Guyana Times -- Monday, April 12, 2021_new

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Issue No. 4615

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

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4 Guyanese missing after travelling to The Bahamas

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

Linden woman disappears P16 after leaving home for work — family seeks public’s assistance to locate her

Emergency works to be done to clear collapsed Pirara Bridge – Min Edghill Page 2

UG launches Zoom rooms to promote blended P15 learning DJ stabbed to face during argument with colleague P15 Linden mother who ingested poison after feeding children same dies P16

...Govt working with Private Sector to empty, move truck

COVID-19 death toll DDL records $3.8B climbs to 255 after in profit after tax 3 more women die — Group “optimistic about future” after Page 7

— 105 new cases recorded, 15 in ICU Page 14 “extremely challenging year” – Chairman St Vincent volcanic eruption

First relief shipment to sail tomorrow ...most ... most Guyanese there taken care of for now – Head of Diaspora Unit Page 5

21 arrested for breaching COVID-19 P17 guidelines “Grey Boy” to face Judge, jury today for CrumEwing’s murder P8

2 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Emergency works to be done to clear collapsed Pirara Bridge – Min Edghill – Govt working with Private Sector to empty, move truck

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section of the Region Nine Pirara Bridge, an important link between Lethem and Annai, has collapsed under the weight of a heavy-duty truck and according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Government will be conducting emergency works and collaborating

with the Private Sector as it seeks to clear the bridge.

According to the Minister in a statement, the Government will be conducting emergency works in order to get the truck off the collapsed section of the 160foot bridge, which collapsed on Sunday.

“There are two things we

have to do. One, we have to engage the Private Sector and that has been done, to assist in getting the truck emptied, so we can move the truck off the bridge.

Because as a result of that, traffic is unable to pass.

We have fuel tankers and other [vehicles] to get into Lethem.”

“The building of an alternative route right now is proving to be difficult. The water is high and from the assessment I have currently, about one-third of the bridge is damaged. So, we have to go into immediate emergency works.”

He explained that they are in the process of mobil-

Police say social media post of attempted abduction “false”

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olice Commander of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Crystal Robinson has related that the post suggesting an attempted abduction committed at Anna Regina is false.

The post claimed that three women were victims of an attempted kidnapping by two armed men.

The person who shared the post stated that the story was told to them by one of the victims.

The social media post stated that the victim had left her home about 07:30h on Saturday for work. She reportedly joined a taxi which already had three passengers – two females and one male.

The post further stated that as the woman arrived at her destination, the driver refused to stop the vehicle and as such, the women became enraged and began to defend themselves.

As a result of the uproar, the car was intercepted by a group of officers

driver and his accomplice were taken into custody and are under investigation. But Superintendent Robinson in a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Sunday refuted the social media post.

“We don’t deal with mischievous persons; we deal with facts… There is no such thing in our region,” she explained. She noted that no report was made with the Police and that at no point in time did a team of Police Officers rescue the alleged abduction victims.

In a subsequent release, the Public Relations Unit of the Guyana Police Force stated that there has been no such report to the Police The post about the alleged kidnapping within the region. The statement further advised persons in front of the Suddie Police Station to desist from causing public panic by where the women were “rescued”.

The post further claimed that the spreading false information.

The truck on the collapsed section of the bridge (Denise D’Aguiar photo)

ising at the site to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. According to Minister Edghill, the Ministry has personnel on the ground in Region Nine that he is in contact with.

“I’ve instructed my chief engineer and he has communicated that to both my hinterland engineer and all the other persons on the ground. Engage and mobilise the resources closest to the site, so we can get this resolved as quickly as possible. And as far as I am aware, that is being done.”

Advisories warning that the Pirara Bridge is structurally compromised have been issued since 2019, with motorists being warned to use an alternative route until the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine repairs it.

It was only in February of this year, during the commissioning of a bridge at Sussex and Hogg Streets, Georgetown, that Minister Edghill had cause to warn motorists and truckers

about the importance of not overloading bridges with weight the structures are not equipped to handle.

In his remarks at the bridge opening, Edghill had urged motorists, particularly cargo hauliers, to be responsible and adhere to the recommended weight limit on the country’s infrastructure lest a repeat of the bridge’s collapse occurs.

“This bridge was damaged on September 11, 2020… what transpired was that a containerised haulier carrying tonnes of container cargo, reversed on this bridge to turn around and broke it. Now, this is a community bridge. Not a bridge in a commercial zone,” Edghill had said.

“It could carry a truckload of sand, a canter of material to build a home. But to have an unconscionable act of a container truck, with a 40-foot container on it, using a community bridge to turn around, is something that must be addressed in a very public way.”

NEWS

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MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, April 12 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Tuesday, April 13 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

4 Guyanese missing after travelling to The Bahamas

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, April 12 – 16:45h – 18:15h and Tuesday, April 13 – 17:15h – 18: 45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail during the day. There will be clear skies and partly cloudy skies during the night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 16:59h reaching a maximum height of 2.68metres.

Low Tide: 10:35h and 22:47h reaching minimum heights of 0.48 metre and 0.56 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021

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Missing: Kevin Sukraj

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Guyanese man who left his home in January for The Bahamas has disappeared, along with three others, without a trace.

Twenty-nine-year-old Kevin Sukraj, a father of two of Lot C 40 Block, R Sophia, Greater Georgetown, left his home on January 7, 2021, with the intention of travelling to The Bahamas to spend two weeks.

According to details on his boarding pass which he sent to his relatives, he travelled from Guyana to Panama and from Panama to The Bahamas.

His sister, Getta Sukraj, said her brother contacted family members when he arrived in The Bahamas and informed them that he was safe and he was staying at the Two Sisters Hotel at Bimini. She said after arrival, her brother was in frequent contact with his family.

“He told me that when he went to catch the flight, he saw my brother-in-law and his friend, and they were all on the same flight. Since they were together and

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$62.95/barrel

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Rough Rice

$236.12/ton

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London Sugar

$422.50/ton

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Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1742.00

$1743.00

Low/High Change

$1740.90 -2.20

$1745.70 -0.13%

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

know each other, when they reached there, they decided to book a room and stay together. They send us pictures and so on,” she said.

The woman explained that on January 10, 2021, her brother contacted them and informed them that Police had raided the hotel and taken possession of their passports.

“He said they were in the room and all they hear was a knock on the door, when they asked ‘is who’, they said the persons said it’s the Police and they come and take their passports and told them come to the station. Since then, every day they running to the station and they [the Police] keep telling them come back. On the day they take the passport, he went three times in that one day and they still not giving them the passports,” she related.

The woman said because her brother and the other three men who were identified as Krishna Sukraj, Rayan Bhodoo and Anil Deonarine did not have their passports to return, they were forced to stay in the country until February.

She recalled that on February 10, her brother went back to the Police with the aim of getting their passports so that he could return home but to no avail.

That was the last time she heard from her brother.

As such, they made several calls to persons in the country to look for the missing men, but all their efforts proved futile.

“It going to three months now and nothing we not hearing from them. My sis-

Kevin Sukraj and the other three men pictured in The Bahamas

ter in the US called people over there and they said they not finding no information on them … I don’t know if immigration hold them, but we are not getting into contact with them.

They went for two weeks and their time wasn’t up for them to come back when they took their passport.”

The missing man’s sister said family members visited the Foreign Affairs Ministry to seek assistance, but they did not get any. She explained that their names and numbers were taken by officials at the Ministry, but to date, they have not been contacted.

“We need help to find my brother, because he has two children – a seven-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son. We want persons to listen to our story, because we

even went out there to get contact with the President and we can’t get contact with him … we need him (Kevin) to come back home,” the tearful woman said.

The family is asking anyone in and out of Guyana who might have any information that will help them to find Kevin Sukraj, to contact his family on 647-4893.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Foreign Secretary at the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, Robert Persaud said he was unaware of the situation.

He, however, advised that the family return to the Ministry as soon as possible with the relevant information and officials would contact the Bahamian Consulate to assist in locating the men.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

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

Labour in Sugar

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ack in 2013, then President Donald Ramotar announced that, as a measure to resolve the “crisis” in the sugar industry, his administration would be willing to consider the formation of “co-operatives” by sugar workers to supply sugar cane to the factories. One of the primary reasons for the collapse of the industry was the declining supply of canes to the factories.

Up to then management of GUYSUCO has been blaming the changing weather patterns for the shortfall in cane production.

But while undoubtedly there was increased precipitation in the last decade, the President’s proposal of another form of production organisation suggests that critics - including the major sugar union, GAWU - who had pointed fingers at management, do have a point. After all, cooperatives would also have to deal with the new weather pattern. Since then, the PNC government has closed 4 sugar estates, of which 3 are being reopened and maybe the co-op proposal should be reconsidered.

The co-op proposal is intriguing for several reasons; one of which attempts to address one of the major problems in securing sufficient cane for the factories: retention of field workers. As the Guyanese economy had improved since 1992, labour drifted away as they had done earlier in the other CariCom countries, especially Barbados and St Kitts, where Guyanese seasonal labourers had taken up the slack since the 1980’s. While the comparatively low rate of pay was certainly a factor in the exodus from the cane fields, the social and psychological realities of the sugar industry also played an under-appreciated role.

It is not for nothing that when the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was launched in 1919, it emphasised the necessity of employers providing “dignified working conditions” for the workers. “Dignity” is an inalienable right of humans but unfortunately it was denied to those who laboured. In the early days, only the “nobles” possessed “dignity” and of course labour was infra-dig for them.

The sugar industry in the West Indies was founded on slave labour, which, more than any other institution in the history of mankind, stripped away the dignity of the labourers in the field.

It left a lasting legacy in the minds of our people that field labour in general, and field labour in the sugar industry in particular, is to be avoided.

The decree that abolished slavery in the French empire on the basis of its incompatibility with human dignity, was an important breakthrough, as this seems to be the first mention of dignity in its modern sense in a major legal text. It was noteworthy that the British declaration had no such aspiration and the “education” system that followed emphasised that “dignity” was only found in the professions and the offices.

Never in the fields.

This attitude has persisted in the Caribbean and in Guyana and explains the unwillingness of the children of the cane-cutters to follow their fathers into the cane fields, once alternatives are available. The co-op is a mechanism that attempts to straddle the “alienation of labour” from their products, which Marx criticised as inherent in the capitalist mode of production not just its early slave-variant. The workers would share in the production of the co-op and also in its profits.

Fortunately, in Guyana, co-ops as a vehicle for cultivating sugar cane is not a theory. In 1956, as part of the visionary reform efforts of the socialistic-minded Jock Campbell, Chairman of Bookers launched the Belle Vue Co-op society with 57 sugar workers. They were each given control of 15 acres of land, house lots, loans for a completed house, garden plot etc. This initiative was specifically launched to address the “alienation” issue. Later, to comply with other initiatives by the industry, they were joined by other private sugar cane producers on the West Bank of Demerara, including the Canal Polders.

By and large, the model was successful and we commend it to the administration for consideration. All workers must have their dignity.

Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days impacting St Vincent and neighbouring islands (Photo by R. Robertson, UWI-SRC)

Govt-Diaspora initiative timely – will stimulate dialogue

Dear Editor, “The Guyanese diaspora represents sixty-five per cent of tourism to Guyana.

Remittances account for approximately thirteen per cent of gross domestic product - higher than overseas development assistance, foreign direct investment, and oil revenues.”

“During the Ramotar Administration, data collected under the Guyana Diaspora Project’s auspices (GUYD), which the International Organisation

for Migration funded, has never been used to tap into the diaspora. It is not clear where the database of information collected from 7000 diaspora members resides.

