Guyana Times -- Saturday, March 26, 2022

Financial assistance for dialysis P10 patients to be rolled out next week Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4960

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

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Guyana looks to UAE to develop diversified economy, robust infrastructure

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

Taxi driver convicted of battery, rape of Venezuelan woman P8

– as President Ali meets with Abu Dhabi Fund officials

GM&CC, Police to formalise action plan to beef up P14 security in city

Guyana welcomes T&T investors, but they must partner with local businesses – VP – explains “falling apart” comment on T&T

See story on page 7

Labourer P16 critically injured during argument with drunken man GPF not in the best position regarding road safety – Min Benn admits P15

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday met with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara Feinstein, and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, during which several issues were addressed

Guyana on lookout for possible “spike” in COVID-19 cases – Dr Anthony Page 13

$2B in contracts inked as part of MoA 2022 work programme

Page 11

– $544M pump station for Charity

Drug bond employee slapped with possession of gun, ammo and bribery charges See story on page 2

APNU/AFC’s $200k motion a political gimmick, not realistic – VP Jagdeo P7 Businesswoman struck down by speeding ATV P17

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Drug bond employee slapped with possession of gun, ammo and bribery charges

Remanded: Terrence Williams

A

22-year-old father of four who was allegedly nabbed with unlicensed guns and ammunition and millions of dollars in cash was on Friday slapped with fives charges, including one for bribing a cop, when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.

Terrence Williams of Farm, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who is employed as a storage attendant at the Health Ministry’s Drug Bond at Diamond, EBD, was arraigned on Thursday.

He faced two counts of possession of a firearm without licence, two counts of possession of ammunition without licence, and a charge for offering Policeman Leon George $1.7 million in cash to forego charges against him.

Williams, who was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Dexter Todd and Dexter Smartt, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison until April 28, 2022.

The Police prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the accused citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offences as well as the penalty they attract.

It was reported that ranks visited the drug bond on Monday last to conduct

Some of the money seized by the Police during the investigation

The motor car belonging to Terrence Williams

investigations after receiving a report that simple lar-

ceny was committed there.

Upon arrival, investigators

contacted and interviewed several employees who were fingered in the alleged crime.

After all the workers denied the allegations, the investigators searched motor car PAB 3032, which is owned by Williams, during which a duffel bag containing a 9mm Luger pistol without a magazine and two rounds of 9mm ammunition, a .380 pistol with a magazine containing seven matching rounds, 20 rounds of .380 ammunition, and a large quantity of cash were unearthed.

As a result, Williams was told of the offences committed and cautioned in accordance with the Judge’s rule, to which he replied: “officer leh we deal with this before it reach de station”. He and four other employees were arrested and escorted to the

The unlicensed firearms and ammunition that were found in the duffel bag that was in Williams’s car

Golden Grove Police Station where they were further questioned.

During questioning, Williams requested to have the duffel bag. When it was handed to him, he withdrew $1.7 million in cash and handed it over to the Police ranks to forgo charges against him. At this point, he was told of another offence committed—a corrupt transaction with an agent.

He was again cautioned in accordance with the Judge’s rule to which he re-

sponded: “Well sir tek de whole bag ah money, all I want is me freedom”.

Police found $4,580,000 in cash in his possession which included US$5760.

The money, firearms, and ammunition were lodged at the Police station. This publication understands that there is an apparent racket ongoing whereby drugs stored at the bond would go missing. Police are also pursuing the businesses to which the stolen pharmaceuticals have been sold.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Mar 26 – 23:30h – 01:00h and Sunday, Mar 27 – No closure.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Mar 26 – 11:20h – 12:50h and Sunday, Mar 27 – 12:45h – 14:15h.

– as President Ali meets with Abu Dhabi Fund officials

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies and clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to North North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 11:16h reaching a maximum height of 2.16 metres.

Low Tide: 17:42h reaching a minimum height of 1.01 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

02 16 17

22 25 28

FREE TICKET

09 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

01 12 13 19 24 LUCKY 3

9

5

7

4

Afternoon Draw

6

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 06 07 08 13 19 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

02 03 07 08 14 13

08 14 15 17 21

6

5 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

8

8 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

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Rough Rice

$291.92/ton

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USD Per Ounce

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$1958.40

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$1942.90 -0.00

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Guyana looks to UAE to develop diversified economy, robust infrastructure W

ith mutual commitments to strengthen bilateral relations, the Guyana Government is looking to learn from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in developing a diversified economy with world-class infrastructure.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who recently visited the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and pointed to the need to strengthen ties to achieve greater prosperity between the two nations.

The Guyanese Head of State was in the United Arab Emirates earlier this week to participate in the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF2022) and the Global Business Forum LATAM. On the sidelines of the event, he met with ADFD Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi.

President Ali and his team discussed with the ADFD side, which included senior officials, the strategic relations and future opportunities that will serve their interests.

The Guyanese President praised the UAE leadership over the country’s extraordinary development and said that the strong bilateral relations, as well as cooperation with ADFD, would enable Guyana to achieve his nation’s vision of prosperity.

“We see the UAE not only as a strategic trade and investment partner but also as a global model of sustainable development, state-ofthe-art technology, infrastructure and governance. A stronger strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Fund would greatly facilitate our own developmental ambitions.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali

The Head of State further emphasised that the UAE has shown the world how to build a well-diversified economy with a robust infrastructure.

“That is exactly what we want to achieve in Guyana through our partnership with ADFD and key stakeholders in the UAE,” the Guyanese leader stated.

According to Ali, Guyana is already working closely with ADFD on infrastructural projects, including clean energy, and added that a stronger collaboration would accelerate the country’s economic transformation and climate efforts.

Meanwhile, Al Suwaidi expressed gratitude to the Guyanese President for his visit and said that it would go a long way in strengthening the ties through a more robust economic and investment cooperation.

“Abu Dhabi Fund for Development enjoys strong strategic relations with Guyana. We are already engaged in developmental work in the country. The visit of Dr Irfaan Ali reflects the eagerness on both sides

to take the developmental partnership to new heights,” he noted.

The ADFD Director General also pledged ADFD’s full support for Guyana’s developmental aspirations and efforts to achieve its sustainable goals.

In fact, the ADFD is currently financing a 5.2-megawatt grid-connected solar system for Guyana’s hinterlands. The funding for the Solar PV Grid Tie Farms is through ADFD and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) as part of the sixth cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility.

According to a previous statement from the Guyana Government, the project will receive a loan of US$8 million to install the 5.2 MW grid-connected solar PV systems in the hinterland communities of Bartica, Kwakwani, Lethem, Mahdia, Port Kaituma, and Matthew’s Ridge to reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase the reliability of electricity supply. This will see the provision of 24-hour sustained electricity generation in these communities.

An estimated 34,700 people in the target areas were to benefit and around 120 direct and indirect jobs are set to be created throughout the project’s lifecycle. Though this intervention is not expected to entirely replace diesel generation in the regions, the project will allow the utilities to annually reduce their diesel fuel consumption thereby allowing cost savings and a cleaner environment.

The Hinterland Electrification Company Inc supported by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) submitted the project propos-

Director General of ADFD, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi

al to the ADFD Facility in February 2018 for consideration and was subsequently shortlisted and awarded in January 2019.

Guyana was one of only three countries selected to be awarded this funding out of a submission of 112 proposed projects to the ADFD Facility across the globe.

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is a leading national financial entity owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was established in 1971 with an aim to help developing countries strengthen their economies by providing concessionary loans for development projects as well as through longterm investments and direct contributions.

In addition to managing development grants given by the Abu Dhabi Government, ADFD has adopted a policy of supporting the national economy by driving private sector investments, financing national exports and enabling exporters to expand into global markets, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE economy.

Firearm allegedly used to commit robbery found in Police station compound

A

.32 Taurus pistol was on Wednesday evening found in the compound of the Parika Police Station by a man who reportedly assists in cleaning the area.

Based on reports received, the man was cleaning as normal when he observed a black object on the ground between the garbage bins.

As such, he picked up the said object which appeared to be a firearm and immediately brought same to the attention of a Police rank who was close by.

The firearm was checked and turned out to be a .32 Taurus pistol without any ammunition.

The gun that was found in the compound of the Parika Police Station

The said firearm, Police stated, turned out to be the one that was reportedly used in the execution of a

robbery under arms which was not proven. An investigation is ongoing.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 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

Plastic pollution

T

he 18th century “European Enlightenment” was supposed to have ushered in a new age: when man’s activities would be guided by reason and rationality, as opposed to the “superstitions” prevailing before.

Unfortunately, while leading to great progress in most areas of learning and the production of new goods for our consumption, it also led to the most destructive wars in the history of mankind, and to the creation of weapons which can literally destroy all life on Earth overnight.

By the 20th century, however, another threat to life on Earth was conceded, after the evidence accumulating since the previous century finally became incontrovertible: pollution and poisoning of the land and waters by the effluents from the industrial production and use of the same goods that were supposed to deliver the good life to all mankind.

The USA by then had clawed its way to become the most “advanced” country in the world, and it was therefore not surprising it had produced the most pollutants and became the most polluted country. By 1970, exactly one century after the Industrial Revolution” was accepted to have been launched, an American senator started a campaign for “Earth Day” to be commemorated annually on April 21, to publicise the need to reduce pollution of the Earth.

At that time, the leaching of fertilisers and dumping of industrial wastes into rivers were seen as the most potent polluters. The US and other developed countries have since done much to reverse that trend.

On the other hand, the Third World, in its quest to become First World, has now not only picked up the slack in the production of pollutants, but has surged past the polluters previously mentioned. In addition, it has been discovered that pollution of the Earth had been much more insidious and pervasive.

The burning of petroleum and other fossil fuels, such as coal, all produce the gas carbon dioxide, which accumulates in the atmosphere and acts to prevent radiant energy impinging on the Earth from the sun from escaping into space. As such, with the onset of progress in the production of goods by the Industrial Revolution, its carbon dioxide waste was leading to the steady and inexorable warming of the atmosphere. This, in turn, unleashed all kinds of deleterious effects, such as a change in weather patterns and raised sea levels, caused by ever faster melting ice caps.

While “global warming” was fought by many, especially by those that benefited from the production of fossil fuels, the UN made a fin de siècle warning that we could not afford to go beyond a 2C rise from the temperature of the 19th century. This would push global warming beyond its tipping point, with its concomitant climate change that could lead to an even more rapid rise in sea level, crop failures, and the collapse of coral reefs and invaluable ecosystems. According to the report, the world can only continue to emit carbon for roughly another 23 years at current levels before it would have a more than twothirds chance of going over the 2C limit.

But the theme for this year’s Earth Day highlighted yet another facet of our unwitting destruction of the Earth’s delicate ecosystem that permits life as we know it: ending plastic pollution. The production of plastic – a completely new substance never produced in the billions of years of Earth’s existence — was seen as a wonder of the Industrial Revolution. Today, its use is ubiquitous, but so is its disposal; and since it is not “biodegradable”, it is now seen as a pollutant from several angles.

In Guyana, we are all aware of its effects in clogging up canals and causing massive flooding on our coasts. But a new threat has been revealed: the amount of plastic in the oceans will soon exceed that of marine life, and pose a threat to the latter’s survival.

Maybe the old “superstitious” belief of regarding and treating Earth as our “mother” should be revived?

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, presenting the International Achievement Award to Guyanese-born 2Lt Raheem Duke at the Caribbean Military Academy Initial Officer Training Programme Commissioning Parade at Up Park Camp, St Andrew, Jamaica

Zelensky wants a no-fly zone, NATO is right to say no

By Brian Finucane and Olga Oliker

A

t the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed

by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden Administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so.

Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools.

Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear.

Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a US- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia.

Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a US-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties.

Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved.

The purpose of a no-fly zone would

be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure.

In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia.

Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former US officials.

Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any US attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict.

A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a US senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored.

Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sor-

tie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons.

Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict.

Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons.

Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians.

In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation.

This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defences have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

5

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

Getting registered is your civic duty It should not

Dear Editor, I want to make a special appeal to every citizen: to ensure they get registered during the ongoing continuous registration cycle that was recently announced by the Guyana Elections Commission.

It’s your constitutional right and civic duty to ensure that every single member of your family and household is properly registered, once they meet the registration criteria.

In this case, once a child will be 14 years old and older by October month-end this year, that child is eligible to become registered un-

der the laws of Guyana. This also applies to the thousands of young Guyanese and persons who were registered during the 2019 house-tohouse registration cycle but are being encouraged to reapply now.

I know persons would want to drag their feet and say they have time to comply with the law, but they should utilise this current opportunity to get registered. After all, there are numerous benefits to be derived, such as getting access to an identification card, and making sure your name is safely placed on the voters’ list.

It will cost nothing. It also takes up a minimal amount of time to get down to a GECOM registration office with the necessary source documents.

Those documents, I believe, are the original birth certificate, valid passport, adoption certificate, or naturalisation certificate in the case of making an application for new registration.

You can even get a name change if you present an original marriage certificate or deed poll with your birth certificate.

I also want those existing registrants who are desirous of updating their records:

such as a request to correct or change their names, dates of birth, occupation, or to update their addresses, to go to the registration centres, as I understand GECOM is supposed to facilitate their requests during this exercise.

The exercise began on March 7, 2022 and will culminate on May 29, 2022.

Don’t let anyone stop you from registering and getting yourself in order. You can do it today and save yourself the stress and hardship of not being registered on time.

Yours truly, Michael Younge

Guyanese need to take charge of their destiny Dear Editor, Outreach interactions between citizens of every community in the land and Government functionaries at one-to-one facetime are generating in Guyanese everywhere hope and trust in the current administration.

Guyana is emerging, slowly but surely, out of the long years wherein we saw each other as “them” and “us,” and nowhere was this more evocative than in outreaches of Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and team of Government Ministers and functionaries in the Essequibo communities – an activity slated to be taken countrywide.

