Guyana Times -- Saturday, April 30, 2022

$100M earmarked for upgrades to Region 7 P health centres 14

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4994

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

GECOM must adopt transparent process for removal of dead persons’ names from voters’ list – Govt Page 3

Gas to Shore project

Request for Proposal to be out by May monthend – Jagdeo

Barbados bestows Guyana with Humanitarian Plaque for COVID-19 assistance Page 16

Page 9

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Duo found in hotel parking lot

P10

Substance found in car with dead men confirmed as cyanide

Getting guns, drugs off streets is priority – ECD Commander P15 EU helping Guyana clamp down on illicit trafficking of P11 goods No adverse P15 reports after 1st week of full reopening of school – Health Minister …8 new cases recorded

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday received the Humanitarian Plaque which was awarded to Guyana on behalf of the Government of Barbados for assistance in the fight against COVID-19.

In photo, President Ali receives the Humanitarian Plaque from acting Consul General of Guyana in Barbados, Geneva Tyndall, who received the award on behalf of Guyana at the Kensington Oval on Heroes Day (OP photo)

Husband confesses to killing wife, burying body Page 2 in shallow grave

Chief Magistrate recuses self from Winston Jordan’s …tells Police he wrapped wife in bedsheet before digging grave misconduct case Govt removes VAT on cement with immediate effect Page 13

See story on page 7

…expects consumers to benefit from price change

Body of missing miner found in shallow grave …man confesses to sodomising, killing man

P14

East Coast Division battling noise nuisance offences – P11 Regional Commander …says official report needed for prosecution

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Husband confesses to killing wife, burying body in shallow grave …tells Police he wrapped wife in bedsheet before digging grave

Murdered: Waynmattie “Datalin” Permaul

T

he decomposed body of Berbice mother was in the wee hours of Friday found in a shallow grave more than one week after her disappearance.

Dead is 53-year-old Waynmattie Permaul also called “Datalin”, a mother

2022.

As such, an investigation was launched during which bloodstains were found at the home of the murdered woman. Her ex-husband was immediately arrested and interrogated during which he revealed that he and the woman have been separated for about two years now.

Following the separation, the suspect moved to the upper flat of the home while his wife remained in the lower flat. The suspect further stated that on April 21, 2022, between 18:00h and 18:30h, he was in the yard in close proximity to the woman’s bedroom and overheard her speaking on her mobile phone to a male.

He told detectives that he immediately confronted the woman in the bedroom and an argument broke out between them. This led to a scuffle during which he cuffed her about her body and choked her neck.

business. Nevertheless, after interrogation, the businessman took homicide detectives to the area where he buried the woman’s body where the gruesome discovery was made.

At the scene on Friday, family members were reluctant to provide information to the media but related that after they did not see the woman for several days, they were of the belief that she had gone to a relative’s home to “cool her head”.

The relatives disclosed that whenever the couple had their arguments – which was frequently – she would leave the home and return after a few days.

According to one neighbour, at about 22:00h on Thursday, a group of Police officers went into the vacant plot of land and were searching but she did not pay any mind.

The woman stated that the team returned to the area at about 1:30h on

The area where the woman’s corpse was buried

my fence and take her and put her in the hearse and I see they putting him back in the Police car.”

The neighbour referred to the dead woman as being very friendly but the suspect did not speak much to people in the area. Another

Murdered: Babita Sarjou The house in which the woman was murdered

of three of Kilcoy Chesney, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The woman’s husband, Avemanen Permaul, was arrested after he confessed to murdering and burying the woman’s body in an empty plot of land opposite the couple’s home.

Preliminary investigations by detectives revealed that the couple’s son, cricketer Versammy Permaul, turned up at the Police station on Thursday and reported that his mother and father were not on speaking terms and that his mother was last seen on April 21,

Soon after, he stated that he saw blood on her body and she fell to the floor and remained motionless.

The suspect, instead of calling out for assistance, wrapped the woman’s body in a bedsheet, left her on the floor, and went into the empty lot which is about 100 yards opposite his home where he dug a hole.

He later returned to the house and dragged the woman’s body to the empty lot and dumped it in the hole. He then covered it with dirt.

After committing the act, he went back to his home and went about his normal

Friday. This time, she added, there were more Police officers.

“I see they go so and they shining light on one spot… they were there for about one hour and then I hear one of the detectives say, “look the woman body there”. Is then I realise that it for real that he killed she”, the neighbour added.

According to her, there was no unusual smell coming from the vacant plot of land which is located next to her home.

“Is only when they pass with the body this morning, I smell something because they pass with her right by

neighbour related that the now dead woman would take her afternoon walks around the village as a form of exercise.

“She would always raise her hand and say hi to you but he don’t say anything to anyone unless you say hello to him first then he would say hello to you but it is a very quiet couple,” she said.

Once completed, the investigative file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

In November 2010, Babita Sarjou had left her mother’s Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) residence to meet her estranged husband and son – who was

four years old at that time – to view the annual Diwali motorcade at the Kitty Seawall, Georgetown.

She was never seen again and despite repeated telephone calls to both of Sarjou’s cellular phones on that night and after, every attempt to contact her proved futile.

A report was made at the Timehri Police Station, EBD, and then another at the Kitty Police Station about the woman’s disappearance.

Shortly before the woman’s disappearance, she had filed a harassment case against her husband, Sharadanand Narine, called “Anand”, but the case was later dismissed.

Narine was accused of pasting numerous copies of a nude photo of her on the walls and fence of her workplace at BK International, Soesdyke, EBD. However, six years later, Darell Punton, called “Yankee” confessed to helping Narine murder Sarjou and burying her body in the backyard of Narine’s Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown property.

The accomplice allegedly took investigators to where the skeletal remains were buried and upon unearthing the bones, Police ranks arrested the duo for the crime.

Then in May 2019, the burnt remains of 37-yearold Zaila Sugrim were discovered in a shallow grave behind her estranged husband’s home at Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

She was last seen at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling when she entered the motor car of her estranged husband. After several days had elapsed, relatives became suspicious and contacted the Police.

Several Police officers

Murdered: Zaila Sugrim

visited the husband’s home but he was uncooperative; however, he held out that he had not seen the woman.

After realising that something was amiss, the suspect’s children reportedly reviewed CCTV footage but a certain time period was deleted. The husband was arrested and during interrogation, he finally broke down and confessed that he had killed his estranged wife and led Police to the back of the yard where he buried the body.

All her personal belongings which included her purse, shoes, jewellery and other items were found in the shallow grave.

NEWS

3

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Apr 30 – 02:30h – 04:00h and Sunday, May 1 – 03:30h – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Apr 30 – 16:30h – 18:00h and Sunday, May 1 – 17:05h – 18:35h.

GECOM must adopt transparent process for removal of dead persons’ names from Voters’ List – Govt

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 16:27h reaching a maximum height of 2.65 metres.

Low Tide: 10:02h and 22:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.48 metre and 0.59 metre.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

07 08 11

20 24 27

FREE TICKET

15 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

11 15 16 21 24 2

LUCKY 3

5

0

8

3

Afternoon Draw

4

9

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

05 06 08 12 14 15 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

02 04 09 11 14 13

08 13 14 16 19

7

2 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

1

8 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$109.34/barrel

+1.60

Rough Rice

$314.64/ton

+4.20

London Sugar

$528.80/ton

+0.25

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1896.70

$1897.70

Low/High Change

$1894.30 0.00

$1921.40 0.00%

I

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

n light of concerns over the bloated Voters’ List, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is looking to put in place laws that would allow the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to transparently remove the names of dead persons from the list.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference on Friday. He said Government wants the law to be very explicit as it relates to the removal of dead persons – something which GECOM has the constitutional right to do.

In fact, the Vice President proposed a methodology that would see these changes to the list being done on a large scale starting with the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) obtaining a list of all the dead people for every year as well as historically. These names, he noted, must be shared publicly before they are removed from the Voters’ List.

“We want to make the process transparent. So, GECOM should do that on a large scale but by law, they must share the list with all the political parties and publicise the list of dead people in the newspapers.

We want to put that into the law. So, every time they remove dead people, they must share this with all the parties in Guyana and publish it in the newspapers not just do it in GECOM on their own,” Jagdeo stated.

Back in August 2019, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George had ruled that GECOM cannot deregister persons from the National Register of Registrants (NRR) – from which the Voters’ List is compiled – unless they are dead or otherwise disqualified under Article 159 (2), (3) and (4) of the Constitution.

Proposed changes to RoPA

Meanwhile, in an effort to prevent the recurrence of the historic March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections that resulted in a five-month political impasse caused by blatant rigging attempts, the PPP/C Government last November released a host of proposed changes to Representation of the People Act (RoPA) for

public consultation before the document is finalised and taken to the National Assembly.

It had indicated that it wanted to have the widest possible engagement with stakeholders including the various political parties on the proposed amendments to RoPA. But according to VP Jagdeo, in the more than three months that the draft Bill has been out, majority of the comments and feedback came from GECOM itself and a group called Electoral Reform Group.

“So, I’ve asked Minister [of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail] Teixeira and [Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil] Nandlall, and a team, to meet with both groups formally on the legislation. We’ve gone through all of the other comments that we’ve received. The final draft will be ready once they’ve completed that, and we’ll table it in the Parliament,” Jagdeo said on Friday.

The Vice President pointed out that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition has been making public statements about electoral reforms but did not use the opportunity during those three months to submit their feedback on the proposed changes.

“But they chose not to.

We hope in Parliament, they will participate [when the

RoPA amendments are tabled],” he posited.

Tougher penalties

An overhaul of the country’s electoral laws can see the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Elections Commission facing as much as life imprisonment for committing fraud, while others can similarly face hefty fines and jail time for any related offence.

The draft updated electoral laws also outline a clear process for the request of a recount, including empowering the Chairman of GECOM to grant that request.

Under the proposed laws, the CEO must immediately post the District Tabulation Forms on the Commission’s website as soon as he receives them from the Returning Officers.

Other persons involved in the electoral process can face fines as high as $10

million, and can equally be jailed for life if they breach any provision as outlined in the proposed updated Act. The immediate former CEO of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield; his Deputy Roxanne Myers, and the Returning Officer for Region Four at the last polls, Clairmont Mingo, were terminated last August for their role in efforts to derail democracy at the 2020 elections. The trio is also currently before the court on a raft of electoral fraud-related charges.

While the firing of these three senior officials and a general overhaul at the Elections Secretariat were met with much satisfaction by stakeholders, it is widely agreed that much more needs to be done to restore public confidence in GECOM especially as it gears up to hold Local Government Elections (LGE) later this year.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

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

Plethora of noise nuisance complaints

O

ver time in the media, there has been a plethora of complaints from persons in various parts of the country pertaining to noise nuisance. In every instance, the frustration of those affected was very evident, and one common gripe was the perceived lack of action by the authorities to fully address the situation. The sources of the audio bombardment include from what seems ubiquitous limes and other entertainment shows, neighbours, bars and vehicles.

In every scenario, people are subjected to brutal and sustained assaults by high- decibel sounds which often last throughout the night. The harsh reality is that everyone within the affected zone, including children, the elderly and the sick, is rendered helpless and deprived of sleep. That in itself brings or exacerbates related health consequences, as people feel a profound sense of lassitude, since their energy has been sapped.

Some complaints detailed the horrible effects especially on babies. A toll is eventually taken, and in turn productivity and studies are affected for those who work and attend institutions of learning respectively. Unfortunately, this is ongoing across the country, and gauging from what is in the public domain, it appears that not much has been achieved by law enforcement to curb this menace.

Regional Commander for Division 4 ‘C’, Superintendent Khali Pareshram, has said that statistics show an increase in complaints of noise nuisance on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor. The commander said that while ranks on the ECD are attempting to act on every report, their biggest challenge is that persons are not officially making reports.

Thus, prosecution chances are low. This came on the heels of concerns that have been raised by residents, who continue to report problems of noise nuisances in their areas.

Of course, some reports are responded to and action is taken, but clearly it does not present a deterrent to those who continue to make others uncomfortable. It begs the question of whether they really understand the impact noise has on people. Further, this may be an impetus for the authorities to relook at not just the criteria for granting permission for bar-b-ques and entertainment shows, but for the proximity of residents to be taken as a primary consideration.

Barring national events, weddings, and other necessary infrequent events to some extent, the wellbeing of people must be foremost. It is understood that there is a requirement for the Police, as one of the approving authorities, to get the consent of residents before granting approval for events in question. This is clearly an area on which the public can be advised as to whether it is being done in a sustained and thorough manner. Based upon the documented complaints, it doesn’t appear so.

Also, there have been allegations of either collusion or the deliberate turning of a blind eye to people’s plight. Bars, including some in parts of the city, blast music unfettered throughout the night, especially on weekends. Reports are that calls for relief go unheeded, allegedly for reasons relating to benefits.

The growing phenomenon of parked vehicles belting loud music is also having the same effect. Similarly, what occurs in some minibuses need no explanation.

For the schoolchildren, this not only poses a health issue, but has a profound influence on their minds and actions. A useful research would be to explore the correlation between the exposure to this type of music and violence and other unsavoury actions in schools by some students. In many ways, this can be deemed as a form of mind-conditioning of the younger ones, and it can have serious social consequences. It may also be useful to explore if there is a correlation between this and poor academic grades.

While the findings of the research, if conducted, would be extremely useful, there first has to be a firmer acceptance by the authorities of the serious problem and related consequences of loud music, which is a form of pollution.

There is no doubt that the Police are challenged for resources if their priority is combating crime. That said, there has to be a commitment to find a way of making noise nuisance a priority, thereby paving the way for it to be dealt with in a sustained manner.

Special Education Needs Unit (SEN) of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) hosted an Acceptance Outreach at NCERD in Kingston, Georgetown to bring the curtains down on Autism Awareness Month 2022. In photo, a teacher plays a game with some students (Education Ministry photo)

Beyond the teens: health for young adults

By Dr Asha Pemberton

Y

oung adulthood – ages approximately 18 to 26 – is a critical but often ignored time in life from perspectives of health care and parenting.

Now legally able to make their own decisions and operate more independently, it is often forgotten that what happens during these years has profound and long-lasting implications for young adults and for the next generation. In order to secure our nation’s prosperity, productivity, safety and wellbeing, we must produce healthy, engaged and invested young people.

