam, Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King; Assistant Chief Education Officer – TVET, Marcia Paddy; GFF President Wayne Forde, Vice-President Julian Lovell and Administrative Assistant and Lady Jaguars player Lakeisha Pearson.

Football for Schools (F4S) is a programme launched

by FIFA in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It seeks to make football more accessible to both boys and girls around the world by incorporating football activities into the education system, and contrib-

uting to the development and empowerment of children. It targets children aged 4-14 inclusive.

The programme is being rolled out in all 211 countries which are part of FIFA. Guyana is the first country in the Caribbean region selected to pilot the programme.

During the meeting, Minister Manickchand welcomed the programme and noted that it aligns with the Ministry of Education’s plans to ensure that students are well-rounded, and graduate secondary school having been exposed to at least one musical instrument, sport, language, and TVET subject.

Some 50 coach-educators will be trained, who will then

be responsible for training children from the age of four to 14 across the 11 education districts.

The Ministry of Education will immediately begin to look at the curriculum for the programme, to ensure the concepts that are intended to be taught off the field are age appropriate.

On the other hand, a message from GFF President Wayne Forde, posted on the Federation’s social media page, indicated the meeting’s success.

The message read, “As we continue our consultation with key stakeholders ahead of the national rollout of the FIFA Football for School (F4S) programme, it was my

pleasure to meet with the Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Priya Manickchand, and her team today.

“I would like to thank the Hon. Minister for her commitment to work with the GFF and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this programme.

“The GFF and FIFA have been working tirelessly for the past year to establish a sustainable School Football Development Programme in Guyana.”

In concluding, the GFF revealed the intended start date for the programme, writing, “This programme will be officially launched at the beginning of May, 2022.”

22

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Second loss for U16 boys in Europe

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Guyana’s starting XI for Thursday’s game against Montenegro

uyana’s under-16 boys’ football team, the Junior Jaguars, failed to roar for the second time in the UEFA Assist Friendly International tournament in Europe. In the second game on Thursday morning, the Junior Jags

suffered a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Montenegro, and were unable to muster a reply.

However, Head Coach Vurlon Mills has noticed some visible improvements in his team’s performance.

Assessing his

troops’ improved performance, he lamented the team’s inability to successfully convert their 2 chances in the first half.

“Coming into this game, we knew it wouldn’t have been an easy game for us. By just watching

Montenegro first game, we knew it wouldn’t have been an easy game for us, but I think our boys, from the start of the game, managed the game well,” the Junior Jags Head Coach shared during a postmatch interview.

Mills continued, “We got the first two chances in the game, we just didn’t capitalise on them.

However, we continued to stay in the game. This game, we played much better on the ball, tried to settle it more, move it more, tried to create chances, but unfortunately, we went down seven by some simple mistakes.

I think we conceded some very soft goals that could have been avoided,” he went on to state about their performance.

Similar to his comments at the end of Guyana’s first game against hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mills again underscored the importance of the team gaining

valuable in-game experience, and his detection of their steady improvement.

“Having the experience, having the exposure to play, the game is the best teacher.

So, I think these boys coming out here to play, I think, game after game they’re going to keep improving, and this just got to be part of our preparation going into tournaments in the future,” Mills explained, as he also made reference to their CONCACAF U17 assignment in August.

He further stated, “Coming into this tournament, we had no practice games, and we already start on a loss there. Coming against these teams, who play 11 games for the past year, it’s kind of difficult to defeat them. For our boys, who have no experience, I think they gave their all and they’ve given a good account of

themselves.”

Looking ahead at the Under 16’s next assignment against Lithuania, the Head Coach discussed their need to improve on defending set pieces, as a key to their success.

“I think our main focus for next game has to be how we defend our set pieces, because despite planning for set pieces, these boys that we’re playing against are so tall, that it’s difficult for our boys to challenge them in the air.”

Mills added, “I mean, we got to plan strategic on how we set up to defend set pieces; but, generally, I just think our team has to be brave, aggressive, attack the ball, give that player that jam, take him off balance. But, you know, it’s tough for us against set pieces.”

Guyana will take on Lithuania on Sunday, April 14, in their final game of the friendly tournament.

Bakewell renews RHTY&SC cricket sponsorship for 23rd successive year - Panthera Solutions pumps funds into cricket development programme

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Natasha Bhikhari handing over sponsorship for 2022 to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

ongtime sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS, Bakewell, last week renewed its cricket sponsorship of the club. The renewal of the sponsorship took place at the company’s head office at Triumph, East Coast Demerara.