Touching, sincere tributes and appreciation from grateful recipients of assistance across every divide, who have demonstrated the great heart of the true Guyanese - which is reminiscent of the days when we

all looked out for each other with genuine caring and respect - herald a sublimating climate of reaching out to heal wounds. Because there are wounds everywhere; some are perceived from delusional premises on which the power-hungry had built their support, and others spring from a genuine sense of not belonging and of having no rights in this country.

No country in the world is without problems, and within the human condition, there would always be human beings – black, brown, yellow, white, red, whatever - who would want to subvert the social systems in order to acquire wealth they have not earned. There would always be nepotism and corruption in and out of Government, because human beings are prone to human failings, and we need to be each other’s keepers; as in days of yore, when the

Zelensky Wants...

They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Zelensky’s address to the US Congress, the White House announced an additional US$800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery.

It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surfaceto-air missiles to Ukraine.

It is important to recognise the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defence of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s red-

FROM PAGE 4

lines for military retaliation against the United States.

Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff.

The Biden Administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war.

The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

(Excerpt from The New York Times) Brian Finucane is a senior adviser with the US programme at the International Crisis Group, a think tank analysing global crises, where Olga Oliker is the Programme Director for the Europe and Central Asia division

freed slaves reported to the authorities on the inhumane treatment meted out to indentured labourers.

The “kith and kin” mentality should no longer prevail, because family members often hurt us more than outsiders, and many of us have forged deeper and more abiding bonds with “outsiders” than with those we share with our own; so we need to take a step back and question everyone who tells us that wrong is being done to us, and that they can do right for us, then question their track record before deciding if they qualify for our trust.

The Jagans and the PPP have always embraced anyone, irrespective of race, colour or creed, who indicated a desire to join forces with them in nation-building endeavours and initiatives.

They do not promise magical wealth, but opportunities, and most often they draw supporters into social services, community enhancement, and national developmental projects that entail really hard work with little material or financial benefits, except that one gets the satisfaction that accompanies efforts to make life a little better for one’s fellow citizens.

But Shirley Edwards, PM Samuel Hinds, and others of the older generation, as well as younger elements such as Ministers Hugh Todd, Juan Edghill, Kwame McKoy and others, could testify that there is no discrimination within PPP ranks. Although there may be disagreements between members, those are never based on any racial quotient.

As VP Jagdeo once said, theirs is not a perfect party, nor is theirs a perfect Government, because no such thing has ever existed, nor will ever exist, once the human element is a component within the unit; but they are prepared to be accountable for every facet of development within their administrative paradigm.

One would expect that a responsible Opposition or media corps would not

just criticise, but would put their criticism within reasonable contexts without trying to demonise persons who may be working really hard to find solutions and to enhance the capacities and services of their respective portfolios. And while mistakes may be made, maybe a respectful suggestion to an alternative approach would be constructive and open avenues for rapprochement and genuine attempts to find answers, because no one is above making mistakes; and while we may disagree, respect for each other should be a paramount feature in our interactions and interrelations with each other.

One cannot want cooperation if there is a confrontational approach, because even criticism can be well-received if there is a genuine attempt at problem-resolution, without outlandish accusations being flung at persons with no concrete proof.

It demotivates persons who may be blameless about the accusations and who may be genuinely working for the general good.

For instance, one cannot refute the fact that there have been corrupt practices in certain sectors, but if there is an accusation that there is discrimination within a certain sector, then statistics and factual evidence to prove this contention must be provided. Also, the perpetrators must be identified, instead of a blanket condemnation of an entire sector. If this is done, then perceptions would most likely be changed.

Guyanese need to take charge of their destiny and the future of their children by being responsible citizens striving to reach common goals for the common good, because to continue expanding divisions within the nation would see us all sliding into a crevice leading straight to hell, when we can join forces to make a heaven of our richly-endowed country.

Yours very truly, Suraj Singh

be allowed!

Dear Editor, The inclusion of someone in Parliament who had been caught signing a fake Election Count which was in support of the rigging of the last elections is a step in the wrong direction towards the democratic Cooperative Republic. For a major political party to consider making such a move says volumes, and it attests to the lack of interest in fostering genuine cooperation and unity within the parliamentary body of our great nation.

When someone crosses the line that separates democracy from dictatorship, it is hard to justify their presence in an institution that strives to symbolise the highest values of the democratic process. The word "reform" means to make a change, to improve.

Placing those who would

prefer to take us back to a time when Indians were sidelined and not given opportunities, even though our qualifications were better than the supporters of the ruling African party, is no less than a mockery of the democratic process.

No one, including those who know what it means to be oppressed, should sit quietly and allow dictator-supporting election riggers to be sworn into our Parliament.

Those unscrupulous individuals should be further sanctioned and removed from their respective political parties if genuine cooperation and the vision of One Guyana grounded in One People, One Nation with One Destiny is to be achieved.

With concern, Jamil Changlee

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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄ Question 1

I

By AJ Seymour n this fun and easy animal science experiment, we are going to create an animal track station to collect and study animal tracks.

Materials:

Large piece of plywood Mud Shallow tray or dish Bird seed Peanut butter Lettuce

Instructions:

Friday’s answers 1a) Jai bought 4 different items, including two with the same price, ie, the eraser and sharpener Total cost of items = $200 – $23.60 = $176.4 Cost of unknown items = total cost – cost of known items (the eraser and sharpener) = $176.4 – ($19.80 x2) = $176.4 – ($39.6) = $136.8 So, which two items add up to $136.8: the notebook and the pen ($136.8 -$72.00 = $64.80) Therefore, Jai bought the eraser, sharpener, notebook and pen.

3 3 1bi) Mia spent of her pocket money on food and 10 of the remaining 5 amount on stationery. She saved the rest of the money.

2 The remaining amount = the whole – 3 = 8 5 3 6 2 The fraction spent on stationery = of = 10 5 500 14 7 2 28 1bii) $28.00 = of = = 10 5 500 1000 28 $28.00 = 1000 So Mia received $1000

Mix the mud with water until it has a consistency that will spread easily over the plywood.

Place the plywood in an area where you expect the most animal activity.

Spread the mud over the plywood. Ensure the mud is roughly an inch deep.

Spread some peanut butter in the dish. Add some bird seed and lettuce as well.

Place the dish in the center of the mud-covered plywood.

Leave the plywood overnight.

Check the animal track station the following morning. It there are any tracks, use a field guide or the Internet to try and identify the tracks.

If there are no tracks, try moving the plywood to a new area or try to bait the animal tracking station with different types of food.

How it works:

The bird seed, peanut butter, and lettuce are used to attract animals that want to eat the items. As the animals approach the food, they leave tracks in the mud.

The tracks can then be used to identify the animals that visited your track station.

Stone flashing and life in the stone.

How dream that from stone the spirit awakes?

And the spark and the meal, then the bone When out of its house the spirit breaks.

But where the river comes, crops will grow And the stranger’s a brother.

Irrigating the world her waters flow The Nile, that old, old mother.

A footpath leads to the grave from the womb, But eternities of peace Haunt the temple whose doors are walled to a tomb When the chantings cease.

(Source: Kyk-Over-Al)

Make this a science project:

Put your animal track station in different areas and see if different animals visit. Try putting your animal track station out at different times of the year. Try different food to see if it attracts different types of animals. (sciencefun.org)

“Learn continually. There’s always “one more thing” to learn” – Steve Jobs

WORD SEARCH

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7

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC’s $200k motion a political gimmick, not realistic – VP Jagdeo V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has dismissed a motion filed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition for every adult Guyanese to be given a $200,000 cash grant to ease the burden of the rising cost of living, saying that not only is this a political gimmick but it is also economically unrealistic and impractical.

“That motion that they put in Parliament to give every Guyanese $200,000 is a gimmick; it’s designed to excite people to think they have money but it is not realistic, it is not practical, it’s not wise to do that. You can’t fund it and it will put us in more debt, and it would waste money [so] we can’t build the future taking that approach,” Jagdeo said.

The motion was filed by Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson. It calls on the Government to immediately craft strategies to address the high cost of living.

According to the motion, “And Be It Further Resolved that the Government of Guyana, make provisions for Each Guyanese above the age of eighteen (18) years be paid a quarterly cash grant of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00), which will compensate for the increase in the cost of living”.

But according to the Vice President, if the Government were to do this then it would take up all of the oil revenues Guyana has earned, and even that might not be sufficient to sustain such an initiative.

“We haven’t spent a cent of the oil resources as yet…

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

If you do what they’re suggesting there, we will have to spend every cent of the oil money that we get and eat it up – give it to everybody. We can’t spend it on training people and on educating them.

We can’t [build] the hospitals and the schools, and the new roads that you need, or the power plants for the country. So, you’re eating up every cent that you earn, and it would still not be enough.”

“And you don’t have anything else to do – any longterm development of this country,” he asserted.

Jagdeo went on to outline that it is this lack of vision that caused Guyana to be in the state it was in when the APNU/AFC was in office.

He pointed to the coalition’s budgets during its term in office from 2015, in which they spent less on capital expenditure while the current spending increased by more than 70 per cent.

The Vice President explained that it is the capital side of the expenditure where infrastructure for the future is built, new industries are created and new wealth are created. This, he underscored, is especially critical

when the oil resources are depleted so that the country can have sustainable and viable sectors to fall back on.

“I can’t imagine any sane person, any sensible person falling for that. That same philosophy – living above your means – caused Guyana to collapse economically in 1992… But that is not the People’s Progressive Party, that’s not our philosophy. We transformed the country from what we took over in 1992 to today, the most viable economy, I would say, in this part of the world,” Jagdeo stated.

Moreover, the Vice President further pointed out that the APNU/AFC is now concerned about the cost of living when under that coalition government, Guyanese were burdened with a host of tax regimes, which the PPP/C Administration had to reverse when it returned to office in 2020 while simultaneously dealing with the impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Imagine APNU saying they are concerned about [the cost of living] when they are the ones who put VAT (Value-Added Tax) on water and electricity. Contrast

that with what we did; we removed the tax on water and electricity. Although now all these costs have gone up and fuel prices have gone up, we made a commitment as a Government to keep water and electricity prices at the same rate they are today… That’s a massive subsidy from the Government so that it doesn’t push up cost of living higher. So, when they talk about these things, they have absolutely no credibility,” Jagdeo stressed.

Nevertheless, the APNU/ AFC Opposition’s motion comes on the heels of VP Jagdeo only two days ago announcing the removal of excise tax on fuel importa-

tion in order to ease the burden on the local population amidst the rising cost of living globally.

“Excise tax on gasoline and diesel now reduced from 50 per cent to zero,” Jagdeo announced on Wednesday.

This the third time since taking office in 2020, the PPP/C Government has reduced excise tax on fuel importation to cushion the impact locally.

Meanwhile, the excise tax removal is in addition to a $5 billion allocation in the 2022 budget that was set aside for various Government interventions to reduce the impact of increasing prices on the global market in Guyana.

Only last week, President Dr Irfaan Ali said his Government is currently finalising an approach for a national consultation on the best options to address the “multi-faceted problem” caused by rising prices.

“We’ve already started that and the Government will be continuing, aggressively, discussions with a cross-section of Guyanese [and] communities so that we can come up with the best possible approach – listening to ideas, listening to some of the connected issues and then coming up with some policies,” the President told Guyana Times on the sidelines of an event.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Taxi driver convicted of battery, rape of Venezuelan woman

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fter several days of trial, 37-year-old taxi driver, Thurston Semple was on Friday found guilty of assaulting and raping a Venezuelan woman. Semple of Tucville, Georgetown, had been on trial for the offences before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and a jury at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court.

On the charge which alleged that he sexually penetrated the woman against her will between February 24 and 25, 2021, the jury returned a guilty verdict in the proportion of 10-two. On the assault charge, they found him unanimously guilty.

Following the verdict, the rape convict was remanded to prison pending sentencing which is scheduled for April 29. State Counsel Muntaz Ali and State Counsel Nafeeza Baig appeared for the prosecution while Semple was represented by Attorney-at-Law Everton Singh-Lammy.

The facts stated that around 22:30h on the day in question, Semple drove up alongside the woman who was standing in front of a hotel in Georgetown.

The two of them began conversing

Convicted rapist Thurston Semple

during which Semple agreed to pay her $10,000 to have sex with him.

The woman left with Semple who transported her to a location. Upon arrival, she sat on a bed and smoked a cigarette. They then engaged in sexual intercourse. During the sex act, the

condom broke, resulting in the woman having to replace it.

While doing so, she told Semple that he only had 15 minutes remaining and that if he does not finish within that time, she would leave. Semple replied by telling her “okay” before leaving for the kitchen. Upon his return, he grabbed the woman by her hair, placed a knife to her neck, removed the condom from his penis, and forced the woman to perform oral sex on him.

When the woman stopped performing the act on him, Semple dealt her several slaps to her face. At this point, she requested to have a drink of water. When Semple turned his back, the naked woman escaped through a glass window.

Semple ran behind her; he grabbed her by her hair again and dealt her several stabs with a knife. When the woman held onto the weapon, Semple lashed her about her body with a tube that was filled with cement. To get away from Semple, the woman jumped a fence and began crying out for help.

Persons came to her rescue.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

The truth hurts…

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…Rowley in TT rying to explain to an audience in Essequibo the PPP Government’s strategy for its using natural gas to diversify our economy, VP Jagdeo tried to use an example to bring home his point. “Because if we don’t do that, when the oil money goes, we’ll be poorer than many countries in the world. Look at what’s happening in Trinidad now…Trinidad is falling apart, and that’s putting it mildly – falling apart! No jobs, sustained periods of negative growth, and can’t see the light of day for the near future.”

Well, who told him to say that!!?? All hell broke loose, and the land of the hummingbird became “land of the vulture” with TT PM Rowley’s apoplectic reaction!