Although young adults are resilient and adaptable, data consistently demonstrated that the behaviour and choices of this population tend to be surprisingly unhealthy. While the transition into adulthood highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one’s health, the dominant pattern among many young adults is worsening health.

Newfound freedoms and social abilities tend to dominate, and less attention is paid to wellbeing. This holds true even for young adults who had been diagnosed with chronic illnesses in childhood. As adolescents age into their early twenties and beyond, they are less likely to eat breakfast, exercise, and get reg-

ular physical and dental checks, and more likely to eat fast food, contract sexually-transmitted diseases, smoke cigarettes, use marijuana and other drugs, and binge drink. They also are at higher risk of motor vehicle crashes, suicides, and violent behaviours.

Unfortunately, too little attention has been paid to young adults’ specific health needs, and the transitions they face in all aspects of their lives. This is true for both of our islands.

Mental health among young adults is an area of grave concern. Early adulthood is a time of heightened psychological vulnerability, and onset of serious mental health disorders is a problem compounded by failure to recognise illness or to seek treatment. In addition, our services are not particularly tailored to adolescents or young adults,

which again reduces the likelihood that they are accessed.

Young adulthood provides an important opportunity for prevention that is sadly often missed.

Serious illnesses and disorders can be avoided or managed better if young adults are engaged in wellness practices and are screened for early signs of untreated illness. Specific strategies should be developed to reach young people in their spaces, and engage them with preventive counselling on important issues relevant to their lives. These include smoking, alcohol use, sexual and reproductive health, violence prevention. At this time, no such package of services consistently exists, and in addition, parents often fail to recognise their important role in continuing to guide and im-

part wisdom on their now adult children.

Improving behavioural, physical, and emotional health for young adults would improve their safety and well-being, as well as their educational and employment outcomes. Our nation needs an active, agile and skilled workforce to compete globally. To the parents of young adult children, while your approaches and communication techniques will change, your youths still require your guidance. Encourage them to take charge of their health. Support them in making consistent and sustainable changes in any high-risk behaviours.

Overall, let us recognise the power of our young adult population and facilitate their independence while continuing to advocate for their holistic wellbeing. (T&T NewsDay)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

5

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

Sad state of how drivers use the roadways in Guyana Dear Editor, Driving in Guyana stinks to the high heavens, and I begin by making that sweeping statement about the conduct of some of our drivers on the roads. There is no question in my mind, and I am sure it is the view of countless others, that this is exactly so.

You cannot tell me that a driver who flippantly disregards a pedestrian crossing or a zebra crossing and strikes a pedestrian down can still be driving, yet this is the sad state of affairs in a place called Guyana. In my scheme of things, that would be his last day on the road.

As someone rightly said, in Guyana, when you hear the sound of a vehicle - pedestrian on crossing or not - you better get out of the way! Only in Guyana can someone be killed in cold blood and nothing is done about it. It is called vehic-

ular homicide, and this is the sad state of our roads in Guyana; they have become veritable death traps.

In the point raised above, driving instructors instruct the student-driver that when you see a person at a pedestrian crossing, you stop and allow that person to cross. However, in the context of what is going on in Guyana, if you see a pedestrian at a crossing, it is time to rev up your engine and warn the pedestrian to get out of the way, or else!

Now, this brings into focus some very important factors; namely, (a) Some of the drivers on our roads are not certified road users, meaning: some of our drivers are not qualified to be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Or if they are registered as certified, certification was not legally obtained. And this has been a bugbear in our society

Saturday, April 30, 2022

02:00 03:30 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:30 13:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 22:00 00:00

Movie - As Gouda as it Gets (2021) Movie - You May Kiss the Bridesmaid (2021) TVG's Ramadan Special Inspirational Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering Movie - Thunder and the House of Magic (2013) Indian Movie - Kya Kehna (2000) Movie - Lady and the Tramp (2019) Movie - The Tiger Rising (2022) Payless Power Hour Evangelistic Hour Hepzibah The Evening News Wheel of Fortune Movie - Sanctuary (2001) Movie - Malignant (2021) Movie - The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018)

for some time now: persons who are not qualified to use our roads. This matter has to be addressed as a matter of urgency. (b) Secondly, there should be penalties or consequences that must be administered to those who misuse our driving codes.

In many instances, it is not just a fine, but the total revocation of their licences to drive. Period! End of discussion! The users of our roads, both drivers and pedestrians, ought to feel safe when using our roads. (c) The Police need to do their work. Now, on this point, I will touch on the general sentiment held by most of us, that the Police take bribes, and are not

doing their jobs properly.

While I am in agreement with such sentiments, you must also be cognisant of the fact that when those same persons have broken the law, they "praise" the law officers for letting them off the hook. So, my question is: Who or what should be the Police's role in all of this? And it comes back to my point: the Police need to carry out their function without fear or favour, irrespective of who the persons are. That is the only way we would bring back sanity to our roads.

Government is presently upgrading our roads, as well as building newer, wider, and bigger highways. If the present law-

lessness continues, then these new thoroughfares would become killing fields of the future. This cannot be allowed. We cannot continue like this!

So, I call on the Ministry so designated to carefully look into this topic of nation-building. I say nation-building because, as

our country develops, investors and locals alike must feel safe when traversing our roadways.

Accidents and other road infarctions are deterrents to nation-building. Let us stop the madness now!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

6

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄ Materials:

8-ounce screw-top plastic container or mason jar 1/2 cup of whipping cream 1/4 teaspoon of salt (optional) Spoon

Instructions:

Pour whipping cream into the screw-top plastic container. (make sure not to fill more than halfway) Add Salt.

Make sure you screw the top on tight. Shake for 7-9 minutes or until the cream stops sloshing around and you are left with a yellow blob.

Shake for a few seconds longer.

Congratulations! You have pure butter. Now you can serve it!

How it works:

As you churn whipped cream, you beat droplets of butterfat until they collapse and rejoin to form a single blob of butter. This is an example of emulsion, where one liquid hangs suspended in another.

Extra experiments:

If you add a squeaky-clean silver coin in with the cream, is it easier to tell when the butter is done?

What if you only shake for 4 minutes? What does the substance

ARIEL

23.82

2.382

All hail, great master! grave sir, hail! I come To answer thy best pleasure; be't to fly, To swim, to dive into the fire, to ride On the curl'd clouds, to thy strong bidding task Ariel and all his quality.

PROSPERO Hast thou, spirit, Perform'd to point the tempest that I bade thee?

ARIEL To every article.

I boarded the king's ship; now on the beak, Now in the waist, the deck, in every cabin, I flamed amazement: sometime I'ld divide, And burn in many places; on the topmast, The yards and bowsprit, would I flame distinctly, Then meet and join. Jove's lightnings, the precursors O' the dreadful thunderclaps, more momentary And sight-outrunning were not; the fire and cracks Of sulphurous roaring the most mighty Neptune Seem to besiege and make his bold waves tremble, Yea, his dread trident shake.

PROSPERO My brave spirit!

Who was so firm, so constant, that this coil Would not infect his reason?

ARIEL Not a soul But felt a fever of the mad and play'd Some tricks of desperation.

All but mariners

seem to turn into?

Could you add flavouring?

Vanilla extract? Chocolate syrup?

Honey? Cinnamon Sugar?

Learn about how temperature affects state of matter (solids, liquids and gases). Try cooling the butter, try heating the butter. Can you make it change states of matter by adding or taking away heat? (sciencefun.org)

Plunged in the foaming brine and quit the vessel, Then all afire with me: the king's son, Ferdinand, With hair up-staring,-then like reeds, not hair,-Was the first man that leap'd; cried, 'Hell is empty And all the devils are here.'

PROSPERO Why that's my spirit!

But was not this nigh shore?

ARIEL Close by, my master.

PROSPERO But are they, Ariel, safe?

ARIEL Not a hair perish'd; On their sustaining garments not a blemish, But fresher than before: and, as thou badest me, In troops I have dispersed them 'bout the isle.

The king's son have I landed by himself; Whom I left cooling of the air with sighs In an odd angle of the isle and sitting, His arms in this sad knot.

PROSPERO Of the king's ship The mariners say how thou hast disposed And all the rest o' the fleet.

ARIEL Safely in harbour Is the king's ship; in the deep nook, where once Thou call'dst me up at midnight to fetch dew From the still-vex'd Bermoothes, there she's hid: The mariners all under hatches stow'd; Who, with a charm join'd

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing” – George Bernard Shaw

to their suffer'd labour, I have left asleep; and for the rest o' the fleet Which I dispersed, they all have met again And are upon the Mediterranean flote, Bound sadly home for Naples, Supposing that they saw the king's ship wreck'd And his great person perish.

PROSPERO Ariel, thy charge Exactly is perform'd: but there's more work.

What is the time o' the day?

ARIEL Past the mid season.

PROSPERO At least two glasses. The time 'twixt six and now Must by us both be spent most preciously.

ARIEL Is there more toil? Since thou dost give me pains, Let me remember thee what thou hast promised, Which is not yet perform'd me.

PROSPERO How now? moody?

What is't thou canst demand?

ARIEL My liberty.

PROSPERO Before the time be out? no more!

ARIEL I prithee, Remember I have done thee worthy service; Told thee no lies, made thee no mistakings, served Without or grudge or grumblings: thou didst promise To bate me a full year.

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NIS earned $3.3B from $2.5B investment in Berbice Bridge – Jagdeo …says APNU/AFC MP’s claims of failure a fallacy

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday said that the National Insurance Scheme’s investment in the Berbice Bridge Company was the best use of its funds since NIS has already earned some $3.3 billion so far from its $2.5 billion investment and will continue to rake in billions more.

He was at the time dispelling claims made by Opposition Member of Parliament Volda Lawrence, who said NIS was destroyed under the Jagdeo presidency after it was made to invest in the Berbice Bridge and other projects.

But according to the Vice President, NIS has already received return payments for more than half of its investment along with nearly $1 billion in interest thus far from the Berbice Bridge Company.

“They invested about $2.59 billion in total; how much money did they receive back from the bridge?

They receive $2 billion in interest and payment for their preference shares, and about $1.3 billion in principle repayment. So, so far, they have received $3.3 million from a $2.5 billion investment,” he posited.

Jagdeo noted that unlike the other investors in the Berbice Bridge, who are yet to receive any payments, NIS invested in the most lu-

crative aspect of the company, that is, the loans and not the equity.

NIS invested $300 million in Bond One at nine per cent; $760 million in Bond Two at a 10 per cent rate; $500 million in subordinate debt at 11 per cent; $950 in preference shares, and $80 million in common shares.

As a result of these investments, to date, $300 million was repaid in full on Bond One along with $276 million in interest; and for Bond Two, $995 million was received in interests alone.

With regards to the subordinate debt, which is ongoing, $65 million has been redeemed so far and $517 million in interest was received; and $268 million was paid to NIS on the preference shares, while no returns were paid for the $80 million common shares.

This means NIS has received $2 billion interest and payment for preference shares, and another $1.3 billion from its principal investment.

“Nowhere could they have gotten a 9, 10, 11 per cent interest and they don’t have to pay any taxes on the returns.”

Jagdeo pointed out that this was the best investment NIS could have made, especially since it will continue to earn more from its investment in the Berbice Bridge.

“It’s the highest yielding instrument that yields more than the Treasury Bill had they invested it [there]. They used to invest this [money] in Treasury Bills but they would not have had this return. Imagine they receive so far, $3.25 billion from a $2.5 billion investment and they still have a lot of subordinate debt, the preference shares and the common shares in the bridge; and they still own that which will run into billions of dollars. So, this is the reality of the NIS investment. It was one of the best investments for the NIS,” he contended.

Opposition MP Volda Lawrence

According to the Vice President, Lawrence’s allegations that the investment in the bridge company was the cause of NIS’ state of affairs is nothing but a “fallacy”.

He highlighted records that NIS has been operating in deficits for the past five years. This is after the APNU/AFC would have received a surplus entity when it took office in 2015.

That year, NIS had an operating surplus of $968 million and $168 million the following year.

However, in 2017, things started to spiral at the entity with a deficit of $175 million recorded that year; $1.6 billion deficit in 2018, $1 billion deficit in 2019, $1.7 billion in 2020 and $2.8 billion deficit in 2021.

But Jagdeo explained that the operating deficit trend over the last two years was largely due to low contributions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic during which job losses were at an all-time high.

The Opposition’s claims stemmed from comments made by Jagdeo during a recent outreach in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), where he was asked about plans to increase the NIS benefit.

In response, however, the Vice President explained to residents that NIS is currently bankrupt but he assured that the PPP/C

government will inject resources into the entity to ensure that contributors get their benefits.

“The focus is on ensuring that people can, for the next 100 years, benefit…

[NIS contributors] will have nothing to worry about.

We will cure the deficit using whatever means – the

Consolidated Fund or whatever other means, direct contribution into the NIS – to ensure that for the next 100 years, it’s viable and that people can receive their benefits. What I could not commit to was an increase in benefits at that time,” he stated.

VP Jagdeo further point-

ed out that while there could potentially be an increase in benefits, giving such a commitment at an outreach was not appropriate.

“I made it clear that whatever is, by law, mandated that we’d have to do that but I could not commit to a generalised increase,” he added. (G8)

Govt removes VAT on cement with immediate effect …expects consumers to benefit from price change

F

inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has announced the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on cement with effect from Friday.

It would be recalled that the Government had previously announced in Budget 2020, the removal of VAT on building and construction materials where VAT was imposed after 2014.

At the time that this measure was implemented, cement was not impacted because cement had previously attracted VAT prior to 2015.

The Finance Minister on Friday said that Government’s removal of VAT on cement reflects recognition of the importance of cement as a key input for the construction of residential dwellings as well as

commercial buildings, and in line with Government’s vision for providing relief to citizens as well as to support the housing drive. This measure is expected to provide substantial support to the local economy.

Government would have previously also removed VAT from water, electricity,

basic food items and household necessities.

The Finance Minister also stated that Government’s expectation is that the removal of VAT from cement will be passed on to final consumers through appropriate adjustments in the final price charged.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Trial date set for photographer accused of being ‘Mudwata’

Photographer Keron Bruce

A

trial date has been set for the man accused of being behind the social media cartoon character ‘Mudwata’.