Consequently, the diaspora members have become sceptical about the past and current Administrations’ efforts to engage the diaspora in developing Guyana effectively. In this regard, a Virtual Diaspora Conference scheduled by the Consulate General of New York in December 2020 “to launch

the diaspora engagement strategy and plan of action” was abruptly cancelled to the disappointment of diaspora invitees.”

“The APNU/AFC had promised to develop diaspora desks and policies to engage the diaspora in the 2015 Manifesto but did not fulfil those promises. Former President Granger had also pledged to create policies for the “huge diaspora” during his first address to Guyana’s Parliament in 2015 and failed to follow through.

After five years in office, the Granger Administration did not enhance its relationship with the diaspora or implement an engagement strategy. However, the International Organisation for Migration had developed a diaspora strategy in 2016.”

This article is timely and will resonate with readers, and will stimulate the necessary dialogue on diaspora engagement.

Sincerely, Wayne Forde

Power supply plays a decisive role in ensuring societies’ economic output

Dear Editor, The first priority of power plant management and operators is to produce energy for their customers efficiently and reliably, while creating business value and a good return for the company. The operating profile of a power plant is determined to serve these business needs, and together with the power plant management’s value proposition, it defines the best ways to organise the operations and maintenance of the facility.

Power plants’ maintenance and operational needs change during their lifecycle due to, for instance, potential changes in dispatch profile and the market environment.

This must be taken into account when ensuring the

continued optimal operations of the plant after years of operation. There are advantages with conducting assessments of the power plant’s condition during its lifecycle in order to identify potential for modernisations that can improve the output level and cost-to output ratio.

A power plant management team has various options for extending the life cycle of the power plant, including equipment upgrades, fuel conversions and changes in operating profile. By customising the solution to meet the plant management and customer needs and suit the plant’s operating profile, its productivity and efficiency can be enhanced and its life cycle extended.

Power interruptions, such as small shortages or complete power failures, have an impact on society; but industries also suffer considerably from power cuts. On average, the majority of power supply disruptions from transmission and distribution grids only endure for a few hours but complete shutdowns are not unusual in some parts of Guyana, both types of disruption directly impact production companies but also critical infrastructure systems such as telecommunication networks and water supply grids and hospitals.

The consequences of these interruptions for industry are lower productivity, inability to deliver services, higher maintenance

costs and unsafe operating conditions for equipment.

Therefore, power supply plays a decisive role in ensuring societies’ economic output. A large number of industrial facilities around Guyana depend on their upstream power grid. In many industries and production businesses, power interruptions can cause extensive environmental, economic and safety-related impacts.

For mitigation, our PPP/C Government’s investments in local power generation are implemented, especially in remote locations where local backup systems are present to prevent disruptions at these facilities.

Sincerely, David Adams

NEWS

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MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

St Vincent volcanic eruption

First relief shipment to sail tomorrow – most Guyanese there taken care of for now – Head of Diaspora Unit

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s St Vincent and the Grenadines continues to battle with thick layers of ashfall now covering the entire island as a result of the La Soufrière volcano eruption, the thousands of Guyanese who are there are being taken care of for now as Guyana prepares to send off its first shipment of relief tomorrow.

This is according to Head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Guyana, Rosalinda Rasul, who is one of the point persons that are in contact with the team from the Guyana Consulate on the island.

She explained that there are just over 3000 Guyanese currently residing in the country – approximately three per cent of the island’s population.

According to Rasul, information coming out St Vincent indicates that most of these persons are currently seeking accommodation in private homes and not in any of the shelters established by the SVG Government.

However, the Diaspora spokesperson noted that checks are still being conducted at the more than 100 shelters in St Vincent to ascertain whether any Guyanese is there.

“But we know for sure they’re all safe, they’re all out of the danger zone,” she posited.

Rasul explained that there were roughly about 1400 Guyanese living within the Red Zone (areas closely surrounding the volcano that have been evacuated) but these persons were relocated.

“Guyana’s Honourary Consul to St Vincent and the Grenadines has been working with Guyanese since December last, when news surfaced that the volcano has started to show signs of being active. And they started to make preparations and even as ear-

ly as January, they have been quietly moving from the Red Zone area. So at the time the order was issued for persons to evacuate [last Thursday], most of them would have already safely been evacuated,” she noted.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has rolled out a national mobilisation effort to fulfil a list of emergency items that was been sent by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Government. He had indicated on Saturday that the first of many other shipments will be off within 48 hours.

According to Rasul, a vessel is scheduled to depart Guyana on Tuesday with these relief items. She outlined that while that first ship will be sent to the SVG Government through the country’s National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), Guyana’s Consulate there will also be getting some of the items to distribute to the diaspora there.

In fact, the newly appointed Head of the Diaspora Unit pointed out that while the needs of the Guyanese are taken care of as of now, they anticipate that this will not last for long as the ongoing volcanic explosions are likely to last for days or weeks.

As such, Rasul stated that she is constantly in contact with the Honourary Consul in SVG to ascertain what necessities are required by the Guyanese diaspora there. She further related that one of the items that they are looking at is special masks that are required to protect against volcanic ash.

The details of this mask, she said, have been passed on to the team that is leading the national mobilisation and they are hoping to procure this for another shipment that will be sent to the island state.

In addition, that shipment could also see relief packages specifically for

The Belmont Observatory in St Vincent, where the view has been obscured by the volcanic ashfall and deposits can be seen on surrounding vegetation and houses

Guyanese.

During a previous interview with Guyana Times, President of the Guyanese Association in St Vincent, Gwyneth Cambridge had indicated that they are hoping that along with the emergency items that are being sent to the St Vincent Government that there will also be relief items for Guyanese.

To this end, Rasul noted that the team on the ground in SVG will know through their fieldwork what needs of Guyanese will pop up over the coming days.

In the meantime, several Guyanese have indicated that they are willing to wait out the natural disaster crisis on the island state. But the Guyana Government has already reassured that anyone wanting to return home will be assisted.

The La Soufrière volcano started erupting on Friday and heavy ashfall has left most of St Vincent and the Grenadines coated in thick ash and the strong stench of sulfur filling the air. The volcanic ash moved with the winds and is now affecting

neighbouring islands including Barbados – which is experiencing the brunt of it – St Lucia, and now Grenada. Others are like be affected as the explosions persist.

In an update at 18:00h on Sunday, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre said seismic activity at La Soufrière continues with short episodes of high-amplitude seismic tremor, each lasting around 20 minutes and with gaps between them from one to six hours recorded.

“The episodes appeared to coincide with periods of enhanced venting or explosive activity. The background level of seismic tremor between the episodes has been increasing slowly since about 10:30 am (Sunday)… The volcano continues to erupt explosively with the production of copious amounts of ash.

Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days impacting St Vincent and neighbour-

This social media posting a cyber crime Dear Editor, There is in circulation a Facebook posting of the Guyana Government voting against a United Nations Resolution on a call for action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. That posting, which has the UN logo affixed to it, was made by a known PNC party hack, a person who is rabidly op-

posed to anything progressive the PPP/C Government stands for, hence it comes as no surprise that he would post such misleading news.

Now, this writer might argue that he has the right to post dissenting views of the government, something which comes under the category of free speech, however, he is totally out of place to give an illegal posting especially since it comes under

the caption of the United Nations logo. This is grossly misleading and libellous literature and I hope the Government can take him up in court and make him pay dearly for his lies. Such blatant disregard for the truth is unacceptable and all efforts should be made to address this.

Guyana can ill afford to have such diabolical elements rumour-mongering in

gay abandon, it is certainly a sick joke that needs to stop now! A sound monetary judgement in a court of law would teach him a lesson not to bring an international organisation into ill repute with his mindless intelligence. It will also teach him to direct his energies into some useful purpose.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

ing islands,” the SRC said Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, ash samples have been collected to be sent overseas for testing to ascertain what it contains and how harmful it can be to persons.

However, UWI’s Geologist, Professor Richard Robertson, who is leading the response at La Soufrière, has previously said that while the volcanic ash is not deadly, it is not healthy and can cause respiratory issues.

Additionally, the UWI SRC also reported in its update on Sunday that “steaming” in the upper parts of the Rabacca valley was ob-

served at about midday and the cause of this phenomena is currently being investigated.

Professor Roberston explained that they have received reports – and seen a video – of pyroclastic flows, where instead of materials (rocks, gas and other particles) billowing into the air it collapses on itself and runs down the mountainsides, destroying everything in its path.

“What that tells us is that in addition to the venting that is happening, these kinds of things can now happen and are beginning to happen which means that the volcano itself - Mountain Soufriere and any communities there, not only would they have had to survive the ash but now they have the potential of being destroyed by these flows going down the mountain,” he said in a Sunday morning update on NBC Radio in St Vincent.

The geologist explained that La Soufrière does not have lava but pyroclastic flows, which have a lot of boulders and clouds of “hot heavy wind”, can also spread into the sea and creates a foam of hot air that could burn anything in its path and even scald people.

With this activity now detected, both Professor Roberston and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines have pleaded with persons still within the Red and Orange Zone areas on the island to get out.

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MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

"Mirror"

Question 1

By Sylvia Plath

I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.

Whatever I see I swallow immediately Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike.

I am not cruel, only truthful, The eye of a little god, four-cornered.

Most of the time I meditate on the opposite wall.

It is pink, with speckles. I have looked at it so long I think it is part of my heart. But it flickers.

Faces and darkness separate us over and over.

Friday’s answers ai)P =

3 1 0

aii) R = 5 1 3 342 aiii) 513

3 4 2

3 1 0

=

5x3 +1x1 + 3x0 = 16 3x3 +4x1 + 2x0 = 13

Pourquoi Tales

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ave you ever wondered about some of the things you see in nature — how did anteaters get such long snouts, where does thunder and lightning come from, or why are there constellations (star pictures) in the night sky? In older times, we didn't have the scientific knowledge to explain these things, so people made up stories to explain what they observed.

• These are sometimes called "pourquoi tales". Pourquoi means "why" in French. In Spanish, we could call them "por qué" tales. What would we call them in English?

The characteristics of pourquoi tales include talking plants, animals, and celestial bodies (sun, moon, planets, and stars), a story that begins "long, long ago," and an ending that explains why something

is the way it is today.

For example: How the Leopard Got His Spots (A South African Story) A long, long time ago, Leopard was the plain, solid brown-yellow color of the desert. He was so plain he was almost invisible against the brown-yellow desert. When he headed out to hunt, Giraffe and Zebra and the other animals didn't know which way to jump. To escape Leopard's appetite, Giraffe and Zebra headed into the great shadowy forest. When Leopard tried to follow them, he stood out like a bright-yellow sunflower

against a dark fence. He could not hunt at all. Giraffe and Zebra saw yellow Leopard right away, and ran off deeper into the forest. Leopard had to do something. He asked his human friend to help him. So the Man carefully dipped his five fingertips in black ink and painted spots all over Leopard's fur. Now Leopard could blend into the shadows, and once again he became a great and powerful hunter!

Using the example above, write your own pourquoi tale based on animals, the night sky, or something else in nature.

Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me, Searching my reaches for what she really is.

Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon.

I see her back, and reflect it faithfully.

She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands.

I am important to her. She comes and goes.

Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness.

In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish.

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

DDL records $3.8B in profit after tax – Group “optimistic about future” after “extremely challenging year” – Chairman

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espite a year that was plagued by the novel coronavirus pandemic coupled with the impasse of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has recorded $3.893 billion in profit after taxation in 2020, reflecting an increase of 11.7 per cent or $408 million over the preceding year.

In his Annual Report for the year ending December 2020, Chairman of the local beverage giant, Komal Samaroo said the DDL Group’s profit before tax was $5.206 billion.