He directed his Foreign Minister to immediately call his Guyanese counterpart to lodge a strong complaint!! The question raised, however, is whether Jagdeo was “telling lies on our fellow Caricom member”? Now that TT’s oil has run out, aren’t they scrambling around to prevent their economy from its free fall? Hasn’t their unemployment increased? Haven’t they been suffering from a constipated growth rate? And isn’t it all due to the PNM’s refusal to diversify from their one-trick-pony, oil-based economy?

Ahhh…but the truth hurts, especially now they’ve fallen from the contemptuous perch they’d placed themselves when dealing with fellow Caribbean “brothers and sisters”!!

Remember Kamla telling Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean that Trinidad wasn’t their “ATM machine”?? And while your Eyewitness doesn’t think Jagdeo was deliberately throwing shade on Rowley or Trinidad, payback’s a bitch!!

And it’s why Guyana shouldn’t get too cocky as it continues on its upward development trajectory. What goes up must come down - unless you’re Singapore!!

But Rowley’s reaction has a (testy) recent history. Just three weeks ago, UNC MP Julian Charles had chided Rowley in Parliament about his cozying up with Iran and Venezuela at a Gas Conference in Qatar - while refusing to attend GY O&G Conference. Said Charles, "We have much more to gain economically and otherwise from deepening links with Guyana and Suriname rather than with controversial Venezuela and Iran. Rowley, our 'badjohn' PM, must remember the local adage: 'Cockroaches have no place in fowl business’.”

Charles also enquired about Rowley’s stance on the Food Security plan for Caricom proposed by Guyana’s Ali and Barbados’s Mottley. Rowley erupted, “What you have with Guyana? Why you don’t go to Guyana if you want to be in Guyana?” He insisted the food plan couldn’t be done with Guyana’s resources.

So, it looks like the “Trini” pique is more about Rowley’s sour grapes!! Or is Rowley concerned his warning to his friend Granger, that “things will end badly”, wasn’t heeded!! … the rest of TT? Well, if Rowley got his buckta into a knot over Jagdeo’s statement in remote (to him) Essequibo, how’d he react to Guyana’s Foreign Secretary’s recent foray into Trinidad?? In the heart of his opponent’s Chaguanas. Rowley’s favourite TT newspaper, the Guardian, reported that Persaud told an exclusive audience of Guyanese living in TT that he was inviting them back to their homeland - to share in its transformation into a land of milk and honey. Not to mention “industrialisation and agriculture”!! Which Persaud and his entourage - including Agri Minister Zulfikar - did happen to mention!

Bringing home, the travails of Trinidad’s unemployment woes, Persaud emphasised that his offer was part of the PPP’s estimation that there would be 100,000 jobs opening up in Guyana. This, of course, exceeds the 50,000 jobs promised by Pres Ali in the first 5 years of his first term, so Persaud would be looking maybe also at the second term!!

Your Eyewitness suspects Rowley must’ve gone totally ballistic at this bit of news!! …the world There’s always been a consensus among the experts that sanctions don’t really dissuade international transgressions.

And there’s always the blowback. Now we’re hearing that the sanctions against Russia might throw the world into a recession!

If not depression.

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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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana welcomes T&T investors, but they must partner with local businesses – VP

– explains “falling apart” comment on T&T

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ith Guyana’s local content legislation currently being implemented, the Government has reassured that the country is open to foreign investors, especially those from within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) including Trinidad and Tobago, but insisted that they have to work with Guyanese businesses and individuals.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference on Friday where he addressed concerns on the relations between Guyana and the twin-island republic.

“We’re not going to discriminate against Trinidadians.

We want Trinidadian businesses to come here. They can come here in partnership with our people. We’re grateful for the support they have given to our people. They have a lot of skills and capital there, and they’re welcome here – the people are welcome but they have to come in partnership with our people,” Jagdeo stated.

Pointing out that Guyanese are sometimes treated as “second-class citizens” in their own country by businesses here, the Vice President pointed out that the attitude against the people of Guyana has to change.

He further reminded of Guyanese being “badly treated” over the years in other countries including Trinidad and Tobago – an issue that various Guyanese Governments have had to raise with their counterparts in the twin-island republic.

“So, we know about the hardship our people face too. But one thing that will happen, we are not going to be bullied. Many people believe they can bully us now into removing the local content we have set aside for our people to improve on and Guyanese to now benefit from this. Trinidad and Tobago had a Local Content Policy too, and it’s hard for many of our businessmen to go there and establish business. They have a hard time accessing land and anything else,” he noted.

Taxi driver convicted...

FROM PAGE 8

Shortly after, Police arrived at the scene and arrested Semple. The injured woman was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where she was treated for lacerations about her body, fractured ribs, among other injuries.

After the offences were put to him and he was cautioned, Semple replied: “Officer, I had sex with her.

I paid her for the service and she refused to do what I asked… and I assaulted her in her face with a PVC [polyvinyl chloride] pipe”.

Semple is presently listed for trial at the Demerara High Court for other rape charges. He is also accused of raping two female sex

workers.

The charges against him state that he raped one of the women between November 30, 2017, and December 1, 2017, and the other between January 3 and 4, 2018.

According to reports, he picked up the women at a location in Georgetown and promised to pay them $10,000 each to have sex with them.

After the women performed various sex acts on him, Semple reportedly threatened them. He then dropped them off at the location where he picked them up without giving them a cent. Semple was granted bail on all the charges.

According to the Vice President, Guyana is, nevertheless, committed to working with its Caricom neighbours including Trinidad and Tobago, but insisted that it must be an equitable relationship in which both countries benefit from each other.

“We have Treaty obligations and we are a member of Caricom, and we want to be a member of Caricom.

Caricom is a valuable part of our family. So, we’ll uphold our Treaty obligations but somehow, they believe they have a God-given right to displace Guyanese too in our own country from our own resources… We’re not gonna stand by and allow that to happen. We’re not going to.”

“Trinidad and Tobago is valuable… They have capital, they have the expertise and we want to benefit from that but people have to understand that we are [not] unequal to them… Our businesses will have to benefit too and that is what we are looking forward to… genuinely working together,” VP Jagdeo contended.

Only recently, remarks made by the Vice President during his outreach on the Essequibo Coast regarding the economy of Trinidad and Tobago “falling apart”, have attracted criticisms from the Caribbean nation.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

As such, during Friday’s press briefing, Jagdeo defended his comments on the Caricom country’s “undiversified” economy, stating that Guyana should not become too dependent on its oil industry.

“The fact is that Trinidad, and this is indisputable that its economy is heavily reliant on the oil and gas sector – that’s a fact. I’ve had discussions with several leaders there about a postoil and gas economy so this has nothing to do with just [Trinidadian Prime Minister Keith] Rowley. This is the fact of the economy in Trinidad and Tobago over a long period, growing to rely only on one sector. There is a theory that that shouldn’t

happen. Theoretically, that shouldn’t happen and it’s called the ‘Dutch Disease’.

And practically, it has consequences for your country too and we’ve seen it happening in Trinidad and Tobago… and many countries in the world,” he stated.

The Vice President recalled that in a previous budget, Trinidad had lost about 80 per cent of its revenue when there was a drop in the price of oil and gas globally, and production had fallen too.

“The economy in Trinidad is undiversified, it relies heavily on oil and gas.

I spoke about when the price falls, things start to fall apart… And so, I said we are determined in Guyana to avoid going down that path,” he posited.

Moreover, VP Jagdeo in-

sisted that his remarks are not anything new or things that are not already known and being talked about in Trinidad. In fact, he noted that even the private sector groups that come here have raised this issue.

“I’ve sat and listened to the worst things or the most disparaging things said about Guyana and Guyanese, coming from the leadership in Trinidad and Tobago over the years. They talked about the fact that we are undemocratic and if they are not careful, they are going the Guyana route and I didn’t raise an issue because it’s true - many of the things they spoke about - that our democracy was challenged. So, I don’t know if they have a problem with truth,” Jagdeo asserted.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CXC team in Guyana conducting stakeholder engagement sessions

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epresentatives of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) are presently in Guyana conducting stakeholder engagement sessions.

The purpose of the stakeholder engagements is to discuss the Council’s operational imperatives, specifically the e-transition framework and to share the territorial performance both at the subject and schoolbased assessment level.

These engagements will also allow the Ministry of Education to hear from stakeholders and form a part of the input for the efficiency audit of the local registrar’s operations which will be conducted by the CXC team during their time here.

This collaboration with stakeholders is focused on gaining improvements across Guyana with the critical involvement of the

Ministry of Education and equal participation of secondary schools.

The engagement sessions and the efficiency audits will be conducted by CXC’s Director of Operations Examination Services, Dr Nicole Manning and CXC’s Internal Auditor, Denise Holden-Pierre in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Thus far, meetings have been held with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alfred King; Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson and senior officers from the Ministry of Education, Head Teachers, Deputy Head Teachers – Georgetown, Senior Masters and Mistresses and IT perCXC Director of Operations Examination Services, Dr Nicole Manning (second from right), and CXC Internal Auditor Denise Holden-Pierre (third from right) engaging senior officers of the Ministry of Education, including Chief Education Officer Dr Marcel Hutson (seated right)

sonnel. The CXC team has also met with representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union.

Students preparing to write the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination from Georgetown, Regions Three, Four and Five have also been engaged by the CXC team. Meetings are being held using the face to face and online modes. The team will also be visiting Regions Six, Nine and 10.

This visit to Guyana aligns with one of the Council’s strategic objectives to improve stakeholder satisfaction.

Financial assistance for dialysis patients to be rolled out next week

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he Government of Guyana, in its 2022 budget, allocated approximately $180 million to alleviate the burden of expensive dialysis treatment for persons with chronic kidney disease.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony on Friday announced that the initiative will be rolled out in the coming week, providing $600,000 annually per patient on dialysis treatment.

“Right now, there are a number of persons who require dialysis and generally these persons would have end-stage renal failure… the challenge, however, is that persons are not able to pay for their dialysis treatment.

“So, we want to start sometime next week to start distributing the cheques to these patients,” Dr Anthony said.

The Health Minister said even with a number of non-governmental organisations providing dialysis to patients and subsidising the cost, it remains a challenge, especially for persons receiving dialysis three times per week.

He is calling on persons to visit the Ministry of Health and get registered as soon as possible.

“We’re right now in the process of registering those patients, so anyone who knows of anybody who needs dialysis you can get them to register with the Ministry,” he said.

Minister Anthony added that a medical document and the person’s biodata will be required, to confirm that they are on dialysis or are recommended for the treatment.

“We, of course, will have to validate that that person is actually on dialysis or was recommended for dialysis so a medical document to verify that will have to be produced and once we have that and the person’s biodata, then we’re able to put them on a database and we’ll be able to issue them with the funding.”

Additional information can be accessed through advertisements in the newspapers, social media, the Health Ministry’s Facebook page along with telephone numbers for further queries on the initiative.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$2B in contracts inked as part of MoA work programme – $544M pump station for Charity

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha with some of the contractors and heads of agencies at the contract signing exercise

NDIA CEO (ag) Dave Hicks (right) signing a contract on behalf of the agency with a contractor

everal agencies attached to the Agriculture Ministry on Firday signed 32 contracts totaling over $2 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of several pump stations and drainage structures, the procurement of critical machinery, and the maintenance of several canals across the country.

Of the 32 contracts signed, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) signed a $544,890,203 contract with Adamantium Holdings for the construction of a pump station at Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon Supenaam).

This structure is expected to provide flood control

livelihood. For example, the D&I system; in the country, we know for a fact that not only farmers depend on the D&I system, but residents too. So when there is heavy rainfall people call on the Ministry of Agriculture through the NDIA. When there is a drought people call on the Ministry of Agriculture because they need irrigation. So you can see the linkage that we have in terms of the importance of the sector. So I want to ask you here this afternoon, that like last year, let us continue to execute our work and on a timely basis. Let us continue to ensure that the work is being executed in a way that we satisfy this

S

for approximately 400 families and farmers by draining more than 200 acres of farmland for the cultivation of cash crops.

The NDIA also signed a $261,080,869 contract with the same contractor for the rehabilitation of a pump station at Cozier on the Essequibo Coast. Presently there is only one pump in operation at the pump station. This project, therefore, caters to the rehabilitation of the existing structure and installation of an additional pump that suffered damages some years ago. Upon completion, some 500 acres of cash crop and in excess of 2500 acres of rice farmers and residents in the area

will benefit from improved drainage.

Works on the construction of the farm-to-market road on the right bank of Mahaicony Creek is also expected to commence this year with the signing of a $307,155,890 contract with Well Built Construction Services. This will see the construction of 4.5 km of the road which will provide improved access to over 15,000 acres of farmland to rice farmers and residents in Esau, Jacoba, and Mora Point. Upon completion of this project, farmers traversing this road will benefit from a reduction in transport cost, thus lowering their cost of production.

While speaking at the exercise, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that there is a direct link between the completion of these projects and the livelihoods of not only farmers but residents in these communities.

“Last year we were able to achieve over 94 per cent of our work programme and that shows the kind of [way] we have been pushing this work programme. In the Ministry of Agriculture, we also have very critical programmes that people depend on. So when our agencies execute a programme, there are a number of people that will benefit and depend on these programmes for their

specification,” the Minister related during the signing ceremony.

Contracts were also signed for the construction of drainage structures in Vriesland, West Bank Demerara (Region Three), the rehabilitation of secondary channels in Number 50-52 Acre Dairy Plots, the supply and delivery of agro-processing equipment for the New Guyana Marketing Corporation’s (New GMC) Parika packaging facility, and the supply and delivery of laboratory equipment and six new ATVs for the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, MARCH 26,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTT participates in MoE Tech Expo

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he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GTT) recently participated in the National Centre Educational Resource Development (NCERD) 2-day technology exposition under the theme ‘Embracing Traditional and NonTraditional Technology.’

Scores of students who visited the GTT’s booth were previewed to demonstrations on the Fibre network, cable splicing, among other technical presentations.

