Guyana Times -- Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Clerk of National Assembly visits former MPs P13

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 5046

guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

VICE News came with pre-determined agenda – Chinese Ambassador Page 3

…slams attempt to malign bilateral relations between Guyana and China

IDB approves US$83.3M for Guyana’s renewable energy programme – money from Norway to go towards eight large-scale solar farms See story on page 16

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Region 3 man is Guyana’s latest COVID fatality …15 new infections reported

P14

56-year-old injured after Pomeroon P2 boat collision

Cummings Lodge man nabbed with unlicensed gun, P8 raw gold

Duo busted with ganja during P8 Police search Peacemaker set on fire succumbs, suspect still at P11 large

Miss India Guyana 2022 Maya Persaud (centre) being flanked by Mrs India Guyana Mel Seupaul and Miss Teen India Guyana Beauty Roshani Razack at the sashing ceremony ahead of the hosting of the Miss India Worldwide pageant on June 24, 2022 in New Jersey, USA at the Royal Albert Palace

Future cash bailout CJIA works on schedule in the cards for for June completion NIS – VP Jagdeo – Min Edghill ...as contributions too low to cover payouts Page 7

Page 13

Duo returning home for Father’s Day drown following boat collision Page 2

GGDMA calls on miners to practise safety following death of businessman

P10

2 NEWS Duo returning home 56-year-old injured after for Father’s Day drown Pomeroon boat collision following boat collision TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

Dead: Devor Naughton and Sherwin Adolphus

he lifeless bodies of two young men were pulled from the Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) – one day after they fell overboard. Dead are 29-yearold Devor Naughton of Hackney Canal, Lower Pomeroon, and 18-year-old Sherwin Adolphus of Grant Progress, Lower Pomeroon.

Reports are that the two young men fell overboard after the boat in which they were travelling collided with a fishing vessel on Sunday evening. Based on reports received, the two young men worked in the interior and were heading home to spend Father’s Day with their families when

tragedy struck.

Naughton was a father of two while Adolphus was a father of one. However, immediately after the boat collision, a search party was launched to look for the two men but up to late Sunday evening, they came up empty-handed.

Nevertheless, the search continued on Monday thus leading to the discovery of the bodies at about 11:30h.

When contacted, Commander for Regional Division 2, Shivpersaud Bacchus related that the accident occurred at about 19:00h and involved a 15feet boat powered by a 15HP outboard engine and a fishing vessel. They were

reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

On Monday when the bodies were found, Jivana Freeman, a cousin of the young men related that they left the interior to return home to spend Father’s Day with their family but they would have received the news of the accident just after midday on Sunday.

“Today we formed the team and went and look and we found them at the Charity Waterfront,” Freeman said while describing the young men as family-oriented and hardworking.

The bodies were taken to the Charity Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

A

5 6 - y e a r - o l d Pomeroon resident is now hospitalised after a passenger boat collided with another in the Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Injured is Clarence Garraway of Lower Pomeroon River, Essequibo.

Reports are that the boat’s captain was transporting Garraway to his home when the boat came into contact with another.

The accident reportedly oc-

curred at about 20:00h.

Police stated that the captain was travelling along the waterway when a boat being driven by a 22-year-old man who happens to be the son of Garraway, was proceeding west on the southern side of the river, thus resulting in a collision.

As a result, Garraway was later discovered lying inside the boat with injuries to eye and nose.

“After I see that the boat wasn’t changing course I

decided to turn to the other side if the river and as soon as I turned the fella turned his boat also...

There is when we crashed up and his dad was hit with the boat, causing his eye top and nose to receive injuries,” the captain related to the Police.

Garraway was immediately rushed to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where he was examined and referred to the Suddie Public Hospital for further treatment.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, June 21 – 23:00h – 00:30h and Wednesday, June 22 – 23:30h – 01:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

VICE News came with pre-determined agenda – Chinese Ambassador

…slams attempt to malign bilateral relations between Guyana and China

Tuesday, June 21 – 10:15h – 11:45h and Wednesday, June 22 – 11:25h – 12:55h.

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Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan

T

he recent attempts by VICE News to link the Guyana Government and Chinese businessmen to allegations of corruption, have been roundly condemned by Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan as purely malicious.

During an interview with the media on the sidelines of an event on Monday, Ambassador Guo Haiyan described the VICE News report as not only malicious, but also clearly intended to malign bilateral relations between Guyana and China.

“Yesterday we saw the video. This so-called journalist, the undercover journalist, came with a pre-determined agenda. And I think the purpose is clear. One of their purposes is to smear the Chinese companies here and attack the China-Guyana cooperation. We saw the video and it’s cut and edited, with malicious purpose,” she said.

“And the Chinese Government and the embassy is always requiring that Chinese companies here in Guyana, they’re doing business and following the local laws, international practice and the rules. And they participated in the projects through open and fair competition.”

The ambassador explained that when Chinese companies come to Guyana, it is expected that they will abide by the local laws. If there are any violations of the law, then the onus is on the Guyana Government to take action. Asked about the role of her embassy in investing in Guyana, Haiyan noted that they convey the economic outlook in Guyana, back to China where it is conveyed to investors.

“We have very good political relations. We know Guyana is a friend of the country. Now the economic development is increasing.

So, there’s more and more Chinese companies, interested in investment here. And more companies are coming. And the function of the embassy, first of all, we report the positive outlook of Guyana back to Government agencies,” the diplomat added.

Belt and Road

Guyana and China are

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during the interview with VICE News in February

currently celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations. VICE is meanwhile well known for making content that is critical of China and its Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI), which sees China making infrastructural investments in countries across different continents. In fact, the VICE journalist refers directly to this initiative during the episode and how it is viewed as a threat in the western world.

Back in February, when the full interview between Jagdeo and the VICE News Journalist first aired, the Chinese Embassy based in Georgetown, Guyana, had slammed the distortion of the facts on Guyana’s bilateral relations with China. The embassy had made it clear that relations with the two countries, inclusive of business relations, are founded on the law and international practices.

According to the state-

ment from the Chinese Embassy, “China-Guyana friendly cooperation, featuring equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and benefits for the people, is in accordance with the interests of the two countries and two peoples, not against any third party, nor should it be influenced by a third party.”

In the wake of the airing of the VICE News feature, which was titled “Guyana for Sale” and contains the allegations against Jagdeo, sources indicate that legal action is likely to be taken against the parties involved in Chinese businessman Su Zhi Rong being caught on camera by the news agency making these allegations.

The full interview was aired February 5 following the two-hour interview with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo by a journalist of VICE Media Group, which was conducted on February 1, 2022.

In the interview aired on Sunday by Showtime television network, which has been whittled down to only 16 minutes, Su Zhi Rong, who operates in Guyana claimed to be close friends with Jagdeo.

In the same breath, however, he also made clear in the undercover interview that Jagdeo does not take bribes.

In the preview released ahead of the full airing, Su Zhi Rong is also heard referring to Jagdeo saying, “his hands are very clean.”

No evidence

At no point in the full recording of the episode did VICE News present any evidence of wrongdoing or corruption on Jagdeo’s part. In the full recording, however, Su Zhi Rong was recorded using Jagdeo’s name in trying to negotiate a payment from the undercover VICE operator posing as a Chinese investor.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 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

Practical solutions needed

I

n some schools in the USA, metal detectors are common as sometimes is the presence of a Police patrol on the outskirts.

Some may be tempted to ask why in a country that is rich and is the bastion of freedom and democracy. Others may counter that exactly because of what the country represents, it can afford to have such mechanisms in place. The answer basically lies in trying to curb violence in schools.

While the measures may appear to some as being extreme, given what unfortunately happened in the past when lives were senselessly lost to bullets, they may be deemed inadequate. After all, it has not stopped. Other menaces are bullying and gangrelated violence. These are the harsh realities in some institutions of learning there, with an obvious negative impact on the student population involved.

It is not confined there and is prevalent in many other places. In Guyana, we have seen a collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and the Education Ministry where random searches are being conducted at schools for potential weapons. Surprisingly, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, and a toy gun were found during the most recent of these random searches.

This comes on the heels of two terrifying incidents in local schools where in one instance a gang entered the Campbellville Secondary School with dangerous items after an incident between two students, causing the school to forcibly halt. The second incident happened a mere day prior where a student was caught in school with an air gun.

An important aspect of the Education Ministry’s collaboration with the Police is that the partnership involves discussion on topics of violence, crime committed at schools, gang fighting, offensive weapons and, significantly, consequences.

Who would have thought that in the process of getting an education here in Guyana, safety in schools is becoming a primary concern? With the threats in question, it seems rightfully so.

Sometime ago, there were reports of a teacher who was severely beaten reportedly by a student. Over time, there were other reports of students being stabbed by others or hurt by other means. Bullying, which is just another form of abuse, and even violence, was reported to be highly prevalent in many schools.

Those represent reported cases as the understanding is many are unreported out of fear of repercussion.

Solace must not be taken in living in a changing world. Violence over the years and its extensive coverage through the media has led to seeming immunity to the gory images and now makes for casual reading.

This must not be allowed to slip into the mindsets of students and teachers. They must be free from such psychological stress and be able to focus on learning to build much needed capacity for the future of the country. All have an integral role to play in helping to repel this scourge.

While there may be compelling arguments over what may be the reasons perpetrators act the way they do and the spread of violence, immediate mitigating measures have to be derived and implemented.

Police random searches, while welcomed and a potential deterrent, may not be enough in the long term as sustainability could become an issue.

Many have argued that parents and guardians need to be more involved and aware of what their children are doing, keeping an eye on any possible worrying sign. While that could still be effective in many ways, there is a challenge as the child approaches adulthood. At that stage, one’s space and privacy could present barriers. There are also social factors that contribute to disallowing such necessary intervention to some extent. That further complicates an already-complicated situation.

Currently, the fear that prevails within the mindsets of parents, students, and teachers of the school in question is understandable.

They would need guidance, reassurance, and solutions in both the short and long term. The situation would probably demand the establishment of a non-partisan special task force comprising skilled personnel from the relevant sections of Government and civil society to examine and recommend practical solutions within the shortest possible time.

Whatever the findings are, the resources must be found to implement, given what’s at stake. If not, the fun in learning could be evaporated.

This aerial photo shows people practising yoga at a park in Handan in China's northern Hebei province, China, ahead of International Yoga Day, which is celebrated today, June 21 around the world (AFP photo)

The VP must channel his gifted energies toward the development and prosperity of our country Dear Editor, For quite some time, I did not get involved in political discourse or make public my views on current, topical, or controversial issues. However, I feel compelled to air my views on this VICE News report where certain allegations are made concerning Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Let me state from the outset that I totally agree with the analysis of Dr Tara Singh on this matter and will not delve on those issues he raised about VICE News, suffice to say that it’s very easy to sling mud on a successful political leader in the stature of Jagdeo. Guyana has a lot of con men, who would get things done for people and then demand a reward for the favours received. As a former public servant, I can enumerate several instances.

Therefore, Mr Su’s comments can be seen in that light, if he persists or is accurately reported, particularly since the VP has vehemently denied accepting any monies from him for any expedition of services to him or his friends or associates. The Vice President’s denial of ever accepting consideration for facilitating any project should be given due credence.

I served as the Permanent Secretary in the office of the President under the Jagdeo presidency for in excess of five years, being Head of the Public Service and also sitting on every Sub Committee

of Cabinet, the Central Intelligence Committee, the Defence Board and Cabinet.

Along with Dr Luncheon we were closely associated with the inner workings and functions of the President. I can attest nothing but hard work, integrity and impatience for procrastination on work to be undertaken in Government, on the part of Jagdeo. At the spur of the moment, he would intervene to bring an issue to a head or finality, once it was brought to his attention that there were delays especially when the issue was of importance to national development. There were many such issues and he intervened and promptly resolved them.

Therefore, he was honest when he said that he would have facilitated many investors that come here and have their projects languishing at some point in the Government system. Let me give you one example. Mr Robin Walter Persaud bought eight acres of land that was tendered out by GuySuCo at Farm, East Bank Demerara, for the purpose of building a hotel and other housing development. He was experiencing some delays at the Privatisation Unit and became frustrated, booked his flight and was on his way to the airport when I learnt of this development.

The President had just finished a meeting and I was still in his office. I told him that the developer was frustrated and was leaving and may not carry through

with the project. He asked me to call Mr Persaud which I did and passed the phone over to him. He found out what the problem was and asked Robin to return to Georgetown and he gave the assurance that the matter was going to be resolved the very next day. The matter was indeed resolved the next day and so Park View Hotel became a reality and the flooded abandoned cane fields were also developed and became prime lands for executive houses. When the President acted then, he hardly knew who Mr Robin Persaud was.

There were many instances where the late Pandit Prakash Gossai, Khemat Budhu or myself, all of us working at OP during that period, would receive complaints over delays in Government leaving persons frustrated and when those were brought to the attention of President Jagdeo, he dealt with them, giving satisfaction to those aggrieved.

That was his trait then and I am aware that he continues in that vein up to today.

He is in a hurry to see Guyana develop and flourish. It is for these reasons that we refer to him as the architect of modern-day Guyana.