He added that net cash generated from the Group’s activities last year was $4.8 billion. This, he noted, facilitated the self-financing of capital expenditure of the Group totalling $2.1 billion.

Additionally, bank borrowing at the end of 2020 in the form of loans and overdraft was reduced from the previous year by over $1 billion. Earnings per share in 2020 was $5.06 compared to $4.53 last year.

Shareholders’ equity at the end of the year was $31.987 billion, reflecting an increase of $4.183 billion or 15 per cent over 2019.

Samaroo said 2020 was an extremely challenging year for the DDL Group, and the country.

“In addition to the negative effects of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the failure to finalise the results of the General and Regional Elections, held in Guyana on March 2, 2020, for five months added to the economic and social strain on the population,” he noted.

Despite this, however, the Chairman revealed that the Group’s turnover in 2020 was $24,686 billion compared to $22,403 billion in the previous year, representing an increase of $2.2 billion or 10.2 per cent.

“COVID-19 had a severely negative impact on the

export of branded products in the Caribbean, where the revenue declined was -33.5 per cent. However, improvements in the North America and Europe compensated for that shortfall, resulting in the Group ending the year with overall export of branded products at approximately the same level as the previous year.

Turnover of bulk exports in the year, exceeded that of the previous year by 10 per cent. Compared to 2019, turnover in the domestic market increased overall by 11 per cent in 2020,” Samaroo said.

Further, he reported that an Interim Dividend of $0.30 per share was paid in December 2020. The Board of Directors recommended a Final Dividend of $0.95 per share, which if approved at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on April 23, will take the total dividend for last year to $1.25 per share, against $1.15 in 2019.

This proposed dividend payment would amount to $962.5 million.

Regarding capital expenditure, the Chairman reported that the completion of the TOPCO Fruit Processing and Packaging Plant Expansion was substantially delayed as the implementation of COVID-19 measures impacted the targeted schedule.

“The TOPCO Operations had to resort to extraordinary measures in order to achieve substantial completion of the project. In addition, the internal health and safety protocols implemented by the Group to protect employees, contractors and other third parties from the possibility of contracting COVID-19 was a major challenge for the Project Management Team to get the civil works on the buildings, roadways and other infrastructure implemented in keeping with planned schedules,” he stated.

DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo

Expansion

Notwithstanding these challenges, Samaroo reported that the Juice Processing and Packaging Equipment was successfully commissioned and approved for commercial production of 1-litre products, which commenced in February. The Fruit Processing Plant was expected to be completed in the first quarter of this year, while the Milk Processing Plant is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2021.

The DDL Group spent some $1.2 billion on these expansion projects last year. Another $215 million in expenditures were injected into the rehabilitation and upgrade of the BioMethanisation Plant.

Meanwhile, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DDL launched the ENVIRON Sanitising Cleaner in March 2020 to meet the critical need in the local market. The company has made significant donations of this product to various organisations for public and charitable use.

Additionally, it partnered with Digicel Guyana and presented students in the DDL Foundation, who are in need, with electronic tablets and mobile data to participate in online learning.

Internally, DDL staff have had to adjust to exclusive online platforms for meetings, trainings and various webinars. These online platforms, DDL said, will now be the foundation of a new era for alternative training as well as engagement within the Group.

Going forward, the Chairman said they will continue to build their branded businesses and aim to widen targeted markets, while also continuing to develop sustainable supply chain relationships for bulk products with major international companies.

“With the scheduled completion of TOPCO’s expansion this year, we will

continue to aggressively pursue our strategy of diversification. In this regard, several products and projects are under active consideration,” he noted.

Moreover, the company continues to engage the local sugar industry so that it can return exclusively to local sourcing of molasses, having had to import 23 per cent last year for its distillery needs.

According to Samaroo, with Guyana’s real GDP set to grow by 20.9 per cent and non-oil economy by 6.1 per cent this year, the Group is aiming to take full advantage of the opportunities that a strong national economic environment present.

“We hope that the COVID-19 pandemic would be brought under control in 2021 so that further adverse effects could be averted…

We are optimistic about the future and look forward to joining hands with all our stakeholders as we continue our journey to constantly improve, add value, diversify and expand our Group,” the Chairman posited.

In order to abide by the national COVID-19 guidelines, DDL has developed a hybrid format, which was approved by the High Court, to enable a 40 per cent physical attendance at the upcoming AGM while the other shareholders can join virtually.

19-year-old teen of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was arrested. He reportedly admitted to the crime and would have provided information to the Police about his accomplice.

Just about a month ago, an 18-year-old boy was relieved of his mobile phone by two armed men at Fox Hill Foot, Half Mile, Wismar, Linden.

A friend of the victim was also injured during the ordeal. It was reported that the teenager of Valley, Wismar, Linden, was sitting

at the corner of Fox Hill Foot with his friend when the two gunmen approached them and instructed them to remain silent.

The young man was reportedly relieved of his ZTE Android cellular phone.

Upon seeing this, the young man’s friend threw his phone into a neighbour’s yard which he retrieved after the men left. The bandits made good their escape on foot, and the matter was subsequently reported to the Police.

Teen arrested for allegedly robbing Linden woman

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19-year-old is now in custody after she allegedly robbed a woman of Woodpecker Lane, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), as she was making her way home from work.

The woman was reportedly robbed of a mobile phone on Thursday last at about 19:00h at Woodpecker Lane, Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

The victim told Police that she was heading home with a child when she saw two men, one of whom she knew, walking past her.

Shortly after, one of the men approached her from behind and began choking her, as his accomplice relieved her of the phone. The two suspects then made good their escape on foot.

The matter was later reported to the Police, and a

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MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Grey Boy” to face Judge, jury today for Crum-Ewing’s murder

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egan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues will today be brought before a Judge and jury to face trial for the March 10, 2015 murder of political activist 40-year-old Courtney CrumEwing who was gunned down at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

It was reported that the bullet-riddled body of CrumEwing was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme, EBD. He was shot twice to the temple, once to the back of the head, and twice to the stomach.

The Police in a statement had said that the political activist was accosted by four men in a car, one of whom discharged several rounds, hitting him about the body.

It was reported that the killer(s) used a .32 pistol to execute Crum-Ewing.

However, Rodrigues was arrested, charged and remanded to prison for the murder in August 2015.

The preliminary inquiry (PI) into Crum-Ewing’s murder was conducted before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

At the end of the PI in June 2017, Magistrate Latchman found that there was not sufficient evidence against Rodrigues for him to stand trial for the offence at the High Court. As such, she discharged Rodrigues, 44, of Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and instructed him that he was free to go.

A few days later, the Director of Public

Murder accused: Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues

Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, ordered Magistrate Latchman to reopen the PI to facilitate additional evidence from Police witnesses and to rule on the voluntariness of oral statements given to detectives by Rodrigues.

The Magistrate complied with the DPP’s directive, and after doing so, ruled again that there was no evidence against Rodrigues to put him on trial. Hence, the murder accused was discharged for the second time.

“There is absolutely no evidence,” the Magistrate had noted in her ruling.

But following the discharge, the DPP issued a letter to Magistrate Latchman instructing her to commit the matter to the High Court for trial.

“In accordance with Section 72 (2) (ii) (a) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01, I hereby remit to your Worship

the above-mentioned matter and direct you to comply with Sections 65 and 66 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01 with a view of committing the accused,” the DPP stated in the missive.

However, Magistrate Latchman had underscored that while the DPP is of the “opinion” that there is evidence against Rodrigues for the indictable offence, her court maintains there is no evidence against Rodrigues in relation to the murder committed on Crum-Ewing.

The Magistrate then discharged Rodrigues again.

But the Police had refused to release him from custody.

The DPP then commenced proceedings in the High Court in which she advanced, among other things, that the Magistrate exceeded her authority in refusing to comply with her instructions to commit Rodrigues to trial.

The DPP had sought other orders directing the Magistrate to show why she should not be compelled and directed to re-open the PI as directed and make the committal.

In January 2018, Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory denied Magistrate Latchman’s request to stay a ruling by High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds to commit Rodrigues to stand trial for murder.

Consequently, the Magistrate was compelled to make the committal.

Magistrate Latchman has appealed the ruling

Creating...

W Murdered: Courtney Crum-Ewing

by Justice Reynolds. The matter is yet to be called at the Court of Appeal. In July 2015, Rodrigues was charged with unlawful possession of a gun and 14 live rounds of ammunition. It was reported that the gun was linked to Crum-Ewing’s murder.

He was later freed of those charges after a Magistrate found that the prosecution failed to prove the elements of the offence.

In October 2017, Rodrigues was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for threatening Crum-Ewing’s mother.

The Court heard that on August 12, 2017, at Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, he threatened Donna Harcourt.

Prior to these, Rodrigues was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of escaping from Police custody.

Tourism Minister urges responsible use of plastic products

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ourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond has urged the public to be more responsible when using plastic products. The Minister made this appeal on Thursday at a prize-giving ceremony for youngsters who participated in the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission’s (CCAC) annual essay and video contests.

The competitions were part of activities to mark World Consumer Rights Day which was observed on March 15, 2021.

While addressing the gathering, Minister Walrond praised the efforts of the awardees, noting that the Government is seeking to give youngsters across Guyana the opportunity to participate in such activities.

She also pledged her support to such initiatives that target the issue of littering and pollution which continue to plague not only Guyana but the global community.

“We are on a transformational path, a transformational agenda here in Guyana, that speaks to in-

news@guyanatimesgy.com

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond speaking at the award ceremony

culcating and bringing awareness of our young people to issues that surround them to realise as this group has, that they can be world changers just because they have a voice,” the Minister said.

Minister Walrond said while there is a need for greater enforcement and stringent penalties against littering, citizens also need to be more responsible.

“I believe the solution to pollution is the creation of a paradigm shift in our attitude towards an appreciation for environmental preservation. We have to begin to voice the importance of keeping our environment clean and the importance of responsibly using plastic products…we must take great responsibility and pride beyond the fear of being punished. We should try to do

what is right for our future and our future generations.”

According to the Minister, this issue also has an effect on the tourism sector, hence the reason Government is trying to curb the issue.

“We have an awesome eco-tourism product that is marketed… the fact that it is untouched and unblemished plastic kills that market, it can kill that pitch. We want to experience a clean and an attractive environment.

Even we ourself when we go and visit a place, we want to ensure that our communities, creeks and rivers are clean so that we can enjoy healthy lives,” the Minister said.

Minister Waldron further encouraged that Guyanese must arm themselves with the fact that we should reuse and recycle where possible, to protect our environment.

...new agri vistas e’ve been warned so many times about the dreaded “Dutch Disease” after we (OK, OK, the foreign oil companies!) struck oil, that your Eyewitness swears it must be related to the even moredreaded dead “Dutchmen” who’ve been haunting us for hundreds of years. And in a way they ARE related. “Dutch Disease” refers to the fate of the Netherlands in the ‘70’s after they discovered offshore oil. They promptly neglected their traditional products as oil revenues flowed into their coffers and duly ran into some deep sh*t when the oil ran out! Their ‘traditional’ products were heavily agricultural.

Interestingly enough, our Dutchmen of yore – who folks insist are lurking behind silk cotton trees to do us in – had brought agriculture (sugar cane, coffee, cotton and tobacco) to Guyana. And your Eyewitness’s fear is that now oil is flowing (and presumably the money – not that we’re seeing much!), we’ll follow in the footsteps of the Dutch and neglect our agriculture. So when the oil runs out – in 30 years? – we’ll be left high, dry and poverty-stricken.

Now, you’d hope our powers-that-be would kinda be in a “forewarned is forearmed” mode, no? Well, they’re certainly “talking the talk”, so maybe it’s time we scratch beneath the surface to find out if it’s just a “gyaaf”. Let’s start with sugar. The Government is pumping in a whole lotta dollars to keep the industry going, so it’s all left on the new management team to literally deliver the sugar!