Photographer Keron Bruce, 35, of 295 Soesdyke Back Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), will go on trial for a cybercrime offence from June 9 before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.

Bruce, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard Da Silva, made another court appearance on Friday, and was served with statements. Bruce was arrested and subsequently charged after Journalist Leroy Smith alleged that he was being attacked by the cartoon character.

It is alleged that on January 25, 2021, at Soesdyke, EBD, Bruce used a computer system to disseminate information about Smith, knowing same to be false. Police are alleging that the information subjected Smith to public ridicule, contempt, hatred, and embarrassment.

Back in January, Police arrested Bruce and several other persons on allegations of the cartoon character slandering persons. Police Headquarters said that ranks seized several pieces of equipment from Bruce’s DD Eccles, EBD home. In addition, several voice messages were also collected, which, when analysed, matched with the ‘Mudwata’ commentary.

His arrest came days after Smith, owner and managing editor of the online media outlet Big Smith News Watch, offered a $1 million reward for reliable information that would lead to the proper identification of the cartoon character. Smith had made this offer after a video aggressively attacking him was posted by ‘Mudwata’ on Facebook and YouTube.

After Bruce’s arrest, Smith had stated that several persons had come forward with information about the cartoon character. As such, a court order was issued to search Bruce’s house for any evidence that would pin him

to the character.

The Police are obliged under the provisions of the Cyber Crime Act 2018 – a legislation that was passed under the previous APNU/AFC Government – to investigate any report made with respect to cyberbullying.

Misinformed...

A

Libel suit

In February, Bruce filed a $101 million libel suit against Mikhail Rodrigues, better known as the ‘Guyanese Critic’, whom he has accused of slandering him.

In that lawsuit, filed at the Demerara High Court, Bruce claims that, on January 29, Rodrigues, via a Facebook Live which attracted 761 comments, 933 reactions, 33,000 views, and 91 shares, made several false and defamatory statements about him being the person behind ‘Mudwata’.

Maintaining that he and the ‘Mudwata’ character are not “one and the same”, Bruce said Rodrigues had not presented any credible evidence to the contrary, and therefore this could not be a “matter of fact”, since this had not been proven in a court of law.

Bruce alleged that Rodrigues’s utterances were for the sole purpose of increasing views, financial gains, followers, reactions, and for his own personal clout. According to Bruce, Rodrigues’s comments have caused irrevocable damage to his reputation,

The ‘Mudwata’ cartoon character

and have subjected him to public ridicule, contempt, hatred and embarrassment, and have also brought his career into disrepute.

Bruce told the High Court that he is so fearful for his life that he has hired a 24-hour security service to protect himself and his family, because Rodrigues has threatened to “show up” at his home and go live on Facebook.

Apart from monetary award for damages, Bruce is asking the court to order Rodrigues to publish, or cause to be published, an apology to him. He is also seeking a permanent injunction restraining Rodrigues from publishing, or causing to be published, the posts or similar words which are defamatory to him. (G1)

…or mischievous PNC? s you, dear readers, would know, the moment Granger folded after his foolish attempt to rig the 2020 elections, your Eyewitness has been exhorting the Opposition to utilise all the institutions already in place to bring pressure on the PPP Govt - with an eye on 2025, of course, when they’ll be able to point to a string of initiatives they’d recommended to the PPP; which, they’d emphasise on the hustings, if implemented, would’ve taken the country so much further on the road to prosperity!! Isn’t that how democracy operates??

Well, not so, according to Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton!! The man who’d be President seems paralysed in the conundrum posed by Hamlet, “To be or not to be…that is the question”!!

Responding to your Eyewitness’s suggestions about utilising the Sectoral and other Parliamentary Committees - channelled by the avuncular former Speaker of the House, Harrynarine Ramkarran - Norton said tersely: “Mr Ramkarran’s contention that it should be dealt with at the level of the Parliamentary Committees misses that…these issues can [indeed] be raised [but] there’s no mechanism for action. What we need is action on some critical matters.”

Now, can you believe this is coming from a man who’s been in politics for more than four decades, and had risen to be General Secretary of the PNC over two decades ago?? Is this how he sees a democracy operating? Your Eyewitness remembers Norton (respectfully) for being one of the “young lions” who agitated within the PNC for shared governance as a mechanism to deal with our seemingly intractable political logjam. Out-of-the- box thinking! They were so persuasive that they even convinced Desmond Hoyte of their thinking. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Norton and company did!!

But he’d know that Hoyte’s strategy for “shared governance” - in which he played an enthusiastic role - did result in Constitutional changes! And these introduced the very Committees which he’s now dismissing!! So, if Norton needs a reminder: in a democracy, the Opposition doesn’t EXECUTE policy - that’s the Government’s job!! And it’s why THEY’RE called the EXECUTIVE!!! The Opposition are supposed to utilise the floor of the House as well as these committees to propose their policies, so that the ELECTORATE can compare and contrast.

Norton’s challenge might be that he’s responding to the “wild men” on social media, who want to rule from outside democratic structures. They haven’t learned anything from the failure of that route after 2002. As occurred in 2015, the PNC now has an opportunity, because of demographic changes, to DEMOCRATICALLY take the reins of Government. Which is what the global community’s gonna insist on.

Norton would be well advised to remember that forewarned is forearmed!! …or tone-deaf Brits?

After then Pres Granger had addressed the Caribbean Council’s Annual Reception at the House of Lords back in 2017, and visited the Queen, he curtsied so low he seemed to be imitating Charles 1 about to be beheaded by Cromwell!! Well, this year it was Pres Ali’s turn to visit Old Blighty (or perfidious Albion, if you will!!) and he took the road not taken by Granger. He reminded his hosts there needs to be a “meaningful” apology (and reparations) from Britain for their role in the slave trade and slavery!!

Imagine that!! Pres Ali cut to the quick to point out that immense wealth from that “peculiar institution” had flowed to Britain. In addition to the “meaningful apology” for their reprehensible actions, he identified Caricom’s Reparations Committee - which has crafted a list of demands. But from a moral standpoint, they must begin with an apology that would acknowledge the wrongs done to enslaved Africans.

And which, as Pres Ali noted, continues into the present. …Volda Volda Lawrence was brought back for her “financial” background. However, when she said that the NIS had “Gy$2.5 billion in ordinary shares of the Berbice Bridge”, it showed she’s fuzzy on math, and can’t tell the difference between Common and Preferred shares!!

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

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gas to Shore project

Request for Proposal to be out

by May month-end – Jagdeo

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he Guyana Government is looking to move on schedule with the much-touted gas-to-shore project, and according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Request for Proposals is expected to be out by the end of May. During a press conference on Friday, Jagdeo disclosed that nine companies have been pre-qualified for the construction of the natural gas-fired power plant and the natural gas liquids (NGL) plant components of the project.

“A public process has been gone through. They have now pre-qualified, I think, nine companies to bid for the NGL facility and the gas power plant. We are working now, since the two have been combined because we believe that the synergy will save us, and therefore, it required a bit more work at preparing the Request For Proposal. We’re hoping by the end of May that Request For Proposal will go out to the nine pre-qualified companies,” the Vice President stated.

Head of the Gas-toShore Taskforce, Winston Brassington had previously explained that ExxonMobil Guyana, which is funding the pipeline aspect of the project out of cost oil, has found that there will be substantial savings from combining these two facilities. Hence, it was agreed that the power plant and the NGL plant will be done as a combined Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) process.

The aim is to deliver rich gas by the end of 2024 for the power plant while the NGL facility is slated to be online by 2025.

Jagdeo told reporters that the Guyana Government is committed to own both facilities with the intention to use the rich gas produced to generate electricity to feed into the national grid thus potentially lowering costs and improving power efficiency in the country.

“We are not going to do a BOOT (Build Own Operate and Transfer) arrangement here – people will construct [and hand over to

Government] …Where we raise the financing from is a different issue – if people have to bring in the financing, the developers or so. But it’s the intention of the Government to own both the power plant facility and the NGL facility. We believe owning that NGL facility is a very lucrative thing that could help us to quickly amortise the pipeline and also even amortise the other investments,” the Vice President posited.

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

The purpose of the EIA is to provide the factual and technical basis required by the EPA to make an informed decision on EEPGL’s application for environmental authorisation for the project.

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

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

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

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

The scope of the US$900 million gas-to-shore project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipelines from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.

It features approximately 220 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from the Destiny and Unity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to onshore.

Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the

pipeline will continue approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The pipeline would be 12 inches and is expected to transport some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of dry gas to the NGL plant but has the capacity to push as much 120 mmscfd.

The pipeline’s route onshore will follow the same path with the fibre optic cables and will terminate at

Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ) which will house the gas-toshore project.

The Guyana Government has invited interested parties to make investments in the Wales Development Zone, which will be heavily industrialised and for which approximately 150 acres of land has been allocated.

Those lands were previously used by the Wales Sugar Estate.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Duo found in hotel parking lot

Substance found in car with dead men confirmed as cyanide T

he relatives of Richie Hansraj, 25, of Hague Backdam, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and 34-year-old Justin Teixeira will have to wait a little longer to know the cause of death of the two men since the samples taken from their stomachs are yet to be sent overseas for testing and analysis.

This was revealed by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, who told reporters that he would have met with one side of the affected family during which he informed them that “a position” is expected within a week.

In addition, with respect to the substance found in the back seat of the vehicle has confirmed the presence of cyanide.

This was stated in release issued by the Home Affairs Ministry late Friday afternoon .

Earlier in the day,

Benn told reporters, “The reagents and the other issues in relation to doing that specific test were not resident at the forensic laboratory; it was not among the range of tests they would have been doing.

“There were efforts which were being made to bring in some rapid tests kits, I think we may get one tonight (Friday) or early in the morning (Saturday) for the forensic laboratory.”

Benn also stated that the Police are also checking with other private laboratories to determine if they have the facilities to conduct such test.

It was reported that the autopsies performed on the bodies of Teixeira and Hansraj were inconclusive and as such, the families were instructed not to cremate in case they need to exhume them to conduct further investigations.

In light of this, samples

Dead: Justin Teixeira and Richie Hansraj on one of their trips together overseas

from their stomachs were taken and are expected to be sent overseas for analysis. The bodies of Hansraj and Teixeira were found in the wee hours of Saturday in the parking lot of the Marriott.

Following the discovery, it was revealed that Teixeira had reportedly suffered a seizure moments before midnight, and his relatives were alerted.

It was reported that an employee of the Marriot Hotel reported that they received a phone call from Teixeira’s mother at about 23:30h, informing them that the flight attendant was having a seizure and asked if someone could check on him.

Another employee was

sent to Teixeira’s room on the sixth floor but it was empty. The hotel staff then went to Teixeira’s vehicle – a black Vezel motor car (PAC 2607) – in the parking lot, and the gruesome discovery was made.

Teixeira was reportedly sitting in the driver’s seat, and all the windows of the vehicle were halfway down. The employee said he opened the front passenger door and discovered Hansraj sitting in a crunch-like position.

Both the Police via 911

and an ambulance with an EMT were summoned to the scene, where the two men were pronounced dead by a doctor. The Police said no marks of violence were seen on the exposed parts of the two bodies.

However, video footage showed that the two men were seen leaving the hotel together just after 22:00h but returned some 50 minutes later. Upon their return, the two men never left their parked vehicle, video footage has shown.

Meanwhile, as the news broke about the discovery of bodies, American Airlines spokesperson Laura Masvidal confirmed that Teixeira was not, and has never been, an American Airlines employee. Teixeira had claimed that he was a flight attendant at AA for the past 12 years.

A senior official when contacted explained that anyone can get their hand on an AA lanyard for ID since it is sold at the airline’s brand store. More so, she stated that AA Flight Attendants are always dressed in an aviation blue uniform.

Once the results are back, Hansraj and Teixeira will be cremated.

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EU helping Guyana clamp down on illicit trafficking of goods

G

uyana’s Home Affairs Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (M oU) with the European Union’s (EU’s) Seaport Project to pursue cooperation in the fight against illicit maritime activities.

The signing was done on Friday at the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF’s) Maritime Base in Kingston, Georgetown.

The MoU between Guyana and the EU is ex-

pected to strengthen the capacities of existing and new joint maritime control units (JMCU) and maritime intelligence units (MIU) of the SEACOP network in new areas of knowledge and knowhow to fight maritime and riverine illicit traffic, among other things.

During brief remarks, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, who signed on behalf of the Government, said illicit trafficking of goods, particularly in the

maritime space, has devastating impacts on social and economic development, as well as the public health of countries.

“Given Guyana’s recent development in the oil and gas sector, the country will likely see a rise in these threats. We must therefore be better equipped to combat and mitigate these threats and the consequences of these threats,” he said.

He said the MoU would reinforce the effectiveness

East Coast Division battling noise nuisance offences – Regional Commander …says official report needed for prosecution

Regional Commander for Division 4C, Police Superintendent Khali Pareshram

R

egional Commander of Police Division 4C, Superintendent Khali Pareshram, has insisted that his ranks are clamping down on noise nuisance incidents occurring on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor.

According to the Commander, statistics in his district have shown there is an increase in such cases for the year.

This disclosure has come on the heels of concerns raised by residents who continue to report incidents of noise nuisance in their areas. “…have seen an increase in noise nuisance…it’s not only coming from cars, but bars and workshops. We are partnering with EPA, (with whom) we have discussed this issue, and what we have seen across Guyana is the information that these residents might have about the procedures and policies that we have to go through to get to the bottom of these issues”.

Commander Pareshram has said that to pursue a report of noise nuisance, his ranks would first have to have in their possession a report on the issue. One of the Force’s biggest challenges, according to Commander Pareshram, is not having a

report on the issue.

“We would need an identified reporter (complainant). From that, that reporter must be willing to give us a statement. From a statement, that reporter must be willing to go to court to give that evidence to a magistrate. That is the only way we can deal with noise pollution… it’s through the courts”, he explained.

He added that his division has mostly been receiving reports of persons who are congregating and playing loud music in various vicinities. He purported that this might be resulting from the recent removal of the national COVID-19 measures.

Pareshram has said the Force needs the support of residents in affected communities if it is to clamp down on noise pollution, so that there can be a reduction in noise pollution cases. “…recently, we have been trying to enforce the laws under the music and dancing licence in Chp 23:03… There were some outcries in terms of complaints of persons saying that we are closing them off at a particular hour, but that is where we are guided.