With respect to his integrity returns, I can also vouch with a few of his secretariat staff then over his yearly compliance. We knew of his salary and other emoluments, his savings account, his assets, and even some of his daily fi-

nancial arrangements.

The late Vic Persaud even had control of his cheque book. He insisted on many occasions when his house was being built and we ordered materials when he was overseas that those should be paid for from his cheques and would demand to see the receipts. There was an occasion when he misplaced his transport and wanted the details to ensure the accuracy of his returns and he ensured we secured a copy from the Deed’s Registry. His life as President was like an open book to us. We were like his close family to him.

His answer therefore that he facilitated personal projects is indeed a testimony of who Bharrat Jagdeo really is. His accountability to the Integrity Commission over these years reflects the true state of his financial standings. Those of us who were his close staff can attest to that. Some of us aided in the preparation of his returns and our handwriting would be there on some of those documents.

The current Vice President needs no distraction at this time but should be allowed to use his gifted energies and knowledge toward the development and prosperity of our country.

With President Irfaan Ali, the Prime Minister and the Vice President, along with their team, Guyana will prosper and soar to greater heights.

Sincerely, Nanda K Gopaul

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

5

News

Funds earmarked for consultation for Amerindian Act revision – President Ali T

he Government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, has set aside financial resources this year, to commence a national consultation as part of plans to revise the Amerindian Act of 2006.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the announcement during his address to residents of Philippi, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, on Friday last.

During the interaction,

President Ali's recent visit to the Upper Mazaruni Region

residents spoke of the need for the Amerindian Act to be updated in accordance with national and international laws.

President Ali noted that the Government is committed to delivering on its manifesto promise to review the Act in full consultation with the Amerindian people, and their leaders.

“We can’t revise the Amerindian Act in some fancy office somewhere. We have to consult the people, going to every sin-

gle community listening to the people, listening to their voices, not an association, an organisation, or a Government, as a unified force,” he said.

He added, “all the people who are captured under the Amerindian Act must be involved in the process. Based on the principles of a consultative approach, we have to consult with the people, and that is our commitment.”

The Amerindian Act is the primary legislation that governs the affairs of

the Amerindian people of Guyana. It provides for the recognition, and protection of collective rights of Amerindian villages and communities in Guyana and the promotion of good governance.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government in its manifesto in the run-up to the general elections of March 2020 had promised to revise the Act and ensure it adequately meets the current, and future needs of the Amerindians of Guyana.

Deliberate attempt to paint Guyana as a backwater nation

Dear Editor, The now much talked about 15-minute video, which can only be described as an attempted takedown of Guyana by VICE News, is riddled with lies. But for the purpose of this letter, I wish to deal with the subject of the Amaila Falls Hydro project.

Editor, I have now seen both the 15-minute piece and the full video of the interview of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo by the VICE News reporter that was almost two hours long. In the full interview, when the issue of Amaila Falls Hydro

project came up, the reporter was told about the project, in-depth.

Jagdeo, in the February 2022 interview said: “Amaila was developed through a subsidiary of Blackstone. They went out to public tender. This was when I was President. They selected a number of people, the Chinese company to build the hydro. Then I left the office. It continued. The last Government stopped the project. When they came into office, Norway was putting $100 million into the project. The project had been approved at the IDB

Board – the Inter-American Development Bank Board.

Then we urged because the last Government was saying there was corruption, so we asked the last Government in Norway to do an assessment. You can check the assessment done

by Norway. Norway said this is the best project to decarbonise the energy sector, the hydro project. So we made it clear in Opposition that there is no way we can achieve our emission targets globally if we don’t go with hydro as part of the baseload.

So when we got back to

the office, we retendered the project. We retendered the project. Now by that time this company that won the bid, in an open process, won the bid – the lowest price financing – they had acquired from Blackstone, historically, the material, all the drawings etc. So I suspect that is what helped them to put in a better bid. But this was the lowest of the evaluated bids.” The VICE News reporter, demonstrating ignorance of the tender procedures in Guyana, was also told clearly that there was no closed process with the Amaila Falls Hydro project.

Su is a confidence trickster and VICE News realised it Dear Editor, In his most unguarded moment, whilst being filmed secretly, speaking to a friend and his friend’s business partner, Bharrat Jagdeo refused to become involved in their business arrangements but said he would assist on the Government side of things, something Jagdeo has said and done publicly for all of his political life, yet it seems to have caught the imagination of GHK Lall, who interprets Government assistance as a sign of something untoward. Guyanese would be well served to watch the VICE News piece and judge for themselves.

When ‘Mr Chan’ asked Jagdeo “do you understand our deal in detail” and Su switched to Mandarin to say “here is not the place to talk about money” it was the perfect opportunity for ‘Chan’ to continue in English, instead, ‘Chan’ also switched to Mandarin to tell Su “W? bìx? zh?dào qián huì liúxiàng t?” which translates to “I have to know the money is going to him” in that instant, the opportunity to get the evidence of corruption passed and/or ‘Chan’ and VICE had already re-

alised that Su was a confidence trickster and they had to make the best of it, having already invested time, money and effort to prove ‘Guyana is for sale’.

VICE seemingly did not invest much time nor effort in fact-checking Su for they would have found out that the US$200 million Schoonord to Parika road is still in the design stage and has not been tendered as yet and the Linden to Mabura road was awarded via public tender to a Brazilian contracting firm, that claims of bribe of 1.5 billion by China are patently false, for while US$1.5 billion in projects have been identified, including the Amaila Hydro and the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, they still have to undergo negotiation, Amaila falls is the perfect case in point, even though a loan has been agreed to in principle for this important project, the Government of Guyana were unable to conclude a deal with a Chinese company because the cost and conditions were not deemed favourable to the people of Guyana. VICE asserted that Su owns ‘oil blocks’ when no record of that exists and

reputable international organisations such as Global Witness have never even mentioned Su after years of intensive investigation.

Editor, GHK Lall wrote that Jagdeo is “the man who can make mountains move, and get things moving at the required clip” he is not wrong, Guyana needs foreign direct investment to grow and Guyana needs Jagdeo to push us past our natural bureaucratic sloth.

When Lall said “Lie down with dogs and the fleas are hard to be rid of; they stick”

he is right again, but Jagdeo has no choice in this matter, we, the Guyanese people, have access to him and he has to take the good with the bad. Jagdeo gives his ear to all at official outreaches, private and public functions, in his office, his home, and when out for a cup of coffee, Jagdeo is never aloof nor rude and always willing to assist, Jagdeo lives a life of service and for that Guyana is a better place.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Still in the 15-minute video, the VICE News reporter, on the subject of the Amaila Falls Hydro project, said: “Even now, in this very, very remote area. You can see the Chinese influence.

This is where they’re building a massive hydroelectric power plant the Chinese state-backed corporation has just won the bid to pick up that project and that deal is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And what we’ve heard is that the only reason they won that project is because of a very sizable bribe.”

The basics of journalism and reporting are ignored and replaced by a barefaced lie. There is no sugar coating on this. It was a lie in

the face of facts and in the face of a detailed explanation of the history and current position of the Amaila Falls Hydro project.

Still, despite the lies, I cannot help but notice those who would jump on the bandwagon just for the sake of having company in their criticisms of the current Government. People have a right to criticise yes, but with facts, not lies, and not at the expense of our country. We should not allow these foreign personalities to succeed in painting our nation as a backwater country with lies.

With regards, Thomas Cole

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 16:52 17:00 17:45 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 00:00

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Future cash bailout in the cards for NIS – VP Jagdeo ...as contributions too low to cover payouts

T

he Government will at some point in the future have to make a cash injection into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which is currently faced with a situation whereby there aren’t enough contributions to cover benefit payouts.

During a recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo spoke about the National Insurance Scheme and its financial problems.

According to him, the Government will at some point have to intervene and give NIS a cash bailout.

“You know we now have to fix the NIS, because the contributions can’t in the long run when we did the actuarial study, the contribution can’t sustain the benefits. And that is why in the future we have to make a large cash injection into the NIS,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo further explained that the reason for NIS’ current state has nothing to do with the Berbice Bridge and the scheme having to repay investors. He noted that even now, the Berbice Bridge investors have not yet received a cent in dividends.

“I sat here, right here and explained to you the structure of the financing and how the people who put equity in the bridge, they haven’t received a cent of dividend as yet. But the debt financing, which is what NIS put in and the equity and the preferential shares and the subordinate debt, they’re getting an 11 per cent return. And NIS has already gotten over $3 billion in returns. This is their most lucrative investment. I gave you numbers here, which you can verify,” Jagdeo said.

Back in 2006, NIS made

VICE News came with...

When the Vice President was visited at his house by Su Zhi Rong and the undercover VICE crew (the journalist posed as the secretary of the undercover investor), Jagdeo in the secretly recorded conversation did specify that he can assist with investment deals but made it clear that he will not get involved in any financial dealings.

“No no, I’m not getting involved with business… my thing is that I’m in Government. So, I assist from the Government side.

That’s it,” Jagdeo said, after which Su Zhi Rong spoke to the Chinese ‘investor’ in Mandarin to further solicit the bribe, so that the Vice President could not realise that he was being used.

Persons falsely using Jagdeo’s name to solicit money from investors is nothing new and in fact Jagdeo had cause to publicly warn investors during a press conference last month, not to fall for this scam.

During his press con-

ference, Jagdeo had given a recent example of someone being arrested right at Office of the President, for this very offence. The Vice President recalled that the man, who was a complete stranger to him, took a photo next to him and then later used this photo to collect money from companies on the false promise that he knew Jagdeo and could act as a liaison between them and the Vice President.

“He then showed up here, because my secretary called and arranged a meeting. He showed up with another person he was conning, bringing to the meeting. And he was arrested right here,” Jagdeo had said.

“So, this is going on, it has become almost like an industry, where people claim they are representing companies and I don’t know what they are representing to these people. So, if anyone is stupid enough to lose your money by thinking you will get any preferences, because someone arranged a meet-

The National insurance Scheme FROM PAGE 3

ing with some policymaker, it’s your loss.”

The VICE Media Group has been on a downward spiral in recent years and is clearly trying desperately to survive by inventing “exposés” of corruption in developing countries to feed the old colonial narratives in its North American markets.

In May 8, 2019, Disney had told investors that it had wiped out US$353 million of the money it had previously put into VICE. A month later, on June 10, 2019, HBO cancelled Vice News Tonight, putting an end to its seven-year relationship with VICE. A year later, the downward spiral continued when VICE laid off 155 employees in May 2020. Finally, in August 2021, they launched a new wave of layoffs, reflecting the youth-culture media company’s ongoing financial struggles and need to realign toward profitable areas of the business — amid a broader shift toward video and visual content. (G3)

a $2.5 billion investment into the Berbice Bridge that was being constructed. NIS went on to earn $2 billion in interest and payments for preference shares, and another $1.3 billion from its principal investment.

According to the breakdown Jagdeo had provided, 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 subordinated 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 by the NIS. 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.

Despite this, NIS has been operating in deficits for the past five years.

Currently, the scheme does not have enough contributions to cover benefit payouts. This is after the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government

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 had 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.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cummings Lodge man nabbed with unlicensed gun, raw gold

Throwing stones… …from (AFC) glasshouse

The firearm and ammunition found on Sunday

A

41-year-old man from Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Sunday arrested at the Supenaam Stelling, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) following the discovery of an unlicensed firearm and a quantity of raw gold.

The items were reportedly found in a haversack that he was carrying at the time.

Police stated that on the day in question at about 04:10h, ranks were conducting a patrol at the Supenaam Stelling when they observed the suspect acting in a sus-

The raw gold wrapped with duct tape

picious manner. As such, a search was carried out on his person but nothing was found.

However, a search was done on a black haversack bag that he was carrying on his back and it was then the Police unearthed an un-

licensed black 9mm Luger pistol and 6 live matching rounds of ammunition.

Further, 16 ounces and 4 pennyweights of raw gold was found wrapped in duct tape, inside the bag. The man was arrested pending charges.

Duo busted with ganja during Police search

The cannabis that was found in possession of the duo

A

25-year-old construction worker of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), and a 17-year-old labourer of Vergenoegen, EBE, were arrested on Sunday with a quantity of ganja.

Based on reports received, the two men were observed standing at a corner in the company of others in Vergenoegen, EBE, acting in a suspicious manner.

As such, a Police rank exited the patrol vehicle, approached one of the suspects, and identified himself as a Police rank in plain clothes.

The policeman thereafter requested to carry out a search on his person and permission was granted.

While executing the search, the Police found one transparent Ziplock plastic bag containing a quantity of cannabis.

A search was also conducted on the second suspect and he too was found in possession of a quantity of ganja in the right-side pocket of his pants. The illegal plant was found wrapped in a piece of brown paper.

Both of them were told of the offence, cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Leonora Police Station where the ganja was weighed in their presence and amounted to 3.4 grams.

Both suspects are presently in custody assisting with investigations.