GTT Fibre is an advanced Internet product with the

Marcel Hutson, explained that this exposition forms part of the Ministry’s goal to provide world-class exposure to technology in classrooms across Guyana.

“As we seek to advance as a nation, it is becoming clear that we are not void of resources…technology must be embraced, especially if we are thinking of modernization. We cannot afford to be left behind as the world is moving forward,” the CEO related.

The exposition also saw students from the Government Technical Institute (GTI) creating and displaying their creative coding and engineering solutions and learning material for everyday issues.

GTT’s Engineer Consultant Nigel Beharrysingh giving demonstration to the students

best in-home Wi-Fi experience, built on Guyana's largest and most reliable network.

Engineer Consultant at GTT, Nigel Beharrysingh, who delivered the presentations to the students said “this activity provided a useful opportunity to show Fibre Optic Cables and tools to students and to expose them to technology and innovation which GTT reliably provides.”

Calling it a ‘signature event’, during the opening ceremony, Chief Education Officer (CEO) of the MoE, Dr

SEN hosts virtual conversation in observance of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

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he Ministry of Education’s Special Education Needs (SEN) Unit on Friday hosted a virtual conversation in observance of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month 2022.

More than 40 educators joined in the conversation during which Education Officer, SEN in Region 10, Cindy Nelson spoke about

the causes of cerebral palsy, its symptoms, potential risks for persons who have been diagnosed with it, and how to teach those persons.

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and is caused by abnormal brain develop-

ment or damage to the developing brain. This usually happens before a child is born, but it can occur at birth or in early infancy.

She noted that while every child with cerebral palsy has different needs, limitations, and abilities, it is important to create an inclusive classroom. Some ways to do this would be by embracing technology,

making space, using assigned seating arrangements, changing up instructional methods, and most importantly, collaborating with parents and other teachers.

The educators were encouraged to practise patience and work along with these persons as they can still make meaningful contributions to society.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana on lookout for possible “spike” in COVID-19 cases – Dr Anthony W

ith the World H e a l t h Organisation (WHO) reporting a 9 per cent increase in COVID-19 cases globally within the past two weeks, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said local authorities are on the lookout for a possible spike here.

In recent weeks, Guyana has seen a significant decline in COVID infections – resulting in the Government removing the majority of the restrictions effective March 14.

There are currently about 121 active cases, with 13 hospitalised and one in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The spike in COVID cases globally is being attributed to the BA.2 variant – a sub lineage of the Omicron variant.

“Right now, we’re seeing a surge in cases in a number of countries. Over the last two weeks, the WHO has recorded a 9 per cent increase in cases globally and when you actually disaggregate the numbers, most of those cases are actually coming from the Western Pacific.

But these cases do not represent the true number because a number of countries have also not been doing widescale testing so there might be some amount of underreporting and with the use of home kits, it is very difficult to capture the information from home kits… when people do the test at

home, very often they do not report it…,” Dr Anthony explained during Friday’s update on the novel coronavirus situation.

“Nevertheless, seeing a 9 per cent increase over the last two weeks is significant…so the BA.2 is playing a role,” he added.

Based on available data of transmission, severity, reinfection, diagnostics, therapeutics, and impacts of vaccines, a WHO team reinforced in February 2022 that the BA.2 sub lineage should continue to be considered a variant of concern and that it should remain classified as Omicron. The group emphasised that BA.2 should continue to be monitored as a distinct sublineage of Omicron by public health authorities.

In fact, BA.2 has doubled in prevalence over the past two weeks in the US and now represents more than 34 per cent of COVID-19 infections that have undergone genetic sequencing, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week.

Though BA.2 is rising in the US, leading public health officials in that country are not expecting another dramatic surge in cases, largely due to the level of immunity the population has from vaccination and the fierce outbreak during the winter Omicron wave.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

“The bottom line is we’ll likely see an uptick in cases, as we’ve seen in the European countries, particularly the UK,” White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr Anthony Fauci said.

BA.2 now represents about 44 per cent of all positive cases in London as of March 10, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Guyana’s Health Minister pointed out, however, that when these events take place in other countries, there is often a delay if/until it reaches local shores.

“Generally, we would have a lag between when we would see it appearing in let’s say Europe or in North America, generally there is a month or so lag and then we would start seeing cases here as well,” he reasoned.

Nevertheless, Dr Anthony assured the public

that they are on the lookout for whether there will be a spike.

If there is a surge in local cases, the Health Minister assured that the Government has not dismantled any of its systems.

“We haven’t dismantled our systems…hospital beds, ICU beds, we have them across the region. So, if people need hospitalisation, the systems are there to take care of them and we still have our testing capacity…so the systems are all in place, we haven’t dismantled them,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony also shared his views on calls by US airline CEOs for there to be an end of the mask-wearing mandate on airplanes and international pre-departure testing requirements.

The chief executives of

American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and 10 other carriers, including the chairman of Southwest Airlines and JetBlue’s CEO, said in a letter the restrictions “are no longer aligned with the realities of the current epidemiological environment.”

“It makes no sense that people are still required to wear masks on airplanes, yet are allowed to congregate in crowded restaurants, schools and at sporting events without masks, despite none of these venues having the protective air filtration system that aircraft do,” the airline letter said.

The letter also cited relaxed rules in other countries and increasing vaccination rates for the reasons to stop requiring masks.

However, Dr Anthony contended that “it might be a little bit too soon to lift those mandates…but every country would have to make those decisions”.

He reasoned that “in light of an increase now in global cases, we ought to a little bit more careful in terms of how we lift the mandates and how fast we lift those mandates”.

According to the Health Minister, mask wearing is the only means of protection for a lot of persons who are unable to take the vaccine for a variety of reasons.

“Even when the numbers are relatively low, you

can still have a challenge because for persons who are immunocompromised, some of them might not be able to take the vaccines that are available and therefore they’ll remain unprotected and so the only way they can be protected is if they wear a mask and people around them are also wearing a mask,” Dr Anthony explained.

He also pointed out that there is the case of children aged five and lower since there is no vaccine available for them. He further reasoned that even though there is a vaccine available for the 5 to 11 age category, many countries – like Guyana – are yet to procure them.

As the situation regarding the pandemic continues to change and evolve on the international scene, Dr Anthony reasoned that, “I guess there will be a global discussion and we’ll see how different places react to it”.

In Guyana, a total of 437,757 persons or 85.3 per cent of the adult population have received a first dose of a vaccine while 335,935 persons or 65.5 per cent are inoculated with two doses.

For the 12 to 17 age group, 34,246 or 47 per cent have received a first dose while 24,917 or 34.2 per cent received two jabs.

In terms of booster doses, 56,348 shots have been administered.

14 NEWS GM&CC, Police to formalise action plan to beef up security in city SATURDAY, MARCH 26,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mayor Narine met with Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken to discuss the safer markets initiative

T

he Georgetown Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC) are working on formalising a joint action plan with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), which would see the two organisations collaborating to improve security in the capital city.

This was revealed by the city’s Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine during a press conference on Friday to update the public on recent initiatives, and other matters.

The announcement comes days after the US Embassy in Guyana issued a security warning to its staff and its citizens in which it highlighted that Georgetown is rated “critical” for crime. The notice warned that incidents of robberies, sexual assault, vehicle accidents, and homicides occur, particularly in high-risk areas after dark.

It advised mission personnel to use extreme cau-

tion when visiting the Bourda and Stabroek Markets whether during the day or at night. The US Embassy also warned them against visiting these locations alone.

Following the security alert, the Mayor and high-ranking Police officers engaged in discussions in ways to make markets safer for vendors and citizens.

Speaking about the MoU, he said, “It is long overdue.

Since 2019 this Council took office…we are trying to get an MoU to sign between the Guyana Police Force and the Mayor and City Council so that we can be able to have collaborations within certain areas…”

Asked why the M&CC waited until the Embassy’s warning to take action, he responded: “The City Council never wait on the US Embassy, the Government had to wait on the Embassy

to issue such a statement.

The City Council penned several letters to the current Commissioner of Police to have meetings and a way forward.”

But according to the Mayor, he received no reply to those correspondents.

“This MoU would entail, if the Government receives donations for the Guyana Police Force, the City Constabulary must get some benefit from it… If they [Police Force] gets vehicles….I as the Mayor am not asking for six and seven vehicles, give us one.

And if you give us one from every donation, we will be able to have resources. If you give us bikes, it will assist us. If you give us some training, which is necessary, that will help us. Training is very necessary for the City Constabulary. So, the MoU will entail all of this.

The only way you can able to have a proper security system in this city and this country at large, it is collaboration,” Narine added.

He believes that the partnership is necessary because it will enable the City Constabulary to work with the National Police to protect citizens. Last week, the Police Force conducted a walkabout of the Stabroek Market area to begin mapping out strategies for better policing.

The GPF has said it would immediately provide resources to the M&CC to have visible Police presence in the areas and would continue further collaborative efforts to enhance public safety.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has said the GPF has been working on this initiative since

Senior Police ranks around the Stabroek Market area after the US Embassy’s statement

November 2021 “without the fanfare”, while noting that the issuance of the US Embassy’s warning was “coincidental”.

Just recently, at the Guyana Police Force’s Annual Police Officers’ Conference, the Home Affairs Minister noted that the work of the Police Force

and its specialist agencies and related agencies is not an easy one. He also announced that there has been a reduction in serious crimes around the country.

“We’re talking perhaps about 30 per cent reduction in serious crimes, and doing 20 per cent in this year’s reduction. But we have to

recognise that the work requires constant attention.

It requires having a level of strength in relation to maintaining and improving our posture and, of course, the level of our performance with respect to the work that we do administratively and operationally.”

Relatives of US citizen charged over “fake kidnapping” report

Rohan Kirpaul Mangra

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wo relatives of US citizen Rohan Kirpaul Mangra – who was feared kidnapped but was found alive at a city hotel – were charged for giving the Police false information when they appeared on Thursday at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.

Indira Gilda, 38, and 52-year-old Lalta Gilda, both self-employed, of University of Guyana (UG) Road, Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, denied the charges.

They were each ordered to post bail in the sum of $50,000 by Magistrate Alisha George. Their case will continue on May 13.

Mangra, who was feared to have been kidnapped, was found “alive and well”, Police

Charged: Indira Gilda and Lalta Gilda

Headquarters said in a statement on March 20. As such, ranks of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters arrested several persons as investigations into the matter continue.

Mangra’s relatives had reported that he had been missing since March 15.

Relatives made a report to the Police on March 17, stating that he had left home two nights prior and had not returned. They also provided Police with a photograph, sent to them via WhatsApp by an unknown person, of Mangra showing his mouth covered with duct tape.

Immediately, Police ranks were assigned to the investigation and several of Mangra’s associates were arrested and questioned.

Consequently, acting on intelligence, investigators went to a hotel on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, where they found Mangra alive and well.

Mangra, when questioned by investigators, revealed that he was not abducted and that he went to the hotel of his own free will.

His relatives had put up a $1 million reward for anyone with information on his whereabouts.

The US Embassy here was also reportedly notified about his disappearance.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPF not in the best position regarding road safety – Min Benn admits A

s Guyana continues to see high numbers of deaths due to road traffic-related accidents, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn declared that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is not in the best position in terms of road safety.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn was at the time speaking at the Guyana National Road Safety Stakeholders’ Forum, which was held at the Officers’ Training Centre, on Camp Street Georgetown.

The event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

During the event, Minister Benn said that Guyana has had some hor-

Traffic Chief Superintendent Ramesh Ashram

rific crashes recently, resulting from speeding, intoxication, and distracted driving.

He said the work in terms of

road safety will require constant effort, which will see major improvements.

“It is a 24/7 activity job… I want to again acknowledge the work, much of it volunteered work from the National Road Safety Council, in relation to being engaged in this effort, and in partnering with the efforts of the Ministries, the Government, and the Guyana Police Force particularly the Traffic Department…”

The Minister further challenged the officers to work cohesively to improve the current numbers.

“We are aware of the gaps we have, the issues we have in relation to the question of road safety…we are

aware of where we have failings, and where we are not meeting international, or even national standards, in relation to what we need to do. We are aware of the bad acting, the bad behaviour.”

He suggested that more graphic designs of accidents be shown to the public so that they will realise the importance of road safety.

“We are perhaps at a new level of differences of responding to things which are graphic…if people don’t see on these machines, the brains on the road spilled out… we need to do things to bring about the level of awareness and we have to bring it to the level where people will not be so disdainful…”, he explained.

Meanwhile, Traffic Chief Superintendent Ramesh Ashram was also present at the event and reiterated that it is not only the duty of the Police to enforce road

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

safety, but it is also the responsibility of the public to be safe on the roadways.

“We could implement the system, we could lecture, we can share fliers and everything but it’s you the road users, it’s how you take it in.

Sometimes when we analyse accidents and road lawless-

ness it leaves you to wonder whether persons are actually listening to the education programs…”, he said.

For the year so far, there were 20 fatal accidents with 16 deaths compared to last year with 24 fatal accidents with 25 deaths.

According to the Traffic Chief, since 2015 the country has seen over 100 accidents per year, however for this year, there has been a 30 per cent decrease in accidents, but a 4 per cent increase in deaths. As such, several systems have been put in place to curb this issue.

“There is special traffic patrol countrywide in each respective region. Our Traffic Department also has a proactive enforcement policy towards errant road users in an effort to enforce traffic laws and regulations to curtail unsafe and bad driving practices,” he said.

Special attention must be placed on mental health in Guyana – Counsellor More discussion, dialogue

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he Ministry of Health should direct its attention and invest heavily in the mental health of the Guyanese people, according to Guyanese-Canadian Addiction Counsellor, Shirvington Hannays.

Hannays, who is a licensed specialist in addiction, drugs, and alcohol abuse counsellor, during an interview with Guyana Times related that Guyana is on the verge of major oil wealth and as such, there is a need for respected agencies to pay special attention to the various mental health issues in the country and invest in them heavily to reap the success of the oil wealth.