We are guided by the regulations under the Music and Dancing Act”, he explained.

He said that even with the steps in place to deal with noise pollution, if the Police receive a report on such an issue, they are obligated to act on the report.

“Somebody will not just call the Police just because they want to call the Police.

They call the Police because they want that satisfaction, and if we don’t satisfy them, our relationship with them will not be on a positive side”, he said.

The Commander further posited that acting on reports from citizens is an avenue to work with communities to ensure that those residents are comfortable.

He said his ranks would also continue to police the communities in his district in order to help curb this issue of noise nuisance.

Just recently, there was a call by citizens to have “Silent Zone” areas, where the playing of music and entertainment is not allowed. These include at learning institutions such as the University of Guyana (UG) and the Cyril Potter Teachers’ Training College.

(G9)

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and SEACOP Project Director Dominic Bucas displaying the signed MoU. Also in photo are EU Ambassador to Guyana Fernando Ponz Canto (centre), Head of Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit James Singh; Colonel General Staff of the GDF Colonel Julius Skeete; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag) Ravindradat Budhram; and Commander of GDF Coast Guard Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud

of the SEACOP maritime intelligence and the maritime river control network geographically and technically. He also said it would enhance Guyana’s capability in relation to the transatlantic efforts against the trafficking of narcotics and other illegal goods.

“Signing this memorandum of understanding will reinforce the effectiveness of the SEACOP maritime intelligence and maritime river control network geographically and technical-

ly, and particularly enhance Guyana’s capability in relation to the transatlantic efforts against the trafficking in illegal narcotics and other goods.

“It will sustainably enhance and integrate knowledge and expertise on maritime threats and interdiction response emanating from the transatlantic illicit trafficking routes, (bolster) international and regional response, and improve cooperation and informationsharing at national and the

transnational regional levels,” Minister Benn said.

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Pontz Canto, said he is happy with the initiative and the successes it would generate. Program Director Dominique Bucas signed on behalf of the EU. The agreement would see the training and equipping of relevant law enforcement agencies and their personnel to help combat the trade of illicit drugs across borders, using maritime spaces. (G9)

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 30,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Isseneru Council calls for withdrawal of all mining concessions

T

he Isseneru Village Council is calling for a withdrawal of mining concessions that were issued over the past years within their zone, after the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights ruled that such acts were in violation of their human rights.

Nine years after filing a petition, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in a recent decision, recommended that Guyana implement the measures for Isseneru Village in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and its members to receive full compensation for damages on the account of the violation of their human rights.

The village had submitted that the State failed to recognise and protect the

Toshao Dhaness Lawson (first from left) with other officials of Isseneru

human rights of its people when granting mining permits on ancestral lands. It was also contended that authorities failed to protect the community from the negative impacts of mining. In the ruling listed com-

pensation or any approach deemed satisfactory in keeping with the Inter-American Standards.

Toshao of Isseneru Village, Dhaness Larson at a press conference on Friday welcomed the decision.

Along with other village officials, the leader said this

development vindicates the complaints that were made after mining activities were allowed on their ancestral and titled lands, without prior consultations.

He said even today, destruction of their lands is still continuing and called on Government to take action to address their concerns.

The Council also intends to engage the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and the National Toshaos Council in the immediate future on the ruling.

“We therefore plan to discuss further with our res-

idents the implications of IACHR’s decision and our next steps as a community.

We can provide additional information when we have completed this internal process,” Larson contended.

Meanwhile, Isseneru has also joined calls for a revision of the Amerindian Act, with emphasis that it must be treated as a priority.

Officials from the village have noted that there are several pending cases relating to mining. These age-old issues are yet to be solved.

There are some 100 concessions within Isseneru. (G12)

Duo granted bail on ganja trafficking charge

Man convicted of T raping 13-year-old girl

A

46-year-old man convicted of raping a teen girl has been remanded to prison pending sentencing, which has been deferred to June 9.

Clincy David was found unanimously guilty on two counts of rape following a trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court.

David first raped the girl on April 8, 2020. He committed the act three months later on July 13, 2020. The offences occurred at a house located in the county of Demerara.

Convicted rapist Clincy David

David was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Teriq Mohammed while State

Counsel Cecilia Corbin appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

wo men were each granted $75,000 bail on a joint drug trafficking charge.

Aubrey Williams, 45, a mason of North East La Penitence, Georgetown, and 58-yearold Kester Isaacs, a farmer of Train Line, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on April 27, at Train Line, Wismar, Linden, they had 260 grams of marijuana in their possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Conditionalities attached to bail are that the two accused lodge their passports with the Clerk of Court and report to the Mackenzie Police Station on the first Monday of every month.

The case continues on June 27. Police Headquarters said that the men were arrested following an intelligence-led

Aubrey Williams

Kester Isaacs

operation at a “drug block” at Wismar, Linden. Police said that Williams was under surveillance. When he was arrested at the “drug block”, he had $15,000 in his possession suspected to be proceeds from the sale of narcotics. Police ranks then went on to search the area and found one bulky black plastic bag that contained three transparent plas-

tic bags with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be Cannabis sativa. According to a Police report, Williams denied ownership of the drug, stating that the illegal substance belonged to his uncle, Isaacs. Isaacs was also sitting in the “drug block” at the time.

As such, they were both arrested. (G1)

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chief Magistrate recuses self from Winston Jordan’s misconduct case the property is being sold free from encumbrance and liabilities and no further sum of money is owed by the purchaser. It said that the transport was subsequently issued for the property and the value strangely stated on the transport was GY$400,000,000 million. Further, SOCU said that the agreement of sale stated that the title must only pass upon full payment of purchase price.

However, SOCU con-

Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

iting “apparent bias”, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan has recused herself from presiding over former Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s misconduct in public office case.

She made the announcement on Friday when the matter came up at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Providing insight on her recusal, the Chief Magistrate explained that Attorney-at-Law Dawn Cush, the latest addition to Jordan’s legal team, previously served as a Magistrate in Guyana.

As such, the Chief Magistrate recused herself of her own volition citing “apparent bias”.

The case has now been assigned to Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus. The matter comes up again on May 12 when the defence will lay over submissions on the mode of trial.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor, Attorney-at-Law Tuanna Hardy. Jordan is being represented by Senior Counsel Roysdale Force in association with Attorneys-at-Law Khemraj Ramjattan, Joseph Harmon, Darren Wade, and Dawn Cush.

Hardy is advocating for the misconduct in public office charge against former Finance Minister Winston Jordan to be disposed of summarily. This means that the presiding Magistrate will hear evidence in the matter and pronounce on whether Jordan is guilty or not. Jordan’s legal team, however, has requested for the charge to remain indictable. This way, the presiding Magistrate would be required to conduct a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to decide if there is enough evidence for a trial in the Demerara High Court.

charged on December 28, 2021, and released on $3 million bail; he was not required to plead to the indictable charge instituted against him by SOCU. It is alleged that Jordan, being and performing duties of Minister of Finance and being the concerned Minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between February 26, 2020, and July 31, 2020, at Main Street, Georgetown, wilfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order No 50 of 2020, which was published in the Official Gazette, transferring to and vesting to BK Marine Inc, absolutely, all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms, and further appurtenances, that is to say, Mudlots 1 & 2, F of Mudlot 3, A, B & D, situated at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres, by paying GY$20,260,276 for the property valued over GY$5 billion and being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust and without reasonable excuse or justification.

C

Particulars

Jordan

was

initially

Corrupt transactions

Jordan was arrested

by SOCU, an arm of the Guyana Police Force that specialises in white-collar investigations on December 3, 2021, as part of investigations into alleged instances of corrupt governmental transactions between 2015 and 2020.

BK Marines, SOCU said, had only paid 10 per cent of the purchase price, that is, GY$20 million and Jordan went ahead to issue a vesting order, passing the title to the purchaser without the payment of any further sum of monies.

According to SOCU, the vesting order stated that

tended that investigators have evidence to establish that a facility that is a mere fraction of the size of the State property under investigation, located some seven miles upriver, was sold by a private company for US$17 million. It had pointed out that this is only one of several investigations that implicate former Minister Jordan.

Lawsuit

While Jordan had pre-

viously denied any wrongdoing regarding this transaction, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, had announced that there were active investigations into a number of suspected shady dealings under the former APNU/AFC Government, and the former Finance Minister had been implicated in a number of “nefarious transactions”.

On behalf of the State, the Attorney General has

also filed civil proceedings against Jordan at the Demerara High Court over the sale of the river frontage to BK Marine. In this case, Nandlall is seeking to overturn the contentious sale of the State property. To this end, he is asking the court to declare the agreement of sale between BK Marine and NICIL illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant, and contrary to public policy. This matter is still ongoing. (G1)

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 30,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Body suspected to be missing miner found in shallow grave

$100M earmarked for upgrades to Region 7 health centres

…suspect reportedly confesses to sodomising, killing man

P

olice in the CuyuniMazaruni have unearthed a body suspected to be that of missing 27-year-old Noel Anthony Fredericks, a miner of Mainstay/Whyaka Village, Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), in a shallow grave on Thursday.

Police had stated that the missing man was employed at a mining camp located at Toroparu backdam, Lower Puruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

They further stated that Fredericks left his camp on April 14, 2022, at about 17:30h. He was last seen at about 03:00h the following morning in the company of a 29-year-old man.

The men were reported-

ly under the influence of alcohol and were seen leaving a shop in the area. At the time of his disappearance, he was clad in a pair of blue jeans and a white top.

Police Commander of that area, Dion Moore has confirmed that the Police found a body and that the suspect is in custody assisting with investigations.

Another Police source stated that the decomposed body was found in a shallow grave at Toroparu backdam after interrogating a 29-year-old man with whom Fredericks was seen leaving the drinking spot.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly told detectives that he had sodomised the miner after

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony Noel Anthony Fredericks

which he beat and strangled him to death. He then buried the body in a hole that was dug by an excavator.

After confessing to the heinous crime, he took detectives to the area where he buried the miner.

He is expected to be charged shortly.

I

n the coming months, upgrade works for 16 health centres across Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) will be rolled out to provide a comfortable experience and environment for patients.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony announced the works on Thursday as part of a $100 million project. The rehabilitative works will include expanded and new additions to the facilities.

“We have been working with the region and we have identified approximately 16 different health centres.

In those health centres, we will be doing some upgrades.

These upgrades would include developing waiting areas or enlarging the waiting space for patients. In some cases, it is adding washrooms for patients and some of the facilities might have leaky roofs or windows. So,

we’re generally going to use the money to enhance the facilities that we have there,” Dr Anthony divulged.

The Minister informed that these works will be tendered shortly, as authorities aim for a three-month window until the completion date.

“Once the work is done satisfactory, I think patients that have to use the [health centres] would have a better facility, a better environment which they can come to get healthcare.”

This development follows a recent visit by the Minister to the region, where a newly constructed Maternal and Child Health Centre was commissioned in Bartica to the tune of $26.3 million. For the year 2022, Government plans on injecting a whopping $73 billion into the healthcare sector.

This was an enormous increase from the $53.5 billion

in 2021. From this figure, $1 billion was set aside for upgrades to health centres and an additional $2 billion for medical and non-medical equipment.

There are several larger projects on the Ali-led Administration’s agenda, geared at decentralising healthcare and enabling easier access for Guyanese. A major initiative is the construction of a new $2 billion multi-specialty hospital at Suddie, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The Governments of Guyana and Austria are also finalising talks in relation to the construction of a much anticipated maternal and children hospital in Georgetown.

Meanwhile, the smart hospital project is in its final stage, linking structural and operational safety and disaster resilience, while maintaining a “green” status in operations. Hospitals at Diamond, Leonora, Mabaruma, Paramakatoi and Lethem were upgraded under this project. The concept comes under an $835 million grant funded by the former United Kingdom Department for International Development and implemented by PAHO. Funded through a grant from the Indian Government, upgrades to the West Demerara Hospital in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Suddie Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Bartica Hospital in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) will also materialise.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No adverse reports after 1st week of full reopening of schools – Health Minister …8 new cases recorded

O

ne week since schools across the country officially reopened fully after two years, the Health Ministry has not received “adverse” reports or detected spikes.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared on Friday that a surveillance team is equipped to monitor infections in the country.

However, lowered testing rates as seen in Guyana and in other countries are prone to influence the pandemic and data on infections.

“We have not had any adverse reports and we have not seen a spike in cases. We have a surveillance system and through that, we’re able to monitor cases. We haven’t seen a big upsurge in cases.

Right now, we have 108 active cases,” Dr Anthony underlined.

Throughout the week, students were back into the normal classroom setting in a phased approach, under protocols to keep them safe from infections.

In relation to positives, he said another underlying factor is the reduced testing rate in Guyana and other countries. Due to the signif-

icant drop in testing across the world, he said experts are finding it difficult to predict the disease and its dynamics.

“We have to take this in the context that there has been a reduction in testing and therefore, it’s only a small portion of those who tested have shown that they are positive. This is not just a local trend. The WHO is reporting that over the past months, there has been a 70 to 90 per cent decline in testing. If people are not coming forward to be tested, then we wouldn’t have an accurate picture of what is happening with the pandemic.”

Presently, the Ministry is working to increase vaccination among adolescents, through collaboration with the Education Ministry.

However, parental consent is still an obstacle.

“Now that school has reopened, we’re going to work more closely with the Ministry of Education and hopefully, we’ll get better cooperation with parents to be able to vaccinate these children.”

In this category, first doses are at 34,545 or 47.4

per cent; with 25,268 second doses or 34.6 per cent.

Adults have seen an overall coverage of 440,282 first doses and 339,532 second doses, reflecting 85.8 per cent and 66.2 per cent respectively.

Before June, the aim is to achieve 70 per cent coverage for full immunisation to meet the WHO target.

New cases

Only eight new coronavirus cases have been recorded as of Friday in the country.

The dashboard showed a total of 63,465 confirmed cases thus far, representing 29,219 males and 34,246 females. Deaths have not increased, thereby remaining at 1228.

With zero patients being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 96 are in home isolation and seven in institutional quarantine. No one is in institutional isolation.

A significant 62,141 recoveries have been made. Across facilities, 595,766 samples have been processed for the novel virus.