Y

our Eyewitness notes that the AFC – under its newlyinstalled leader Ramjattan – has called Transparency International (TI) to investigate the old allegations by VICE News that VP Jagdeo took bribes for facilitating foreign investment here. But “corruption buster” Ramjattan’s request reminded your Eyewitness that the selfsame TI’s local representatives (TIGI) had reason to accuse Ramjattan of committing the exact sin he’s now invoking to tar his bête noir Jagdeo?? Is it a question of a Freudian projection?

So, what is it your Eyewitness is talking about??

Let’s cast our memory back to Dec 2015, not long after Ramjattan’s AFC had helped the PNC get into office (and given themselves a 50% raise!!). Three years before Ramjattan had represented an Indian company, Fedders Lloyd, that was protesting the award of a contract to construct a Specialty Hospital to another Indian company, Surendra. That itself was a very messy affair and questions had been raised about the propriety of then Parliamentarian Ramjattan using his office to promote foreign investors!!

The end of the (sordid) story at that time in 2012 was that the contract for the Speciality Hospital had been cancelled and the money was to be used to upgrade some primary care hospitals. But lo and behold (!!) as soon as Ramjattan got back into office the Specialty Hospital reappeared on the APNU/AFC Government’s agenda!! A lot of eyebrows were raised even as mouths gaped at the resurrection!! Was this a coincidence? Or was Ramjattan still involved – now in a higher office as Vice President!?

Ramjattan stoutly denied any conflict of interest when Fedders Lloyd got the MoU – as a raging furore in civil society and analysts about where there’s smoke, there gotta be some fire!! And this is where TIGI got into the act.

“TIGI has no reason to disbelieve the Vice President when he stated that there was no client relationship with Fedders Lloyd and that he acted in the public interest against what he considered an injustice. However, the fact that the continuation of the works on the Specialty Hospital was awarded to this company via an MoU without going back to tender and without legal support from the Procurement Act, raises the question as to whether the Vice President’s influence might not have been brought to bear in the decision to award the contract”!!!

What made matters worse was that the Government had awarded the reincarnated contract to Fedders Lloyd WITHOUT tender!! The Ministry of Finance said they’d approached Fedders Lloyd “in the interest of time,” and that they’d been involved originally!! So that excused breaking the law.

And RAMJATTAN DEFENDED THE DECISION!!! As TIGI commented, “It would have been better if he had not said anything further on the matter”!! …at strugglers Your Eyewitness couldn’t believe the callousness of some who snickered at the three unfortunate overseas Guyanese who perished in that fire in Richmond Hill. That four families shouldn’t have been living in that one house.

Well, shouldn’t the question be turned as to why those four families were living in such conditions?? Doesn’t it mean that their lives there were better than what they’d experienced here?

And shouldn’t we who are in Guyana be asking why??

We read about hundreds of thousands trekking through Central America to get to the USA – or in boats to Florida – to live under even WORSE conditions than those Guyanese.

Didn’t our people trek to the US, because our beautiful country was destroyed by the PNC under Burnham that practised racism and drove so many persons out?? Weren’t the kick-down-the-door bandits making life here so precarious.

At least that house was worth over US$700,000 and the neighbourhood’s very safe. Can we say the same for Guyana where there are beatings after every election? …but sparing the culprit Your Eyewitness notes the continued calls for renegotiation of the oil contract. But why’s the obvious route being ignored? Put the squeeze for Trotman to squeal in a Court?? Gotta be at least “undue influence”??

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

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

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Stellings to be customised to accommodate new MV Ma Lisha – Min Edghill

…vessel 70% complete, to arrive by year-end

I

A model of the completed MV Ma Lisha

n order to facilitate the new MV Ma Lisha that was procured to service the North West District region, the Public Works Ministry will be retrofitting stellings to accommodate the vessel.

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill announced at a press briefing on Monday that the works will be carried out at Kingston, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, and Morawhanna Stellings.

A consultancy company has been recruited for the design, of which bids have been released for two of the said stellings – Kingston and Port Kaituma.

He has clarified that even if the vessel arrives and the works are incomplete, the operation can commence.

“While we have the rollon/roll-off facility, we also have the facilities that could afford side boarding. So, at no time at all, the vessel would be incapable of discharging or accommodating vehicles and passengers. Along with this, the Government through the Transport and Harbour Department have to do some retrofitting and modifying of stellings to facilitate the roll-on/roll-off type vessel,” Edghill disclosed.

During the briefing, the Minister unveiled a model version of the MV Ma Lisha, which was launched during his visit to India last week.

The US$12.7 vessel is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. It is 69.55 metres long, with a 13.5 metre beam. Designed to traverse the conditions from Georgetown to the North West District (NWD) it will cut travel time by 50 per cent, with a speed at 15 knots and 500 nautical miles endurance.

It has a 250-tonne cargo capacity with a six-tonne capacity crane and will be powered by two engines. Passenger capacity is 294 persons, inclusive of crew members.

Debunking claims that the watercraft is a renovated one, Edghill clarified that it was built from scratch with specifications to meet the needs of people in Region One. “The project that was practically stalled for five years has now come to fruition… What you saw was the

hard surface moved from the dry dock into the water. Now that it is in the water, they have to put in the plumbing, electrical, and all of the other amenities for the comfort of the boat. Those are not things that you put in before the launching because it could be destroyed while you’re launching it.”

He furthered, “We need to debunk this reckless speech that some people are saying you’re getting a renovated boat…This is a boat that is being built from scratch, designed for the conditions that it has to operate in with specifications to meet the needs of the people in Region One.” When it was launched last week, it was 70 per cent completed. All of the fittings, electrical installation, and plumbing will now be done.

By October, the American Bureau of Shipping will be certifying the vessel. It will then take 45 to 60 days to arrive in Guyana.

He added, “Once those works are completed, we are required to send to India, two teams to India, for training.

That will include the persons who will be operating the boat as well the mechanical and engineering people who would have to service the boat.”

The Minister added that he was quite satisfied in the level of professionalism and expertise demonstrated in the company that built the vessel.

“We were quite satisfied in the level of professionalism, competence, and skills by way of the contractual documents that were executed for the building of this ship; and that we would be able to get it completed in a timely manner in keeping with what was agreed on…We went to their shipyard. They’re building ships for the Indian Navy.

It is one of the most impressive construction facilities that I’ve ever seen,” Minister Edghill told the media.

The Public Works Minister said this will be a game-changer for people in the North West. Spoilage of perishable goods will be eliminated since there is a refrigerated compartment and capacity for 10 containers.

“The issue of spoilage will be significantly reduced or to-

tally eliminated because the boat also has a refrigerated cargo capacity or a cold that will be able to accommodate 43.98 metre cube of merchandise. Apart from the refrigerated cargo, we also have a cold room.”

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GGDMA calls on miners to practise safety following death of businessman

I

n light of the tragic death of 64-year-old miner and dredge owner Donald Gouveia also called “Danny”, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is appealing to all miners to recognise the fundamental importance of implementing good safety practices.

In a missive to the media on Monday, the association stated that “We recognise that the mining sector is a high risk, hazardous industry, and thus urge our miners to follow good occupational health and safety

Dead: Donald Gouveia

practices.”

Further, it stated that the association, over the years, has always appealed to members and the general mining community to adhere to and implement good safety practices.

“The role of proper and sound planning in ensuring better productivity and safety should be well recognised.

Based on the results of various Commissions of Enquiry into mining incidents, we believe that many of the incidents that resulted in fatalities could have been avoided with better planning,” the

A mining pit

release added.

The GGDMA also urged for the adaptation of practices and technology that not only increase productivity but also the safety and health of workers.

“The GGDMA once again emphasises that miners must pay particular attention to operating standards and safety procedures in all phases of mining. We call upon our members and miners to take all necessary precautions to ensure safety standards are followed.”

However, the association related that it is committed to working with the Guyana Geology and Mines

Commission (GGMC), Ministry of Labour and the miners to reduce accidents in the mining sector.

Meanwhile, it expressed profound condolences to the family of Gouveia.

The businessman was killed on June 13, 2022, after a mining pit collapsed at Micobie Backdam in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Police stated that on the day in question at about 12:00h, Gouveia and three workers were working in the mining pit which is about 70ft deep. Whilst doing so, the western wall of the pit reportedly collapsed and, in the process, completely covered

Gouveia while the three others were partially covered.

His co-workers Keith James, Frencivaldo Santos, and Junior Daniels were assisted out of the collapsed pit by other workers who were alerted of the incident.

However, after some time, Gouveia was pulled from under the debris in an unconscious state. An injury was observed above his left eye.

He was rushed to the Micobie Health Centre where he was treated and immediately referred to the Mahdia District Hospital.

On his arrival at the medical facility, Gouveia was pronounced on arrival.

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Peacemaker set on fire succumbs, suspect still at large

S

heldon Harry, 22, of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), has succumbed to injuries he received after being set on fire more than two weeks ago by his colleague who remains on the run.

The dead man’s cousin, Delica Jeffery told Guyana Times that her family received the devastating news on Monday morning from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

She explained that Harry had undergone surgery two days ago to treat his injuries. “He was doing good,” Jeffery cried.

After surgery, Harry started showing decreased heart rate, which required him to be under close observation. Jeffery said this was the last update the family received from the hospital.

Harry’s girlfriend, Gracey (only name given), a 30-year-old Venezuelan national, who was also set ablaze, was treated for injuries and discharged from the hospital a few days ago.

It was reported that the duo was set on fire

by Christian Joseph, also

Dead: Sheldon Harry

known as “Son Son” whose last known address is listed at Kitty, Georgetown, during a row at Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on June 5.

Harry’s sister, Sheneel Richards, had reported that the suspect is known to the family and at the time of the incident, her brother was at his camp at Puruni Landing.

She explained that at

the height of the argument, Joseph had threatened to hurt his fiancé during an argument. As such, in a bid to escape the man’s threat, the woman left her mining camp and went over to Harry’s where she stayed the entire day.

While there, the suspect went over to Harry’s camp and continued to threaten the woman. Harry reportedly attempted to calm him down but instead, he left the camp and returned with a cutlass, and advanced toward the woman.

The sister explained that her brother’s girlfriend, Gracey, who is also a friend of the other woman, intervened but this angered Joseph. “He chucked Gracey out of the way.”

Richards said after seeing this, her brother became angry and an argument ensued between him and the suspect.

“The suspect left the camp with a plan in he mind. When come back, he come back with a bucket of gasoline, and a stick that was soaked in gasoline with fire on it. My brother know-

Suspect: Christian Joseph

ing that he and this boy were friends all the time, he didn’t expect that he would do him anything.”

“He kept trying to calm the boy [the suspect] down all the time and the boy keep running up to my brother and was trying to throw the gasoline on him. It so happened that Gracey hold my brother hand, pull he, and they start running,” the sister explained.

The now injured man and woman attempted to run but the suspect gave chase. It was during this time that he dowsed them with the gasoline and set them alight.

“My brother tried running to the water to put out the fire, but he fall, and my sister-in-law was burned bad too because she was trying to out the fire on him… she pulled he closer to the water and she started throwing sand on him.”

After realising what he had done, Richards said Joseph turned around and started throwing sand on her brother to help quench the fire. However, after seeing the severity of his friend’s burns, he buckled from the scene.

“My brother said he remembered watching up and seeing him and his girlfriend over he throwing sand on him. My brother managed to get up and he and his girl tried to go on the boat to get to the landing that was far away… he couldn’t start the boat because he was in too much pain… thank God for another boat that saved

them,” she explained.

Harry and his girlfriend managed to make it to a pharmacy at the landing, from where they were later transported to the hospital in the community and then medevacked to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were both in a critical state.

“Gracey was burned severely but not as bad as he.

They were both in the burn unit. She was burned on top, her two hands, her chest, her neck, and her side. He was burned all over his body. He received second and third-degree burns at 80 per cent of his body.”

“They had to put him in a coma because the pain was too much for him. His lung, kidneys, and everything started failing because the pain was too much for him.

He came out, but he is recovering slowly,” she said.

The family is hoping that justice prevails for the couple, and for the suspect to be caught so that he can feel the full brunt of the law. A few days after the incident, the Police had issued a wanted bulletin for his arrest.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IICA to enable reengineering of NAREI, new technologies in Guyana’s agri sector …rural farmers to be trained

G

uyana will be supported by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to introduce technology in the agriculture sector, and training for persons in rural areas to use such innovative solutions.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha made an official visit to IICA headquarters in San José, Costa Rica, where he met IICA Director General, Manuel Otero to discuss the Caribbean nation’s action plans, priorities, and agricultural challenges and to advance the dialogue on the

main advances of Guyanese agriculture and new opportunities for technical cooperation.

Mustapha, who is also chair of the Ministerial Work Group established by Caricom to analyse the food agenda and the agri-food system in the Caribbean, spoke about the reality of the agriculture sector in his country - a strategic nation with a great capacity to become the food basket of the region.

He explained that Guyana’s priorities are to reduce food import costs by 25 per cent in three years, diversify production and in-

crease resilience to climate change, focusing on corn, soy, and wheat crops; boost intra-regional trade by removing barriers that impact the country; harmonise standards; and foster more science, innovation, and technological development, boosting the institutional framework in these areas.