There’ve been persistent criticisms in the press that “things na regular”, but let’s give them a bit more time.

On the second big crop – rice – this was really doing well – with us shipping over 600,000 tonnes abroad and bringing in foreign exchange and so on. But suddenly we learn that the shippers to three big markets – Panama, Cuba, and Trinidad, weren’t getting paid. So what’s the point of all the export figures? We gotta find viable new markets – and not a minute too soon – by using our embassies like the developed countries do – to sell locallyproduced goods!

Your Eyewitness has been hearing about new massproduced crops like soya and corn in the Intermediate Savannahs. But what about all the land we have on the coast? For instance, some years ago the PPP Govt unfurled a “5-P” agri programme for export – especially to the Diaspora markets. Pineapples, pumpkins, peppers, passion fruit and papaw. What happened? Isn’t there room for expansion? Your Eyewitness certainly thinks so!

And how about mangoes – your Eyewitness’s favourite fruit? It’s time we start having orchards to supply consistent quality and quantity? ...trouble Your Eyewitness just came across a news item that the PNC GECOM Commissioners claimed they didn’t agree with GECOM’s argument – through its lawyer – recently before the High Court that the PNC’s Petition about the election, being fatally flawed, should be thrown out. Well... duh!! Who expected otherwise? After looking at these three worthies since December 21, 2020 – especially the five months following the elections – they reminded your Eyewitness of no one else but Larry, Moe and Curly Joe!!

Yes... they really were the Three Stooges – of the PNC! Well, the fact of the matter is that GECOM certified – as the law requires – that the results that were published by them represented the true will of the Guyanese people.

Now, within GECOM, the Three Stooges might’ve voted otherwise...but they were outvoted and the majority decision – that the PPP won! – carried!! So do they expect GECOM to argue in Court AGAINST its own decision?

They’re just like the PNC with the March 2 votes! What a bunch of wankers!!

...a defence against COVID-19 variant Your Eyewitness has been agitating for some time about patrolling our border with Brazil to prevent their COVID-19 variants from sneaking over. The Regional Chairman just admitted they’re challenged.

What about all those (expensive) drones?

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

NEWS

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MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana votes in favour of UN resolution against racism – Permanent Rep – confirms that Guyana sponsored resolution on behalf of G-77

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uyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has reminded that Guyana’s vote that went in favour of a 2020 UN resolution against racism, in fact, played an integral role in sponsoring the resolution.

In a statement over the weekend, RodriguesBirkett explained that Guyana voted in favour of the resolution when it was adopted in the UN General Assembly last year. This comes following reports that Guyana did not, in fact, support the resolution.

“It has been brought to my attention that circulating on social media is the assertion that Guyana voted against the United Nations resolution entitled “A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action,” she said in her statement.

“This is completely false and cannot be further from the truth. As Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations,

I wish to confirm that Guyana voted in support of the resolution when it was adopted in the General Assembly.”

She explained that Guyana was the main sponsor of the resolution, as the country at the time held the Chairmanship of the G-77 and China, an intergovernmental group within the UN that comprises developing countries.

“Guyana introduced and voted in support of the resolution… indeed, as Chair of G-77 and China, Guyana was the main sponsor of the resolution and, jointly with South Africa, facilitated the negotiations for this resolution in the Third Committee,” RodriguesBirkett said.

“The resolution was introduced by the representative from Guyana in the Third Committee on November 19th, 2020, who reminded the Committee that 2021 would mark the 20th Anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and, as such, the G-77 and China had presented substantive changes to the resolution aimed at commemorating this important milestone.”

She also noted that

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Guyana had made clear the seriousness with which the Government regards racial discrimination, while sponsoring the resolution. According to her, the G-77 regarded the opportunity presented by the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

“It (resolution) constitutes a holistic agenda that encompasses measures to improve education and awareness, to fight poverty and marginalisation, and to secure inclusive develop-

ment. Its relevance is further strengthened by the recognised nexus between combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

“The Group considers that in the forthcoming commemoration, greater attention should be given to the issues affecting People of African Descent. The International Decade for the People of African Descent and the adoption by consensus of the programme of activities for the implementation of the Decade is an integral part of the full and effective implementation

of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action,” Guyana had said at the time of the resolution.

According to the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Guyana invited delegations to co-sponsor and vote in favour of the resolution once their statement was concluded. Additionally, she noted that the automatic generation of the vote as shown on screen in the room at the time of voting is not the final official record of the meeting.

“It goes without saying, that Guyana, as the proponent of a resolution, would not have voted against our own resolution,” RodriguesBirkett said in her state-

ment.

Meanwhile, this publication did checks of its own. According to the Third Committee report on agenda item 70 of the 75th session, available in the UN’s data library on its website, Guyana indeed voted in favour of the draft resolution on November 19. The resolution was carried by a recorded vote of 124 to 12, with 44 abstentions.

Voting against the resolution were Australia, Canada, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Slovenia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America.

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14 NEWS COVID-19 death toll climbs to 255 after 3 more women die MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

—105 new cases recorded, 15 in ICU

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uyana’s COVID-19 deaths have further increased following the deaths of three women who tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

These latest fatalities are a 41-year-old female from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); and a 63-yearold woman along with a 65-year-old woman – both of whom are from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

These three women died on Saturday while receiving care at medical facilities, the Ministry of Health said on Sunday.

With these, the total number of deaths from the pandemic in Guyana has risen to 255. This now takes the COVID-19 death toll for the month of April to 22, with 12 deaths recorded in the past week alone. The last fatalities were recorded on Wednesday last when a 59-year-old man from Region Six and a 73-year-old man from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) died.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also reported on Sunday that a whopping 105 new cases were detected in Guyana.

According to the updated COVID-19 dashboard, the country’s total number of confirmed cases is now 11,149 – 5668 males and 5481 females.

However, only 1173 of these cases are currently active. This includes 15 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

– one more than Saturday’s figure, and the remaining 1158 persons in isolation, that is, 69 in institutional isolation and the other 1089 in home isolation.

Additionally, there are also 18 persons in institutional quarantine.

Some 9721 persons have recovered from the life-threatening virus in the country to date – 33 more recoveries than the figure reported the previous day.

A total of 99,349 persons have been tested thus far for the novel coronavirus in Guyana.

Of the 105 new cases recorded on Sunday, four were detected in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 20 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 46 cases in the DemeraraMahaica region; six in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 11 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); seven cases in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, and the remaining 11 cases in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The figures in the other three regions – Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) – remained the same.

In order to curb the spread of the virus and reduce the country’s death toll from the pandemic, Guyana rolled out its vaccination campaign in February and has thus far inoculated more than 52,000 persons. Additionally, sever-

al hundred persons have also received their second-dose shots.

Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are being administered to all persons 40 years and older along with all healthcare frontline workers as well as Joint Services members.

However, even as the vaccination campaign is proving successful having surpassed last week’s target of 40,000, Guyana is seeing a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. This new wave of the virus is affecting a lot of young people and making infected persons sicker thus requiring hospitalisation.

“Over the last month or so, we’ve started seeing an uptick in cases… We have also seen younger people also being affected and that is quite worrying… And out of seeing more cases, we’ve started to see more hospitalisation. Out of those that have been hospitalised, a percentage of them are much sicker so they’ll have to get ICU care,” Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had explained last week.

However, the Health Minister was unable to say whether there is a new COVID-19 variant in the country that is resulting in these people becoming sicker and more younger people becoming infected.

“We still don’t know what variants we have in Guyana and we can only know that if it's confirmed by genet-

ic sequencing… It’s hard to determine which one we have or if we have any because we don’t have sequencing and you would only know if you have sequencing,” Dr Anthony had stated.

Previously, Guyana had sent 10 samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and after completing the gene sequencing in February this year, the results showed that were no traces of new variants of COVID-19.

However, since then no other testing was done but Minister Anthony said they are hoping to send another set of samples for genetic sequencing.

Meanwhile, health authorities are reminding all Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 16), which was extended for this month and will be in effect until April 30, 2021.

Among these measures is the 22:30h (10 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) national curfew which remains intact. Restaurants and places of worship continue to operate at 40 per cent capacity. Gyms are to operate at 50 per cent capaci-

ty while sporting events are only permitted with approval from the Health Minister.

The order further emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

According to the World

Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 134,957,021 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 2,918,752 deaths.

The WHO also reported on Sunday that in the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 57,943,462 while the death toll in the region has gone up to 1,404,302.

NEWS

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UG launches Zoom rooms to promote blended learning

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tudents across the nine campuses of the University of Guyana – Georgetown, Linden, Berbice, Bartica and Anna Regina – will now be able to view live classes in an interactive way, following the launch of the University’s s Zoom Room project.

The project entails 18 rooms - with an in-person capacity of over 150 being dispersed among the campuses.

To mark the launch of the initiative, a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday. The initiative is part of a gift under the Stabroek Block Coventurers Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) to the tune of US$70,000.

The University in a statement said that the project is the first building block of blended learning architec-

ture.

The University’s ViceChancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, said that the mission of the project when it was first negotiated by the Office of Philanthropy and Civic Engagement (PACE) in 2019 was to establish a digital information room to serve as a central space and operations centre to facilitate local and international teleconferencing meetings, virtual classrooms instructed from universities outside of Guyana, and a data bank facility and was intended to cater for 30 persons per session.

However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project had to repurposed and redesigned to meet the new needs of the tertiary level institution.

Meanwhile, the

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge cutting the ribbon along with Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin and others

Chancellor of the University, Professor Edward Greene, who attended the launch virtually, congratulated the UG teams for conceptualis-

Region 10 intensifies COVID-19 sensitisation campaign

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egional Health Officer (RHO) of Region 10, Dr Gregory Harris says the administration has taken on a more serious approach to ensure residents take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccination being offered by the Government.

Concerns have been raised over the resistance of some persons in the region to take the vaccine but Dr Harris said the administration is working to remedy this.

“We have intensified our sensitisation programme targeting the public more frequently through television and radio programmes.

This includes the broadcast of various infomercials, highlighting the virus and its effects and even video pieces from persons who have already got vaccinated to encourage them,”the RHO told DPI recently.

He said the region will soon embark on a more robust sensitisation programme that will feature face-to-face interactions with political parties, non-governmental organisations, religious groups and persons who have already been vaccinated, to speak on the importance of the vaccine.

“Once we can get the support from those leaders and parties, I think that we can go forward in terms of getting the general public to be a bit more receptive to the vaccine,” Dr. Harris said.

Several communities such as Aroaima, Canvas City, Central Mackenzie, Amelia’s Ward, Half Mile, Wisroc, Three Friends Mines, Blueberry Hill, Kwakwani, Christianburg, Retrieve, Block 22, One Mile, Kara Kara, Coomacka Mines, Wismar, and Silvertown, have been cited as ‘Covid hotspots’ in the re-

Region 10 Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Gregory Harris

gion.

Dr Harris related that the vaccination campaigns will also be taken to communities along the Berbice River, starting on Monday.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised over the refusal of some health workers to be immunised.

Dr Harris said discussions with the frontline workers have revealed a number of “upsetting factors,” which the administration will soon resolve. Thirty-seven healthcare workers have so far been vaccinated in the region.

The RHO said full support from health workers will encourage residents to also take their vaccine.

“When this [vaccination]

campaign began, we would have visited the various health facilities and hospitals to educate workers and even patients on the vaccine, and how it can prevent us in some degree from the virus. With this in mind, we will conduct a second wave of this [sensitisation]. At the beginning, we only had one site, but now we have six vaccination sites around the region, with a mobile unit going into riverine communities so that persons can get access to the vaccine,” Dr. Harris said.