“We’re at the junction in history as a country here in Guyana…. With the discovery of oil, the people of this country need to see the importance of mental health.

You don’t have physical health unless you’re functioning optimally with your mental health,” he said.

The counsellor of almost ten years further stated that he would like to see governmental organisations take the leap forward and make that investment into the mental livelihood of the Guyanese people.

“I would like any governmental organisation to take mental health seriously across the board and invest in it big time,” he expressed.

He noted that if the people of Guyana’s mental health are compromised there won’t be any optimum productivity within

Drug & Alcohol Counsellor Shirvington Hannays

the country that would foster continuous growth and embrace the oil wealth to come. He further added that Guyana cannot afford, and would suffer, because of a workforce that isn’t functioning at its optimum best.

“One-third of this country has a diagnosable mental illness, depression or anxiety because of that, the relevant agencies, the Ministry of Health, needs to pay special attention and invest heavily, because guess what happens, if people’s mental health is compromised, they’re not going to be at their optimum for productivity and that gets compromised with such a small population we cannot afford to have a population or a workforce that isn’t functioning or faring on their top cylinders because productivity suffers and if that suffers we’re not going to be able to

reap the benefits of the oil wealth that is supposed to be coming our way, we’re not going to have the workforce to adequately address that and that’s why it needs to become paramount,” he noted.

Hannays called out the relevant authorities who are “skirting around the issues”, saying that he is “afraid and concerned that if we don’t address people’s mental health” the people of Guyana, the country as a whole will pay tremendously on a personal level, day-to-day basis, and at the Government level.

Meanwhile, the mental health advocate pivoted to his online mental health clinic, Smahoo Change Clinic, which offers counselling on mental health issues.

“I want to make it available to all Guyanese, especially persons living here.

You should have access to some sort of mental health wellness support,” Hannays said.

He said that the online clinic offers four thirty-minute consultations per year where check-ups on persons’ mental health are done.

The clinic was founded in 2009 by Hannays to provide support for those who are challenged with addiction in all of its forms – substance, drug abuse, and more – by using treatment counselling models and motivational interviewing for client-centred substance abuse sobriety and recovery.

needed on prejudice in Guyanese society – research

HDT senior lawyer Naomi Lumsdaine

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ASOD Guyana and The Human Dignity Trust (HDT) - a UKbased organisation working to challenge laws that persecute people on the basis of their sexual orientation and/ or gender identity – have embarked on a process to examine the occurrence of hate crimes in Guyana.

In early 2021, the two organisations commissioned “A Situational Analysis on Hate Crimes in Guyana” which was conducted by Guyanese researcher Pere DeRoy, a social scientist and doctoral candidate at the University of Kansas in the USA, to document the nature and extent of hate crimes based on prejudices related to race, ethnici-

ty, gender, and sexuality in Guyana.

The preliminary results of the research have highlighted the need for more discussion and dialogue on prejudice in Guyanese society. SASOD Guyana and HDT are working to condense the situational analysis into a short summary chapter which will be accompanied by chapters examining the local legal context, and the international context and good practice principles, which together will inform the approach to be taken to address hate crimes in Guyana.

This past week the two organisations hosted introductory workshops on hate crimes to raise awareness and receive feedback on the preliminary results of the situational analysis from key stakeholders in Guyana.

From Tuesday, March 22, to Thursday, March 24, 2022, SASOD Guyana and HDT held three half-day workshops with civil society groups.

The workshop sessions successfully engaged a wide range of civil society groups, especially from the Guyana Equality Forum.

On Wednesday last, there was also a special workshop with Guyanese human rights lawyers. The workshops were led by Managing

SASOD Director Joel Simpson

Director of SASOD Guyana Joel Simpson and Senior Lawyer at HDT Naomi Lumsdaine. There was consensus among civil society groups which noted the need to build a coalition to support reform and to better protect racialised groups, gender and sexual minorities, and other marginalised groups from hate crimes.

The two organisations committed to continue working together to finalise the report on hate crimes and disseminate the findings widely in Guyana, whilst building further consensus among civil society and other key stakeholders on a comprehensive approach to tackle hate crimes.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 awarded PM’s Innovative 2000 presently incarcerated is testimony Public Education Cash Grant to GPF’s “good work” – Min Benn

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Director of Public Affairs Michael Gordon and the awardees on Friday

our innovative persons were Friday awarded with cash to develop their concepts in the “Innovative Public Education Cash Grant Competition 2022.”

The programme is an initiative of the Office of the Prime Minister, Department of Public Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National COVID-19 Task Force.

It required participants to submit innovative message concepts for public education in the fight against COVID-19.

Director of Public Affairs, Michael Gordon said the entries were of all very high quality. He said the messages remain relevant as Guyana and the rest of the world are still in a pandemic.

He said the concept is part of revolutionising mass communication as an overarching sector, with significant financial input as a department.

The winners were presented with a plaque and individual cash prizes of $200,000 for first place winners and $100,000 for second place in both categories, while the cash grant prize of

$500,000 will be used jointly by both first and second place winners to develop their concepts into usable media products.

Mikoowanyah YosefYisrael is very grateful for the opportunity to make his concept a reality. He is the first-place winner of category A. “I’m a sign language teacher, a sign language interpreter, so naturally my work had a leaning towards that end whereby, I was showing the COVID guidelines of social distancing and also promoting a bit of deaf awareness, as we use sign language to be a part of each other and to communicate during this pandemic,” he told DPI. Aiesha Scotland, who got second place for category A, is also pleased that her effort paid off.

“My entry is more or less targeting parents and teachers and it’s just to reintroduce them to games that can see that they can play safe in schools. We know school has reopened and COVID is still around and children will play, so I just want to encourage students to play safe,” she said.

Courtney Douglas, the

first-place winner of category B, will use animation to spread his message. “It’s always an honour to win anything and I must say I’m grateful for the opportunity to create and to help to spread awareness for everyone to get vaccinated,” Douglas said.

Second place winner Bibi Selena Nandalall is also pleased that she can now work on her concept.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people and you know giving back, so my message is, it’s not about what you do but who you help so I really would like to see a change with my idea that I came up with,” Nandlall said.

Meanwhile, resident representative of the United Nations in Guyana, Yesim Oruc noted that all UN agencies in Guyana are continuously working to ensure all is done to get out of the pandemic. “I hope that the final products would encourage those in the community who still have not taken the jab, to go and take the jab.

We will continue to be vulnerable to this until and unless all of us are safe and all of us are vaccinated,” she stated.

Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot

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he total number of prisoners under the jurisdiction of the State’s correctional authorities has recently hit 2000, according to Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn.

The Minister made this announcement at an event on Friday during which he stated that this amount is a result of the Police’s good work.

However, the Minister refused to make any comments on the judicial system.

“I wouldn’t say anything about the judicial system on this matter, but either we are more lawless or we catching those who are more lawless, or we are too slow perhaps with getting people out of prison…”, he explained.

In respect to the overall criminal justice system, Benn stated that the suggestion is that the overall general and personal modification of behaviour at all levels is required. He said we would have to put a lot more effort in relation to the issue of changing our behaviours.

“We have to change our behaviours so that the financial responses to the overall criminal justice system would not be as great, and that we can put our monies to better use,” he underscored.

Meanwhile, on Friday

Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot said the country’s prison population is about 30 to 38 per cent over capacity - a situation that remains a concern to the authorities.

He said new facilities will accommodate 1000 prisoners and they will be housed in keeping with international requirements.

As of November 2020, 1884 persons were in Guyana’s prisons. 39.5 per cent were remand prisoners, 2.8 per cent were female prisoners and 0.6 per cent was juveniles. Foreign prisoners stood at 1.5 per cent.

Earlier this year the Government of Guyana earmarked a sum of $88.9 million to train prison inmates in areas such as anger management, literacy and numeracy, tailoring, among others, in an effort

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

In January the construction of the female prison commenced and will facilitate the relocation of the current female prisoners in New Amsterdam upon completion.

The Lusignan Prison

to reduce recidivism.

It was announced that transforming the penal institution into a correctional facility that reforms the mindsets of inmates to benefit all of society post-incarceration is a core objective.

The Government is also aiming to enhance prison infrastructure with the earmarked sum of $2.3 billion.

This sum will be spent on transforming the Lusignan Prison into a modern facility to house both male and female prisoners including a vocational school, an infirmary annex, prison headquarters and command centre.

The ongoing work to construct an infirmary annex and overhead water storage tanks and water treatment plants are at 40 per cent and 35 per cent completion, respectively.

Additionally, the construction of new cell blocks at Lot 1, 2, and 3 are at 85, 70, and 65 per cent completion, respectively, and is projected to be completed in August.

Construction works have also commenced on cell blocks Lot 4-6. Further, the construction of new cell blocks will alleviate the current overcrowding problems.

Labourer critically injured during argument with drunken man

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he Police are on the hunt for a man who allegedly wounded a labourer in the wee hours of Friday at Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

The injured man has been identified as 53-year-old Christopher Kingston, a labourer of Parika Facade, EBE. Police stated that the victim and suspect are tenants residing at the above-mentioned address and at the time of the incident, the sus-

pect returned home under the influence of alcohol and was using a series of expletives at the top of his voice.

However, Kingston reportedly told the suspect to desist from doing so since he was tired and was trying get some rest.

Police stated that the suspect, who is known to the Police, became annoyed and an argument broke out between them during which the suspect armed himself with a knife and dealt the

victim several stabs to his body.

An alarm was raised and the Police were summoned to the scene. The victim was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was treated and referred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was admitted in a critical condition.

Checks were made for the suspect but he was not contacted. Police are continuing their investigations.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 new COVID-19 cases, 1 in ICU T

he Health Ministry on Friday reported that five new cases of the novel coronavirus have been detected, taking the total positives recorded to date to 63,223.

Statistics showed that one person remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 12 in institutional isola-

tion, 94 in home isolation, and 25 in institutional quarantine.

Recoveries stand at 61,890 while the death toll remains at 1226.

The last COVID fatality reported was the death of an 83-year-old female from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), who died on

March 15. She was fully vaccinated.

To date, some 61,890 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease in the country.

However, since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Guyana, a total 563,141 tests have been conducted countrywide

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD MARCH 25, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

12

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

94

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

25

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,113

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,110

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,223

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

61,890

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2518

REGION 2

2490

REGION 3

8045

REGION 4

31,256

REGION 5

2379

REGION 6

5744

REGION 7

2422

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

4015

REGION 10

3467

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

437,757 335,935 1226

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.

and of this, some 29,110 males and 34,113 females were found to be positive.

Of the five new cases recorded on Friday, two were from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); two from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and the other case was from Region 10 (Upper

Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases in the other seven regions across the country within the reporting 24hour period.

The decline in COVID-19 cases has resulted in the Guyana Government removing most restrictions as the

country moves to recover from the pandemic and return to normalcy.

However, health authorities are still encouraging persons to get vaccinated, and for those who are qualified to get their booster shots, in order to add a layer of protection against the virus.

Businesswoman struck down by speeding ATV

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21-year-old businesswoman of S1A Junction, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), is currently hospitalised after she was struck down by a speeding All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on Friday.

The incident occurred at about 00:05h along the Main Access Road in Port Kaituma and involved an the ATV with registration CH 2890 driven by a 35-year-old miner of Oronoque, Port Kaituma, NWD; and the businesswoman, Cryslyn Bollers.

Police said that the motorcycle was speeding along the roadway and on the approach of the junction, the driver alleged that he saw some pedestrians walking north along the said road.

He claimed that he applied brakes, but lost control, causing him to skid in a southwestern direction and collide with one of the pedes-

The ATV that hit the businesswoman

trians. As a result of the collision, Bollers fell onto the road’s surface and received injuries to her head and body.

She was picked up in a conscious condition and taken to the Port Kaituma District

Hospital where she was treated and admitted a patient.

Her condition is regarded as stable.

The driver is presently in custody assisting with the investigation.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

Regional

After pandemic peace, fresh swarms Mexico’s President downplays US of crabs invade Cuba’s Bay of Pigs claim of Russian agents in Mexico

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igrating crabs around Cuba´s Bay of Pigs have emerged early and in unprecedented swarms, according to local residents, following two years of pandemic that allowed them to cross normally trafficked roadways and reproduce in peace.

After the island´s spring rains begin, millions of red, yellow and black land crabs emerge at dawn and dusk and march from the forest across the road and down to the bay on Cuba’s southern coast to spawn in the sea.

Most years, untold thousands fall victim to the tires of passing motorists. But for the past two years, the crabs have had the place to themselves, residents say, boosting their size and numbers.

“There was very little traffic, and very little tourism,” said Angel Iraola, 46, who guards a parking lot off the winding, crab-infested road that tracks the bay.

“There are more crabs now than there have been in many years.”

Scientists have yet to confirm initial reports of a pandemic-induced recovery, but

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Migrating crabs march from the forest across the road and down to the bay to spawn in the sea, following two years of pandemic, around the Bay of Pigs, in Playa Larga, Cuba March 24, 2022

Reinaldo Santana Aguilar, a scientist with Cuba´s Environment Ministry, said the onslaught of crabs this year speaks for itself.

Tourists whose stay overlapped with a cold front that brought early spring rains to the region were treated to one of the world´s most spectacular, and largely intact, animal migrations.

At dawn and dusk the multi-colored crabs emerge with spawning on the mind, scuttling sideways toward the turquoise sea, climbing

up house walls and carpeting the roughly paved coastal road.

For the crabs, however, the post-pandemic return of tourists, and the cars, buses and vans in which they travel, is a rude awakening.

As vehicles speed by, some swerving to avoid the 10-legged crustaceans, their rigid, fire-red carapaces crunch and crackle. The stench of crushed crab fills the air and their sharp shells often puncture car tires.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil’s inflation rises to highest level in 7 years for mid-March

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nflation in Brazil grew more than expected in the month to midMarch, the biggest jump for that period in seven years, data showed on Friday, underscoring across-the-board price pressures despite aggressive monetary tightening led by the central bank.