“We must look for ways to reduce the food import bill by 25 per cent in the next three years; this is a monumental task, and we are going to need investments and a lot of capital, but we have the capacity.

We want to diversify our economy, make it more re-

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and IICA Director General Manuel Otero

silient so that small-sized farmers are part of this development that we seek.”

“We have the land, the water, and the capital, we can produce the corn and soy that we need for the Caribbean and for Guyana itself, which can become the centre of food production, reduce its import costs, and have a resilient productive sector,” he added.

During the meeting, Mustapha spoke about other issues the country is focusing on: work in logistics and food transport, infrastructure, agricultural extension, attracting young people to agriculture, and boosting the meat, poultry and aquaculture industries, and rice and sugar chains.

As a result, the IICA Director General committed to providing technical cooperation to Guyana for re-engineering and strengthening the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), connecting science with innovation and promoting entrepreneurialism, training young rural people in the use of new technologies for agriculture and acting as a bridge in bilateral dialogues and in south-south cooperation actions.

“We wish to continue building an increasingly stronger technical cooperation agenda,” concluded Otero.

Guyana has also guaranteed support for the continental alliance proposed to address growing threats to food security in the hemisphere. The Agriculture Minister described the proposal as innovative in bringing countries together, working as a team, and collaborating with food security in the region.

Commenting on the plan, he relayed, “We in Guyana will support the continental alliance and contribute to the Director General’s vision. We have to work together to achieve food security. The interest they have shown in food security not only in the Caribbean but in the whole world is to be applauded. IICA has been

highly proactive in helping the agricultural sector to progress.”

Mustapha described the alliance as an “innovative way of uniting the countries and working together to ensure that we address food security,” which has been aggravated by a current context of overlapping crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Eastern Europe and climate change.

The alliance proposed

by IICA for collective action to combat food insecurity, promote sustainability, and guarantee peace and democratic stability, has as its roadmap a document with concrete proposals that was also submitted at the Summit of the Americas last week in Los Angeles, USA. This medium- and longterm work is based on four strategic aspects: the strengthening and transformation of agri-food systems in the Americas, challenges, and opportunities for agrifood trade in the region in the new geopolitical context, the role of science, technology, and innovation, and facilitating economic and social inclusion by reinforcing the cooperative system.

“This alliance should promote a new generation of public policies that empower family farmers, who are essential, with new extension strategies, giving greater importance to questions of associative and cooperative. It also seeks to foster science and technology and increase trade and integration. A new alliance is needed between production and the environment,” said Manuel Otero.

“It is necessary to act now to generate an effective coalition to promote food security in our continent, transforming threats into opportunities and generating a set of concrete actions.

It is time to come together; no country can get through this crisis alone. Food security must be combated with concrete actions in the short and medium-term,” Otero added.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Clerk of National Assembly visits former MPs

Former Member of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs and former Member of Parliament Harripersaud Nokta

C

lerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, AA, has embarked on an outreach programme to visit and check on the welfare of former Members of the National Assembly of the Parliament.

The National Assembly in a social media post stated that the Clerk of the National Assembly, in a comment, said that the many years of service by the former members should not go unrecognised and that someone should recognise and thank them for their dedicated service to the na-

Former Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary Philomena Sahoye-Shury

Former Member of Parliament, Minister of Regional Development and Minister of Home Affairs Jeffrey Thomas, CCH along with Parliament office staff and Clerk of the National Assembly

tion.

According to the social media post, the clerk also mentioned that this was a way of checking on the welfare of the former Members of Parliament who spent long hours in the National Assembly debating policies and making laws for the good government of Guyana.

The clerk visited former Member of Parliament Harripersaud Nokta, who served for 40 years and nine months; former Member

of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin, 35 years, six months and three days; Former Member of Parliament, Minister of Regional Development and Minister of Home Affairs Jeffrey Thomas, CCH, who served 23 years, seven months and 11 days and Former Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, Philomena Sahoye-Shury who served 14 years, seven months and 28 days.

CJIA works on schedule for June completion – Min Edghill

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill inspecting ongoing works back in May

O

ngoing works at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are on schedule for the intended completion date.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill provided an update on the current works at the airport on Monday, as well as what has been completed by China Harbour Engineering Company.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the new completion date would be June 2022.

“China Harbour was contracted based upon the ad-

dendum to put in place the super-structure. That is already in place. What we have now is the local contractor that is retrofitting and ensure we have the concession area. That was not their obligation. It was our obligation… They have completed their obligation. As it relates to the corridors, sometime before the end of the month or just after the ending of the month, we will do a walk-through,” he informed.

The CJIA Modernisation Project was supposed to have been completed on

December 31, 2018, under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

The former Administration had settled for a downsized design while paying more than the allocated US$150 million. Some US$138 million of the allocated costs was funded by the EXIM (Export-Import) Bank of China, while US$12 million was spent by the Guyana Government. It was not expected to surpass that sum, but Guyana had to stand additional expenses.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri

The CJIA, in its downgraded design expansion, had four less air passenger boarding bridges for arrivals and departures than the initial eight. There was also a 450-seat departure area, escalators, and elevators, in addition to an incomplete extended runway which was supposed to measure 400 and 690 metres at the respective ends.

An old terminal building that was marked for cargo was revamped, and only one of the new sections was built. Inspections revealed that a new apron that was

supposed to support the additional four air bridges was non-existent. There is also no space for enough duty-free shops, restaurants, car rentals, and other facilities.

When this Administration entered office, several delays had resulted in CHEC requesting additional time to get the works completed. There was a list of 71 critical works and a master list of 1500 works that were incomplete. As of January 2021, however, all critical works were completed. The additional work amounted to US$9 million.

Last year, a $513.3 million contract was also signed with construction company CALCO for the construction of a new building attached to CJIA’s terminal building which will house a conference room, offices for the airlines and the other support agencies as well as storage bonds for the duty-free shops and concessionaires.

Total Solutions was awarded a $400 million contract for the supply of two air bridges for the CJIA expansion project. Edghill explained that these funds are Government monies.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 21,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 3 man is Guyana’s latest COVID fatality …15 new infections reported

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JUNE 20, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

15

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

26

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

868 2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

35,983

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

30,523

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

66,506

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

64,362

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2540

REGION 2

2810

REGION 3

8357

REGION 4

33,028

REGION 5

2462

REGION 6

6330

REGION 7

2467

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4072

REGION 10

3554

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

442,087 341,687

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1248

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.

T

he Health Ministry on Monday reported that another person who tested positive of COVID-19 has succumbed thus taking the death toll to 1248.

The latest death is that of a fully vaccinat-

ed 75-year-old man from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Prior to this, the last deaths were reported on Sunday – an unvaccinated 30-year-old female from Region Three and a 46-yearold fully vaccinated female

from Region Six. However, new statistics released by the Ministry showed that 15 new cases surfaced within the course of one day from 233 swabs.

An analysis of the new infections reflected five for Region Two (Pomeroon-

Supenaam); two in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and eight for Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). The other regions reported zero increases.

The country’s confirmed cases stand at 66,506 – representing a breakdown of 30,523 males and 35,983 females.

Two patients are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit, 26 in institutional isolation, 868 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine. From the positives detected, 64,326 persons have completely recovered. Meanwhile, 652,145 tests were processed to date.

Locally, over 433 adults have taken their first COVID-19 vaccine while almost 343 have returned for their second dose. This is

approximately 86.4 per cent and 66.8 per cent, respectively.

For adolescents, over 25,500 or 35 per cent are fully vaccinated. Vaccination is also available for children within the ages of five and 11 years. Booster dosses have surpassed 67,500.

Some vaccines require two doses for optimum protection against COVID-19.

After the final COVID-19 vaccine dose, the Health Ministry outlined that it takes two weeks for the body to build up protection.

After those two weeks, a person is considered fully vaccinated.

Then, six months post vaccination, a person is entitled for their first booster dose. This is essential in upkeeping immunity from the coronavirus, since it tends

to wane after some time.

Persons have been urged to continue taking precautionary measures such as masking in public and vaccination, especially for those who are qualified to get their booster shots as an added layer of protection against the virus.

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

Global figures show that 535 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.3 million have died.

In the Americas, more than 160 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

Online exhibition launched to commemorate Guyana-China 50th year of bilateral relations

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n commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, on Monday, launched an online photo exhibition displaying numerous interactions between the two countries over the half-century.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan in her candid presentation to the media highlighted some of the achievements made by the Guyana-China bilateral relations. She noted that over the 50 long years, the two countries have achieved political and economic relations which Haiyan described as mutually beneficial to both nations.

She said that the Guyana-China political relations can be summarised as “equality, mutual respect, and mutual support.”

Over the years, agreements such as the 1894 joint commission of trade signing, the 2001 trade

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan

agreement, the 2003 investment agreement, and the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding Corporation to belt and Road Initiative have strengthened the economic relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Haiyan noted that the Guyana-China relationship has a bright future ahead as the two nations share common development, philosophy, green development, and sustainable development strategy.

Though the two nations will officially celebrate 50 years of bilateral ties on June 27, the celebrations have already begun and will continue onwards.

On June 11, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Ambassador Haiyan unveiled an anniversary logo, to commemorate the 50 years of friendship between the two Republic States at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

Following the unveiling ceremony, the Guyana Table Tennis Association in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China Embassy in Guyana kicked off a friendship table tennis tournament.

Diplomatic relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) were formalised on June 27, 1972, historically making Guyana the first English-speaking Caribbean state to forge diplomatic ties with China and set up its embassy there.

On Wednesday, the embassy will kick off its film festival at MovieTowne, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, and in August, the ambassador stated that the embassy will launch a business seminar.

A short 10-minute video of the photo exhibition was posted to the embassy’s Facebook page.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Commentary

The 12th Ministerial WTO Conference

Powerful economies would dominate VICE News’ attempted hatchet and weaker economies would be at a disadvantage – Min Todd job only succeeded to prove Jagdeo’s hands are clean

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ICE News’ narrative over the years has been simple – developing countries and their leaders are corrupt. Corruption is truly a sore on development, but corruption is not an invention of, nor is it only rampant in developing countries. But VICE News specialises in the narrative that persons from developing countries are pawns of richer nations, big multi-national corporations and investors (both local and international) because our people are innately corrupt.

While Vice President Bharat Jagdeo was a primary target for the VICE News hatchet job that was broadcast on Showtime recently, there are three other sub-plots of the show mischievously entitled “Guyana for Sale”. First, the intention is to taint the PPP Government as corrupt. Second, the larger narrative is to present developing countries as corrupt. Third, there is the general antiChina obsession of organisations such as VICE News. In this particular case, the VICE News “exposé” entitled “Guyana for Sale” simply exposed their ugly motivations. It was a hatchet job that was brazen and clumsy.

They not only took hearsay and tried prosecuting a man who has dedicated his entire life to working for Guyana and the Guyanese people, they tried to entrap him.

Having persons posing as investors who tried to bribe the Vice President is a crime and VICE News shamelessly and unsuccessfully walked that path. The Vice President totally resisted an aggressive bribery effort by fake investors set up by VICE News. With their unsuccessful ruse, they were forced to rely entirely on hearsay.

The main person who VICE News presented as an informant himself said that Jagdeo’s hands are clean. VICE News and their local sycophants have decided since the hearsay was weak, since their fake investors failed to bribe the VP, they will interpret his words to give some authenticity to their fake narrative.

They presented hearsay false claims that Vice President Bharat Jagdeo would change laws and the Constitution in order to facilitate investors who bribed him as fact. VICE News never considered for a moment that those claims were the kind of words uttered by conmen. Any credible investigative journalist or organisation would have sought corroboration by trying to identify at least one example of a law that was changed to accommodate any investor.

The fact is that VICE News could not identify which constitutional amendment was made to enable and empower a particular investor.

A genuine “exposé” would have tried, no matter how remotely, to link one or more legislative action that the Vice President tried to change in order to help an investor. There is a reason no such evidence was presented – there was none.

VICE News claimed that their informant had paperwork for many projects and that must be evidence of corruption. If this was a court of law, the whole thing would be thrown out immediately. Many persons have all sorts of paperwork related to various projects. The media has paperwork related to various projects all the time. The fact is that VICE News knew for sure that it had a non-story, but persisted to present a story based solely on hearsay and their own fake narrative that developing countries’ leaders are corrupt.

The modus operandi of con men and opportunistic persons of dropping names and arranging meetings for fees that they would normally represent as fees to enable them to “buy” off important decision makers is as old as history and prevalent everywhere, not just developing countries, but everywhere.

VICE News’ focus is using this reality to bring disrepute to developing countries. In this

case, Guyana is being used as an example of what happens in developing countries. There can be no doubt that the experienced VICE News crew knew very well that Su, their main informant, has represented himself as what he is not – that is a “bag” man for Guyanese senior officials. It is the reason they planted a fake investor to trap VP Jagdeo. What they, in fact, proved is that Jagdeo refused any hint of any kind of bribe and made it clear that his job is to facilitate any investor and any investment that is in the interest of the country. What was clear is that VICE News exposed a con man, nothing else. What is very true is that VICE News proved to the Guyanese people that the PPP General Secretary and the Vice President of Guyana has clean hands, as Su himself on camera confessed.