Region 10 had recorded some 766 positive Covid cases as of April 10, 2021.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had noted recently that the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory.

However, it is Government’s job to be able to provide the vaccine and ensure as many people as possible take the shots as the country tries to achieve herd immunity against the disease.

So far, over 50,000 persons across the country have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. On February 11, the Health Ministry began its immunisation campaign, after receiving its first batch of vaccines from Barbados.

ing and executing the highly complex technical project.

He further expressed his gratitude towards ExxonMobil for its input into the project.

“I extend appreciation to ExxonMobil, CNOOC and Hess for the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) out of which this significant gift has been made possible and for the

cooperative spirit in which they so willingly partnered in making this venture a reality,” he expressed.

Additionally, President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge in his remarks said his company was delighted to work in partnership with the University of Guyana on the project, noting that while it is the

first of the Greater Guyana Initiative, it is not the first project ExxonMobil has been involved in with the University.

“We work hard to find through exploration and develop, and monetise the resource of the country offshore. That transformation will drive the transformation of the economy. But the University of Guyana plays that critical role of transforming the education system and building the capacity of the country to really deliver a sustainable economy. I think there’s a clear partnership, one that we are very happy to enjoy and one that is growing in the future,” Routledge noted.

Among the presiders were UG Chancellor Prof Edward Greene, Vice-Chancellor Xi Prof Paloma MohamedMartin, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge; Senior Advisor, Government and Public Affairs Matthew Scharf among other senior officials of the company.

DJ stabbed to face during argument with colleague

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28-year-old radio disk jockey (DJ) was on Saturday evening stabbed during an argument with a colleague at his place of employment, Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the now injured DJ arrived at the radio station where he works where an argument broke out between him and another DJ. During the argument, the suspect became angry,

armed himself with a glass bottle, broke same and dealt the victim four blows to the face after which the suspect made good his escape.

The injured man was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital and was seen and examined by a doctor; treated and sent away. Up to press time, the suspect was still on the run but the Police are making every effort to contact him.

Meanwhile, Hits and Jams Boom FM in a release

stated that management is aware of the incident that took place at its studio between an independent DJ and his selector during a paid programme.

“The matter is currently under investigation by the Police and HJ 94.1 has made a decision to suspend the independent programme and the two individuals from our airwaves,” the statement added.

An investigation is underway.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden woman disappears Linden mother who ingested poison after leaving home for work after feeding children same dies

— family seeks public’s assistance to locate her

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Linden family is seeking the public’s assistance to locate 21-year-old Shonnette Odessa Dover, a bartender who went missing two Saturdays ago.

The missing woman’s mother, Simone Benjamin related that her daughter left home for work at a local bar in Linden and was not seen or heard from since.

Calls to the woman’s mobile device went unanswered.

“Two Saturdays ago, she left and we ain’t hear back anything,” the distraught mother said while noting that she just told her sister that she was heading to work.

“This is the first time she went to work and didn’t come back. We calling the phone and the phone just

Shonnette Odessa Dover

keep going straight to voicemail all the time,” Benjamin said.

The woman added that

her daughter’s friends are continuously calling to enquire but she has no positive answers to give them.

Benjamin stated that a missing person’s report has been filed with Police in Linden.

“I would like to hear from her...all I just praying and hoping that this girl, wherever she is, let her call...I can’t even sleep...if she call I will feel good and me pressure not gon raise up,” the mother of six said.

Dover was last seen clad in a yellow vest, blue jeans and gold slippers.

Anyone with information that can lead to her whereabouts is asked to contact the family on telephone numbers 442-1616, 6706846, 671-6455 or the nearest Police station.

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wenty-year-old Temecia Sampson of Phase 1B, Wisroc Squatting Area, who reportedly fed her eight-year-old daughter and six-month-old son a poisonous substance before ingesting same, has died.

This was confirmed by Regional Commander Hugh Winter, who said the woman died on Saturday evening at the Linden Hospital Complex while receiving medical attention.

Both her children remain hospitalised, however, her six-month-old son was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) since his condition continues to deteriorate.

On Thursday last, Sampson and her children were rushed to the hospital after consuming the poisonous substance.

The three were immedi-

Dead: Temecia Sampson

ately admitted with the mother’s condition being listed as critical. It was reported that the woman showed no sign of improvement and never regained consciousness.

In April 2018, 25-yearold Hofoswana Awena Rutherford killed her two children by poisoning them

with carbon tablets The woman was subsequently sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 98 years’ imprisonment on two counts of manslaughter.

On the first count, the killing of four-year-old Hodascia Cadogan, Rutherford was sentenced to 45 years’ jail; while on the second count, the killing of one-year-old Jabari Cadogan, she was ordered to serve 53 years’ jail time.

Rutherford had collapsed on the floor when the 12-member jury unanimously found her guilty on both counts on March 15, 2018.

The jury believed the State’s evidence that the mother had given each of her children half of a tablet of aluminium phosphide (rat poison) on March 27, 2014, at Supply Branch Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Corentyne labourer stabbed UG Bio student launches homemade hair, skincare brand during row over money

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labourer of Manchester Village, Corentyne, Berbice, is nursing injuries about his body after he was allegedly attacked and stabbed on Saturday evening. Steve Albert, 45, was stabbed at his home by the suspect, who turned up at his house.

The victim’s wife reportedly told Police that the suspect turned up at their home and enquired about her husband.

As the man came out to meet the visitor, an argument broke out over money. As the argument escalated, the suspect whipped out a knife and stabbed

Albert several times to his head and right-side chest.

Albert was picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was treated and transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital. He re-

mains a patient at the said medical facility.

However, after committing the act, the suspect has since gone into hiding. The Police are making every effort to apprehend him.

Lestra Miller

B

randed by the slogan “nothing short of magic”, Sheer Magic is a local, all-natural, cruelty-free vegan brand created by 22-year-old Lestra Miller.

Miller, who is a final year Biology student at the University of Guyana took time to recount her entrepreneurial journey in an interview with Guyana Times.

She explained that her business and brand stemmed from a hobby.

Miller related that in 2016, she began her natural hair journey but was unable to afford the majority of the “top brands” suggested for naturals and as such, she sought other alternatives.

“When I was transitioning, I was also now starting University, so I didn’t have all the money to buy the fancy products and all the well-known brands. So, I decided to go on YouTube and to research on natural alternatives. So that’s where it started as a hobby,” Miller explained.

She added that after much research, she began creating hair products for her personal use in the comfort of her home.

“I did it for the past four years and everyone kept asking what do I use in my hair, and what is the product and I told them that I

use my own stuff,” she recounted.

Following numerous inquiries and excellent results, Miller said she felt motivated to turn her hobby into an income-earning venture. However, this took time since she was a fulltime university student.

Nevertheless, Miller related that she found the opportune time during the pandemic. She explained that she maximised the lockdown and began making her products in large batches for retail.

opportunity. So now I have a shelf at the Sach Store on Waterloo Street,” she said.

The young entrepreneur furthered that her brand consists of four types of products.

“So, I have the whipped hair butter, the herbal hair serum, body scrubs which comes in coffee and turmeric along with the body butter which comes in Japanese cherry blossom, warm vanilla and apricot and peaches,” she detailed.

Miller highlighted that her products are suited for

Sheer Magic products

“When COVID hit, it was the perfect time for me to balance going to school and making my products, so that’s when I started the Sheer Magic brand,” she told his publication.

As such, Miller said she launched Sheer Magic on May 23, 2020. She added that she operated online for a little over a year until she gained a space in the Sach Store - a shared business space, in March of this year.

“I saw the post that Sach was offering spaces for other businesses and I took the

all genders and all hair types; noting that each batch is handmade with the same consistency and commitment.

“If you want your products at an affordable price, it caters for everyone; whether natural hair or chemically processed hair.

Even males can use the products,” she posited.

To view Miller’s products, visit her business’s Instagram page “Sheer Magic Gy” or her shelf at the Sach Store at 161 Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

21 arrested for breaching COVID-19 guidelines

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total of 21 persons were arrested on Saturday evening for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines. A total of 12 persons were arrested at Mabaruma, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini) while the others were arrested at Vergenoegen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Police revealed that 12 of the 21 persons were arrested during a Joint Service COVICURB and mass patrol on Saturday night between 19:30h to 22:30h in the Mabaruma Station district.

The areas patrolled were Kumaka Water Front, Hosororo Hill and

Mabaruma Township.

In a statement, Police said persons were stopped and searched and at the end of the exercise, the persons were taken into custody. “Eight persons were arrested for failure to wear face mask, and four persons for failing to maintain social distancing,” the statement related.

Also on Saturday, two females are among nine persons arrested for breach of the COVID-19 curfew in Region Three.

Police Commander for Region Three, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts when contacted noted that the nine persons who were arrested were at the time consuming alco-

Some of the persons arrested on Saturday night for breach of COVID-19 curfew

GHDS collaborates with MoH to administer Sputnik V vaccines

hol in front of a popular bar at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) public road.

The enforcement exercise was carried out in Region Three by Captain Williams from the National Task Force, along with seven other Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks in conjunction with other Police ranks.

Over the past two weeks, scores of persons have been

arrested during a series of COVID-19 enforcement exercises.

On Easter Monday a number of Essequibians were caught in large gatherings and were arrested for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines. The violators were arrested at Adventure Resort, Lake Mainstay Resort, Golden Fleece and Capoey Lake.

Also, 40 persons were ar-

rested during a COVID-19 patrol operation along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Police said those persons were also in breach of the COVID-19 restrictions at the Boat House Bar at Land of Canaan, EBD. The operation included officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Additionally, 27 persons were arrested sometime last week after they were found gathering at the Homme Hospitality Hotel and Bar. They were later placed on cash bail, pending court appearances.

Reports also revealed that some 23 persons were arrested at the Sleep-In Hotel, located on Church Street, 20 at the Altitude Bar on Sandy Babb Street, and, 31 at the Kairos Bar on Charlotte Street. Those arrests were also made sometime last week.

The Government continues to reinforce the COVID-19 guidelines as the number of deaths and new cases continues to rise. As of Sunday, Guyana recorded 105 new cases and three new deaths.

Canje man attacked, chopped at drinking bar Several residents on the Essequibo Coast at the Kendra Mandir at Anna Regina awaiting their turn to take the vaccine

S

cores of persons 40 years and older in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) turned up at the Anna Regina Kendra Mandir on Sunday to take their first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine.

Human Services and Social Security Minister and President of the Guyana Hundi Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) Dr Vindhya Persaud, who was present at the event, urged major stakeholders to play their part during the roll-out of the immunisation process.

Dr Persaud pointed out that the COVID-19 cases in Guyana are on the rise and as such, encouraged members of the public to take the vaccines with the aim of decreasing the number of active cases in the Region.

Dr Vindhiya also related that the GHDS is collaborating with the Health Ministry and the Region's vaccination team to facilitate the outreach.

On Sunday, residents within the Region were happy to take their first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine.

One such person was Nandalall Motilall of Anna Regina, who related that he is very excited to take the jab since he wants to protect himself and his family from

An elderly woman in Essequibo taking the vaccine on Sunday

the deadly virus.

Motilall has encouraged his fellow Essequibians to come out and take the vaccine.

"I want to live a long and healthy life... So, the best reason why I wanted to be vaccinated is to protect myself and the people around me," Primwattie Bansraj explained.

The second dose of the vaccine will be given 12 weeks after taking the first dose. The Sputnik V vaccine is a viral vector that is safe and effective at preventing

COVID-19. A total of 200,000 of the vaccines were purchased by the Government of Guyana to the tune of US$4 million.