Bakewell’s Secretary Natasha Bhikari handed over the cricket sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and Vice President Mark Papannah.

Foster disclosed that the company came on board as an official sponsor of the club after a visit by

the founder of Bakewell, Naeem Nasir, and General Manager Rajiv Ganga.

Bakewell was the fourth major sponsor to come on board, following in the footsteps of Courts, GTT and Farfan and Mendes Ltd. Bakewell, at the start of the sponsorship, supported the club’s second division team, and later added the under-17 team.

The two teams, over the last 23 years, have won close to 20 different tournaments organized by either the RHTY&SC or Berbice Cricket Board.

The teams have also played major roles in the development of numerous national players, and have invested heavily in moulding them into all rounded individuals who were capable of representing Guyana or the West Indies at the highest levels.

Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kevin Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond, Erva Giddings and Shabaki Gajnabi went on to play international cricket for the West Indies, while Askhay Homraj and Dominic Rikhi played one day international cricket for the United States. Other players include Rewick Batson, Esuan Crandon, Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Kelvon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Abdel Fudadin, Jeremy Sandia, Murphy LaRose, Mahendra Gopilall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Parmanand Narine, Brandon Prasad, Matthew Pottaya and Arif Chan.

The company also sponsors a series of activities for the club, including annual magazine, cricket academy, Christmas Village, Say No/Say Yes Campaign, and charity programmes. Special mention was made of General Manager Rajendra Ganga, for his support

RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah receiving cricket development sponsorship from representatives of Panthera Solutions

and advice over the years; and Foster committed the teams to upholding the high level of standard set in the past.

The RHTY&SC has, since its formation in 1990, won over one hundred cricket tournaments at different levels, won five Guyana Club of the Year awards, and has also produced over 100 players for either the Berbice, Guyana, or West Indies Cricket teams.

Meanwhile, another sponsor, Panthera Solutions, last Thursday handed over a cheque valued at three hundred and twenty

thousand dollars. This sponsorship would assist the cricket section of the club to obtain cricket development gear, balls for practice sessions, and trophies/medals for community-related programmes.

These include Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Outstanding Mothers, Tribute to Medical Workers, and Outstanding Teachers Awards.

Vice President Mark Papannah expressed thanks to the management of the company, especially Andrew Dinsdale and Ray McLean.

Panthera Solutions is a

Road to Redemption boxers visit Magnum Independence Cup Indian High Commissioner shifted to National Park

I

ndian High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa got into the upcoming boxing action when he received a courtesy visit from Guyana’s boxers Elton Dharry and Dexter “the Kid” Marques, along with their Panamanian counterparts Orlando Penalba and Gilberto Pedroza, on April 20th at the High Commission of India.

The High Commissioner expressed his support for the upcoming “Road to Redemption” event on Saturday at the Guyana National Stadium, and called on both sides to continue promoting the sport.

He was briefed by the accompanying delegation, including GBBC President Peter Abdool, about the achievements of both Guyanese and Panamanian boxers in the sport.

In addition to the packed action in the ring, there will be a halftime show put on by HJ Entertainment, featuring top local artistes and dancers, to showcase Guyanese talent to the world.

Many major sponsors and new companies in Guyana, such as

joint business venture between Guyanese company Farfan and Mendes Ltd and Crosbie, a Canadian company. The company employs mostly Guyanese workers, and serves the oil and gas sector in Guyana. Foster noted that the company has been on board since 2020, and has sponsored the annual youth magazine, youth information booklet and annual Christmas Village/Charity Programmes.

McLean, in brief remarks, stated that his company was introduced to the RHTY&SC by its business partner Farfan and Mendes Ltd, and it is delighted to assist. Foster indicated that the RHTY&SC in 2022 would be placing special emphasis on the development of its junior players, and making sure they understand the role of a sporting ambassador.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Indian High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa is flanked by this weekend’s headline pugilists

Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Comfort Sleep, Samtronix, Morgan’s Investment, Hand in Hand Insurance, Unique Electrical, Caribbean Motor Spares, HRTM Consulting, ReMax Realty, Darthan Investments, Ansa McAl, Turbo Energy Drink, Banks DIH, Nexgen Golf Academy, Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), along with dozens of overseas-based Guyanese companies, are supporting the

event.