The much-anticipated VICE News show mischievously titled – Guyana for Sale – turned out to be nothing but affirmation that Guyana is not for sale, not under the Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government and that BJ is not part of any group giving away Guyana for personal benefits. Importantly, VICE News’ target, Bharat Jagdeo, Guyana’s Vice President, came out of the scrutiny to have “clean hands”. VICE News tried their best hatchet job, but essentially their piece turned out to be nothing but an admission that their digging, even with the most obnoxious use of hearsay and entrapment, unearthed nothing to even flimsily link corruption to Bharat Jagdeo and the PPP Government. This is the reason why VICE News had to cut their hoped-for hour-long show, as most of their exposés are, to a meagre 16-minutes. They came to bury Bharat Jagdeo, they ended with dirt in the face. It was sheer nothingness.

It was shameful that they even aired their nothingness.

VICE News’ hatchet job insulted the Guyanese people and, on a larger scale, tried indicting developing countries under the general VICE News narrative that we are a developing country and, therefore, our leaders must be corrupt. VICE News has essentially built a reputation pushing the narrative that developing countries leaders are all corrupt.

The hatchet job on Bharat Jagdeo they had hoped to accomplish was part of the narrative that developing countries leaders simply cannot help themselves, that as long as there is an opportunity, they will be tempted into corruption with ease. They failed because they picked a man who has served his country for decades with distinction and has undergone the most intense scrutiny, without any evidence that he has been bribed by anyone. In fact, in this most recent attempt, VICE News affirmed that Bharat Jagdeo’s hands are clean. The PNC/APNU/AFC tired for five years, using all the machineries of the State and could not have found an iota of evidence to indict BJ. Now VICE News has joined the long list of those who have failed in linking BJ to any corruption.

The VP’s most ardent critics confess that the VICE News “exposé” proved nothing, but they, holding on to a straw like a drowning man, still believe that the Vice President has some answers to provide. They tested him, they posed as imposter businessmen and investors to Bharat Jagdeo. They entrapped Su and exposed him, but because BJ is not part of those who will sell Guyana, they could not entrap him. In the end, they had hearsays, many of which can be thrown into the garbage heap. That they could not cite any instance of corruption demonstrates unequivocally that VICE News tried a hatchet job and ended up with dirt in their faces.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

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

Minister Hugh Todd attending the conference

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he 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was held from June 12 to 16, 2022, in Geneva, Switzerland. MC12 was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief of Staff of Kazakhstan’s President, the Honourable Timur Suleimenov.

Guyana’s delegation to MC12 was led by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and accompanied by Director of Foreign Trade (ag) Bevon McDonald and Trade Advisor within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Paul Kalekyezi along with Kerrlene Wills, Chargé d’Affaires ai, and Colin Luckie, Second Secretary, Guyana’s Mission in Geneva.

MC12 focussed primarily on thematic discussions, which included agriculture, the draft agreement on fisheries subsidies, response to pandemics, trade and food security, and the reform of the WTO. Minister Todd in his capacity as the Caricom Spokesperson on WTO matters delivered statements on behalf of the Region. In addressing the Informal Session on the challenges facing the Multilateral Trading System, Minister Todd noted that the multilateral trading system and the WTO have not been immune to the crises of these recent years.

Thus, he advanced that “many developing countries, including small vulnerable economies (SVEs), continue to have concerns about certain imbalances in the WTO Agreements, they value the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. As small economies, we in Caricom assign great importance to our ability to participate in deliberations and decision-making in the WTO on matters that affect not only our interests but the entire membership. We recognise that without this rule-based system, the most powerful economies would dominate, and weaker economies would be the most disadvantaged”.

Regarding agriculture, Minister Todd noted that whilst the agriculture agenda is “one of the most im-

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd addressing the conference

portant aspects of the WTO work programme, unfortunately, apart from the decision made in Nairobi on the elimination of export subsidies, there has been little to show since the Agreement on Agriculture was approved”.

Minister Todd also highlighted the need for meaningful special and differential treatment in all future agreements and the plight of Small and Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) and mostly Net Food Importing Developing Countries.

In addressing the area of fisheries, Minister Todd noted that Caricom “appeals for decisive action to curb harmful fisheries subsidies published by Prime Ministers from our Region.”

Minister Todd also conveyed the Region’s preference for a definition of “fish that excludes mammals and aquatic plants” and our willingness to support efforts to address this.

On the question of WTO Reform, Minister Todd, in addressing the Ministerial Conference on behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), noted that the reform of the organisation has been on the agenda for many years and the OACPS are in support of the reform.

However, he said that the process must address the blockages with the Appellate Body and must see the maintenance of the two-tiered dispute settlement system. It should ensure that the system is member-driven, structured, inclusive, transparent and development-oriented.

Further, Minister Todd noted that “it should also advance the interests of the developing and least developed countries through the application of special and differential treatment in all the WTO Agreement … and promote their integration into global value chains”.

Owing to deadlocks, MC12 was extended to June 16, 2022, to facilitate continued deliberations and consensus on several critical issues. The decisions of the 12th Ministerial Conference include the MC12 Outcome Document, the Ministerial Declaration on Food Insecurity, Ministerial Declaration on the World Food Programme, Ministerial Declaration on the WTO response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics, Ministerial Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement, the Work Programme on e-commerce, and Fisheries Subsidies.

The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the WTO and comprises the Ministers with responsibility for International Trade among each of its members.

The Ministerial Conference usually meets biennially and can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements. The last Ministerial Conference (MC11) was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 10-13, 2017.

It is anticipated that the next Ministerial Conference (MC13) would be held during the first quarter of 2023.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IDB approves US$83.3M for Guyana’s renewable energy programme – money from Norway to go towards 8 large-scale solar farms

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved some US$83.3 million in funds for Guyana to spend on the construction of eight large solar farms as part of its Guyana UtilityScale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL).

In a statement from the bank, which is the custodian of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), it was explained that the funds come from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

“The IDB has been supporting the Government of Guyana to develop the energy sector through the financing of several renewable energy activities. Building on this, the country will now make a transformational leap towards decarbonisation by expediting climate-resilient renewable energy in the electricity generation matrix,” IDB said.

It was explained that the GUYSOL programme will invest in eight utility-scale, photovoltaic solar projects totalling 33MWp (Mega Watt peak), with associated 34MWh (Mega Watt per hour) energy storage sys-

tems distributed across three areas in the country.

This includes the investment of 10MWp in Berbice, an 8MWp project in the Essequibo system with a minimum of 12MWh battery storage and 15MWp plant connected to the Linden (Region 10) system, with a minimum of 22MWh battery storage.

“The eight projects will contribute to avoiding CO2 emissions, lowering electricity cost generation, and supporting a substantial transition to generation based on renewable energy sources.”

“The programme will also support a step-change with respect to digitalisation of Essequibo and Linden electrical systems, moving them from manual systems towards real-time, automated monitoring and control, improving efficiency, reliability, and stability.”

Additionally, the GUYSOL programme will encourage diversity and inclusion in the maintenance and management of renewable infrastructure, developing local skills and apprenticeships. According to the IDB, this will focus on opportunities for women.

An example of a solar farm

“By 2025 in line with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), more than 265 thousand customers within the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System and Linden and Essequibo systems will benefit from reinforced reliability of electricity supply, and modernisation of systems.”

“The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and the

Linden Electricity Company Inc (LECI) will also benefit from the use of solar photovoltaic technology that will displace significant amounts of fossil fuels and reduce generation costs.”

Guyana had, in 2009, signed with Norway a historic forest protection accord aimed at Guyana receiving payments for sustaining its rainforests to absorb global carbon emissions. A total of US$250 million was to be paid to Guyana over a fiveyear period. Payments were made into the GRIF fund.

The Government has been focused on providing

affordable, stable, and reliable energy to benefit everyone while simultaneously reducing the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation. This strategy is outlined in the country’s revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, who has responsibility for the country’s energy sector, had said earlier this year that Guyana’s energy transition will be phased over the next decade with three components – the first being from 2022 to 2027

during which the much-anticipated gas-to-shore and Amaila Falls Hydropower projects are slated to come onstream.

The second phase, which goes up to 2030, will see these two energy sources being further enhanced with the expansion of wind and solar power as the country continues to replace heavy fuel oil.

Some $29.4 billion has been allocated in Budget 2022 to accelerate Guyana’s transition to cleaner sources of energy and to boost its capacity for increased generation in order to meet rising demand.

Added to this, the Prime Minister further highlighted the need for low-carbon transportation infrastructure to reduce the demand for imported fossil fuels for vehicular transport. To encourage this transition, the Government will be fostering the development of an electric vehicle industry while enhancing the ability of the electric grid to integrate high levels of intermittent renewable energy.

As a result, the installation of new fast-charging stations for electric vehicles will be piloted this year in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) with more to come in the future.

IOM lauds Govt and MoE efforts to ensure migrant children receive an education Local health system prepares

for detection of monkeypox

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IOM Senior Regional Coordination Officer and Chief of Mission Robert Natiello handing over some of the items to Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration) Fazia Baksh

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he Senior Regional Coordination Officer and Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Robert Natiello said that the IOM recognises the efforts of the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education in ensuring that migrant children receive an education.

Natiello made these remarks on Monday during a simple handing over ceremony of sanitising agents to the Ministry of Education to be used in schools.

“IOM recognises, welcomes and applauds the ef-

forts of the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education to make those accommodations for the increased influx of new students.”

According to Natiello, the IOM-Guyana office has recognised in some of the communities that are receiving migrants that there are added pressures with the influx of new students.

He said that it is an honour for IOM to give support to the Ministry of Education.

Further, he related that the donated items will go towards ensuring a healthy and safe environment for students. The items that

were handed over today include liquid hand soap, hand sanitiser, and manual dispensers.

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Fazia Baksh and the Coordinator of the Risk Management and Migrant Support Section (RM&MSS), Rampattie Prashad-Bisnauth thanked the IOM for the donation on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

Representatives of IOM who were also present included Project Assistant Kurt Kerrett and Interim Programme Coordinator Aditi Klien.

ocal health authorities are preparing to address any possible case of monkeypox in Guyana, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony has said.

“It’s about 1900 cases that were found globally, and if you look at those numbers and the world’s population, it’s a relatively small amount of people,” he said.

But despite the low numbers, the Ministry of Health is not taking chances.

“What we have been doing is to make sure that our physicians are able to recognise signs and symptoms of monkeypox, they know how to treat and therefore we want to equip our healthcare system in case we have any cases here, that we will, first of all, be able to detect it and to be able to treat it,” Dr Anthony said.

The Ministry is training laboratory staff, and one of the local staff members is engaged in training being conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) for the Caribbean region.

“So, we are equipping the system to ensure that we can detect any cases if ever that happens,” Dr Anthony said.

Dr Anthony opined that increased surveillance systems around the world may

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

be the reason the disease was detected.

“Monkeypox is nothing new you know. The first time monkeypox was detected was in 1958 and every year you would normally get cases. This is the first time we have seen so many cases outside of the endemic zone, meaning outside of Central and Western Africa, and I think the reason why we have picked that up is because you have heightened surveillance with the COVID systems that were put in place,” the Health Minister said.

Dr Anthony had noted previously that symptoms of the disease can appear about

five days after a person is infected, and are similar to smallpox. The virus is not only spread through contact with monkeys, but rodents and from infected persons.

According to the United States’ Center for Disease Control, the first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Since then, monkeypox has been reported in people in several other central and western African countries. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs, or through imported animals.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt correcting lack of skilled personnel countrywide – Minister Hamilton

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton engaging a resident during his recent outreach to Region Two

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton listening attentively to a resident during his recent outreach to Region Two

he PPP/C Administration has taken a decision to address the lack of skilled personnel countrywide, specifically to meet the labour demands of the nation’s booming oil and gas sector.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton said Guyana has already seen significant investments into the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), which he confidently expressed will bring forth salient technical expertise.

Speaking to residents at separate meetings in

ed in oil and gas is welding and fabrication, that is one of the engines, but yet but somebody is still sleeping.”

With some $20.5 million being exhausted in 2021, only 15 heavy-duty equipment operators were trained.

“How do you talk about development, building new roads, cutting canals to deal with climate change, opening new lands, housing development and in 12 months all you can deliver is 15 heavy-duty equipment operators?” the Minister empha-

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Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) over the weekend, Minister Hamilton explained that is important for the courses to be rolled out now, since the previous Government did not upskill the populace in technical areas.

About three weeks ago, the Minister led a team to Bartica, Region Seven, where a building which he noted was established as a skill resource centre under the then President Bharrat Jagdeo, was not being utilised.

During an engagement

with the private sector community in East BerbiceCorentyne, it was disclosed that the county had no mechanics, although the region consists of two technical institutes.

The Minister added that a month ago while assessing the output performance data nationwide, he found that a premier technical institute only trained eight welders and fabricators in 2021.

“In a country that found oil in 2015 and started to produce in 2019, one of the skills set that is most need-

sised.