This month, the US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use au-

Getting guns, drugs off streets is priority – ECD Commander

Commander Khali Pareshram

F

or the year thus far, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Division 4C (ECD) have seized 11 illegal firearms and 10kg of cannabis during their routine operations.

This was revealed by Regional Commander Khali Pareshram, who stated that getting rid of guns and drugs in the streets remains a priority for the Force. So far, he noted, several persons have been charged and convicted, while some court matters are still pending.

“With all of our opera-

tions, we are guided by the laws of Guyana, and we will continue to conduct our operations by that guidance”, he said.

In 2021, the Guyana Police Force removed 71 illegal firearms from the streets of Guyana. These included 36 pistols, 18 revolvers and 17 shotguns. 10 were found by ranks during anti-crime operations, while 61 were seized from individuals.

These illegal weapons were found in all regions of the country except Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper

Essequibo), with the majority, 28, being found in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Last November, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall was tasked with working on an amendment to the country’s law to ensure there is a higher penalty in place for persons who unlawfully possess firearms.

The Head of State had also noted that Government would grant a period of amnesty for persons in possession of illegal firearms, in order to facilitate such persons turning those weapons over to the Police. But when that period expires and the amended law comes into play, President Ali warned, those individuals would face stiffer penalties.

The most recent firearm discovery on the ECD was made a few weeks ago, and a man has been charged after he was found with an illegal firearm. Collin Campbell, 39, a security guard of Lot 35 Middle Walk, Ann’s Grove, ECD, has been charged and remanded to prison for the offence of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD APRIL 29, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

8

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

96

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

8

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,246

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,219

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,465

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,141

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2519

REGION 2

2497

REGION 3

8065

REGION 4

31,395

REGION 5

2381

REGION 6

5790

REGION 7

2423

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4037

REGION 10

3472

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

440,282 339,532

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1228

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

thorisation (EUA) for the first COVID-19 diagnostic test that detects chemical compounds in breath samples. The test, the FDA said, can be performed in environments where the patient specimen is both collected and analysed, such as doc-

tor’s offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites.

When asked about the possibility of introducing such testing here, the Health Minister noted that it would first have to be approved and then Government would consider

the feasibility.

“I think we would look at it and see what advantages, if any, it would bring to our current testing landscape here in Guyana and if it’s going to be beneficial. Then, obviously we’re going to get it into the country.” (G12)

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$160M in contracts signed to develop streets in Region 6

A

total of $160 million in contracts were signed on Thursday for six contractors to execute works in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Five of the contracts are for road upgrades and the sixth is for the refurbishing of the oxygen system at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Of the $160 million in contracts signed for works in Region Six, $38.7 million will be spent to refurbish the oxygen system at the New Amsterdam Hospital while $35.5 million will be spent to rehabilitate a street at Budhan Scheme in West Canje and a further $25.9 million to rehabilitate another street at Albion/ Chesney.

Contracts were also signed for a street at Ballfield Street at Chesney to the tune of $17.1 million while $24.5 million will be spent to upgrade a street at Number 36 Village, Corentyne, and $18.3 million on the main access street at grant 1806 Crabwood Creek.

According to the Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall, everyone must have an opportunity to bid for Government contracts.

“I want to inform the contractors that we are not going to be just left with a few people doing contracts in Region Six or any other region.”

Making mention of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Dharamlall said when the

The contractors, along with Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall, Regional Chairman David Armogan and Regional Executive Officer Navindra Persaud, share a photo after the signing

current Administration took office less than two years ago there were 51 contractors registered in that region. Now there are 141.

Region Six moved from 126 to 173 over the same period. More are needed, Dharamlall said, while saying that contracts to clean school compounds and health facilities will be reserved for persons from the community.

Those contractors who are engaged in executing large projects, he said, should not be bidding for small contracts.

The Minister also expressed concerns with regard to corruption in the awarding of contracts.

“I have seen from the last Government that school compounds were being cleaned at between $200,000 to $400,000 per month and I hope that this region is going to find many of these culpable people who squandered our resources.”

The Minister added that he is of the opinion that

enough is not being done in the region to go after those who were squandering resources.

“We have had a lot of corruption in Region Six and I expect that the administration in Region Six is going to find the culpable people ad let’s take action against them. It is something that we owe the people of Region Six. Billions of dollars spent and can’t be accounted for.”

At the ceremony, $42.5 million was given to 17 of the 18 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in the region. That was fifty percent of their annual subvention.

In addition, $54 million will be given to the three municipalities in the region as their subvention.

Hundreds of millions will also be spent in the region through the Community Enhancement Programme which is being rolled out by the Local Government Ministry.

“Management of solid waste is becoming one

of the challenges of many of the NDCs and all of the municipalities, so we intend to pursue physical development towards enhanced management of solid waste in Region Six. There is a substantial investment.

The President recently announced that Region Six will benefit from one of the six new hospitals. That will complement the services at the New Amsterdam Hospital and the district hospitals which are being upgraded.

Last year $100 million was spent on upgrading all of the health centres in the region.

“We are also spending an additional $4 billion on community roads in Region Six. This is in addition to what we will be spending directly from the RDC. Region Six has many roads and they have been left unattended for a very long time and residents have been clamouring for more help. Every day I get inundated and if I am getting inundated my boss is getting updated with fixing people’s roads and addressing other issues,” Dharamlall told the NDC Overseers, regional officials and contractors who attended the signing ceremony which was held in the ND C

Boardroom.

It was noted that while many of the NDCs are being affected by resource constraints, they still have to manage those resources in the most efficient way.

He urged the NDCs not to make commitments that they cannot fulfil.

“That is why Central Government is doing the heavy lifting because we know that NDCs and municipalities do not have the resources to do a lot of the work that people require them to do. The Ministry of Agriculture is also doing a lot of work in the agriculture sector so too is the Ministry of Natural Resources; they are doing one of the roads linking Region Six and 10 via Orealla to Kwakwani.”

He said all of the Ministries are investing in the region and it is hoped that people’s lives will be enhanced.

Additionally, in excess of $10 billion is to be spent by the RDC in the regional economy, Dharamlall noted. This is in addition to the $100 million that will be given to 400 small businesses as a grant to start up or expand their business. (G4)

Barbados bestows Guyana with Humanitarian Plaque for COVID-19 assistance

T

he Government of Guyana was awarded a Humanitarian Plaque by the Government of Barbados in appreciation of Guyana’s assistance to Barbados in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Inaugural Humanitarian Award Ceremony was held on Thursday at the Kensington Oval, on Heroes’ Day, a national holiday on which the people of Barbados reflect on the several achievements of post-independence nationhood and in particular, recognise the valuable contributions made by citizens.

Guyana’s Acting Consul General in Barbados, Geneva Tyndall, received the award from President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason.

Canada, China, Cuba, India and the United States of America were among the countries to receive Humanitarian Plaques. The Secretary General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was a special guest at the ceremony.

Guyana and Barbados, similar to so many countries globally, have significantly

felt the social and economic impacts of the pandemic and have worked in a collaborative effort to lend mutual support.

The relations between Guyana and Barbados have strengthened considerably as President Mohamed

Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mia Mottley have demonstrated a firm commitment to deepening ties and advancing a practical programme of cooperation to benefit not only both countries but the region as a whole.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

There is need to bridge energy, infrastructure gap to increase disaster preparedness – Todd

…reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to One China Policy

G

uyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, participated in a virtual meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China and Caribbean countries sharing diplomatic relations with China.

The meeting, held on Thursday, was co-chaired by China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, and acting Prime Minister Dominica, Reginald Austrie.

On Friday, the Foreign Affairs Ministry in a release said that the main purpose of the meeting was to reflect on the achievements of Caribbean-China relations over the past 50 years, discuss issues of mutual interest and recommendation an advancement in the programme of cooperation and interaction among Caribbean countries and China.

State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in his remarks lauded the relations and said that over the past 50 years China has remained committed to supporting developing countries. He added that relations have remained fruitful through cooperation in a wide range of areas of mutual interest to the Caribbean countries and China. The Chinese Foreign Minister, the release said, noted that China continues to be committed to further strength-

ening these relations, particularly through enhancing medical cooperation by donating COVID-19 vaccines to interested countries. He noted too, that China respects the sovereignty of all nations and is well aware of its international obligation to support developing nations, such as those of the Caribbean, in their efforts to forge paths of development and manage global issues.

Meanwhile, Minister Todd provided a wide-ranging intervention on how

Caribbean-China relations can be enhanced through collaboration at the multilateral level. He noted China’s commitment to true multilateralism as the path to finding shared solutions to global challenges with the participation of all states.

Minister Todd also took the opportunity to reaffirm Guyana’s commitment to the One China Policy.

Further, Todd addressed the issue of climate change being a prime global issue, owing to the existential

threat it presents to countries particularly those in the Caribbean that are most vulnerable to its impacts.

He highlighted Guyana’s principal concerns which remain the achievement of the 1.5 degrees Celsius target and access to sufficient financing for adaptation and mitigation.

Todd further outlined the particular challenges of Guyana as a low-lying coastal state, vulnerable to flooding as a result of sea level rise and extreme weather

events, such as heavy rainfall. He said that this phenomenon threatens important sectors of Guyana’s economy, including critical infrastructure, thereby hindering Guyana’s ability to adapt to the devastating impacts of climate change.

He underscored that it was within this context, that Guyana had launched the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) in 2009 and launched the expanded Strategy - LCDS 2030 in 2021.

Todd told the meeting that there is a need to bridge the energy and infrastructure gap in the region to increase disaster preparedness, boost economic recovery and address challenges to food security, among others. Impediments to investment in infrastructure, both on the demand and supply sides and lack of available funding pose a challenge to bridging this gap. He also said that building resilient economies entails investing in resilient infrastructure, restoring trade, particularly through increased connectivity and sustainable supply chains and long-term investments in low-carbon technologies.

He further said that Guyana welcomes China’s support and advocacy to increase ambition for adaptation and mitigation as a coordinated push for finance is urgently needed. He reiterated Guyana’s interest in collaborating with the countries of the Caribbean region and China.

The Foreign Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago also participated in the meeting. Barbados was represented by the Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

Regional

Foul-smelling foam clogs up British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Colombian town of Mosquera Fahie arrested in US drug sting

It is thought that detergents dumped in a local river are generating the froth which drifts through the air, clumping and clinging to buildings in Mosquera

A

town just outside the Colombian capital Bogotá is battling great blobs of foul-smelling white foam.

It is thought that detergents dumped in a local river are generating the froth which drifts through the air, clumping and clinging to buildings in Mosquera.

“The smell is terrible, we

have had to put up with the smell for a long time, and now with this big foam we are afraid that we will be in danger, God forbid someone falls in there, we won’t be able to find them.” resident Luz Mariela Diaz told AFP news agency.

Another local woman, Claudia Esperanza Garzon, told Reuters news agency

she had to use an inhaler because of the effect of the foam on her lungs.

Shopkeeper Luis Romero complained that customers were being driven away by the stink. “This foam affects everything,” he declared.

“For example, foam falls on the doors, and everything rots.”

Gian Gerometta, Mayor of the town near the capital Bogota, tweeted to say the problem of waste and detergents in the River Bojaca was being aggravated by the rainy season and vegetal matter in the water.

The vegetal matter was being removed, he said, and the foam should disappear in a matter of days.

There were fears that the foam might be toxic but Mayor Gerometta added that a study had found no effect on public health.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Tourist hub Bahamas sees spike in migrant smuggling by boat to the United States

P

atrol crafts manned by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force set off each day from a former luxury resort hotel, as the archipelago nation works to control a spike in migrants attempting to reach the United States on often rickety and overloaded boats.

One increasingly popular hub for human smugglers is the island chain Bimini, best known for its pristine turquoise seas and wealthy tourists on yachts, less than 50 nautical miles from Florida.

In January, a sole survivor was found clinging to a capsized vessel that had been carrying him and 39 other migrants from Bimini to Florida.

Gang violence, rising pov-

erty and pandemic-related hardship in Haiti and throughout Latin America have fuelled a growing number of voyages that often traverse through Bahamian waters, officials say, with boat decks dangerously overcrowded and migrants packed in sweltering holds below.

Because the ships are so rudimentary, they frequently are blown off course, Ferguson told Reuters, as he pointed at a digital map inside the boat’s cockpit on April 20.

Earlier that day, 132 migrants thought to be from Haiti had been intercepted in Bahamian waters by the US Coast Guard and handed over to Bahamian officials, arrived at Coral Harbour.

More than 1000 migrants entered the country in October, the largest number on record, said Keith Bell, Minister of Labor and Immigration, said in an interview with Reuters, adding most were believed to be headed toward US shores.

The increase in sea migration comes as the United States faces record high levels of apprehensions at its southern land border, spurring increasingly acrimonious debate over an issue that will likely be a key element of this year’s US congressional elections.

Migrants packed in below deck are often stripped down to their underwear to withstand the heat, according to Defense Force officials.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he leader of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been arrested for alleged drug smuggling and money laundering in the US. Premier Andrew Fahie was detained in Miami by US agents posing as cocaine traffickers from a Mexican drug cartel.

He agreed a US$700,000 (£560,000) payment to allow traffickers to use BVI ports with an undercover informant, charges filed in the US said.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said she was “appalled” by the allegations.

Fahie, the elected Head of Government of the British overseas territory, was arrested by US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officials in Florida, alongside senior BVI port official Oleanvine Maynard.

A third person, Kadeem Maynard - Maynard’s son

British Virgin Islands (BVI) leader Andrew Fahie

- was also arrested on Thursday in connection with the undercover DEA case.

The arrests were made after DEA agents pretended to be cocaine traffickers from Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel - said to be the largest supplier of illegal drugs to the US market and formerly run by now-imprisoned drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán.

The trio have been charged with conspiracy to import more than 5kg (11lb) of cocaine into the US and

conspiring to commit money laundering, authorities said.

In a criminal complaint filed in a US federal court, reviewed by the BBC, the DEA said the investigation was launched in October based on work carried out by a confidential informant.

The document sets out details of a series of alleged meetings between the three and the DEA source including their use of aliases with Fahie known as “head coach”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Jamaica will benefit from US revised stance on COVID-19

A

declaration in the USA that COVID-19 is transitioning from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic disease, has been met with enthusiasm by senior advisor and strategist in Jamaica’s Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright.