Brazil’s official IPCA-15 consumer price index rose 0.95 per cent in the month, down from 0.99 per cent in February but above the median forecast in a Reuters poll of a 0.87 per cent increase.

According to IBGE statistics agency, all nine

groups of products and services surveyed recorded higher prices, especially food and beverages, which rose 1.95 per cent over the previous month.

Inflation in the 12 months to mid-March climbed to 10.79 per cent, also above the 10.69 per cent projection in the poll.

That is far from the central bank’s year-end target of 3.5 per cent, reflecting an already complex domestic inflationary dynamic that was further impacted by the surge in commodity prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Brazil’s central bank chief Roberto Campos Neto said inflation should peak in April, stressing that the short-term figure will be a “little higher” than previously expected by policymakers.

Earlier this month, the central bank raised the country’s benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points to 11.75 per cent, from a record-low of 2 last March, and signalled another hike of the same size in May. That could wrap up a rate hike cycle that should weigh on the economy this year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

exico’s President on Friday said he had no information about comments from a US general that Russian intelligence agents are based in Mexico, and reiterated Mexico’s non-interventionist stance.

“We don’t have information on this,” President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told a regular news conference when asked about the general’s remarks, adding that the Government would not impede any foreigner from carrying out legal activities.

“Mexico is a free, independent, sovereign country ... We’re not going to Moscow to spy on anybody, nor to Beijing... nor to Washington,” he said.

US Air Force General Glen VanHerck told a Senate hearing on Thursday that Russia’s military intelligence service has its “largest portion” of members in Mexico. He added they “keep an eye very closely on their opportunities to have influence on US opportunities and access.”

Russia’s embassy in Mexico did not immediately

reply to a request for comment.

Lopez Obrador has sought to remain neutral in the Ukraine conflict, even as the US ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, has urged Mexican lawmakers to join the United States in supporting Kyiv against Russia’s invasion.

Russia’s ambassador to Mexico, Viktor Koronelli, addressed lawmakers at a newly inaugurated “MexicoRussia friendship committee” this week, encouraging Mexico to defy “Uncle Sam.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Lose your fear, dissident Nicaraguan diplomat says

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Nicaraguan ambassador has urged his fellow citizens to “lose fear, not hope”, following an explosive video address in which he described his own Government as a dictatorship.

Ambassador Arturo McFields had earlier blamed the Government of Daniel Ortega for widespread repression.

He made the surprise attack in a speech to the council of the regional body, the Organisation of American States.

The Nicaraguan Government said McFields did not represent it.

Ambassador McFields addressed the permanent council of the regional body Organisation of American States (OAS) via video on Wednesday.

In an unexpected turn of events, the diplomat, who has held the post since November 2021, condemned his own Government’s human rights abuses.

McFields said he was

Arturo McFields launched a scathing attack on his Government in a video address

speaking up on behalf of Nicaragua’s political prisoners and those killed since anti-Government protests broke out in the Central American nation in 2018.

His speech in Spanish was posted on Twitter by the OAS. In it, he says that “denouncing the dictatorship in my country is not easy, but to continue remaining silent and defending the indefensible, is impossible”.

“I have to speak out, even though I’m afraid. I have to

speak out even though my future and that of my family is uncertain,” he adds.

He also denounced the lack of a freedom of speech in Nicaragua and said that the elections which returned President Ortega to a fourth consecutive term in office were “not credible”.

He ended by assuring the OAS that people inside and outside of the Government are “tired of the dictatorship and its actions”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

IMF Board approves Argentina’s Commonwealth Secretariat supports key $45 bln programme – sources Caribbean blue economy ambitions T

T

he London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Friday said a recent scoping mission to Antigua and Barbuda will be used to advance plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE) for the Caribbean region.

It said the initiative, a collaboration between the Antigua and Barbuda government, the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Association of Commonwealth Universities and is expected to boost marine science and blue economy research across the Caribbean.

Head of Oceans and

Natural Resources at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, joined the SecretaryGeneral of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Dr Joanna Newman and others undertook a fiveday visit to the island as part of the COBE International Steering Committee (ISC).

The statement said that the group met with key national and regional stakeholders to discuss potential partnerships and fundraising opportunities for the centre, which will be housed at the UWI Five Islands Campus.

The statement quoted Prime Minister Gaston

Browne as underlining his “firm and unwavering support” for the establishment of the centre.

“Given the fact that the nation of Antigua and Barbuda is such a vast ocean state and the growing interest in blue economy-related subject areas, the establishment of the COBE is indeed very timely and advantageous,” he said.

The steering committee presented a report on the progress to set up the central government and also toured the UWI Five Islands campus to view the infrastructure and spaces which will host the facility. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

he Board of the International Monetary Fund on Friday approved a new agreement with Argentina for US$45 billion, three sources with direct knowledge said, clearing the final hurdle to rework the country’s debt with the Washington-based lender.

The agreement, which was reached by consensus according to two of the sources, marks the 22nd IMF programme for Argentina and comes after more than a year of negotiations. It replaces a failed US$57 billion programme from 2018, for which Argentina still owes over US$40 billion.

A spokesperson for the IMF had no immediate comment.

Reducing the fiscal deficit, raising interest rates and cutting energy subsidies are core demands of the deal, which doesn’t call for labour or pension reforms.

The approval comes after Argentina’s Congress signed off on March 17 on the financing aspect of a staff-level agreement, not on the policies expected to keep the economy on track and the debt sustainable.

Political cracks inside Argentina’s ruling centre-left coalition have widened over the deal and there are fears the economic strings attached will further strain people in the South American country fighting with inflation above 50 per cent.

But targets might be

hard to achieve. JPMorgan this week revised its primary fiscal deficit forecast for 2022 to 2.8 per cent of GDP, above the program’s target of 2.5 per cent.

“It will very unlikely trigger the positive confidence shock, increase in private investment, and access to international capital markets that the country badly needs,” said Alejo Czerwonko, emerging markets Americas CIO for UBS Global Wealth Management ahead of Friday’s meeting The Fund also risks reputational damage if the programme doesn’t succeed. Argentina’s 2018 agreement was the largest in the IMF’s history.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises to over US$120/bbl after attack on Saudi facilities

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rude prices rose more than 1 per cent to over US$120 a barrel on Friday, as traders reconciled the impact of a missile attack on an oil distribution facility in Saudi Arabia with a possible release of oil reserves by the United States.

Brent crude settled up US$1.62, or 1.4 per cent, to US$120.65 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ended US$1.56, or 1.4 per cent higher, at US$113.90. Both had dropped US$3 earlier.

Both benchmarks notched their first weekly gains in three weeks Brent rose more than 11.5 per cent and WTI gained 8.8 per cent Yemen's Houthis said they launched attacks on Saudi energy facilities on Friday and the Saudi-led coalition said Aramco's fuel distribution station in Jeddah had been targeted by an attack, but that a fire in two tanks at the facility had been brought under control.

Saudi Arabia said it will not hold responsibility for any shortage of oil supplies in global markets caused by Houthi attacks on its oil facilities.

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement that has been battling a coalition led by Saudi Arabia for seven years launched missiles on Aramco's facilities in Jeddah and drones at Ras Tanura and Rabigh refineries, the group's military spokesman said.

"The market, which was already shunning Russian oil supplies, has another thing to worry about with Houthi attacks potentially impacting Saudi Arabia's production," said Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston, noting that the Houthi attacks were becoming more frequent.

The attack comes just five days after the Houthi group fired missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities, causing a temporary drop in output at a refinery.

With global stockpiles at their lowest since 2014, analysts have said the market remained vulnerable to any supply shock.

The Biden Administration is considering another release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve that, if carried out, could be bigger than the sale of 30 million barrels earlier this month, a source said.

The US oil rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose seven to 531 this week, its highest since April 2020, as the Government urged producers to boost output in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Even though the oil rig count has climbed for 19 straight months, the increases have been small and slowed down recently because many companies focus on returning money to investors rather than boosting output and are facing supply constraints.

Oil prices slipped earlier in the session as exports from Kazakhstan's CPC crude terminal partially resumed and the EU held off on imposing an embargo on Russian energy as members remained split on the issue. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia says main goal is Donbass, suggesting scaled-back ambitions in Ukraine

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oscow signalled on Friday it was scaling back its ambitions in Ukraine to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the east as Ukrainian forces went on the offensive to recapture towns outside the capital Kyiv.

In the first big sign that Western sanctions on Moscow were impacting investment from China, sources said state-run Sinopec Group, Asia's biggest oil refiner, halted talks on a petrochemical investment and a venture to market Russian gas.

In the month since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops have met stiff resistance and failed to capture any major city.

They have instead been bombarding and encircling

People pile up sand bags around monument to Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko to protect it against damage from shelling in Kharkiv as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, Ukraine, March 25, 2022

cities, laying waste to residential areas and driving around a quarter of Ukraine's 44 million people from their homes.

More than 3.7 million of them have fled abroad, half to neighbouring Poland, where US President Joe Biden met

Syria constitutional talks fail again in Geneva

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ith international focus on the war in Ukraine, a resolution to Syria’s war continues to be further than ever, as talks between the Syrian Government and the Opposition once again collapsed.

The United Nations played host in Geneva on Friday to the latest attempt to draft a new Syrian Constitution, but talks ended with no substantial progress, frustrating hopes for a revival of the sluggish peace process.

The constitutional committee, a body including regime, Opposition, and civil society members, was formed in 2019 and tasked with finding common ground on issues like state identity, governance, and the structure of public au-

thorities, among others.

But Opposition members blamed representatives of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s Government for the latest round’s failure.

The constitutional committee is yet to decide on whether it will amend the existing Constitution or produce a new one. Analysts, however, say that the prolonged debate about the Constitution, despite the relevance of constitutional reform, is stalling progress on other important tracks and jeopardising the whole peace process.

With the focus on the constitution, issues such as violence and security, free and fair elections, and the creation of a transitional executive have been left at the wayside, with

Solomon Islands confirms China security US, EU announce plan draft, alarming Australia to reduce European reliance on Russian gas

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olomon Islands has confirmed it is drafting a security deal with China a move that's triggered alarm in neighbouring Australia and other Western allies in the Indo-Pacific.

Leaked papers indicate a Chinese military base could potentially be set up on the island to Australia's north.

That's sparked concern from Australia, long the chief defence partner and biggest aid donor to the tiny island.

Both Australia and New Zealand said it had raised concerns with Honiara.

Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne said she respected the Pacific island's right to make sovereign decisions but: "We would be particularly concerned by any actions that undermine the stability and security of our region, including the establishment of a permanent presence such as a military base."

New Zealand said it was also concerned as the plan threatened to "destabilise the

current institutions and arrangements that have long underpinned the Pacific region's security."

The Solomon Islands did not confirm the details of the leaked draft agreement, or if it was the finalised version.

But on Friday it said it was "expanding" security arrangements with more countries and "diversifying the country's security partnership including with China".

The papers set out a framework which could allow Beijing to deploy forces to "protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands".

The tiny Pacific nation could also "request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces", according to the document.

There is also provision for China to "make ship visits, to carry out logistical replenishment in, and have stopover and transition in Solomon Islands". (Excerpt from BBC News)

soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division bolstering the NATO alliance's eastern flank.

Battlelines near Kyiv have been frozen for weeks with two main Russian armoured columns stuck north-

west and east of the capital.

A British intelligence report described a Ukrainian counter-offensive that had pushed Russians back in the east.

"Ukrainian counter-attacks, and Russian forces falling back on overextended supply lines, have allowed Ukraine to reoccupy towns and defensive positions up to 35 km east of Kyiv," the report said. Britain has given Ukraine arms and military training.

In an announcement that appeared to indicate more limited goals, the Russian Defence Ministry said a first phase of its operation was mostly complete and it would now focus on "liberating" the breakaway eastern Donbass region. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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he United States and the European Union have unveiled a plan to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels following the invasion of Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of the joint task force aimed at cutting the bloc’s reliance on Russian imports during a joint news conference in Brussels on Friday.

“Today, we’ve agreed on a joint game plan toward that goal, while accelerating our progress toward a secure clean energy future,” he said. “This initiative focuses on two core issues. One, helping Europe reduces dependency on Russian gas as quickly as possible Secondly, reducing Europe’s demand for gas overall.”

Under the agreement, Biden said the US will work with partners to ensure an additional 15 billion cubic me-

tres of liquified natural gas (LNG) for the EU in 2022.

The European Commission will in turn work with EU member states to ensure the demand of at least 50 billion cubic metres of US LNG a year, according to the White House.

“In a world faced with disorder, our transatlantic unity upholds fundamental values and rules that our citizens believe in,” von der Leyen said at the news conference.

The new plan will be overseen by a task force chaired by a representative from the White House and a representative of the President of the European Commission, and will work to “ensure energy security for Ukraine and the EU in preparation for next winter and the following one while supporting the EU’s goal to end its dependence on Russian fossil fuels”, according to a White House statement. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

no sign that polarising topics, such as the role of al-Assad and the form of Government in a future Syria.

Top of Form Bottom of Form The Assad government’s lack of serious engagement,

divisions within the opposition, and the absence of key stakeholders and de-facto authorities at the table in Geneva, have undermined the committee’s credibility and its effectiveness. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Great Barrier Reef: Australia confirms new mass bleaching event

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Bleaching occurs when stressed corals expel colour-giving algae

ustralia's Great Barrier Reef is being devastated by another mass bleaching event, officials have confirmed.

It is the fourth time in six years that such severe and widespread damage - caused by warm sea temperatures has been detected.

Only two mass bleaching events had ever been recorded until 2016.

Scientists say urgent action on climate change is needed if the world's largest reef system is to survive.

There are particular concerns that this bleaching event has occurred in the same year as a La Niña weather phenomenon.

Typically in Australia, a La Niña brings cooler temperatures.