He said the Labour Ministry, through BIT, has made significant strides to correct the issue of technical training, noting that it has even moved towards partnering with the private sector, the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Education, to drive the upskilling agenda.

Additionally, BIT launched its website in 2021 to allow online applications for the relevant skills course.

Over 90 persons have visited the website and more than

5000 people have submitted their applications for skills training on the same platform since the launch.

Over 3000 persons were trained in various classifications of occupational skill training such as small engine repairs, refrigeration and air conditioner repairs, introduction to photovoltaic systems, solar installation, maintenance and repairs, electrical installation and computer repairs.

The BIT has been allocated some $450 million in 2022.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

Regional

Venezuelan Government reps and Colombian election: Latin American leftist Opposition to attend Oslo Forum leaders praise Petro win D elegates from V e n e z u e l a n President Nicolás Maduro’s Government and the Opposition will both attend the Oslo Forum this week, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said on Monday, offering hope that talks between the two parties would resume.

Maduro’s Government withdrew from talks with the Opposition last October after just two months.

The dialogue, facilitated by Norway, had been fo-

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he victory of Gustavo Petro in Colombia’s presidential election has continued a leftward swing in Latin America – and was quickly praised by left-wing leaders across the region and the world.

The former rebel won 50.4 per cent of the votes on Sunday, narrowly defeating populist business magnate Rodolfo Hernandez in the runoff election. Among his campaign promises, Petro pledged to address profound social and economic inequality in traditionally conservative Colombia, where successive governments have focused primarily on addressing insecurity and violence linked to the country’s nearly six-decade-long armed conflict.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, who took office in 2019 after running on a left-leaning platform, tweeted on Sunday that Petro’s victory “validates democracy and ensures the path towards an integrated Latin America in this time when we demand maximum solidarity amongst brother peoples”.

The feeling of the fra-

Former rebel Gustavo Petro and his wife Veronica Alcocer celebrate before supporters after winning a runoff presidential election in Bogota, Colombia [Fernando Vergara/AP photo]

ternity was echoed by several other leaders in the region. Argentina, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Bolivia and Honduras have all moved to the left in their last elections, although some observers have argued the shift is rooted more in populism than ideology.

Peru’s Pedro Castillo, a rural school teacher and trade unionist who took office in 2021 and has been dogged by a legislature dominated by the right-wing Opposition, said he looked forward to working with an ally.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who was elected earlier this year to replace conservative Sebastian Pinera, called Petro’s win a “joy for Latin America”.

Meanwhile, Bolivia’s Luis Arce, a member of the Movement of Socialists party who took office in 2020, said “Latin American integration is strengthened”.

For his part, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Petro’s success could herald a healing period in the country.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Samuda urges J’cans to play role in achieving water security

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amaicans are being encouraged to play a more active role in ensuring the country’s water security as the Government moves to implement policies to secure the nation’s water resources.

Water security is the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and socio-economic development.

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda

said amid the impact of climate change on the quality and quantity of water, Jamaicans must play their part in the usage, treatment, and storage of potable water.

“In our own small developing country, water security requires an all-hands-on-deck approach to combat the effect of climate change on lives and livelihoods. Dry periods and drought are recurring features in Jamaica and are becoming more erratic,” he noted.

Samuda was speaking at a ceremony to commission into service the West Gate Hills

number-2 storage replacement tank in West Gate Hills, St James last Thursday.

According to a release, his comments came against the backdrop of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2022, which was observed on Friday, June 17.

Samuda stressed that water security could not be seen as a Government issue alone, noting that “it is a long-standing matter that requires all Jamaicans to play their part in the usage, treatment, and storage of this precious commodity”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T&T driver collides with another car while beating woman

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man is facing charges of reckless driving and assault after he was involved in a hit-and-run accident on Sunday.

Police said the man, while driving his van, was also beating a female relative.

Port-of-Spain City Police, who were on patrol, received a report that a white Nissan Navara van which was involved in an accident in Chaguanas earlier, was spotted in the area.

Around 00:07h, the van was intercepted as it was proceeding west along Wrightson Road.

The van was being followed by the driver of a black Subaru – the other vehicle involved in the accident in Chaguanas.

Police said the driver of the van was beating the woman who was in the front passenger seat, which caused him to lose focus and the van to veer into the path of and colliding with the Subaru. Instead of stopping, the driver sped off, but was followed by the victim.

The Subaru’s driver, while pursuing the other man, phoned the Police and an allpoints bulletin was issued alerting all officers on patrol to be on the lookout for the suspect.

The van was intercepted minutes later on Wrightson Road and the driver arrested and taken to the Central Police Station in Port-ofSpain.

Investigations are ongoing. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

cused finding a solution to Venezuela’s economic and political crisis, which has forced more than six million Venezuelans to flee the country in recent years.

The Maduro Administration is reportedly reluctant to resume talks if Norway continues to facilitate the process, sources told Reuters in May. Maduro has also previously said further talks would depend on Washington totally lifting sanctions against

Venezuela, among other demands.

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry announced on its official Twitter page that both parties would be present at the forum, an international event focused on conflict mediation, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It did not, however, confirm whether a meeting would take place between the two, and did not comment on the Venezuelan Government’s position.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Hundreds of Indigenous protesters enter Ecuador’s capital, Quito

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undreds of Indigenous people entered Ecuador’s capital, Quito on Sunday, following almost a week of protests against the economic and social policies of President Guillermo Lasso, who has not been able to lift road blocks and violence across the country.

Indigenous protesters arrived in trucks, cars, and on foot amid a state of exception declared by Lasso in three provinces – including that of Quito – in a bid to curb protests that have at times seen violence, with Police captured, and attacks on oil industry and flower farms.

More protesters were still making their way towards the city, according to a Reuters witness.

Protests began on Monday with a list of 10 demands, including a fuel price cut, preventing further expansion of Ecuador’s oil and mining industry, and more time for small and medium sized farmers to pay their debts.

Lasso has called for di-

Riot Policemen stand in line as Indigenous people coming from other communities arrive in Quito following the protests against Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso’s economic and environmental policies, in Quito, Ecuador, June 19, 2022

alogue and announced measures to help vulnerable sectors of society, including subsidised fertiliser, increased budget for health and education for Indigenous communities, and forgiveness of outstanding loans of up to $3000.

Though the measures offer some help, protesters say they do not fix the economic problems faced by thousands of families each day.

“We have come to re-

sist a neoliberal policy that affects the poor more and more,” Leonidas Iza, President of the CONAIE Indigenous organisation, said over social media.

The Private Sector had lost some $50 million as of Friday, according to the Government, while Stateoil company Petroecuador said production was affected to the tune of 27,700 barrels of crude. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Dams, taps running dry in northern Mexico amid historic water shortages

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er elderly neighbour is hard of hearing so Maria Luisa Robles, a convenience store worker in the northern Mexican city of Monterrey, shouted the question a second time: Have you run out of water?

She had – and it wasn’t just her. The taps across this working-class neighbourhood of Sierra Ventana dried up over a week ago amid a historic shortage that’s gripped the most important industrial city in Mexico.

Desperate, Robles and her neighbours have resorted to climbing atop a nearby municipal water tank, filling up jugs, and lugging them back to their homes in order to drink, cook, clean, and wash bedsheets and school uniforms.

More than half of Mexico is currently facing moderate

Reduced water levels at the La Boca dam, as more than half of Mexico faces moderate to severe drought conditions, in Santiago, Mexico, June 17, 2022 (Reuters/Daniel Becerril)

to severe drought conditions, according to the federal water commission CONAGUA, amid extreme heat that scientists blame on climate change.

In the sprawling metropolitan area of Monterrey, home to some 5.3 million people, the drought and years of below-average rainfall have led to citywide water shortages.

“We’re in an extreme cli-

mate crisis,” Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia said at a news conference last week. “Today, we’re all living it and suffering.”

The city in June began limiting water access to six hours a day, forcing schools to adjust class schedules and sparking panic buying of bottled water that emptied supermarket shelves. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

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Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil swings higher as tight supplies overshadow demand destruction

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il prices swung higher in volatile trading on Monday, as traders focused on tight supplies over slowing global economic growth.

Brent crude futures settled up US$1.01, or 0.9 per cent, at US$114.13 a barrel. The global benchmark tumbled 7.3 per cent last week for its first weekly fall in five.

US West Texas Intermediate crude last traded up 61 cents, or 0.56 per cent, at US$110.17 in subdued trade on the Juneteenth US holiday. Front-month prices slumped 9.2 per cent last week for the first decline in eight weeks.

"We've got two really competing narratives happening," said Houston oil consultant Andrew Lipow. "One is sanctions on Russian supplies (supporting prices). On the other hand, we see the high prices resulting in some demand destruction."

Brent prices on Monday touched their lowest in a month before recovering.

"Supplies will remain tight and continue supporting high oil prices. The norm for ICE Brent is still around the US$120mark," said PVM analyst Stephen Brennock.

"The bullish case remains far more convincing," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA. Western sanctions have reduced access to oil from Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a "special operation."

Analysts and investors said they believe a recession is more likely after the US Federal Reserve approved on Wednesday the largest interest rate increase in more than a quarter of a century to contain a surge in inflation.

Similar tightening approaches by the Bank of England and Swiss National Bank last week ensued.

"Friday’s steep price fall can be seen as a delayed reaction to the concerns about recession that have already been weighing on the prices of other commodities for some time," said Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch.

While China's crude oil imports from Russia in May soared 55 per cent from a year earlier to a record high, displacing Saudi Arabia as the top supplier, China's export quotas have resulted in declining oil product shipments.

Tight refined products markets have supported oil prices.

Analysts expect limited summer increases from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a group known collectively as OPEC+.

Libya's oil production has remained volatile following blockades by groups in the country's east, with its output most recently pegged at 700,000 per day.

Meanwhile, prospects are dwindling for Iranian sanctions relief that could result in a meaningful increase in the country's crude exports.

There has been some mitigation for tight supply with the release of strategic petroleum reserves, led by the United States. Weekly crude output in the United States, the world's top producer, has also returned to pre-pandemic levels as the rig count slowly grows. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Port of Odesa comes under missile attack as Russians advance in eastern Ukraine

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ussian forces captured territory along a frontline river in eastern Ukraine on Monday and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy predicted Moscow would escalate attacks ahead of a summit of European leaders expected to welcome Kyiv's bid to join the EU. Moscow's separatist proxies claimed to have captured Toshkivka, a town on the mostly Ukrainian-held western bank of the Siverskyi Donets river, south of Sievierodonetsk, which has become the main battlefield city in recent weeks.

Ukraine acknowledged that Moscow had success in Toshkivka and said the Russians were trying to gain a foothold there to make a breakthrough into the wid-

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a meeting with local authorities during a visit to the southern city of Mykolaiv, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Ukraine, June 18, 2022

er, Ukrainian-held pocket of the eastern Donbas region.

It also confirmed a Russian claim to have captured on Sievierodonetsk's eastern outskirts.

"Obviously, this week we should expect from Russia an intensification of its hos-

World's largest freshwater fish found in Mekong, scientists say

Scientists say the 300kg stingray is the largest freshwater fish ever recorded

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300kg (661lb) stingray caught in the Mekong River in Cambodia is the biggest freshwater fish ever documented, scientists say.

It unseated the previous record-holder, a 646lb (293kg) Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2005.

There is no official record-keeping or database of the world's biggest freshwater fish.

The Mekong is rich in biodiversity but overfishing, dams and pollution

threaten its fragile ecosystem.

It flows from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

"In 20 years of researching giant fish in rivers and lakes on six continents, this is the largest freshwater fish that we've encountered or that's been documented anywhere worldwide," said Zeb Hogan, a biologist who leads Wonders of the Mekong, a USAID-funded conservation project.

Ethiopia violence in Oromia: “Villages full of dead bodies”

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yewitnesses to an outbreak of ethnic violence in western Ethiopia have told the BBC that they were left helpless during attacks, which resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people.

One man said he and other villagers had buried about 250 bodies, including those of his brother and sister-in-law.

The numbers have not been independently verified but other witnesses have provided similar accounts.

The victims are said to

be ethnic Amharas killed

by Oromo rebels.

The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has denied responsibility and said the Government's "retreating soldiers" were behind the attacks. A spokesperson further blamed a militia group formed by the Oromia regional government.

According to witnesses, the attacks happened in six small farming villages in Gimbi district, western Oromia.

The area has recently seen fighting between

tile activities," Zelenskiy said in a Sunday nightly video address. "We are preparing. We are ready."

In Odesa, Ukraine's biggest Black Sea port, a food warehouse was destroyed in a Russian missile attack on Monday, the Ukrainian mil-

itary said. No civilians were reported killed.

The city has come under sporadic bombardment since the start of the war and is blockaded by the Russian navy, while each side accuses the other of laying mines in the sea.

The Operational Command "South" said Russian forces fired 14 missiles at southern Ukraine during a three-hour barrage.

The Russian-installed leader of Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, said Kyiv had struck Black Sea drilling platforms owned by a Crimean oil company. Three people were wounded, and a search was under way for seven workers, he said on the Telegram messaging app. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Government forces and the OLA. The attacks may be related to that fighting, said Ethiopia's Government rights watchdog, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.