America is the largest source of visitors to the country.

“Jamaica absolutely welcomes this news. The United States is our largest source market. The fact is that they have just around two thirds of their population vaccinated. Also a significant

number of their population is believed to have acquired natural immunity. So this is good news. The world is moving away from the travel restrictions. Jamaica, of course, did away with ours in recent days and weeks,” Seiveright said.

“Beyond that, many Caribbean countries, European countries, United Kingdom and even Canada have moved away from the very stringent travel restrictions that existed before. We are also optimistic that these simpler requirements will serve to increase the appeal of Jamaica as

a premier destination and keep us moving along the road to a stronger recovery for both the tourism sector and the nation’s economy as a whole,” he added.

He was reacting to comments made by Anthony Fauci, the Chief Medical Adviser to US President Joe Biden.

“We’re really in a transitional phase, from a deceleration of the numbers into hopefully a more controlled phase and endemicity,” Fauci told the Washington Post on Wednesday.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

tighten the US border will encourage a spike in migration and more profits for criminal gangs unless Washington does more to help mitigate the impact.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said “the majority of the conversation was about migration and was about continued work on coordination,” to reduce an expected flow of immigrants when that health order is lifted.

“The tone of the call was very constructive,” she told reporters. “This was not a call where President Biden was threatening the Mexican President in any way. They have been an important partner.”

In a tweet, Lopez Obrador characterised

the call as “cordial” and announced that Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard would visit Washington on Monday.

Friday’s meeting also came as Mexico has been critical of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but reluctant to join the United States and its European allies in issuing sanctions against Russia.

The bilateral talks were also meant to prepare for the upcoming Summit of the Americas, which the United States will host in Los Angeles in June to convene leaders from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazilian town builds Christ US-Mexico migration talks ‘constructive,’ statue taller than Rio’s not ‘threatening’ – White House

R

io de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer has competition.

The small town of Encantado in southern Brazil has built a taller Christ to attract tourism.

Christ the Protector is 43 metres (141 feet) high, compared to Rio’s statue, which is 38 metres (125 feet), including in both cases their pedestals.

Built with concrete over a metal structure, it has already been erected on a hill above the town, but the venue will only open to the public sometime next year, said Robison Gonzatti, vice president of the association that sponsored the statue.

“It is the largest Christ in the world,” he told Reuters.

The statue has an obser-

U

A new Brazilian statue, taller than Rio’s, named “Protective Christ”, is seen in the Morro das Antenas hill in the city of Encantado in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil April 29, 2022. Picture taken with a drone

vation point for visitors who can look out through a large heart-shaped window.

The view will have to compete with the spectacular sight tourists have looking out over Guanabara Bay from the Christ standing atop Rio’s Corcovado moun-

tain.

Rio’s Art Deco statue was built with reinforced concrete and soapstone and took nine years to complete in 1931, becoming an icon of Rio de Janeiro and one of the wonders of the world.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

S President Joe Biden had “constructive” talks with Mexican counterpart President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday, the White House said, as officials on both sides of the shared border fret about lapsing immigration restrictions.

The meeting followed just a few days after a federal judge ordered the US Department of Homeland Security to halt its efforts to end a public health order known as Title 42, a COVID-19 related policy that allows the expulsion of migrants to prevent the spread of the virus.

Mexican officials are concerned the repeal of the Trump-era measure to

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices reverse late in session as heating oil contract plunges

O

il prices fell on Friday, reversing in volatile trade, pulled downward by the US heating oil contract that plummeted by more than 20 per cent at one point on the day of its expiration.

The front-month US heating oil contract, which is a proxy for diesel prices, soared to a record high of US$5.8595 a gallon before falling as low as US$4.4067 a gallon. Diesel futures have climbed as investors worry about tight supplies globally following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The heating oil contract expired on Friday, along with the global Brent benchmark and US gasoline futures. Volumes in all three front-month contracts was low, creating outsized volatility in the market and leading to late-day sell-offs, analysts said.

"The fireworks were all in the expiring diesel contract," said Andrew Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston.

"Today's expiry is especially volatile and may not be reflective of actual tightness."

The more-active second-month Brent crude futures contract fell 12 cents to settle at US$107.14 a barrel. The expiring front-month contract rose US$1.75 to settle at US$109.34 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate crude, which does not expire on Friday, fell 67 cents to settle at US$104.69 a barrel, as traders sold energy contracts across the board.

The front-month heating oil contract's volatility was not mirrored in the more-active second-month US heating oil contract, which gained US$0.0088 a gallon to settle at US$4.0172 a gallon.

Both Brent and WTI rose for the week and posted their fifth straight monthly gain. Brent ended the month up 1.3 per cent, while WTI ended up 4.4 per cent.

Prices have been buoyed by fears that Russian supply will continue to be disrupted by the conflict in Ukraine. Futures rose this week on the increased likelihood that Germany will join other European Union member states in an embargo on Russian oil.

Russian oil production could fall by as much as 17 per cent this year, an Economy Ministry document seen by Reuters showed on Wednesday, as Western sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine hurt investments and exports.

The oil and gas rig count, an indicator of future supply, showed US oil rigs rose by three to 552 this week.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies are likely to stick to their existing deal and agree another small output increase for June when it meets on May 5, six sources from the producer group told Reuters on Thursday.

Still, there are bearish demand factors looming. China has shown no signs of easing lockdown measures which have hit its economy and global supply chains.

Crude's rally could stall and prices could average just less than US$100 a barrel this year, a Reuters poll found on Friday, as economic risks and China's COVID lockdowns counter supply shortfalls due to the Ukraine war. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Putin’s ‘middle finger’ to the UN sends clear message to the West M

ayor Vitali Klitschko said on Friday a missile attack on his city Kyiv was Russian President Vladimir Putin’s way of giving “his middle finger” to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the West over the war in Ukraine.

The targeting of the capital on Thursday killed at least one person and wounded 10 others, and was the first on Kyiv since Russia refocused its efforts on the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Guterres and his team were not hurt.

The attacks were the boldest Russian attack on the capital since Moscow’s forces retreated weeks ago following their failure to take the city. Russia is now pushing into the Donbas,

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited the town of Borodyanka outside of Kyiv on Thursday [Gleb Garanich/Reuters]

the country’s eastern industrial region, which the Kremlin has said is its main objective.

Volodymyr Fesenko, a Ukrainian political analyst and head of the Kyiv-based Penta Center think-tank,

South Africa says it may be Blast kills more than on brink of 5th COVID wave 50 at Kabul mosque,

S

outh Africa may be entering a fifth COVID-19 wave earlier than expected after a sustained rise in infections over the past 14 days seemingly driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants, health officials and scientists have said.

The country, which has recorded the most coronavirus cases and deaths on the entire African continent, only exited a fourth wave at the beginning of this year.

Authorities had predicted a fifth wave could begin in May or June, early in the southern hemisphere winter.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla told a press briefing on Friday that although hospitalisations were picking up, there had been no dramatic change in admissions to intensive care units or deaths so far.

He added that at this stage, health authorities had not been alerted to any new

variant, other than changes to the dominant Omicron variant that first emerged in South Africa and Botswana in November, before sweeping around the world.

Since February, cases had been dropping in South Africa, but infection numbers began increasing last week and have risen quickly since.

The country is now recording several thousand cases a day, up from a few hundred just a few weeks ago. The proportion of positive tests jumped from four percent in mid-April to 19 percent on Thursday, according to official figures.

Wastewater surveillance has also shown increases in coronavirus spread.

Infectious disease specialist Richard Lessells told Friday’s briefing that waning immunity from previous waves could be contributing to the earlier-than-expected resurgence in cases.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Israel airport in chaos as family brings unexploded shell

A

US family caused a bomb scare at Israel's main international airport after presenting an unexploded artillery shell at a security check.

They had picked up the ordnance on a visit to the Israeli occupied Golan Heights, site of wars between Israel and Syria, according to authorities.

Video footage on social media showed people running from the scene in panic.

The family was allowed to board their flight after being interrogated by security, who gave the all-clear.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from

The family had brought the shell as a souvenir, authorities said

Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967 and remnants of the conflict can still be found in the area.

Israel's YNet news site said in the incident on Thursday night a member

said the missile attacks carried a message: “Russia is sending a clear signal about its intention to continue the war despite the international pressure.”

He said Putin will continue to attack targets

throughout Ukraine.

In an apparent reference to the attack on Kyiv, Russia’s military said it destroyed “production buildings” at the Artem defence factory in a “high precision” missile attack.

The bombardment came barely an hour after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a news conference with Guterres, who toured some of the destruction in and around Kyiv and condemned attacks on civilians.

“This says a lot about Russia’s true attitude toward global institutions, about attempts of the Russian leadership to humiliate the UN and everything the organisation represents,” Zelenskyy said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

of the family produced the shell from their backpack and asked a security official if it could be put in a suitcase.

The official ordered her immediate vicinity to be

cleared, but another passenger who misheard her started shouting "terrorists shooting", triggering mass panic, the site said.

Amid the chaos, a 32-yearold man, Uri, injured himself as he tried to escape and was taken to hospital.

Ben Gurion airport, just outside Tel Aviv, is considered to have one of the highest levels of security in the world. Vehicles and travellers pass through security checks before they reach the terminal and check-in area.

Israel is also on high alert after a series of deadly attacks across the country in recent weeks. (Excerpt from BBC News)

its leader says

Afghan men flee near the site of explosions at Khalifa Sahib Mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan April 29, 2022

A

powerful explosion killed more than 50 worshippers after Friday prayers at a Kabul mosque, its leader said, the latest in a series of attacks on civilian targets in Afghanistan during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The blast hit the Khalifa Sahib Mosque in the west of the capital in the early afternoon, said Besmullah Habib, deputy spokesman for the Interior Ministry, who said the official confirmed death toll was 10.

The attack came as worshippers at the Sunni mosque gathered after Friday prayers for a congregation known as Zikr an act of religious remembrance practised by some Muslims but seen as heretical by some hardline Sunni groups.

Sayed Fazil Agha, the head of the mosque, said someone they believed was a suicide bomber joined them in the ceremony and

detonated explosives.

A health source said hospitals had received 66 dead bodies and 78 wounded people so far.

The United States and the United Nations' mission to Afghanistan condemned the attack, with the latter saying it was part of an uptick in violence in recent weeks targeting minorities and adding that at least two UN staff members and their families were in the mosque at the time of the attack.

A spokesman for the ruling Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, released a statement condemning the blast and saying the perpetrators would be found and punished.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible.

Scores of Afghan civilians have been killed in recent weeks in blasts, some of which have been claimed

by Islamic State. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

The work you put in will pay off.

Don't give up on something or someone you love. Look at situations from the inside out, and you'll find a way to get things done. Go with the flow.

(March 21-April 19) You know how to play the game.

The rules are in place and the outcome is clear. Place your feet firmly on the ground and proceed with strength and courage. You are in control.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Attending a reunion or reaching out to someone from your past will cause mixed feelings. Size up situations honestly. Giving someone the wrong impression or making an assumption will lead to regret.

Take things up a notch. Be creative and demonstrate your passion for excellence. An energetic schedule will prompt you to look and feel your best. Romance is on the rise.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Think before you make a move. Don't try to keep up with others or copy them.

Pay more attention to learning, helping others and living a moderate and peaceful lifestyle. Do what makes you happy.

(July 23-Aug. 22) The voice of reason will help make the right decision. A change give you something to think about. out and socialize or network, and it lead to personal growth.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

you will Get will

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Prioritize money, health and contracts. Organize documents and ease your mind. Talk to an expert if something perplexes you. Think about how you handle your money and make changes if needed.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Reevaluate relationships and gravitate toward people who share your sentiments. Distance yourself from negativity and obstacles. Use your imagination.

Romance is featured.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Don't let what others do or say upset you. Look inward and focus on yourself, your needs and how you want to move forward. You can't change others, but you can change yourself.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Put your energy where it counts, and you will be happy with the results. Make changes that will get others engaged in ideas that will benefit everyone at home and in your community.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Show discipline and don't give in to someone's whims. You'll feel much better about yourself if you finish what you start. Put together a to-do list, and forge ahead until everything is squared away.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Step up and take charge. Your energy and capacity to see things as they are will help you get things done. A change will improve your life and encourage loved ones to support your efforts.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

21

IPL 2022…

Mohsin, Krunal help Lucknow Super Giants consolidate playoffs’ position K

runal Pandya sucked the life out of Punjab Kings' run chase, leading the way as Lucknow Super Giants defended 153 to consolidate their play-off position.

Kings had made a solid start to their chase, reaching 46 for 1 off the powerplay to take their requirement down to 108 off 14 overs with nine wickets in hand, an equation that should have proved relatively straightforward.

But after Ravi Bishnoi removed Shikhar Dhawan, Krunal's spell of 2 for 11 from his four overs meant that the asking rate climbed, and it forced Kings' batters to take risks on a sticky, two-paced pitch.

Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Rishi Dhawan

maining left-handed batter in their top seven, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, when his arm ball found a leading edge and looped up into the covers.

That enabled him to wheel away against their right-handers, conceding only four runs in his final three overs, and trapping Jitesh Sharma lbw. When his spell was finished, Punjab needed 62 off 36 balls, with five wickets left and with the out-of-form Bairstow being their only frontline batter left standing.

When Bairstow’s thick edge off Chameera flew to deep third, it was inevitable that Krunal was the man diving forward to take the catch and seal the game.

Across IPL 2022, Krunal has taken nine wickets with an economy rate of 6.18, bowling three overs per game on average.

His record against right-handers is even better, eight wickets with an economy rate of 5.51 an over; Rajapaksa was the first left-hander he had dismissed this season.

Kings have struggled badly against left-arm spin all season, and will now be targeted with it in their final five group games.

Krunal ended with 2 for 11, and the only cheaper four-over spell this season was also by a left-arm spinner against Punjab: Axar Patel's 2 for 10 at Brabourne.

Hooda, de Kock start brightly

LSG celebrating their win

showed brief glimpses of their hitting ability, but all struggled for fluency as Kings ended up 20 runs short.

Lucknow's total of 153 owed much to an 85-run stand between Quinton de Kock and Deepak Hooda for the second wicket, the only partnership of more than 35 in the match.