Scientists are now fearful of the damage that could be caused by the next El Niño.

The declaration was made by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority which has been conducting aerial surveys.

Recently it warned that

water temperatures in parts of the reef had been up to 4C above the March average.

Stretching over 2300km (1400 miles) off Australia's north-east coast, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.

Bleaching occurs when under-stress corals expel the algae living within them that gives them colour and life.

They can recover but only if conditions allow it.

"Weather patterns over the next couple of weeks continue to remain critical in determining the overall extent and severity of coral bleaching across the marine park," the reef authority said.

Last year, Australia controversially lobbied to exclude the reef from a UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites that are "in danger".

It has recently pledged money towards reef-protection measures, but critics said these did not address the dominant threat of climate change. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Do what you do best. Use your skills and energy to get things done and make a difference. Recognize what you are up against, and don't share your intentions.

There is no room for error.

(March 21-April 19) Choose self-improvement over trying to change someone. Listen to what others have to say, and you'll learn something about yourself and how you can use your skills to bring about change.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Don't alter your opinion for someone else's sake; fight for your beliefs and honor your promises. Being informed will lead to better decisions. Spend time with someone who lifts your spirits.

(May 21-June 20) Be innovative, invest time and energy into updating your skills, and use your resources to establish how you want to proceed. A conversation with an expert will prove helpful.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Take in what's going on around you.

Be attentive, listen and ponder the information and ideas that come your way.

Consider how you can raise awareness about something meaningful to you.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Gravitate toward unique individuals and see what they have to offer.

A change of pace, lifestyle or direction will broaden your outlook and revive enthusiasm. A hobby or pastime will lead to new friendships.

Take care of responsibilities before moving on to something enjoyable. A physical change doesn't have to cost a lot to boost your confidence. A positive attitude will make a difference.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Emotions will flare up if you get into a debate. Do your own thing and avoid anyone trying to pick a fight or make you feel inadequate. Focus on making your space more efficient.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be aware of the changes that others make. Prepare to counter anything that infringes on your rights or ability to follow through with your plans. Take pride in your accomplishments.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Put what makes you happy first.

Work to eliminate stress and stay focused on what's best for you. Take the unique path, and the outcome will please you and impress onlookers.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Learn from the experiences that have made you who you are, and you'll have the strength to overcome anyone who interferes in your life or tries to push you in a bad direction.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Touch base with people who motivate you. Don't let fear deter you from pursuing your goals. Ask questions that will help turn an idea into a reality. Offer as much in return as you ask others to contribute.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

21

Genuine Auto Spares golf tournament tees off today -Mangal hoping to defend title

By Timothy Jaikarran

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he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is being host to the second edition of the Genuine Auto Spares golf tournament, which will commence today at 12:30 hrs.

The first edition of this tournament was won by Mike Mangal, who will be hoping to retain his title amidst the tough competition this tournament attracts. This defending champion, in a statement, has said, “My game was kind of a little off for the longest while, and I have now started to get back into some form. I got third last week, so the game is actually coming back now to play better this week.

“This game is just like cricket, sometimes you are in form and you are out of form, so I feel I am getting into form. But I don’t want to boast up a lot and I play bad, but hopefully I get a good day.”

Sharing his bit on what play in the tournament is expected to be like, LGC Secretary Chet Bowling noted that there would be fantastic play on the ground because of the good weather the club has been receiving. He related that the golfers would have to be more accurate and sharper when putting on the green.

Pertaining to the fans, Bowling has said, “The

LGC Club Secretary Chet Bowling

Lusignan Golf Club on a Saturday afternoon is a fantastic family affair. For last week’s tournament, we had families come out and (enjoy the) music, so the message to the families is to come out and check out the clubhouse, and have some family time together.”

Bowling has divulged that the LGC appreciates Genuine Auto Spares coming on board, as this is the second time they are hosting a tournament. He opined that the auto spares company understands the value of partnering with the Lusignan Golf Club, as the LGC is a symbol of quality. He explained that this is what the club aims to show corporate sponsors.

“It says to your clients that you appreciate quality, and you appreciate good service, and you appreciate the good things of being a corpo-

CJIA are GTT 8-a-side Community Knockout Tape ball champions …Patentia win Holy Family Bible Club title

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Patentia defeated North Georgetown in the final to win the Sports Ambassador Trophy plus medals in a fourover affair which saw a total of six schools duking it out.

The Inter-Secondary Schools competition was organised by the Holy Family Bible Club (HFBC) and coordinated by James Lewis.

Next on the agenda for the bible club is the PKF Barcellos, Narine and Company knock-

The victorious CJIA team

he GTT Inter M i n i s t r i e s / Government Agencies/ Community Knockout 8-a-side tape ball tournament came to an end on Saturday March 19, 2022 at the Durban Park Tarmac with CJIA defeating GGMC in the final to pocket the GTT Trophy and $100,000.

For their efforts, the GGMC have bagged the runner-up trophy and $60,000.

In this contest, GGMC batted first and scored 66-5 in their 6 overs. This target was too small for the CJIA, who successfully chased it down and ended on 73 with-

Patentia Secondary are the HFBC winners

out loss.

Also, in the InterSecondary Schools’ action,

out tape ball competition, set for the Easter weekend.

Defending Champion Mike Mangal

rate citizen,” Bowling has posited.

The format of the competition is an 18hole stroke play competition. The prizes up for grabs are: * Overall Best Net * 1st Place – Trophy + Voucher * 2nd Place – Trophy + Voucher

* 3rd Place – Trophy + Voucher * 4th Place – Trophy + Voucher * Best Net – Front Nine * Best Net – Back Nine * Nearest to Flag – Hole #4 * Longest Drive – Hole #5 All COVID-19 protocols would be in effect during this tournament.

Cambridge Jaguars cricket team to play in Canada’s CPSCL competition

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…Canada-based Guyanese Satishwar Persaud excited to join new cricket league

he Canada-based Cambridge Jaguars cricket team (CJ) would be participating in the various tournaments of the Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL) this coming season.

For the past 10 consecutive years, CJ has participated in the Ontario Round-arm Softball Cricket Association’s (ORSCA’s) competitions with great success. According to president of the Cambridge Jaguars, Canada-based Guyanese Satishwar Persaud, proprietor of Adana Homes, he and his fellow teammates are eager to dominate proceedings at the CPSCL, but are anticipating stiff competition.

Persaud also outlined that there is no specific reason why the CJ has suddenly switched its participation from the ORSCA to the CPSCL, but says he strongly believes that featuring in a different league helps to boost the growth of softball cricket and, generally, the round-arm game.

“Cambridge Jaguars prospered under the umbrella of the ORSCA over the last 10 years, especially in the last five successive years, with the management of myself and Mohamed Jinnah,” Persaud has related.

Reflecting on what had transpired in 2021, he said

Satishwar Persaud

the Cambridge Jaguars had roared to the final in the 20over competition, but had been beaten by the Sunshine team. Persaud said that was a demonstration of his team’s total commitment to playing the game both seriously and enjoyably.

He described the ORSCA as a great organisation which has been built around astute and good leadership. “We want to thank the ORSCA for hosting us over the years,” he said. “This is an organisation which has been built around good leadership, and I wish them continued success.”

Adana Homes, of which he is proprietor, has been a major sponsor of the ORSCA competitions, and has been pleased to be associated with the

ORSCA, according to Persaud.

Since its formation in 2020, the CPSCL has attracted multiple teams while staging 20-, 10-, and 100-ball competitions.

Persaud has informed that Cambridge Jaguars would be having its Annual General Meeting next month, and would be talking about recruitment and decision-making in an effort to keep the great functionality of the team.

Meanwhile, skipper of the CJ, Berbician Shilendra Singh, has expressed confidence that the Jaguars would definitely create an impression in the CPSCL as well.

Singh pointed out that his players have been very committed over the years, and he is expecting the same level of dedication and competitive cricket from them.

Singh revealed that the boys are again excited to play round-arm cricket, and can’t wait for the season to begin, which is a firm indication of their love for the game.

He has expressed gratitude to the players for their total commitment, and to the management staff for running the affairs of the club, but has reserved special mention to the sponsor Satishwar Persaud of Adana Homes for his generosity.

22

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Blue Water supports Golden Jaguars’ Caribbean Classic campaign B

lue Water Shipping has provided generous sponsorship for Guyana’s participation in the Courts Caribbean Classic, to be held in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

In so doing, this Danishbased transportation and logistics firm has continued building on its existing strong partnership with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to accelerate the development of football at all levels.

Guyana’s senior men’s national team the Golden Jaguars have already departed for Trinidad and Tobago, and would be competing against Barbados tomorrow, March 27, and the hosts on Tuesday, March 29, in a threeteam friendly tournament as part of preparations for CONCACAF Nations League B fixtures in June.

“Football is a big part of Blue Water,” said Thomas Bek, Blue Water’s Chief Operating Officer for energy, ports and projects. “We are proud to have this opportunity

to support the Guyana Football Federation on different levels, and we are really looking forward to the partnership for the years to come as well. It’s been a very positive experience so far.”

Blue Water, which has a local office in Georgetown, has a long track record of supporting sport, and has partnered with the GFF

Blue Water Shipping Country Manager Richard DeNobrega presenting an undisclosed sum of cash in support of the Golden Jaguars' campaign

Blue Water Shipping’s Chief Operating Officer of energy, ports and projects, Thomas Bek, and GFF President Wayne Forde displaying the t-shirt

for a growing range of projects involving the Golden Jaguars and the forthcoming establishment of Guyana’s first national U15 league for girls.

“It’s been an absolute

pleasure,” said Blue Water Shipping Country Manager Richard DeNobrega. “We at Blue Water want this to be a long-term partnership and relationship with the (Guyana) Football Federation.

We really are happy to be on board; they’ve done a fantastic job, and we want to support it and see that it continues, and see that these players benefit.”

GFF President Wayne Forde has declared the support of longterm corporate partners as vital to ensuring the success of football programmes in Guyana, including the GFF’s ambition to reach the FIFA World Cup this decade.

“We are so happy to have Blue Water yet again on board with us to support the Golden Jaguars,” Forde said. “The national team requires a lot of support from corporate Guyana, and to have Blue Water Guyana supporting the U15 girls and Golden Jaguars is something that we are all very happy with. The GFF thanks the management and staff of

Blue Water here in Guyana, and the folks in the head office in Denmark.”

As part of the Golden Jaguars partnership, Blue Water Shipping’s corporate logo will be displayed prominently on the squad’s training and travel attire.

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, who has named a 23-man squad for the tournament, has said Blue Water has set a shining example to the corporate community in its support for football.

“Blue Water Shipping coming on board as a corporate partner at the beginning is saying something very profound,” Shabazz said.

“The importance of people coming on board at the start is that they need to be pioneers. It’s a good example as a corporate partner, and we really appreciate it. It gives a great boost to the team to know we are going to Trinidad, and these are games that will help to expose and improve our players.”

592 Beer launches Skills for Cash football tourney

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uyana Breweries Inc, through their 592 Beer brand, are the title sponsors of this year’s Skills for Cash 7-a-side football tournament, which gets underway at the #5 Ground on the West Coast of Berbice in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) today, Saturday March 26.

Cougars, Rosignol United, Modderlust United, Hopetown, #30 Village, #42 Village, Paradise United, Airy Hall, Mahaica Determinators, Ann’s Grove United,

Victoria Kings United, Golden Stars, Paradise and Melanie FC are competing for the tournament’s top prize of $300,000.

The second-placed team would pocket $200,000, while the thirdplaced team would get $100,000 and the fourth-placed team $50,000.

Organised by Cool Crew Promotions and Virgil Watts Construction, the tournament is in its third edition, having missed the last two years because of the

Beharry hits 135 in ESCL over-40 competition

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ormer senior Essequibo inter-county opening batsman Ravie Beharry hit a flamboyant 135 to spur Sunrisers Masters to a resounding 63-run win over Devonshire Castle last Sunday when action continued in the 2022 Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) over-40, 20-over competition at Zorg Beach, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The right-handed Beharry cracked 9 sixes and seven fours as his team amassed a formidable 278-4 from their allocation of 20 overs, while Castle replied with 215-8 off their 20 overs. Darshan Narine supported the in-form Beharry with 44.

When Devonshire Castle batted, fighting knocks of 59 and 48 came from Darshan Lall and Antonio Persaud respectively, while Omeshwar Lall and Gopaul Deen picked up two wickets each for the winners.

Also at Zorg Beach, Hibernia Strikers suffered a 48-run loss to Caribbean Cricket Club (CCC). CCC raced to 256-6 off their 20 overs, and then dismissed Hibernia Strikers for 208 in the penultimate over.

The consistent Patrick Rooplall led the way for CCC by scoring 72, while Joel Da Silva made 54.

In Strikers’ innings, Jarran Ramlall struck 72, and 44 came from Dalip Lakhan. The experienced Naresh Narine grabbed 4-14 from 1.4 overs and Ekie Baksh picked up 2-23 in 4 overs.

And at the same venue, Ravens Sports Club beat Queenstown Tigers by five wickets. The Tigers roared to a challenging 213 all out off 19.1 overs, while the Ravens soared to 214-5 with 16 balls to spare. Veteran softball player Ramesh Narine scored an impressive unbeaten 81 for Ravens, which was supported by Sugrim Ahiram’s 57.

The competition is set to continue on Sunday, when CCC would tackle Sunrisers Masters at Affiance while Devonshire Castle would collide with Queenstown Tigers at Hibernia. The Ravens will confront the hosts Hibernia at Hibernia.

Ravie Beharry

Co-Organiser Virgil Watts receiving the sponsor’s cheque from Melinda Telesford, Marketing Manager of Guyana Breweries Inc. Also in photo are Seweon McGarrell, Head of Trade Marketing (first from right), and Co-Organiser Lynton Luke, head of Cool Crew Promotions

COVID-19 pandemic.