One man, whose 16-yearold daughter was among the dead, said: "I was told the villages were full of dead bodies."

The attack reportedly began around 09:00 on Saturday and continued until about 13:00.

Residents said they called the district authorities immediately but help came

only hours later. "[Regional] special forces and the army arrived late in the afternoon around five. No-one came to help us until then," one resident said.

An advocacy group, the Amhara Association of America, puts the death toll at 378 and said it has identified 176 victims by name.

Another witness told the BBC that in addition to those killed on the spot, some were abducted by the attackers. (Excerpt from BBC News)

"Finding and documenting this fish is remarkable, and a rare positive sign of hope, even more so because it occurred in the Mekong, a river that's currently facing many challenges," added Dr Hogan, who is also a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The conservation project works with the Cambodian Fisheries Administration to set up a network of fishermen who alert the re-

searchers if they catch giant or endangered fish.

On the night of 13 June, a local fisherman on Koh Preah island called to tell researchers that he had caught a "very big" stingray - it turned out to be 3.98m long and 2.2m wide.

After being fitted with an acoustic tag to track its future movement, the stingray was released back into the river. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Canada announces ban on single-use plastics in “historic step”

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he Government of Canada announced that it will ban the manufacturing and import of a number of “harmful” single-use plastics, with several new regulations coming into place in December.

The new rules, announced Monday, will apply to checkout bags, utensils, food-service products with plastic that is difficult to recycle, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws with some exceptions, the Government announced in a release.

“Our Government is all in when it comes to reducing plastic pollution …

That’s why we’re announcing today that our Government is delivering on its commitment to ban harmful single-use plastics,” said Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault in a press conference Monday.

“This is a historic step towards beating plastic pollution and keeping our communities, lands and oceans clean.”

The sale of such items will be prohibited starting in December 2023, a buffer period meant to give businesses time to adjust to the changes and wind down their existing supplies.

The Government will also ban the export of six plastics by the end of 2025.

The Federal Government listed plastics as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act last year, which paved the way for regulations to ban some. However, a consortium of plastics producers is suing the Government over the toxic designation in a case expected to be heard later this year.

A recent report by the UN has said that the global use of plastics is expected to triple by 2060, and the annual production of fossil fuel-based plastics set to hit more than 1.2 billion tonnes by the same year. The waste created by such levels of production would be more than 1 billion tonnes per year. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Keep your life simple, conversations honest and promises doable. A unique idea will prove helpful when you're faced with a challenge that requires discretion, responsibility and honesty.

(March 21-April 19) Channel your energy, and finish what you start. A change will impact how you take care of matters. Think about the possibilities, but don't make unrealistic promises.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Smile and make your entrance.

Preparation will pay off and encourage you to take a bold approach to get your way. Stick to the truth and recognize when someone isn't being honest with you.

Slow down, take a deep breath and plan your actions with precision and detail. Bring attention to what's important to you, and establish how to get things done with the least amount of difficulty.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Set out on a discovery mission, and don't stop until you get answers. What you uncover will help you assess your current trajectory and distance yourself from anyone trying to manipulate you.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Monitor what goes in and out of your financial accounts. Don't take on too much or limit what you can do because you've promised to help others. Be honest with everyone.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Look at how others do things before you decide to participate. Don't labor over something you cannot change.

If something doesn't feel right or fit into your plans, take a pass.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) You can have fun and express yourself without overspending. Follow a creative path that helps ease stress and offers a view of what's possible. A change of heart will entice you.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Don't lose sight of your objective or let someone meddle with your plans.

Concentrate on what's important to you and the changes you want to make to ease stress and add to your comfort.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Think before making a move or saying something you'll regret. Pay attention and make decisions that will ease stress and simplify your life instead of causing unnecessary worry.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Set your mind on a challenge. Use your experience, knowledge and instincts to overcome setbacks caused by others. Protect your health and reputation. Put your valuables in a safe place.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

A home improvement plan will keep you out of trouble. Don't argue with someone who doesn't see things your way. Go about your business and do things that please you. A change will help.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

21

FINA bars transgender swimmers from women's elite events …if they went through male puberty

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INA, swimming's world governing body, has voted to stop transgender athletes from competing in women's elite races if they have gone through any part of the process of male puberty.

FINA will also aim to establish an 'open' category at competitions for swimmers whose gender identity is different than their birth sex.

The new policy, which was passed with 71 per cent of the vote from 152 FINA members, was described as "only a first step towards full inclusion" for transgender athletes.

The 34-page policy document says that male-to-female transgender athletes could compete in the women's category – but only "provided they have not experienced any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 [which marks the start of physical development], or before age 12, whichever is later".

The decision was made during an extraordinary general congress at the ongoing World Championships in Budapest.

It means that transgender American college swimmer Lia Thomas, who has expressed a desire to compete for a place at the Olympics, would be blocked from participating in the female

category at the Games.

However, the policy does not apply to national federations or the US college championships, the NCAAs, at which Thomas recently won in the 500-yard freestyle. Instead, each national federation – including British Swimming – will need to decide if it is to implement the FINA policy.

British Swimming told BBC Sport it would "take time to review [the policy's] content" before making any further comment.

Earlier, FINA members heard a report from a transgender task force made up of leading figures from the world of medicine, law, and sport.

"FINA's approach in drafting this policy was comprehensive, science-based and inclusive, and, importantly, FINA's approach emphasised competitive fairness," said Brent Nowicki, the governing body's executive director.

FINA President Husain AlMusallam said the organisation was trying to "protect the rights of our athletes to compete", but also "protect competitive fairness".

He said: "FINA will always welcome every athlete. The creation of an open category will mean that everybody has the opportunity to compete at an elite level. This has not been done

before, so FINA will need to lead the way. I want all athletes to feel included in being able to develop ideas during this process."

Former Great Britain swimmer Sharron Davies, who has argued against transgender participation in women's elite swimming, told BBC Sport she was "really proud of FINA".

"Four years ago, along with 60 other Olympic medallists, I wrote to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and said 'Please just do the science first' and no governing body has done the science until now," she said.

"That is what FINA has done.

They've done the science, they've got the right people on board, they've spoken to the athletes, and coaches.

"Swimming is a very inclusive sport, we love everyone to come and swim and be involved. But the cornerstone of sport is that it has to be fair and it has to be fair for both sexes."

Asked whether FINA's policy left trans athletes "in limbo" while they waited for an open category to be created, Davies praised FINA for having conversations around trans inclusion that should have "happened five years ago".

"Sport by definition is exclusionary – we don't have 15-year-old boys racing in

the under-12s, we don't have heavyweight boxers in with the bantamweights, the whole reason we have lots of different classes in the Paralympics is so that we can create fair opportunities for everybody," she said.

"So, that is the whole point of having classifications in sports and the only people who were going to be losing out were females – they were losing their right to fair sport."

Ex-GB swimmer Karen Pickering told BBC Radio 4: "I empathise that there will be people who now can't compete in the category that they identify with as their gender. That is very sad and I do understand that, but in this situation inclusivity and fairness cannot be compatible and the science has shown that there is just no way to make that compatible."

However, 'Athlete Ally' – an LGBT advocacy group which organised a letter of support for Thomas in February, called the new policy "discriminatory, harmful, unscientific and not in line with the 2021 IOC principles".

"The eligibility criteria for the women's category as it is laid out in the policy polices the bodies of all women, and will not be enforceable without seriously violating the privacy and human

rights of any athlete looking to compete in the women's category," said Anne Lieberman, the group's director of policy and programmes.

Australia's four-time Olympic champion Cate Campbell had addressed FINA before the decision was made, asking the governing body to "uphold the cornerstone of fairness".

However, fellow Australian swimmer Maddie Groves has criticised Campbell's comments, asking if she was "OK with ostracising an already marginalised group".

"There are already gender diverse people in swimming and I'm guessing they're not feeling very accepted right now," Groves said on Twitter.

"Shame on everyone that supported this discriminatory and unscientific decision."

Joanna Harper, who is studying transgender athletes for her PhD at Loughborough University and is a transgender athlete herself, says FINA's decision is not necessary to "ensure meaningful competition for all women".

"Currently, there are no trans women competing in swimming at an international level so effectively this ruling

Lia Thomas’s participation got the trans-swimming conversation going

doesn't currently ban anyone," she told BBC Radio 5 Live. "If USA Swimming adopts it, it will affect Lia Thomas, but it doesn't right now."

She fears an open category would increase marginalisation and discrimination, saying the introduction of such a category is "not likely" to work.

"It's likely to be more of a sideshow and it's not going to have the number of competitors qualifying, compared to the male or female categories," she said.

"Are they going to have Olympic medals for this open category? Will there be professional swimmers in an open category? I don't know for sure, it might potentially work, but I doubt that it would be meaningful." (BBC Sport)

Nandu's 75 spurs Coe hints athletics could follow swimming in banning trans women Kaieteur CC to easy

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orld Athletics President Lord Coe has hinted the sport could follow swimming in banning transgender women from elite female competitions, insisting "fairness is nonnegotiable".

Swimming's world governing body FINA voted on Sunday to stop trans athletes from competing in women's elite races if they have gone through any part of the process of male puberty.

The landmark decision set swimming apart from almost all other Olympic sports, with most using testosterone limits as a basis for inclusion.

But Lord Coe has now revealed that World Athletics is set to discuss adopting a new eligibility policy, and welcomed FINA's move.

"We see an international federation asserting its primacy in setting rules, regulations, and policies that are in the best interest of its sport," he told BBC Sport.

"This is as it should be.

We have always believed that biology trumps gender and we will continue to review our regulations in line with this. We will follow the science.

"We continue to study,

Lord Coe has previously warned that the future of women's sport is in jeopardy if sporting organisations get regulations wrong for transgender athletes

research and contribute to the growing body of evidence that testosterone is a key determinant in performance, and have scheduled a discussion on our regulations with our council at the end of the year."

What is the background?

Under Lord Coe, World Athletics has already introduced rules that cap testosterone levels at five nanomoles per litre (5nmol/L) for transgender athletes and for competitors with differences in sex development (DSD) in some women's running events.

And with the International

Olympic Committee (IOC) recently placing responsibility on individual federations to determine eligibility criteria of their own, other sports are now bringing in tougher policies.

Last week, cycling's world governing body the UCI lowered the permitted testosterone level from 5nmol/L to 2.5nmol/L, and doubled the period of time before a transgender rider can compete to two years.

But FINA has now gone further after a report by a scientific panel said that going through male puberty meant trans women retained a "relative performance advantage over biological females", even after medication to reduce testosterone.

It is only the second Olympic governing body, after World Rugby in 2020, to introduce a ban on transgender competitors, but it now looks increasingly likely that track and field could follow suit.

On Monday, football's world governing body FIFA also said it was "currently reviewing its gender eligibility regulations in consultation with expert stakeholders". But FIFA added it was "not in a position to comment on specifics of

proposed amendments to the existing regulations".

"We've always tried to find a navigable way through. We haven't wanted to stigmatise," said Lord Coe, who was in Budapest as a guest of FINA as it made its decision at an extraordinary general congress at the weekend.

"But when push comes to shove, if it's a judgement between inclusion and fairness, we will always fall down on the side of fairness – that for me is non-negotiable.

"The integrity of women's sport is really, really important here, and we can't have a generation of young girls thinking there is not a future for them in the sport. So, we have a responsibility…maintaining the primacy and the integrity of female competition is absolutely vital, and that's why we were at the forefront of tabling those regulations that allow as close as you can get to a level playing field.

"Those regulations are always under review… if there are events, distances or disciplines that we think are being unfairly impacted, we will, of course, look at those again in the light of the science.”

(BBC Sport)

win over Canadian Eagles

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atthew Nandu continued with his outstanding batting form in Canada as last Saturday he scored an impressive 75 to help Kaieteur Cricket Club beat Canadian Eagles by 130 runs in the continuation of the Brampton-Etobicoke and District Cricket League Premier Conference B 50-over competition at Laurel Creek Ground, Waterloo, Ontario.

In recent times, the Guyana and West Indies youth player has scored a century and several half-centuries. In this match, the left-handed Nandu hit six fours and a six in his 75-run 78-ball knock as Kaieteur rattled up 252-8 from 50 overs while Canadian Eagles responded with 122 all out off 25.1 overs. Apart from Nandu’s half-century, Mahendra Jaipersaud scored 51 while Miguel Nandu (his cousin) also made an impact with the bat by contributing 47.

Off-spinner Pritipaul Sandhu grabbed four wickets for 48 runs from nine overs.

In Eagles’ innings, Prampreet Sandhu offered a fight with 42 runs as legspinner Marcel Nandu,

Matthew Nandu

another cousin of Matthew, claimed four wickets for 31 runs from 6.1 overs while Parvesh Jhappan was supportive with 2-30 in his five-over outing. Matthew is the son of former Guyana Under-19 Captain and First-Class player Arjune Nandu. Matthew played for West Indies at this year’s International Cricket Council Youth World Cup that took place in the Caribbean.

The competition is set to continue on Saturday.