A limited number of allinclusive VVIP tables along with tickets starting as low as $1,000 for the Party Mound, $2,000 for Green and Red Stands, $4,000 for Ringside, are on sale at Giftland, MovieTowne, Amazonia Malls, all Assuria General Insurance offices nationwide, The Locals Restaurant in Vreed-en-Hoop and Fagoo’s General Store in Parika.

T

he Magnum Independence Futsal Cup will have a new venue, with the organisers naming the National Park as the tournament’s arena of play.

After the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was made unavailable to organisers despite receiving permission earlier to utilise the venue, new appointed acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken came to the aid of the organisers.

Edison Jefford, responsible for logistics of the tournament, shared that, “We made the decision to engage the National

Park, since our stakeholders, including our sponsors, expressed a concern with teams travelling out to Liliendaal. The teams as well expressed this concern. So, we want to thank the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Parks Commission for their cooperation in allowing this tournament to proceed at a central venue,” Jefford shared.

The event will now kick off on Saturday from 19:00hrs with seven games scheduled for the opening night of action.

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23

Ramson vows to assist CARIFTA athletes in planning their future pockets; it’s for you! It’s for you!

It’s for us, and you would’ve rewarded us now,” A proud

Hutson concluded.

Guyana accumulated 2 gold, three silver and two

bronze medals at the recently concluded 49th edition of the Games. (Jemima Holmes)

Lee, Narine to battle for National Junior Chess title this Saturday

S

The CARIFTA medalists and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, DoS Steve Ninvalle and NSC Chairman Kashif Muhammad

port Minister Charles Ramson Jr has made a bold promise to this year’s CARIFTA athletes, who have just returned from Jamaica, assuring the teens that he and other stakeholders would assist them in carving the path to their individual future.

The declaration was made when the Minister met with the athletes for the first time since their return on Thursday. The CARIFTA contingent, returning with seven medals, touched local shores in the wee hours of Thursday morning, and were given a grand reception at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), at which the Minister was unable to be present.

However, later in the day, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. interacted with the athletes and vowed to ensure that they be given the platform to articulate what they would like to achieve in future, and plan their next moves accordingly.

“I also want to have a session with you, so that you can tell me, individually, what’s important to you. Like what you want to do in your life, so that, as the Government of Guyana, we can make those things happen for you,” the Sport Minister vowed.

He went on to explain his

intention, stating, “I don’t want to make generalized statements and generalized offers, because everybody has their own dreams.

Everybody in this room has their own dream. We want to help you get to the next stage, and to do that, it’s an important session for you to have with me and the National Sports Commission as individuals, and also with the Athletics Association.”

Ramson also took the opportunity to highlight the fiasco earlier this week, where allegations of neglect by the Government and the Athletics Association of Guyana arose. He clarified that this was not the case.

“At no point in time would it ever be the case that the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Government of Guyana would ever know that you are in any situation overseas that you need support and that we would not support you,” he told the athletes.

“There will never be the case that that’s what it is,” he affirmed.

Also extending congratulations to the nation’s athletes was NSC Chairman Kashif Muhammad, who spoke of the pride that the team’s achievement brought him.

“For the first time, we’re hearing Guyana and Guyanese,

they’re doing this and winning.

It was a joy! So, the work that was put in by the Athletics Association and the support that the Government of Guyana will continue to give athletes, I think it will only augur well,” Muhammad said.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle shared similar sentiments, highlighting, “What has happened in Jamaica is the show of when we’re focused what we can achieve. There were several distractions, we were focused and we stuck to the task at hand, and that is the reason why we’re able to come away this successful.”

AAG President Aubrey Hutson spoke of the sacrifices that were made by not only the athletes, but parents and stakeholders, noting that the reward is sweet.

“We know the weekends, the work that we’ve been doing. Every weekend out of the house for competition, during the week training, facing the criticism sometimes of two much competition, too hard training; but we know what we wanted,” the AAG boss divulged.

“I think my coaches, trainers, the entire technical staff who would’ve sacrificed their Saturday and Sunday to hold competition for you guys, going home with just $100 in their

CWI thanks Kieron Pollard for his contribution to West Indies Cricket

CWI President Ricky Skerritt and former WI Captain Kieron Pollard

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday thanked Kieron Pollard for his service to the West Indies Men’s Team for the past 15 years, including as captain of the One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) teams since September 2019.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt said: “On behalf of everyone at CWI, I would like to express our thanks to Kieron Pollard for his outstanding service to the West Indies ODI and T20I teams over the past 15 years. We respect his decision to retire from international cricket, and are especially grateful for the high quality of leadership and commitment he invested in both West Indies teams since his appointment as our white-ball captain in September 2019. We wish him continued success in his career.”