President Irfaan Ali has stated that there is no price tag on the lives of the citizenry and as such, the PPP/C Government will do everything in its power to keep them safe.

Meanwhile, those who take the vaccines are advised to wear their masks, practice social distancing, sanitise, and also avoid huge crowds.

T

wenty-seven-year-old Shameer Ally, a labourer of Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, was on Saturday evening chopped about his body during a night out with friends.

Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 20:00h, Ally along with his friends were drinking at a bar in Canefield, Canje, when the

suspect, who was armed with a cutlass, walked up to him and began chopping him about his body.

The motive for the chopping incident is unknown but Guyana Times understands that the two men are known to each other.

As a result, the victim received several wounds to both of his hands. Following the ordeal, the suspect then

made good his escape.

Ally was later picked up and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor and was subsequently admitted a patient.

His condition is listed as stable. Checks were made for the suspect but he was not found. Investigations are ongoing.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

Regional

St Vincent: Power cuts Venezuelan migrants leaving T&T after another explosive X volcanic event

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here has been another “explosive event” at the La Soufrière volcano on the Caribbean island of St Vincent, with power outages and water supplies cut off.

The La Soufrière volcano first erupted on Friday, blanketing the island in a layer of ash and forcing some 16,000 people to evacuate their homes.

Scientists warn that eruptions could continue for days – or even weeks.

Emergency officials described the landscape as a “battle zone” and said more damage and destruction was likely.

The emergency management organisation Nemo tweeted: “Massive power outage following another explosive event at La Soufriere Volcano. Lightning, thunder and rumblings.”

It later spoke of “possible destruction and devastation of communities close to the volcano”, and compared the eruption to that of 1902, the worst in St Vincent’s history when more than 1000 people were killed.

White-coloured dust has covered buildings and roads around the island, including in its capital Kingstown.

Ash had begun to harden on the ground after overnight showers and many homes were still without water and electricity, Nemo said.

However, some residents said power had been restored by midday local time (16:00 GMT).

Nemo is urging people to “be careful on the roads, which have become treach-

Ash fell like snow on Saint Vincent following the eruptions

erous as a result of the ash flow”.

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves said water supplies to most of the island had been cut off and its airspace closed because of the smoke and thick plumes of volcanic ash moving through the atmosphere.

Dr Gonsalves said thousands of residents had been sleeping in emergency shelters since Friday. “It’s a huge operation that is facing us,” he told NBC News.

He said earlier that a lot of volcanic ash had fallen over the sea. “We don’t know how much more is going to come out... so far, we have done well in that nobody got injured, nobody is dead.”

The Barbados Defence Force has been deployed to St Vincent to provide humanitarian assistance as part of a disaster response mission, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency said.

Homes across the island, which has a population of

around 110,000, have been covered in white-coloured volcanic dust and rock fragments.

It prompted warnings from officials to stay indoors, while emergency groups advised caution for those suffering with respiratory problems.

Residents in Barbados, nearly 200 kilometres (about 124 miles) to the east, have also been urged to stay indoors.

People on the island of St Lucia, which is around 76km north of St Vincent, have been warned to expect air quality to be affected, with harmful gases potentially making it harder to breathe for people with conditions such as asthma, the island’s Rodney Bay Medical Centre said.

Other Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Guyana, have offered to send emergency supplies to St Vincent and accept those fleeing the fallout from the eruption. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Amid COVID-19 concerns and 18 candidates, Peru votes for new President and Congress

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eru’s presidential candidates sought to drum up enthusiasm on Sunday as the country picked a new leader – with one arriving at a voting station on horseback and others pledging to turn the page on the corruption and mismanagement of recent decades.

The election for a new president and Congress comes against the backdrop of a fierce second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and widespread public apathy that has meant none of the 18 candidates to lead the country has polled more than 13 per cent.

Two contenders from opposite poles of the political spectrum could face off in the second round in June.

Hernando de Soto, a liberal economist, and leftist professor Pedro Castillo, have both edged to the front of the pack following late gains in support, according to the latest opinion poll.

Keiko Fujimori, the conservative, US-educated daughter of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori, is close behind, followed by populist candidate Yonhy Lescano, ultraconservative Rafael López Aliaga and leftist candidate Veronika Mendoza.

Voting early in the capital, Lima, Peru’s interim President, Francisco Sagasti, who has led the Andean nation since a political crisis sparked by the impeachment for alleged corruption of a predecessor last November, insisted voting was safe.

“All possible measures have been taken to avoid contagions. There should be no fear of complying with your civic duty,” said Sagasti, who is not a candidate.

The country’s 25.2 million eligible voters were told to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19

and bring their own pens to mark ballots. Peru reported 384 COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, a record daily high for the country.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

enophobia, unemployment, and exploitation have forced some of the migrants who sought refuge in Trinidad and Tobago to return to Venezuela.

That is the view of experts on the migrant situation, including Honorary Senior Fellow at the Institute of International Relations, University of the West Indies (UWI), Dr Anthony Gonsalves who said many of them simply got on a boat and returned home because of the difficulties they encountered here.

“A lot of them lost their jobs here. Remember, many businesses closed such as the retail sector and bars, so those Venezuelans have left on boats and have gone back. It’s just half an hour down the main,” he said

National Security Minister Stuart Young extended the Venezuelan re-registration process to last Friday, giving migrants six additional working days to drop off completed forms.

The preliminary count of Venezuelans who had applied for re-registration as of March 26 was approximately 13,800. Two years ago, 16,000 Venezuelans registered to temporarily live and work in T&T. Gonsalves said the fate of Venezuelans in T&T depends on the political and economic situation in Venezuela.

“If the Venezuelan economy tumbles, there could be another major flow to Trinidad and Tobago, then we would be in serious trouble,” he said.

Angie Ramnarine, who

heads La Romaine’s Migrant Centre, agrees with the view that fewer Venezuelans are registering this time around because they have returned home.

“They have returned to Venezuela for a number of reasons, including to use it as a gateway to other Latin American countries. Remember, Colombia made over one million persons legal for ten years.

Other Latin American countries are making it more attractive for Venezuelans. In other countries, the process for Venezuelans is quicker and not as painful and dehumanising as it is here.

Other Latin American countries are stepping up to the plate in trying to accommodate Venezuelans,” she said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

“Tragic combination”: Millions go hungry amid Brazil COVID crisis

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na Maria Nogueira adds one bacon-flavoured seasoning cube to the pot of rice simmering on the stove.

In the wooden shack that she and her husband, Eraldo, who is disabled, call home in Jardim Keralux, a poor neighbourhood in Sao Paulo’s sprawling eastern zone, the coronavirus that has killed more than 351,000 Brazilians seems like a faraway problem.

The couple has more pressing priorities. “This year, we’re going hungry,” Ana, 56, told Al Jazeera.

As Brazil’s COVID-19 crisis gets worse by the week with record-high death tolls, packed hospitals and climbing caseloads, another crisis is unfolding: hunger and food insecurity.

Ana and Eraldo are two of 19 million Brazilians to have gone hungry during the pandemic, according to a new study, while nearly 117 million – more than half the population – live with some level of food insecurity.

Experts point to high unemployment exacerbat-

Ana Maria Nogueira and her husband, Eraldo, sit in their home in Jardim Keralux, a poor neighbourhood in Sao Paulo’s sprawling eastern zone [Avener Prado/Al Jazeera]

ed by the coronavirus, cuts and reductions to social programmes and sharp price increases on basic food staples as some of the reasons behind the problem.

“It’s a tragedy that was totally foreseeable,” said Renato Maluf, president of the Brazilian Food Sovereignty and Nutritional

Security Research Network (PENSSAN Network) that coordinated the study, conducted in December when Brazilians were still receiving emergency coronavirus cash payments from the Government.

“Certainly things have gotten worse since then,” Maluf said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ecuador weighs returning to socialism in presidential runoff

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cuadoreans voted in a presidential runoff on Sunday to decide whether to maintain the pro-market policies of the last four years or return to the socialism of the preceding decade as the Andean country seeks to revive its stagnant economy.

Left-wing economist Andres Arauz is offering cash handouts and a return to the socialist policies of his mentor, former President Rafael Correa who is living in Europe and has been convicted on graft charges. Banker Guillermo Lasso is promising open markets and renewed foreign investment to create jobs.

The vote is being closely watched by foreign investors, who say Arauz’s social spending plans are ambitious in the face of the Government’s delicate financial situation and a weak economy that has been made worse by the coronavirus pandemic.

“At the last minute I decided on Lasso, I think he is the only option,” said Margarita Alvarado, 42, a manicurist voting at a school in Quito. “I don’t want to go back to the arrogance, to the corruption, to the handouts of the past decade.”

Disappointment in the candidates appeared to be reflected in a thin turnout.

A mere 45 per cent of reg-

istered voters had cast ballots by mid-afternoon, National Electoral Council President Diana Atamaint said in a televised broadcast, urging citizens to vote to “give legitimacy to the next elected authorities”.

The new president will take office on May 24.

A win for Arauz would follow recent electoral victories for the left in Latin America in nations such as Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Eni’s latest oil discovery could be big for Angola

I

talian firm Eni has made a new light oil discovery off the coast of Angola after exploration activities recommenced following a year of pandemic restrictions.

The discovery, made on Tuesday, is in Angola’s deepwater Block 15/06. Eni believes the exploration well, drilled at 500 metres in the Cuica exploration prospect, could hold as much as 200 to 250 million barrels of oil and presents the second big oil discovery in the area.

"The well-head location, intentionally placed close to East Hub’s subsea network, will allow a fast-track tiein of the exploration well and relevant production, thus immediately creating value while extending the Armada Olombendo FPSO production plateau. It is expected that production will start within six months after discovery," Eni stated.

Eni, which has been an active part of the country’s oil industry since 1980, produces around 120,000 bpd of oil in Angola. The firm has announced an anticipated US$7 billion investment in Angola by 2025 in the areas of research, production, refining and solar energy, with the objective of cutting carbon emissions, job creation and diversifying the economy.

As well as being an OPEC member, Angola is the second-largest oil-producing country in sub-Saharan Africa, producing an estimated 1.37 million bpd of oil and around 17,904 million cubic feet of natural gas.

However, production in the country has been far below its full potential due to low investment in recent years owing to the drop in oil prices.

In January, Angola received IMF approval for a disbursement of over US$480 million under a US$3.7 billion loan agreement due to the ongoing struggle with low oil prices as well as weak exports.

To attract greater investment, the Angolan Government has launched a new strategy with the aim of increasing production, hoping to tap into 57 billion barrels in undiscovered oil reserves. The Government has also amended its legal and fiscal terms to make it easier for foreign companies to invest in the oil and gas sector, attracting firms with the country’s competitive production costs.

Greater investment is expected for 2021, for a country with a substantial oil potential, with 9 billion barrels of proven oil resources. There are also significant opportunities for refined petroleum products as Angola imports 80 per cent of its needs in this area at present.

Last month, Angola's National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) released its timeline for the evaluation of its 2020 oil and gas licensing round. ANGP is hoping to expand oil research and evaluation programmes in sedimentary basins, better understand the country’s hydrocarbon potential and attract new investors in line with its Hydrocarbon Exploration Strategy 2020-2025.

In early April, Angola announced that it has begun initiatives to develop its marginal fields, creating opportunities in nine blocks with an expected investment of US$67.4 billion over the next five years.