Kings collapsed through the middle overs, losing five wickets for 13 runs, but late blows from Dushmantha Chameera and Mohsin Khan ensured they finished with a defendable total.

Krunal's star turn

Andy Flower had often packed his teams with allrounders during his two-and-a-half years on the franchise circuit, and his Lucknow side have taken his T20 philosophy to its extreme: they had nine bowling options in their side for this game, with Avesh Khan returning from injury to replace Manish Pandey in the playing XI. Krunal has been a beneficiary of that style, required as a bowler only when conditions or match-ups have suited. With the final ball of his first over, he dismissed Punjab's only re-

Lucknow's top order looked vulnerable early on, as they struggled to adjust to the nature of the pitch, with Kagiso Rabada inducing an outside edge from KL Rahul, who fell for 6 in his first appearance against the Punjab franchise since he left them at the end of last season.

De Kock laid into Rabada with consecutive sixes, but Lucknow managed only 39 off the powerplay. Hooda made a false start, reaching 3 off 12 balls and struggling for control, but sixes off Rishi Dhawan and Liam Livingstone got things moving in the middle of the innings. With de Kock also firing, Lucknow were loading up for the back end, before Sandeep Sharma - who bowled out early and finished with 1 for 18 from his four - found de Kock's outside edge to break the stand.

Super Giants' slide

From 98 for 1, Lucknow collapsed to 111 for 6, and then 126 for 7. Bairstow, who has primarily been used as a specialist batter rather than a keeper, ran Hooda out with a brilliant direct hit from deep backward square leg, before Rabada struck twice in his third over, with Krunal and Ayush Badoni both caught while attempting boundaries off hard length balls.

Rahul Chahar caught Marcus Stoinis off his own bowling, and had Jason Holder taken at deep extra cover, but Mohsin (once off Chahar) and Chameera (twice off Rabada) hit crucial

Krunal Pandya bagged 2-11 in his four overs

Mohsin Khan bagged 3-24

sixes at the death, dragging Lucknow up to 153.

Mohsin catches the eye

Mohsin Khan's signing for INR 20 lakh slipped under the radar at the mega-auction, but his left-arm angle has offered Lucknow's attack a crucial point of difference.

A tall 23-year-old seamer from Uttar Pradesh, he has played only one first-class game, but his pace in the powerplay and slower balls through the middle and at the death have marked him out as another exciting local prospect.

He took the key wicket of Livingstone with the first ball of his third over, giving him no pace to work with as he shuffled across to play a premeditated scoop, then made certain of the win with two tail-end wickets in his fourth, to finish with 3 for 24 and ice Lucknow's victory. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Quinton de Kock † c †Sharma b Sandeep Sharma 46 KL Rahul (c) c †Sharma b Rabada 6 Deepak Hooda run out (Bairstow) 34 Krunal Pandya c S Dhawan b Rabada 7 Marcus Stoinis c & b Chahar 1 Ayush Badoni c Livingstone b Rabada 4 Jason Holder c Sandeep Sharma b Chahar 11 Dushmantha Chameera c Chahar b Rabada 17 Mohsin Khan not out 13 Avesh Khan not out 2 Extras (lb 8, w 4) 12 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.65) 153/8 Did not bat: Ravi Bishnoi Fall of wickets: 1-13 (KL Rahul, 2.5 ov), 2-98 (Quinton de Kock, 12.4 ov), 3-104 (Deepak Hooda, 13.3 ov), 4-105 (Krunal Pandya, 14.1 ov), 5-109 (Ayush Badoni, 14.5 ov), 6-111 (Marcus Stoinis, 15.3 ov), 7-126 (Jason Holder, 17.4 ov), 8-144 (Dushmantha Chameera, 18.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Arshdeep Singh 4-0-23-0 Sandeep Sharma 4-0-18-1 Kagiso Rabada 4-0-38-4 Rishi Dhawan 2-0-13-0 Liam Livingstone 2-0-23-0 Rahul Chahar 4-0-30-2

PUNJAB KINGS INNINGS (Target: 154 runs from 20 overs) Mayank Agarwal (c) c Rahul b Chameera 25 Shikhar Dhawan b Ravi Bishnoi 5 Jonny Bairstow c Pandya b Chameera 32 Bhanuka Rajapaksa c Rahul b Pandya 9 Liam Livingstone c †de Kock b Mohsin Khan 18 Jitesh Sharma † lbw b Pandya 2 Rishi Dhawan not out 21 Kagiso Rabada c Badoni b Mohsin Khan 2 Rahul Chahar c Badoni b Mohsin Khan 4 Arshdeep Singh not out 0 Extras (b 4, lb 2, nb 1, w 8) 15 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 6.65) 133/8 Did not bat: Sandeep Sharma Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Mayank Agarwal, 4.4 ov), 2-46 (Shikhar Dhawan, 6.3 ov), 3-58 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 7.6 ov), 4-88 (Liam Livingstone, 12.1 ov), 5-92 (Jitesh Sharma, 13.2 ov), 6-103 (Jonny Bairstow, 15.2 ov), 7-112 (Kagiso Rabada, 17.2 ov), 8-117 (Rahul Chahar, 17.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohsin Khan 4-1-24-3 Dushmantha Chameera 4-0-17-2 Jason Holder 1-0-8-0 Avesh Khan 3-0-26-0 Ravi Bishnoi 4-0-41-1 Krunal Pandya 4-1-11-2

YBG commences Tertiary/ GCA to host Female University Basketball League

Youth Cricket Camp

Agriculture, and Port Mourant Training Centre.

Games are played on Sundays from 3 pm to 7 pm.

April 10th, April 24th, May 1st, May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd and June 5th (Finals) Results after two rounds:

T

he Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will be hosting a Female Youth Cricket Camp during the month of May 2022.

Targeting females between the ages of 12 and 18 years, this camp would focus on identifying and developing the talent of females who have the desire to learn and the passion to play represenPresident of the GCA, tative cricket at the highest Neil Barry Snr level. The camp is open to females who attend school or reside within Georgetown, or are registered to cricket clubs affiliated to the GCA, and females desirous of participating are required to attend, an orientation session that will be held on Wednesday 4 May 2022 at the Malteenoes Sports Club in Thomas Lands, Georgetown, commencing at 16hrs.

They are required to bring along their parents/guardians.

Persons desirous of obtaining additional information or making queries are invited to contact Shaun Massiah, Chairperson of the GCA Competition Committee, on 6167240.

Y

outh Basketball Guyana (YBG) recently tipped off the inaugural Tertiary Basketball League with games being played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sundays.

The Tertiary/University Basketball League is open to players under 21 years old, and is used as a bridge for high school and club basketball. This league will provide motivation for school basketball players to continue improving, even as they transition as continuing student-athletes into the tertiary system, which is an important objective for YBG. Six tertiary schools are participating in the inaugural tournament, namely: the University of Guyana, Government Technical Institute, Linden Technical Institute, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Guyana School of

The Tertiary/University Basketball League is being sponsored by YBG and its partners: National Sports Commission, ExxonMobil, G-Boats Gy, Edward B. Beharry and Company, Banks DIH Ltd, and Fireside Grill.

22

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Exciting Smirnoff Vodka Golf tournament on today …London, Khan, Watkins among others to participate – LGC Secretary Chet Bowling expecting great competition

LGC Club Secretary, Chet Bowling

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will today be host to the highlyanticipated Smirnoff Vodka Golf tournament sponsored by

Banks DIH Limited, exclusive importers and distributors of that fantastic spirit. The action is expected to tee off at 12:30 hrs, and LGC Club Secretary Chet Bowling is predicting keen competition, as more than 30 avid golfers are participating.

Among this tournament’s participants are Shanella London, the 2021 Guyana Open Champion; and Kassim Khan and Tom Watkins, regular tournament champions. In an interview with this publication, Chet Bowling was asked about the importance of the weather to this tournament, and he replied: “The ground? Depending on how much rain we have, we

will know. If there is no rain, we should have a good game of golf. The ground staff have been working around the clock to keep the course in good condition. They have been continuously pumping water off the course to get rid of the rains that we have been having."

Bowling noted that the LGC has invested in some new equipment, which would assist the course whenever there is rain. He also mentioned that once there is no heavy rainfall during the course of play, participants can look forward to a great game of golf.

Further, he said that some overseas guests had quite recently commended the club

for the fantastic condition of the ground and the raft of improvements compared to the past years.

"There is always fierce competition,” he said.

“It continues to be fierce competition among these tournaments, and Banks DIH being a big brand, we expect a larger-than-usual turnout and some of our top golfers," Bowling explained.

Reiterated that he expects a lot of players and fierce competition, as the beverage giant is known to attract those, Bowling divulged that there will be drinks and cocktails, compliments of the sponsorship. Therefore, he is

Shanella London

encouraging everyone to bring their families out and have a grand time.

Bowling has said the LGC is extremely grateful to Banks DIH, as that conglomerate continues to show leadership through corporate social responsibility.

Banks DIH and the LGC have a longstanding relationship.

The beverage giant has sponsored many Guyana Open tournaments, kids’ August programmes, overseas trips for members, rendered assistance in maintaining the club house and course, and provided sponsorship to individual members to improve their game locally and enter overseas tournaments.

BCB/Brian Ramphal Annual Awards Ceremony…

11 outstanding cricket club officials honoured …4 legendary Test players receive Tribute to Heroes awards

E

leven outstanding cricket club administrators in East and West Berbice were last Sunday honoured by the management of the Berbice Cricket Board, under the BCB Tribute to Club Officials Programme, in proceedings held at the St. Francis Community Developers Centre during the BCB/Brian Ramphal Annual Awards Ceremony.

Those honoured were Jaipaul Heeralall of D’Edward CC, Roshan Gafoor of Cotton Tree CC, Julian Moore and Tremayne Smartt of Tucber Park CC, Leslie Soloman of Port Mourant CC, Vemen Walter and Omarnauth Outar of Albion CC, Keith Hicks and Ravindranauth Kisoonlall of RHTY&SC, and Sydney Jackman and Dennis D’Andrade of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association.

Among the things said of the honorees were that Walters, as President of the Albion CC, has played a major

Dr Desmond Haynes receiving the BCB Tribute to Heroes Award from Cecil Beharry

role in the development of Narsingh Deonarine, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Veersammy Permaul and Devindra Bishoo, among other players. Soloman has coached the Port Mourant Club to

several youth championship wins.

And Hicks and Kissoonlall, cricket managers of the RHTY&SC, have guided the careers of dozens of national players.

BCB President Hilbert Foster

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ futsal tourney…

hailed the awardees as the unsung heroes of Berbice Cricket, who all worked behind the curtains to make sure that the rich legacy of Berbice Cricket is kept alive. He expressed gratitude to each of the awardees, and urged them to continuing serving Berbice Cricket.

Each of the awardees received a plate plaque, framed certificate of excellence, and a medal of excellence.

The BCB has also honoured five persons with its highest award - Tribute to Heroes. Those who received this award were Sir Andy Roberts, Dr. Desmond Haynes, CWI President Ricky Skerritt, Roland Butcher and James Clive Adams. The awards were bestowed on the five awardees by executives of the BCB in presence of a large gathering of players, officials and special invites, including West Indies players Veersammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Isai Thorne, Kevin Sinclair, Devindra Bishoo, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond.

Dr Haynes (116), Sir Andy

Julian Moore receiving the BCB Outstanding Official Award from Sir Andy Roberts

Roberts (47), Adams (54) and Butcher (3) have played a combined 219 Test matches, and were honoured for being friends of Berbice Cricket and positive role models for youths.

Adams also received the award on behalf of CWI President Ricky Skerritt, who was unable to attend because of overseas travel commitments to India on behalf of the regional board.

Each of the legendary players expressed gratitude to the BCB for honouring them. Sir Andy Roberts praised the outstanding leadership of BCB President Hilbert Foster, and expressed hope that he would continue to serve in the future. Each of the

Four teams storm into GFF invites orders for quarterfinal stage FIFA World Cup tickets

Action between High Rollers (yellow) and Hill Side Ballers at the Silver City Hardcourt in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden edition

H

igh Rollers, Amazings, DC Ballers, and WhapWhap have secured their respective quarterfinal berths when the Linden edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ futsal tournament continued on Thursday at the Silver City Hardcourt.

High Rollers downed Hill Side Ballers 2-0 in the feature game of the evening, with Jonah Simon and Robin Adams

making their presence felt in the respective 12th and 26th minutes of the game.

Amazings brushed aside Universal Ballers 4-1, with George Stephen bagging a double in the seventh and 12th minutes, while Tyrese Lewis and Brentley Allicock each scored a goal in the respective 14th and 22nd minutes of the game.

Universal Ballers’ Omari Gordon found the back of the

net in the 19th minute.

DC Ballers downed Speightland 3-0, with Nicholas Gentle, David Fiedtkou and Allan Halley scoring in the eighth, 16th, and 21st minutes respectively.

And What-Whap edged Back Street Ballers 6-5. For the victors, Malcolm Miggins recorded the fastest goal in the history of the tournament, scoring in 10 seconds, alongside a 20th-minute conversion.

His team mate Antwoine Gill scored in the eighth and 12th minutes, as did Jeshawn Moore in the 10th, and 22nd minutes.

For Back Street Ballers, Seon Barrat netted in the fifth minute, while Guinness Goals (GG) (a goal scored in the final three minutes counts as two) were registered by Robin Wren and Isaiah Adams in the 28th and 29th minutes respectively.

The quarterfinal round will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce that it is accepting orders for tickets for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which takes place between November 21 and December 18.

All interested parties should write to the General Secretary, Guyana Football Federation, 17 Dadanawa Street, Secton K Campbellville, Georgetown to register details of their requests by the close of business on Friday, May 6.

Due to FIFA deadlines, late applications will not be accepted.

Please note that all orders will be subject to availability. The GFF has been granted the rights for the resale of tickets as a non-participating FIFA member association, but the Federation must purchase tickets en bloc in line with FIFA timelines. Tickets are split into the following categories:

awardees received the Tribute to Heroes plaque, Medal of Excellence, and special gifts.