22 Jamaica storm into semi-finals after thrashing Windward Islands TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he weather was a major factor during the earlier part of the day as it potentially threatened to wash out the fixture between Jamaica and Windward Islands. But as good faith would have it a 33-over affair saw the Jamaican ladies dominating their opponents and cashing in their ticket to be the second team booked into the semi-finals.

Windward Islands took to the crease first and found themselves pinned down in the first 10 overs, losing three wickets with the score on 22. To make matters worse, the runs dried up as well, as the Jamaicans bowled an impressive line and length, picking up wickets at key intervals. From 22-3 to 61-8

The Jamaicans were unstoppable

in 23.4 overs, Jamaica’s bowlers were unstoppable.

Japhina Joseph, who played a resistant knock of 23 off 57 balls, stuck around to the end, but there wasn't much she could have done.

She, along with Carena Noel, who scored 21, put together the highest partnership of 39 runs for their side to take them to 101-9 in 32.4 overs. For the Jamaicans, an impressive bowling spell

from Stafanie Taylor, who bagged 3-22 from her seven overs, was followed up by Vanessa Watts with 2-10 off her eight, Neisha AnnWaisome 2-16 and Chinelle Henry 1-9 to put their team in a commanding position.

In the chase, the team batting second are always under pressure, but the Jamaicans proved how good they were as they made light work of the total ending on 100-2 in 23.2 overs as the target was reduced to 100 off 32 overs via Duckworth Lewis. Rashada Williams

found form and scored a handy 43 while Taylor backed up her brilliant bowling spell with an unbeaten 36. The Windward Islands did manage to bag the two wickets of Natasha McLean for 8 and Keneisha Ferron for 1, but Jamaica recovered well from 21-2 to take the game. Pearl Etienne was the standout bowler as she bagged 2-15 in a losing cause.

The action will continue today at 09:30h, as Guyana will take on the Leeward Islands.

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…Bowman impressed by parental and school support

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Back Circle’s Stephon Reynolds receives the grand prize from Magnum Tonic Wine’s Jamal Baird, in the presence of his teammates

B

T

ack Circle have cemented their place as the current best futsal outfit in Georgetown, following another Magnum Futsal Championship. This time, it was the “Unfinished Business” event, and Back Circle put the critics to rest once and for all.

Christ Church were also victorious

he National School Basketball Festival (NSBF) Regional Preseason action continued over the weekend with some highly-anticipated match-ups.

The weekend saw victories for Covent Garden (CG), who continued their unbeaten streak; Queen’s College in the male and female categories; Christ Church (CC) and the Bishops’ High School (BHS).

In game one, Covent Garden Secondary mauled Friendship Secondary 23-6; scoring for Covent Garden were Jonathan Giddings with 13 points and Samuel Innis with six points.

The only person to make a difference for Friendship was Amari Harlequin (five points).

This victory for Covent Garden means that they are currently undefeated in their preseason games.

In game two, Christ Church pipped North Georgetown 23-17. It was a spirited game with both teams having good support from their schoolmates cheering them on. The close encounter saw Kaomi Huntley of Christ Church leading the charge with 15 points. Gladwyn Brutus of North Georgetown chipped in with nine points in a losing effort.

Queen’s College then duked

it out with D-UP Academy of Tuschen in a tournament thriller.

As expected, QC, who have one of the best Under-16 teams thus far, turned up the heat and won 38-21. Scoring for QC were Francois Myers (10 points, 10 rebounds); Ezekiel Griffith (10 points) and Oven Hooper (10 points, 8 assists). Chipping in for D-UP Academy were Jaden Moses and Daniel Williams with six points each.

Game four, which was the lone female game, saw QC standing their ground and walking away victoriously 6-2.

Marian Academy have been the NSBF female champions for the last three years, but with the team now rebuilding, they lost their footing to QC. Top-scoring for the ladies were Ciara Solomon, Althea Allicock and Alisande Jaiserisingh, who scored two points each for Queen’s, while Angel Ramjaram scored Marian’s two points.

The final game of the night was witness to a back-and-forth encounter between Bishops’ High and Chase Academic Foundation. Both teams before their game were undefeated; however, Bishops’ managed to pip Chase 20-17 to maintain their record and hand their opponents their first loss.

Scoring for Bishops were Keyan

in the Independence Cup tournament.

Bent Street prevailed 3-2 over Sparta.

As such, Sparta Boss were made to take on Gold is Money in the third-place playoff, which they won convincingly 4-1. in the “Unfinished

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YBG Cofounder Chris Bowman

Mars (9 points, 10 rebounds) and Ayden Dons (7 points), while Paul Emmanuel of Chase Academic Foundation was his side’s leading scorer with 12 points and 9 rebounds.

Sharing his bit at the end of the games was Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) co-founder Chris Bowman, who said, “Not much else to add, just that most of the kids are brand new to competition, so they are now finding their footing. Which makes it quite exciting to watch.

We are also impressed with the parental and school support for these games, although this is only the preseason; supporters are turning up.”

The NSBF Regional Preseason will continue June 26 in Georgetown, on June 24 in Berbice, and on June 25 in Linden, prior to the start of the NSBF on July 1.

Bent Street’s Pernell Schultz collects the second-place prize from Magnum’s Jamal Baird

The one-night tournament was hosted on Saturday last at the National Park Tarmac, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, with the top four finishers from the Magnum Tonic Wine Independence Cup participating.

Gold is Money and Back Circle played the first straight knockout game, with Back Circle defeating their opponents 4-2.

Bent Street and Sparta Boss faced off in the ensuing match and this time, Bent Street tasted sweet revenge after being knocked out of championship contention by Sparta Boss

Business” final, it appeared as though Back Circle were the only team that showed up, as they overpowered Bent Street 4-0. Stephon Reynolds and Jermain Beckles were the sharpshooters for Back Circle, both netting two apiece for the title.

Being the Magnum Champions for a second time this year, Back Circle cashed in on the $300,000 grand prize.

Bent Street pocketed the second-place prize of $150,000 while Sparta Boss carted off $100,000 and Gold is Money had to settle for $50,000.

223-7230-1

(Ext 55)

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Football development to take off after Ali-Forde meeting T

he President of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde met on Monday morning at State House, where a number of projects with regard to football’s development were

discussed.

As it seems, Guyana’s Head of State has pledged his and, by extension, the Government of Guyana’s support for the transformation of the sport locally.

High on the agenda on Monday morning were

infrastructural matters, according to Forde, during an invited comment.

“We spoke about infrastructure and the state of football infrastructure across Guyana and also we touched a bit on the venue that they’re now playing international

Rained-out Milo games on this week

…Carmel, Charlestown, Dolphin, West Ruimveldt win on opening day

President Dr Irfaan Ali meeting with GFF President, Wayne Forde on Monday

games on, which is the Leonora Track and Field and I shared with His Excellency, some urgent need for maintenance there, to bring it up to

T

A Glimpse of the Milo School’s football tournament games on Saturday last

he Milo Schools Football tournament made a grand return on Saturday last, with Dolphin, West Ruimveldt, Charlestown and Carmel Secondary Schools enjoying wins.

However, the other four exciting games that were scheduled for Sunday, June 19, were called off owing to inclement weather and the state of the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground

Golden Grove Secondary will duke it out with Buxton Secondary, while Dolphin Secondary meets Charlestown Secondary in the following game. The first whistle will blow at 5pm on both days.

Meanwhile, Dolphin Secondary, at the MoE Ground on Saturday managed to pick up the first win of the restructured and resumed Milo Under-19 Schools Football

ensured Elijah Sattaur had the ammunition to net a double in the 56th and 65th minute for the win.

The Bishops’ High School took a thrashing in game three, at the hands of Charlestown Secondary.

Andrew Carto opened the floodgates in the 13th minute, but it was Malcolm Hendricks (27th, 40th, 42nd, 65th) who really rocked the BHS. Rhyme Matthews (50th, 60th) and Tyler Lyle

Another snippet of Milo School’s football tournament games

after such.

“After a careful assessment of the conditions at the ground, the organisers have been forced to call off today’s games. These games will be played on Wednesday and Thursday respectively starting at 5pm,” the Petra Organisation advised on Sunday.

As a result, Ann’s Grove Secondary will take on Uitvlugt Secondary and North Ruimveldt Secondary will battle East Ruimveldt Secondary, both on Wednesday. On Thursday,

tournament, thumping St John’s College 4-1.

Nicholas Tappin led with a brace for Dolphin in the 25th and 60th minutes, while Brian (29th) and Gary (50th) Burnette contributed one apiece. In reply, David Xavier netted the lone goal for St John’s in the 20th minute of the encounter.

West Ruimveldt narrowly edged Queen’s College in the second match 2-1. QC were up 1-0 in the 54th minute owing to Triston Richards, after a goalless first half. But, a collective effort from West Ruimveldt

(22nd, 52nd) secured two each, and Michel Andrews (44th) chipped in another for the 10-0 full-time score.

Carmel Secondary closed off the day’s activities with a resounding victory over Bladen Hall. Leon Sears (8th, 45th) and Dwin Baptist (0th, 50th) each added two to Carmel’s tally, while Matthew Layne (32nd) and Nephi Allicock (64th) each found the back of the net once for Carmel’s six. Bladen Hall could only muster one goal, off the boot of Daris Nebbleth in the 21st minute of the game.

CONCACAF-FIFA standard,” the GFF boss shared.

He gave more insight on his consultation with President Ali, revealing, “This morning

we spoke about general football development matters, specifically support that the GFF needs at the moment for the ongoing Nations League campaign. We spoke about quality-of-life initiative for current footballers and former footballers; we spoke about the importance of strengthening the FIFA Football For Schools programme and the possibility of having former footballers assigned to schools to help the young boys and girls improve when they’re playing football.”

In addition, the Presidents discussed the implementation and hosting of a President’s Cup football tournament, which has been received positively by both parties.

The GFF will now draw up the framework of the tournament, which Forde hopes to get underway soon.

“God willing, we will be able to launch that tournament some time this year,” Forde said .

“The President assured me personally of his support for football and I was very happy to hear that,” the GFF President concluded. (Jemima Holmes)

Simmons heaps praise on “unique” Brathwaite …"I want to be unbeaten in all five Tests in this year," says

West Indies Head Coach after beating Bangladesh in Antigua

W

hile Bangladesh are down on confidence, West Indies are bursting with it and coach Phil Simmons now wants his team to continue this progress for the rest of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has been a significant factor in West Indies' rise in the last 18 months. He made the highest score (94) across all four innings in the Antigua Test against Bangladesh and, according to his coach, is constantly getting better as both a player and a leader.

"Everyone has seen [Brathwaite's] determination," Simmons said. "His unique style.

He doesn't have a problem doing his job for five days. It is unique because a lot of batsmen nowadays like to play shots and be done with it.

"From his point of view, he wants to be there for the team.

That rolls into the captaincy. He is not loud, but the players know what he wants. He makes them understand in his unique way. He seems to be growing in the role."

With their victory on Sunday, West Indies have now won three of their eight WTC matches and are unbeaten in their last four Tests.

"We started 2021 in the same way," Simmons said. "We won two in Bangladesh, and drew two against Sri Lanka. It is about how we go forward from here. I want to be unbeaten in all five Tests in this year. That would be good for me. Guys are getting confident in what they are doing.

It makes your job and role easier the more confidence you have.

It has happened especially

after winning the series against England not too long ago. The confidence showed."

Kemar Roach too contributed heavily in the Antigua win, after nearly missing the game. The 33-year-old fast bowler had to clear a last-minute fitness test to make himself available for selection, and once he did, he terrorised the Bangladesh batting line-up, finishing with match figures of 7 for 74 and equalling Michael Holding's tally of 249 Test wickets. "[Roach] has taken things to the next level," Simmons said.

"He has been excellent. He is now tied with Mikey [Holding], but in the dressing room he is always leading the youngsters. He has played 70 Tests, so he educates them. It is great to have him in the dressing room."

There were other boxes ticked off as well.

John Campbell made his first Test fifty in 15 innings, an innings which helped them recover from 9 for 3 and see off a chase of 84.

"I think it was really important," Simmons said. "He has had good starts in most of the games, but failed to get past that 30-40 mark. The unbeaten fifty must give him some kind of confidence to get that big score, hopefully in the next Test match."

West Indies' slip catching too

was impressive in this Test match.

They took 13 catches behind the wicket, dropping just the one.

Six of those 13 catches were taken at slip, while wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva gobbled up the other seven. Simmons was asked to explain this and he said, "it is a matter of practice. I think the guys are enjoying the fact that the balls are coming to them. It is after a long time I am seeing the ball going to first slip in the Caribbean. It is nice to see.

"There's also the fact that Jason Holder might come back into the team later in the year so nobody wants to be put out of there. They know that he will walk right back into the slips. That could be a motivation too."

(ESPNcricinfo)

West Indies captain Kraigg Braithwaite

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022

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

Football development to take off after Ali-Forde meeting Page 23

Rained-out Milo games on this week Page 23

…Carmel, Charlestown, Dolphin, West Ruimveldt win on opening day

QC, CC, CG, BHS record wins in NSBF Regional Preseason games …Bowman impressed by parental and school support

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