Angola has a significant untapped oil potential which has experienced underinvestment due to the volatility of oil prices over the last five years. However, the Government is going full throttle on its oil and gas investment plan for 2021. This paired with new discoveries by oil major Eni, as well as advances in renewables, makes Angola the African oil giant to watch over the next five years. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Top US diplomat criticises China, says “need to get to the bottom” of COVID-19 origin

C

hina’s failure to provide access to global health experts made the COVID-19 pandemic worse than it had to be, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Sunday, and it was important to “get to the bottom” of the origin of the novel coronavirus.

The top US diplomat’s sharp words underscored criticism from other members of the Biden Administration over Beijing’s lack of transparency in the crucial early days of the pandemic.

China did not give access to international experts or share information in real-time to provide true transparency, Blinken said in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

As a result, the virus “got out of hand faster and with,

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds a virtual meeting with UN General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir via videoconference from the State Department in Washington, US, March 29, 2021

I think, much more egregious results than it might otherwise,” Blinken said.

The World Health Organisation Director General, Tedros Adhanom

Ghebreyesus, said on March 30 that data was withheld from WHO investigators who travelled to China to research the origins of the pandemic.

A WHO report, written jointly with Chinese scientists, released at the time said the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal, and that a lab leak was “extremely unlikely” as a cause.

Tedros said the issue required further investigation.

The events highlight why there needs to be a stronger global health security system to ensure this doesn’t happen again, Blinken said.

Reforms must include a commitment to transparency, information sharing and access for experts “and China has to play a part in that,” he said.

Blinken said it was important to reach a more conclusive accounting of how the pandemic began.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Iran nuclear: “Terrorist act” at underground Natanz facility

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nuclear facility in Iran was hit by a "terrorist act" a day after it unveiled new advanced uranium centrifuges, a top nuclear official said.

He did not say who was to blame but urged the international community to deal with nuclear terrorism.

Israeli media suggest the incident was a result of an Israeli cyber attack.

Last year, a fire broke out at the Natanz underground facility, which the authori-

ties alleged was the result of cyber sabotage.

The latest incident comes as diplomatic efforts to revive a 2015 nuclear deal abandoned by the US under the Trump Administration in 2018 - have resumed.

On Saturday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated new centrifuges at the Natanz site, which is key to the country's uranium enrichment programme, in a ceremony broadcast live on television.

Centrifuges are needed to

produce enriched uranium, which can be used to make reactor fuel - but also material for nuclear weapons.

It represented another breach of the country's undertakings in the 2015 deal, which only permits Iran to produce and store limited quantities of enriched uranium to be used to produce fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.

On Sunday, a spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI), Behrouz

Kamalvandi, said an "incident" had occurred in the morning involving the nuclear facility's power network.

Kamalvandi did not provide further details but told Iran's Fars news agency there had been "no casualties or leaks".

Later state TV read out a statement by AEOI head Ali Akbar Salehi, in which he described the incident as "sabotage" and "nuclear terrorism". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ukraine turns to Turkey as Russia threatens full-scale war

U

krainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Istanbul over the weekend to mark the 10th anniversary of his country’s strategic partnership with Turkey and shore up support from his Black Sea neighbour as tensions escalate with Russia over Ukraine’s simmering war in Donbas.

“Turkey’s support for the restoration of our sovereignty and territorial integrity is extremely important,” Zelenskyy stated in a joint news conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Following a meeting with

Ukraine acquired six Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 in 2018

the Turkish leader, Zelenskyy tweeted, “We share common values with #Turkey, including human life and support.”

While Turkey spars with the United States and other Western European leaders over the purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile system and the conflict in Syria, the aspiring NATO country of Ukraine has devel-

oped strong ties with Ankara.

Saturday’s visit marks the Ukrainian leader’s second trip to Turkey in less than six months.

In 2017, the countries created a passport-free travel zone and they are currently working on the implementation of a free-trade agreement, which leaders say will more than double the lev-

el of bilateral trade between them.

“The drifting away from the West discourse is very popular in European and US capitals. The West doesn’t want to see that there are really problematic areas in Turkish-Russian relations,” Bilgehan Ozturk, an analyst with the SETA Foundation, an Ankara-based think-tank seen as close to the Erdogan government, told Al Jazeera.

Ozturk said Russia’s annexation of Crimea was a game-changer for Ankara’s relations with Moscow and how it viewed the balance of power in the Black Sea. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US army officer sues police over violent traffic stop

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black US army lieutenant has filed a lawsuit against two policemen who pointed their guns and pepper-sprayed him during a traffic stop.

Army Second Lieutenant Caron Nazario is wearing his uniform during the bodycam footage, taken in December in Virginia.

"I'm honestly afraid to get out," he tells the two police officers. "Yeah you should be," an officer says.

Police say he was stopped

for failing to display licence plates but temporary plates are visible in the video.

During the incident, the soldier, who was handcuffed while his car was searched, asked why force was being used against him and was told by a police officer: "Because you're not co-operating." He was later released without charge.

The suit, filed at the US District Court of Norfolk, Virginia, against the two Windsor Police Department

officers, Joe Gutierrez and Daniel Crocker, alleges violations to his constitutional rights, and includes assault, illegal search and illegal detention.

There was no immediate response from the Windsor Police Department.

The lawsuit comes at a time of increased scrutiny over alleged police brutality towards minorities and racial justice.

Lt Nazario, who is Black and Latino, was in uniform and driving with a tempo-

rary paper licence plate on his back window on 5 December, when he was told to pull over in the town of Windsor. He then stopped at a petrol station and kept his hands outside the window, while asking the policemen why he was being stopped.

Attorney Jonathan Arthur, who is representing Lt Nazario in the lawsuit, said that the army officer knew it was vital he kept his hands on show. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

Say what’s on your mind, and finish what you start.

(March 21You can accomplish all you April 19) set out to do as long as you are direct and proactive when it comes to dealing with obstacles.

ARIES

Stop hesitating and start moving. Do your own thing (April 20and step into a leadership May 20) position. Be direct, reliable and efficient, and you will excel. Don’t give in to bullying or pressure.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Check out your options, and GEMINI investigate what you require to (May 21- make a change that will boost June 20) your reputation, status or position. Don’t sell yourself short or let anyone discourage you from following your heart.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Stick to your principles, plans and passion. Refuse to let anyone get in your way or take advantage of your kindness. Keep your expenses down, and be cautious regarding your physical and financial health.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Stop worrying about what others do or think. Embrace the people and the projects that give you the highest returns.

Say what’s on your mind, and be open about the way you feel.

Romance is favored.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Take a moment to organize and strategize. You’ll feel better if you have a solid plan in place. You may desire change, but a hasty move will lead to mistakes and regret.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Stay focused on what is important to you. Nurture relationships, and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Put your energy behind what you envision.

Strive to improve your life.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Keep your emotions controlled, and concentrate on making changes to improve your life. Don’t spend money on items you don’t need or waste energy on people who are taking advantage of you.

Don’t waste time ponderSAGITTARIUS ing over something or some(Nov. 23one. Concentrate on what Dec. 21) you can do to make your life better. Gather information, avoid extravagant people and strive for balance.

Proceed with caution.

CAPRICORN Refrain from getting into a (Dec. 22spat with a friend, colleague Jan. 19) or relative. Keep your opinions and plans to yourself until you have everything in place.

SATURDAY'S WORD - IDENTIFY

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Consider what you enjoy doing most and head in that direction. An optimistic attitude will encourage others to support your plans. Adapt the way you use your skills to suit trends.

You have more options PISCES than you realize. Look over (Feb. 20your credentials and update March 20) your skills, and you’ll find a way to make a lucrative change. Don’t make excuses for yourself or others.

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

21

"He knows the big occasion"

– Sammy would definitely pick "experienced" Gayle for T20 World Cup

Gayle last played for the West Indies in 2021 against Sri Lanka

F

ormer West Indies Captain Daren Sammy insists veteran batsman Chris Gayle would be a sure pick in his squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup as the player’s experience and explosive ability remain invaluable.

The recent decision by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to recall the batsman for the recent series against Sri Lanka was met with criticism in some quarters, with some believing the selectors should have opted for young-

er talent. The player's struggles in the series did little to dispel that notion. Sammy, the two-time T20 World Cup-winning Captain, however, does not agree.

“After watching Chris Gayle play in the Pakistan Super League, the IPL late last year, and looking at his career, I think he should definitely go to the World Cup,” Sammy told Line and Length on SportsMax. “Whether he plays in the final XI is a matter for the guys on tour because you will have Evin (Lewis) and (Lendl) Simmons, but Chris’ experience in India and what he brings to the team, I would have him with me,” he added.

“Chris is a batting leader! He has over 20 hundreds in T20s and the next person after that has eight or nine and his experience cannot be underrated, so I would have him with me. He knows the big occasion and you bet he can still turn it on…. I will go with him,” said Sammy from his home in St Lucia.

Gayle has played 31 T20s for the West Indies and scored two centuries and 13 half-centuries, with an average of 31.24 and a strike rate of 140.81. At the last World Cup, he scored an unbeaten 100 in the first match against England, but ended the series with 113 runs from four innings.

South Essequibo Cricket Committee elects executive committee

The South Essequibo Cricket Committee

T

he South Essequibo Cricket Committee (SECC) representatives of 10 clubs on Thursday cast their votes to elect its executive committee, with the aim of promoting and controlling cricket in South Essequibo.

The much-anticipated election resulted in an 11-member executive committee, with Fezal Mohammed emerging as the Chairman. Mohammed will lead the committee that includes Vice Chairman Hemraj Doobay; Secretary Rayon DeCosta; Treasurer Sherkhan Khan; Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Andy E Ramnarine; Public

Chris Gayle and Daren Sammy

Sammy, who was at the helm when the team won the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, in 2012, versus the hosts, and in 2016 against England, thinks that the West Indies can win again if they improve their bowling attack.

“We have the batting firepower, but we are missing two x-factor bowlers. Fidel is

Real Madrid top table after Clasico win R

eal Madrid moved top of La Liga with victory over Barcelona in an El Clasico played in torrential rain at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.

Karim Benzema broke the deadlock with a sublime near-post flick – his ninth goal in his last seven La Liga games.

Real doubled their lead before half-time through Toni Kroos' deflected freekick.

Oscar Mingueza pulled one back for Barca before Madrid's Casemiro was shown a late red card.

Barca midfielder Ilaix Moriba's well-struck shot came back off the crossbar in stoppage time as the hosts held on.

The result takes Real above city rivals Atletico Madrid because of their superior head-to-head record.

Atletico, who led La Liga by 10 points as recently as January 31, can reclaim top spot with victory at Real Betis on Sunday.

Real survive tense finale

Relations Officer Otis Roberts; Competition Chairman Timor Mohammed; Chairman of Selectors, Royan Fredricks and Committee Members Daniel Stoll, Vishnu Persaud, and Isaiah Latchman.

The committee remains dedicated to serving members of the Clubs in the South Essequibo district. The SECC would also like to thank all its supporters and well-wishers for their abundant support as it strives to keep the game alive during such a difficult time of change for sports in our nation and across the globe.

back and brings some pace, but I think our best chance will be chasing totals. We don’t have that Sunil Narine type of bowler and, to be honest, that’s the missing link. We can win, but we need a couple of bowlers to put pressure on for eight overs,” explained Sammy. (Sportsmax)

Manager Zinedine Zidane's "every game is a final" mantra has served Real well in recent weeks – they had dropped only four points in their previous nine La Liga outings going into Saturday's crucial game. Benzema's goals have been key in helping them cut the gap to rivals Atletico at the top of the

table, and the Frenchman produced another exquisite finish to give Zidane's side an early lead.

The 33-year-old was first to Lucas Vazquez's low cross towards the near post, squeezing a backheeled flick past Marc-Andre ter Stegen for his 25th goal in 35 appearances this season.