The 34-year-old allrounder announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, after formally

communicating his decision to CWI. During his career, Pollard was one of the most powerful batters on the international stage, and revolutionised the way T20 cricket was played. This was recently demonstrated when he struck six sixes in an over against Sri Lanka at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua in March, 2021.

His finest hour came in 2012, when he was a member of the West Indies team that won the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup after defeating Sri Lanka in the Final at the Premadasa Stadium.

Pollard made his international debut for West Indies during the 2007 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and played 123 ODIs. He made 2,706 runs, with a top score of 119 vs India in Chennai in 2011. He also took 55 wickets.

He made his T20I debut against Australia at Kensington Oval in 2008, and appeared in 101 matches. He scored 1,569 runs – including 99 sixes, and also took 42 wickets.

His top score was 75 not out against New Zealand in Auckland in 2020, while his best figures were 4-25 against Ireland at Warner Park, St Kitts in 2020.

Kieron Pollard

Ricardo Narine

Ethan Lee

fter nine rounds of intense rivalry over the past five days, there has been a tie for the Junior Championship title.

However, only one junior can be crowned this year’s Champion.

In the National Junior Chess Championship, sponsored by De Sinco Ltd., Ricardo Narine, Ethan Lee and Rajiv Lee all finished the tournament on 6.5 points.

The players in first and second places according to the standings will be required to participate in a playoff to decide the National Junior Champion. The playoff will consist of three games with 15-minute, 10-minute and 5-minute time controls. These matches are scheduled for 2pm on Saturday afternoon.

Computerised tie-break systems Buchholz and SonnebornBerger were used to determine the top two players who will face off this weekend for the title namely: Ethan Lee and Ricardo Narine.

Kyle Couchman had taken the lead after round 5, but the 12-yearold Couchman, who qualified in 9th

place in the qualifiers tournament, was replaced at the top spot when he suffered a defeat against Ethan Lee and drew his matches with Keron Sandiford and Rajiv Lee. Ethan, who won the National Junior Qualifiers just last week, struggled early on in the competition, and was brutally defeated in the very first round

by Matthew Singh. However, he fought hard for an upward progression in the standings by defeating Mayas Khan, Rajiv Lee, Ronan Lee, Kyle Couchman, Keron Sandiford and Sasha Shariff.

Notably, his match versus Sandiford was quite intense, with both players hungry for victory.

However, a blunder on Sandiford’s side allowed Ethan to pin his queen, which turned the match in Ethan’s favour.

Ethan’s only draw came against Jessica Callender, when time got the better of him, with Ethan at one point playing with just a second left on his clock.

It all came down to the decisive final round, wherein a win would

A

have meant the coveted title of Junior Champion would go to Ethan. However, his opponent Ricardo Narine came out victorious by the end of their 3-hour match, which he won by checkmate.

Narine’s only losses were against Kyle Couchman and Keron Sandiford, while he drew his match with Rajiv Lee. He defeated his remaining six opponents.

Other players who finished in the top five are Rajiv Lee (6.5), Kyle Couchman (6) and Keron Sandiford (5.5) who placed third, fourth and fifth respectively. Ronan Lee ended on 4 points, Sasha Shariff on 3.5 points, Matthew Singh and Jessica Callender on 2.5 points, and Mayas Khan on 1.5 point.

The Guyana Chess Federation will continue to host tournaments over the coming months, such as the Grand Prix Tournaments, the National Open Qualifiers, National Open Championship, and the National Women’s Championship, from which these results will determine the team for the Olympiad in Chennai, India.

Information regarding these tournaments is posted on guyanachess.org and on the GCF’s Facebook page.

The second Grand Prix tournament is scheduled for April 23rd, 24th, 30th and May 1st 2022.

Registration is done only online, and the deadline is April 22nd at 5pm.

The GCF wishes to thank its sponsors, DeSinco Ltd, for their assistance with junior chess in Guyana, and looks forward to that company’s continued support.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Ramson vows to assist CARIFTA athletes in planning their future

Guyana’s 2022 CARIFTA contingent alongside Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, DoS Steve Ninvalle, AAG President Aubrey Hutson and NSC Chairman Kashif Muhammad

Page 23

Page 23

Ethan Lee and Ricardo Narine during a showdown in Round 9

Lee , Narine to battle for National Junior Road to Redemption boxers visit Page 23 Indian High Commissioner Chess title this Saturday GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.