CLASSIFIED ADS ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara (Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop) – AirConditioned Comfort. Amenities include TV, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Gym. Free Parking, Free WiFi. Spend 7 nights and get 1 Free. Rates from $45 US. Breakfast included. Long term rates available. Phone: 264-2946-9. www. aracariresort.com

BUS SERVICE Need a bus? Call Us. Matthews Bus Service and Tours. Call: 6392663/673-2348.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant for Rent – West Bank Demerara (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop). Turn Key Business. Covid-19 Reduced Capacity 60; furnished and equipped.

Phone 264-2946; 626-5290

ENTERTAINMENT

https://www.fifa.com/ tournaments/mens/worldcup/ q ata r 2 0 2 2 / n ews / t i c ketcategories-fwc22 The GFF would also announce details of media accreditation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in due course, once confirmed by FIFA. All media accreditations will be managed via the official FIFA event media hub.

Swimming Pool Family Fun & Picnic – Crystal Clear Pool. Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. Aracari Resort : West Bank Demerara (Versailles, between Harbor Bridge and Vreeden-Hoop)- Every Weekend. DJ Music.

Groups and Excursions welcome.

(Fee applies)- Phone: 264-2946-9.

VACANCY R.A Soda Factory, Rossignol, West Coast Berbice. Tel.# 330-2399, 330-2852, 656-7456, 6922981. Male and Female Workers, Accountant, Bond Clerk, Machine Operator, Drivers.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Magnum Futsal Independence Cup…

23

Optimum entertainment promised with weekend fixtures A glimpse of the Magnum futsal action thus far

W

Complete fixtures for today:

ith just a few Showstoppers vs Festival City nights into its Sophia vs Melanie commencement, Tiger Bay vs Ansa McAL the Magnum Futsal Leopold Street vs Belfield Independence Cup North East vs Stabroek Ballers has already witnessed Back Circle vs Mocha shocking upsets and Albouystown vs Road Warriors scintillating encounters.

Sparta Boss vs East Front Road With action started just last Sunday evening, this anticipating this, coming fascinating tournament out of COVID, so they were has already inflamed the excited to actually get back excitement of futsal fans, playing outside, and we although, according to those see that coming out in the spearheading the event, level of competition and there is so much more the participation,” Jefford told tournament will offer. this publication.

Organiser Edison Jefford, He added, “Just tonight, in speaking with Guyana Times my Technical Coordinator Mr. Sport during Wednesday Griffith had a phone call from evening’s games, pointed out a team wanting to enter the that the reception thus far competition, so we know the has exceeded the organiser’s interest is there.” expectations.

This particular “Actually, we didn’t tournament, and others like anticipate such a great it, is usually hosted indoors, start. The competition has but with Magnum’s shift to been great, in terms of the the National Park Tarmac, competitive level of the Jefford said, he has noticed a teams. They said they were shift in the momentum.

The organiser shared, “What we’ve observed is that the momentum has shifted. We usually keep this tournament indoors, but we came outdoors for the first time, and we have all the support of the teams; all of the communities have been represented.

“That’s a good sign for us, that we’ve been able to shift the dynamics to the outdoor format, and it’s been great so far.”

With games scheduled for both nights this weekend, Jefford has promised that Magnum would deliver on the quality of games, vibes and giveaways for patrons.

“This brand is known for its excitement, its dynamic and its vibey appeal, so we’ll continue to bring that kind of dancehall feel to the football. So, we’ll continue to ensure our premiums, our giveaways, are excellent,” he related.

Jefford added, “We encourage people to continue to come out, support their communities, support their favourite players and their teams; and you never know, you might win something."

On Saturday night, Showstoppers will face off with Festival City, Tiger Bay

Ministry of Natural Resources takes lead in contribution to Young Warriors Cricket Club restoration funds project

T

he once vibrant Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice recently started an aggressive drive to restore the club and its venue to their former glory. Letters of request and phone calls were made to several businesses, private individuals and Government Ministries.

Imran Saccoor, President of YWCC reached out to Honorable Minister Vickram Bharrat, Ministry of Natural Resources, who readily agreed to help; and, on a recent visit to Berbice, presented a cheque for $250,000 to members of the club. Minister Bharrat, himself a Berbician, has said he is elated to be part of the restoration of the ground, knowing that the club has produced so many outstanding cricketers, including Shimron Hetmyer, over the years.

He said he is happy to know that the club’s executives are making an effort to fix the issues, and he pledged his continued support for the club, while calling on former players to also contribute.

Saccoor, in reply, thanked the Honorable Minister, while he laid out the plans and projects to be undertaken. The first phase would involve fixing the fence, which is estimated to cost about $750,000. That would be followed by the outfield and then the pavilions, he added.

Saccoor has promised that all funds received would be

Honorable Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat (right), handing over the cheque to Aubrey David, Vice President of YWCC, in the presence of REO Region 6, Narindra Persaud, Suresh Dhanai, and a representative of the Ministry

accounted for, and he said the club is planning fundraisers to help cover the cost of the restoration.

Six years ago, the venue was in picture perfect condition.

Unfortunately, it has since deteriorated over the years.

Saccoor, continues to appeal to the GOG, Corporate Guyana, and private individuals for assistance. He said the first step is to replace the fence, fix the outfield and fix the pavilions, and then move aggressively to recruit new players.

The YWCC has produced many outstanding players during the 25 years of its existence, with the latest being West Indies batting star Shimron Hetmyer. Other players who represented Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies at different levels are: Gajanand Singh, who now plays for the USA; Richard Ramdeen, former National Captain Damodar Daesrat; Seon Hetmyer, Paul Wintz,

Kwesi Maltay, Balram Samaroo, Alex Algoo, Kevin Ramdeen, Loaknauth Ramsuchit, Kassim Khan, Linden Austin, Sanjay Khan, Shazad Khan, Ishwar Singh, Aaron Beharry, Anil Beharry, Suresh Dhanai, Farouk Hussain and Daryl Narine, among many others.

The YWCC won the first and only Shapoorji Palonji National T20 competition ever played by defeating Blairmont CC; and the Neal and Massy National 40 Overs Competition by defeating the powerful Demerara Cricket Club in the final at the Guyana National Stadium, among other championship titles. The club won the GCB Club of the Year title for two consecutive years.

Members of the current executive body are seeking help in cash and kind to restore the venue. Contact can be made with Imran Saccoor; Aubrey David on 646- 0294; Suresh Dhanai on 685- 3101; or any executive member of the club.

will take on Ansa McAL, Back Circle will oppose Mocha, and

Sparta Boss would attempt to topple East Front Road, just to

name a few notable fixtures.

(Jemima Holmes)

BCB/Dave West Indian Imports launches countywide second division 20/20 tournament – approximately 100 teams to participate

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), in its ongoing effort to play cricket in every part of the ancient county, last Sunday joined hands with the management of Dave West Indian Imports to launch a countywide second division 20/20 tournament.

The launching was done during the BCB Brian Ramphal Awards Ceremony at the St. Francis Community Training Centre. Cricketing legends Sir Andy Roberts, Dr. Desmond Haynes, Roland Butcher and Jimmy Adams were part of the historic launching.

BCB President Hilbert Foster disclosed that Managing Director of the company, Dave Narine, had late last year approached him at the Marriott Hotel, expressing an interest in sponsoring a countywide tournament.

It was agreed that the company would sponsor a second division event, and the tournament would first be played in five areas: Berbice River, New Amsterdam/ Canje, West Berbice, Lower/ Central Corentyne, and Upper Corentyne.

Teams in the five subassociations would play each other on a round-robin basis,

Dave Narine presenting sponsorship cheque to Neil Rudder and Dr Cecil Barry in the presence of Sir Andy Roberts, Jimmy Adams, Roland Butcher and Dr Desmond Haynes

and end with a champion in each area. The five top teams would then square off in a special championship to produce an overall Berbice champion.

Among the teams expected to play in the tournament are D’ Edward CC, Cotton Tree, Blairmont, Bath, Paradise, and Achievers, of the West Berbice clubs; while the favourites in the New Amsterdam/Canje are Rose Hall Canje, Tucber Park, Young Warriors, East Bank Blazers, and Edinburgh.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Port Mourant, Albion, Chesney, Rose Hall Tigers, Whim are all expected to dominate the Lower Corentyne area; while Upper Corentyne Zone would include No 72 Cut and Load, Dukestown, Skeldon, Crabwood Creek and No. 73 Young Warriors.

The champion in each subassociation would receive a financial prize and champion’s trophy, while the overall champion would take home $100,000. Foster expressed thanks to Mr. Narine for reaching out to the BCB. Narine has said he is very impressed with the direction that Berbice Cricket is heading, and as a Berbician, he wants to play a part in the way forward.

He said he is confident that new and promising talents would be unearthed during the tournament.

Narine is urging the teams to play in an orderly manner.

BCB Assistant Treasurer Neil Rudder and Vice President for Finance, Dr. Cecil Beharry, received the sponsorship cheque from Narine in the presence of the cricketing legends.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

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

Football is back!

GFF announces return of local tournaments

By Jemima Holmes

P

layers, fans and some organisers have for months begged for the return of football in Guyana, in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.

And, for many months, those persons have been met with the disappointment of knowing that the sport was not ready to get back on its feet.

Now not only have the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) secured the go-ahead, but they will also be lending a helping hand to their regional member associations (RMAs) to ensure that there is an abundance of tournaments to choose from.

For what can be seen as an important event, considering the constraints of the Coronavirus pandemic, presidents and executives of the GFF’s nine regional member associations (RMAs) gathered at the GFF Training Centre at Providence on Friday morning, since they would be the ones spearheading the restart of the sport.

Competitions galore have been promised by the GFF, as President Wayne Forde detailed the upcoming tournaments while highlighting the role that the Federation would play alongside the RMAs, as football returns.

“The Guyana Football

Federation, in partnership with its nine regional associations, intends to play four competitions for the remaining months of the official football season of 2022.

These four competitions include two male tournaments and two female tournaments. Namely, we intend to play the Regional Association’s Senior Men’s League, which is scheduled to kick off simultaneously across all nine of our regional associations,” the GFF President disclosed.

He continued, “We also intend to play the GFF Women's Development league, which will be kicked off on May 12.

And at the moment, we have 16 registered clubs for that tournament. We intend also to play the NAMILCO Flour Power U17 Boys league, and that is scheduled to be kicked off on the 21st of May. And finally, we intend to launch the Bluewater U15 Girls Development League, which is scheduled also to be kicked off on the 15th of May. “The GFF Competitions Department is working very closely with our regional associations to ensure that the regulations for these tournaments are properly put together, the fixtures are done properly, and that all the necessary preparations are being made to the highest possible standard, to ensure

The RMA executives posing with equipment presented after Friday’s football return announcement

that the competition can be of high quality,” Forde concluded.

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, who welcomes the idea, has found it remarkable of the GFF to assist the associations with the necessary resources to facilitate the restart of competitions.

“This is a big moment for Football in Guyana to get back out on the field at the regional level. First, I want to commend the Guyana Football Federation, in terms of displaying the vision to outfit the regional associations and clubs, as they have been doing with this MFAP programme. I think that showing

that ability to hold the hand of the regional association, and not just leave the associations on their own, is saying something very profound,” Shabazz articulated.

He went on to say, “It shows a deep recognition of their role as the senior group in charge of football.”

From the RMAs, Georgetown’s Otis James spoke of the sport as a unifying tool, while Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon’s Maxine Stewart had encouraging words for her fellow RMA leaders.

James shared with the gathering, “Football is back.

We should all hold our hands together and say thanks to the GFF for assisting us in putting this great programme together.

As we sit together this morning, I want to encourage not just the nine associations, but the players and the fans, to embrace each other and let us put football first.

He added, “I think football would not just help the growth and development of the youths, but it can help us unite this country.”

Maxine Stewart encouraged, “I want to say to our member associations, sometimes you have to be the driving force

behind. Not because you’re the President you lay back and get it done. I think sometimes you will fail because you have to be the person to drive. And as Coach Shabazz said, you don’t just sit and think you arrive, you’ve got to get out there, meet with the clubs and get, and it wasn’t an easy task for the Essequibo coast.”

The RMAs were also presented with gear and equipment for the spearheading of their tournaments, alongside a trophy. The presentation is said to fall under the GFF’s Members Financial Assistance programme (MFAP) initiative.

Players improve on Yo-Yo test at Guyana Harpy Eagles fitness assessment

Guyana Harpy Eagles Head Coach Esuan Crandon

By Brandon Corlette at Leonora

G

uyana Harpy Eagles players have shown significant improvement on the Yo-Yo test, which was conducted at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara.

The players are in full preparation mode for the restart of Cricket West Indies’ Regional Four-Day Championships in Trinidad and Tobago from May

18. Speaking exclusively to this daily publication, Guyana Harpy Eagles Head Coach Esuan Crandon said he is pleased with the players’ fitness level.

"I think we would have made some small strides from the

period during the break after the first two rounds. When you look at the scores, we saw a lot of improvements, because we would have put in a lot of work during that period until up to this week. So, I am pleased with

the results overall. We have seen a higher percentage of improvement throughout," he said.

"Every single player, we did not have any player that regressed from the last time, we

had about two players that did the same, they did not improve, but everyone else would have improved. Out of 28 players who took part in the assessment, I am pleased with that, it is a work in progress, and it goes to show (that) once the work is done, you will get the results you want to achieve," Crandon said.

Guyana will be playing defending champions Barbados Pride from May 18 at Queen’s Park Oval, but before that big clash, two practice matches will be played before departure.

"We are very close to competition, so obviously we want to fine-tune preparations in terms of the guys’ mental capacity to compete under pressure, to be clear as to their roles, and work within the guideline of the team objective, what we are looking to achieve, and ensure that the role is define within that objective."

Crandon added: "It is about maximising the next two weeks.

We are looking to have two practice games, and it is a good yardstick to gauge our progress from our first two games in the competition. We have three games to go, so I am hoping to see better decision-making from a batting perspective, I want to see guys bat for longer periods, and show more fight and determination. Be disciplined, and make better decisions, and willing to fight out tough periods.

That is what Test cricket, or firstclass cricket, calls for."

Cricket West Indies minimum mark for the Yo-Yo test is level 40, while Ramnaresh Sarwan, who is now a selector for the West Indies senior team, has said Guyana minimum fitness standard would be 45. Sarwan had made this disclosure unofficially, when he was the lead selector for Guyana Senior Team. The Harpy Eagles will restart the tournament in fourth position, with 21.4 points under their belts.

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.