Barcelona, who had revived their own title aspirations with 16 wins and three draws from their previous 19 La Liga fixtures, dominated possession, but fell further behind when Kroos' free-kick took a deflection off Sergino Dest on its way past ter Stegen. Federico Valverde could have made it 3-0 before half-time, but his fierce drive across goal came back off the inside of the far post.

Barcelona Coach Ronald Koeman switched from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 formation in the second half and the move paid off 15 minutes

after the restart, Mingueza turning Jordi Alba's cross past Thibaut Courtois to set up a tense finish.

Vinicius Junior was denied by the post as Real threatened to restore their two-goal advantage, before Lionel Messi –- who had rattled the woodwork in the first half with an inswinging corner –- struck the wall from a free-kick on the edge of the box.

Barcelona had a penalty appeal turned down when Martin Braithwaite went to ground under Ferland Mendy's challenge, before a late tackle on Mingueza earned Casemiro a second yellow card. The visitors almost snatched a draw in second-half stoppage time when Moriba thumped a loose ball against Courtois' crossbar, but Real held on to record three consecutive El Clasico wins for the first time since 1978. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

KKR cruise to 10-run win over SRH him at point. However, in the next over, Krishna produced a beauty angling across Warner, getting the edge through to Karthik. With the left-hand batsman gone, the Knight Riders switched immediately to the left-arm spin of Shakib Al Hasan with immediate results, getting rid of Wriddhiman Saha first ball of the third over. The Sunrisers were 10 for 2 in the third over.

Rahul Tripathi congratulates Nitish Rana after the latter reached his fif

T

he Kolkata Knight Riders managed the first successful defence in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) despite a blip towards the end of their innings. They managed just 42 in their last five overs, but the 145 for 1 in the first 15 proved to be good enough on a dry pitch, which their bowlers exploited.

Eighty-or-nothing Nitish Rana had that eighty night on a track that did not support his weakness: short and fast bowling. The selfless Rahul Tripathi scored an attacking fifty despite not batting at the position suited to him, opening the batting.

Defending about 20 fewer than what they looked good for, the Knight Riders' fast bowlers produced the big wickets and their spinners stifled the Sunrisers Hyderabad batsmen to seal the game. After Prasidh Krishna got David Warner early, Jonny Bairstow revived the Sunrisers’ chase with a 40-ball 55, but Pat Cummins got him out in the 13th over to leave Manish Pandey with a tall task of getting 86 off the last seven. Pandey could not despite an Abdul Samad cameo at the end.

Manish Pandey (Photos: IPL/BCCI)

Sunrisers err, Rana cashes in Dry pitches are what Sunrisers have built their successful model on.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Sandeep Sharma remain accurate before Rashid Khan drives home the advantage, but on this occasion both Kumar and Sharma got off to an error-filled start. While Shubman Gill's struggle to bat at T20 pace continued from 2020, Rana made full use of the width provided by both the new-ball bowlers. By the time Gill was out despite seemingly having picked a Khan wrong'un, the Knight Riders still had 53 on the board in seven overs.

As is often the case, Tripathi came out oozing intent. The second ball he faced, he went against the turn to hit Mohammad Nabi for a six over long-off. While Khan kept things quiet at his end, Rana and Tripathi kept attacking the others. They batted together for eight overs; only one of them did not feature a boundary, and two of them went for more than one. At 145 for 1 in 15 overs, with Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, and Eoin Morgan still in the shed, the Knight Riders looked set to bat the Sunrisers out of the game.

Sunrisers fight back In the 16th over, Tripathi fell trying to hit his third six of the night, but it seemed like the perfect time for Russell to walk in. He announced himself with a four first ball, but Khan got him out in his customary one over at the death.

The slowness of the pitch proved difficult for the batsmen coming in, with both Rana and M o rga n falling to the offspin of Nabi in the 18th over.

Karthik, though, arrested the slide with a nine-ball 22 to give the Knight Riders 28 more than what Mumbai Indians came close to defending in the first match in Chennai.

Prasidh dents the chase Harbhajan Singh, playing his first IPL match since the 2019 final, almost had Warner the first ball he bowled to him, but Cummins dropped

Bairstow keeps Sunrisers alive With Pandey playing more of an anchor role in the chase, it was down to Bairstow to prevent the batting being choked out by the Knight Riders' spinners; Singh, Shakib, and Varun Chakravarthy. He brought up his 50 in 32 balls, taking the Sunrisers to 100 for 2 at the end of the 12th over. Pandey was 34 off 27 at the other end.

Cummins starts the final slide Morgan went to his strike bowler in the 13th, and while the ball to get Bairstow was not flash, sometimes the short and wide ball does it just fine in T20s. Three metres either side of the man at backward point, and Bairstow would have got four more, but he found the man to perfection.

The squeeze was on after that, and in Cummins, Chakravarthy, Shakib, and Krishna, the Knight Riders had too much quality at the end for a suspect Sunrisers middle order. (ESPNcricinfo)

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SCOREBOARD KKR INNINGS Nitish Rana c Shankar b Mohammad Nabi Shubman Gill b Rashid Khan Rahul Tripathi c †Saha b Natarajan Andre Russell c Pandey b Rashid Khan Eoin Morgan (c) c Abdul Samad b Mohammad Nabi Dinesh Karthik †not out Shakib Al Hasan c Abdul Samad b Kumar

80 15 53 5 2 22 3

Extras (w 7) 7 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.35) 187/6 Did not bat: Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Shubman Gill, 6.6 ov), 2-146 (Rahul Tripathi, 15.2 ov), 3-157 (Andre Russell, 16.2 ov), 4-160 (Nitish Rana, 17.3 ov), 5-160 (Eoin Morgan, 17.4 ov), 6-187 (Shakib Al Hasan, 19.6 ov) BOWLING Bhuvneshwar Kumar Sandeep Sharma T Natarajan Mohammad Nabi Rashid Khan Vijay Shankar

4-0-45-1 3-0-35-0 4-0-37-1 4-0-32-2 4-0-24-2 1-0-14-0

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD INNINGS (TARGET: 188 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Wriddhiman Saha† b Shakib Al Hasan David Warner (c) c †Karthik b Prasidh Krishna Manish Pandey not out Jonny Bairstow c Rana b Cummins Mohammad Nabi c Morgan b Prasidh Krishna Vijay Shankar c Morgan b Russell Abdul Samad not out

7 3 61 55 14 11 19

Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 5) 7 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.85) 177/5 Did not bat: Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan Fall of wickets: 1-10 (David Warner, 1.3 ov), 2-10 (Wriddhiman Saha, 2.1 ov), 3-102 (Jonny Bairstow, 12.6 ov), 4-131 (Mohammad Nabi, 15.6 ov), 5-150 (Vijay Shankar, 17.6 ov) BOWLING Harbhajan Singh Prasidh Krishna Shakib Al Hasan Pat Cummins Andre Russell Varun Chakravarthy

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

NOW!

1-0-8-0 4-0-35-2 4-0-34-1 4-0-30-1 3-0-32-1 4-0-36-0

MS Dhoni fined for slow overrate against Delhi Capitals A fter the loss to Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings Captain, had another reason to be disappointed as he was fined 12 lakhs (approximately US$16,000) for his team maintaining a slow over-rate.

"As it was his team's first offence of the season under the IPL's

Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr Dhoni was fined Rs 12 lakh," stated an IPL media release.

CSK ended up with 188 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, but slipped to a loss after Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw essayed quickfire fifties to help DC chase down the target for the loss of only three wickets and in the penultimate over of the innings. (cricbuzz)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

23

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

"If you don't have mystery, you will be history"— Badree urges regional spinners to spin Akeal Hosein

By Brandon Corlette

A

Samuel Badree

recent trend among spinners has evolved in the Region. They prefer to bowl `0 overs for 35 runs by bowling flat and quick. The art of spinning the ball and flighting is slowly dying.

Former West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree believes that the spinners in the Caribbean have poor tech-

nique and are too defensive.

The Trinidadian is calling for spinners to spin the ball and for regional franchises to play attacking spinners.

"When you look at the records, you see someone like Permaul get a bag of wickets every season and then at the international level it is a bit different. What I want to see is spinners try to spin the ball and have different weapons as a spin bowler. You also have other weapons like drift, dip flight and bounce. If as a spinner you have two of these weapons, you can be very effective.

"If you only have one weapon (pace), you will be ineffective. You might be able to get away in the First Class, but when you reach the international level, you might have a rude awakening," the former number one ranked T20 bowler said on a recent Sean Devers radio programme.

The 40-year-old Badree, who is now a commentator, said in his playing days, he was able to get away with not spinning the ball, but now, the game has evolved and spinners must be attacking and spin the ball. "The game has evolved. When I played, I was able to get away with not spinning as much, but things have changed. You cannot be an interSunil national player Narine and not turn the

ball."

"Someone like Kevin Sinclair who is in the infancy of his career have to develop something that is a bit different. If you don't have mystery, you will be history. If you like a Mujeeb and Sunil Narine, the only traditional off-spinner that has survived in T20 is Mohammed Nabi, who has that guile, flights and varies his pace.

Sinclair will have to be versatile and be able to bowl at different stages of the innings," Badree explained.

With reference to the Regional Super50, Badree described that tournament as 'boring’. He noted that bowlers were not trying to spin the ball in the Regional Super50.

"Our regional teams do not select attacking bowlers. We would select a bowler who will bowl for 35 runs in 10 overs as to a wrist-spinner who will bowl 10 overs and give you three or four wickets. Our technique as spinners is poor and we won't spin the ball," Badree said.

In Badree's 52 T20 Internationals, he picked up 56 wickets with best bowling figures of 4-15. He finished his career with an impressive economy rate of 6.17 and a bowling average of 21.07. Only Daniel Vettori and Sunil Narine have better economy rates than Badree in T20 Internationals.

Kevin Sinclair

Skerritt, Shallow elected unopposed as President and Vice President — Singh, Foster officially appointed as Member Directors to CWI

R

Dr Kishore Shallow

Hilbert Foster

Bissoondya Singh Snr

icky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow have been re-elected unopposed to the posts of President and Vice President respectively, of Cricket West Indies (CWI). They will serve a second two-year term.

The re-election process was conducted as one of the key items on the agenda of the 22nd Annual General Meeting of CWI, on Sunday, April 11, 2021.

Skerritt said: “I am humbled and deeply honoured to be reelected to serve as CWI President for a second term. I take the responsibility to lead the Board of this prestigious organisation, most seriously. We have much unfinished work to do, and we renew our pledge to work untiringly to help achieve sustainable

improvement, both on and off the field, for West Indies cricket.”

Dr Shallow said: “I am again grateful for the continued support of the member representatives for Ricky and myself. This re-election is a victory for West Indies cricket as we continue on the path of growing the game across the Region, and achieving good outcomes on all fronts and at all levels.”

In addition to the election for President and Vice President, the following persons were duly elected as Member Directors of CWI: Conde Riley – Barbados Cricket Association Calvin Hope – Barbados Cricket Association Bissoondyal Singh – Guyana Cricket Board

Hilbert Foster – Guyana Cricket Board Wilford Heaven – Jamaica Cricket Association Dr Donovan Bennett – Jamaica Cricket Association Enoch Lewis – Leeward Islands Cricket Board Leon Rodney – Leeward Islands Cricket Board Azim Bassarath – Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Arjoon Ramlal – Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Julian Charles – Windward Islands Cricket Board Dwain Gill – Windward Islands Cricket Board As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting took place virtually via video conference. All of the Territorial Board Member Associations were fully represented. (CWI)

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

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

Real Madrid top table after Clasico win

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Page 21

KKR cruise to 10-run win over SRH Page 21

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"He knows the Skerritt, Shallow elected unopposed big occasion" as President and Vice President

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