Melinda Telesford, Marketing Manager of Guyana Breweries Inc, has said the company is aware that “football is a well-loved sport in the participating communities, and it is our goal to keep the football spirit alive through partnerships like this. I’d like to congratulate the promoters of this event for organising in such a big way to deliver a thrilling experience to the players and fans of football.”

Lynton Luke, head of Cool Crew Promotions, has thanked the importers and distributors of 592 Beer for their collaboration, adding: “This year, our competition will match skills from East Coast Demerara and West and East Berbice.”

GMR&SC Quarter Mile Return…

Frames Optical throws $50K behind 12-second class winner

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rag-racers for the 12-second class of action will have the added bonus of a ‘cash pot’ for the winner, with Frames Optical of 54 Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown sponsoring a cash prize.

The company on Thursday handed over sponsorship to the tune of $50,000 to go directly to the winner of the 12-second class of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Quarter Mile Return.

Owner Vevik Joshi, himself a racer, handed over the cash to GMR&SC Executive Member Paul Jiwanram.

Meanwhile cars from Suriname are expected in Guyana later today, with the final number expected to be at least five.

They are coming to do battle with the best of Guyana’s cars, including Team Mohamed’s GTRs, Transpacific’s Alteeza, the S&D Performance’s Caldina, as well as the KONG Supra.

Tickets, costing $2000 for adults and $500 for children, are on sale at the following venues: GMR&SC at Albert Street & Thomas Lands; Mohamed’s Enterprise at 29

He explained that teams are allowed three guest players “to help strengthen the side”, and disclosed, “We also have games playing in different venues on the West Coast and East Coast of Berbice.”

Matches will be played at the #5 Village ground, Rosignol ground and Victoria Community Centre Ground.

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

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Statutory benefits Inquiries: trimworksttd@outlook.com 1-345929-4038

ENTERTAINMENT

Frames Optical Owner Vevik Joshi (left) handing over the cash to GMR&SC Executive Member Paul Jiwanram

Lombard Street, Georgetown; Motor Trend Service Center at Area L, Foulis Public Road, ECD; West Coast Customs Wash Bay at Vreeden-Hoop, WCD; Massive Audio at Parika, EBE; Homeline Furnishing at 10 Strand New Amsterdam, Berbice; Sukhpaul’s Business

Enterprise & Auto Sales at Lot 7-8 Strand New Amsterdam, Berbice; and Sukhpaul’s Service Station at Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice.

Racing action begins at 09:00 with qualifying, after which the event would move into the knockout phase.

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

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WANTED Person to cook and manage restaurant in Charity, Essequibo.

Accommodation provided. Attractive Salary. 223-5273/223-5274

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WI vs England: Apex Test series, decisive third Test…

23

DA SILVA EKES OUT PRICELESS LEAD -as Chris Woakes's revival is thwarted

Woakes got in the wickets (Getty Images)

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ome 13,000km lie between Lahore and St George's, and a similar distance would appear to lie between the teams that have been taking part in their respective Test series’ deciders.

If Pat Cummins's Australians have just demonstrated, in their hardfought series victory over Pakistan, that a side blessed with great bowlers can transcend any conditions, then England and West Indies would appear to be hostages to a less palatable truth.

On the face of it, the decisive third Test in Grenada could scarcely be more intricately poised. By the close of the second day's play, West Indies' lower order had chiselled out a precious lead of 28, and every extra run looks set to be vital on a two-paced surface that promises awkward times ahead in even the most nominal of fourth-innings chases.

And yet, the evidence of the first two innings has been revealing.

Two flawed teams, battling their own insecurities with bat and ball alike, with each facet of their play winning out at alternate moments, with the implacable obstinacy of a push-me-pull-you.

GRFU continues to expand interest in rugby …North Georgetown Secondary students eager to learn

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he Guyana Rugby Football Union has gone into overdrive in recruiting as many youths under its Get Into Rugby (GIR) programme.

A team led by GRFU President Ryan Dey, and including Public Relations Officer Godfrey Broomes, Executive member Telroy McAlmont, National Selector and Coach Laurence Adonis, and player D’Arcy Durant, on Thursday visited North Georgetown Secondary for a meeting with 30 students and parents.

Coach Adonis, in his usual theatrical form, enticed the students by explaining the fundamentals of the sport and the voyages made during his extensive playing years.

Following the discussion, many students committed to learning the sport.

Dey affirmed that the GRFU is rebuilding the local brand of rugby, and would work overtime to widen its net to capture all persons interested in rugby.

Persons desirous of participating in rugby are invited to contact the Union’s Public Relations Officer on telephone number 610-5817.

On the first day, England collapsed in seaming conditions to 114 for 9, before their tenth-wicket pair cashed in on the softer old ball to ease to a serene 90-run stand. And on the second day, the West Indies staged a near-replica of their own - a collapse of seven for 78, either side of lunch, as Chris Woakes dragged his length back, and with it, fleetingly, his reputation in overseas conditions; then a lateevening revival with Joshua Da Silva's diligent 54 not out came to the fore as West Indies' eighth and ninth wickets racked up 104 seriestilting runs.

And by the close, England were huffing and puffing as if they were back in Antigua or Barbados - including with the second new ball, which came and went in six anodyne overs with as little malice as the first. And in the contest's final analysis, the combined analysis of 72 for 0 that West Indies have been able to pick off while those balls have been at their hardest may yet prove to be pivotal.

For whatever else England may have achieved in the name of their red-ball reset, finding an answer to their toothlessness up top is not one of them.

That said, the most successful of

John Campbell evading a delivery

England's bowlers in the innings to date is that man Woakes, although his current analysis of 20/6/48/3 - already among his best in 20 overseas Tests - tells only a fraction of his story.

Prior to this series, West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell hadn't made a half-century stand on home soil since England's last visit to the Caribbean in 2019; and they've never yet made a century stand in 35 attempts, the most by a top-order pair in Test history. They have, however, now racked up three fifty stands in as many Tests this series, including this latest effort - a disarmingly serene alliance of 50 that, in following directly on from Jack Leach's and Saqib Mahmood's casual progress on the first evening, appeared to confirm that the spice of the first morning had long since been there and gone.

But just as had been the case with their guileless first innings in Antigua, Woakes and Craig Overton were culpable in floating the ball up too full and wide for a cracked surface that demanded the ball be driven into the deck to extract the uneven bounce, and both men were all too easily thwarted as England's first innings’ 204 was made to look grossly inadequate.

But then Ben Stokes inevitably showed the way with a back-ofa-length shin-botherer to dislodge Brathwaite for his lowest score of the series; and, one over later, Campbell got in a tangle to a fearsome visor-smasher from Overton. He carried on after a mandatory concussion test, but the success of that length was an indication of the threat that awaited if England were willing to test the facilities.

Sure enough, Mahmood was the next to drag his own length back to pin Shamarh Brooks in front of leg stump, and then, six balls later, and in the penultimate over of the session, Overton's aggression into Campbell's body paid dividends, as he scuffed an attempted pull

down the leg side, and was sent on his way after a review.

It was a sign of lengths to come, and straight after lunch, it was Woakes's turn to drag it back, in more ways than one. Just when it seemed that his unquestioned good-eggery was finally going to run out of caveats in overseas conditions, he came hurtling in for his second spell with spirit and threat renewed.

His first breakthrough came via a startling change-up in pace, as he fired in a cross-seam bouncer to the obdurate Nkrumah Bonner, who flapped with his gloves as the ball skidded through lower than anticipated, and Ben Foakes scooped the deflection to confirm West Indies' panic at 82 for 4.

Three balls later, and it was all hands to the pump for a floundering batting line-up. Woakes fired in another short ball to the imposing Jason Holder, whose response was his third unworthy shot in as many innings - a spiralling top-edged pull to Jonny Bairstow at square leg, and in the space of a single over, Woakes had doubled his series wickets tally, and halved his average, from 88.50 and climbing to the mid-40s.

Suddenly his tail was up and his luck had turned. Two overs later, Jermaine Blackwood - who had already survived a rare drop on 14 by Foakes off Mahmood - hacked a flashy cut past the diving Overton at gully for four, only to fall to his very next ball, as Woakes fired in the fuller length, and extracted an umpire's call of lbw with the batter pinned in front of leg stump.

But Kyle Mayers, in the earliest sign that England's threat was transient, took it upon himself to inject some impetus into a stalled innings. First, he bludgeoned Woakes out of the attack with a premeditated pull for six over midwicket, then he twice climbed into Overton with unconventional hacks in front of square for boundaries, before deflecting Jack Leach to third man after his belated introduction for the 43rd over.

Once again, it was Stokes - discomforted, not for the first time, by his long-standing knee injury - who rejoined the attack to end Mayers's threatening stay on 28. There was perhaps a hint of reverse swing at play as he bent a full ball into middle stump, and Mahmood at mid-on swallowed a comfortable chip.

But from 128 for 7, Da Silva and Alzarri Joseph guided their side to tea, before setting themselves to chip off the remaining deficit of 70. At first Joseph was the more proactive of the partners, including another smashed six off Woakes, whose short ball was suddenly lacking its previous zip - and as England's desperation for a breakthrough became more apparent, so too did their use of their remaining reviews, all of them burned in hope rather than expectation.

In the end, it was pilot error that downed Joseph to end a key stand of 49, as he charged once more at Overton - a forgivable tactic with the new ball looming - and under-edged to the tumbling Foakes for 28.

But Roach, West Indies' senior pro, was in no mood to give his wicket away so tamely. He held his own to the close, as Da Silva brought up a gutsy fifty from 143 balls in the fading light. It was the first of the match, and it's not done yet. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS Kraigg Brathwaite (c)lbw b Stokes 17 John Campbell c †Foakes b Overton 35 Shamarh Brooks lbw b Mahmood 13 Nkrumah Bonner c †Foakes b Woakes 4 Jermaine Blackwood lbw b Woakes 18 Jason Holder c Bairstow b Woakes 0 Kyle Mayers c Mahmood b Stokes 28 Joshua Da Silva † not out 54 Alzarri Joseph c †Foakes b Overton 28 Kemar Roach not out 25 Extras (b 1, lb 7, w 2) 10 TOTAL (86 Ov, RR: 2.69) 232/8

Yet to bat: Jayden Seales Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 16.6 ov), 2-68 (Shamarh Brooks, 22.2 ov), 3-69 (John Campbell, 23.1 ov), 4-82 (Nkrumah Bonner, 31.3 ov), 5-82 (Jason Holder, 31.6 ov), 6-95 (Jermaine Blackwood, 35.4 ov), 7-128 (Kyle Mayers, 47.2 ov), 8-177 (Alzarri Joseph, 68.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Chris Woakes 20-6-48-3 Craig Overton 20-1-71-2 Saqib Mahmood 18-7-39-1 Ben Stokes 16-2-40-2 Jack Leach 12-3-26-0

Tenelec Inc’s First Division tournament bowls off today in Berbice

Albion drew a bye and will not play until the next round

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irst Division cricket action bowls off today, Saturday March 26, with matches across the ancient county of Berbice. The powerhouse team Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour will play Blairmont at a venue yet to be confirmed, while Tucber Park will play West Berbice at West Berbice. Albion have drawn a bye for the first round.

In the other fixtures, Upper Corentyne will play Skeldon at Skeldon

Community Centre. Port Mourant will play Young Warriors at Port Mourant, while Rose Hall Canje and Police will lock horns at Rose Hall Canje.

All matches will start at 9:30am, and according to the Berbice Cricket Board, only one non-Berbician player is allowed to participate in each team’s matches. Each team is allowed a maximum of only two nonBerbician players to be registered per year.

Walkover shall be granted half an hour after the scheduled start of play.

Captains have to be present at latest twenty minutes before 9:30am (9:10am) to spin the toss, or they would forfeit the toss.

The BCB would allow players with one vaccine to play in this tournament, but only fully vaccinated players shall be allowed in the remaining First Division tournament.

In the event of a washout, only the BCB can reset a new date. All COVID-19 guidelines are to be followed: face masks in pavilion, hand sanitizers, and social distancing. Only registered players are allowed to play for their own clubs, and all teams are to submit their list of players before the start of the tournament.

All players seeking to play for a new club must obtain permission from their old clubs and acceptance from the new club.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

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

WI vs England: Apex Test series, decisive third Test…

DA SILVA EKES OUT PRICELESS LEAD See story on page 23

-as Chris Woakes's revival is thwarted

Joshua Da Silva

Sport Ministry pledges Government’s support for ‘Guyana Fight Night, Road to Redemption’

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inister of Culture, Youth and round lightweight contest.

Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., In the feature bout of the evening, the has pledged Government’s sup- USA-based Dharry will face the undefeated port for the ‘Guyana Fight Night, Road to Orlando Penalba of Panama, who has an unRedemption’ card, scheduled for April 23 at blemished record of 12 fights with one draw. the National Stadium at Providence, EBD. Dharry, who has a large fan base in The principals of the six-fight interna- Guyana, will fight for the spoils of the WBC tional boxing event have met with Minister international super flyweight title, while Ramson, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Marques will face flyweight Gilberto Pedroza, and Chairman of the National Sports another native of Panama, in the coCommission Kashif Muhammad at that main event.

Ministry’s Main Street Georgetown premisKhan will take on es yesterday.

Anthony Narine in a sixDuring that meeting, Ramson stopped round middleweight short of putting a specific figure to the bout, while Walcott magnitude of support the Government will ‘lace it up’ against would undertake, but promised to asJames Moore in a foursist the fixture, which will be headround light heavylined by Elton Dharry, with Dexter ‘De weight fight.

Kid’ Marques co-featuring.

G o m e s , “We will be supporting this one of the event. We like Elton, and we brightlook forward to partnering est lowith you to make this event cal prosa success,” Ramson said pects, yesterday. will look The card, which has to add an international flavour, with a blend of talented youth and experience, would see the return of Imran ‘Magic’ Khan, James Walcott and Quincy Gomes.

Also, debutants Stephen Da Silva and Richard James Elton Dharry sharing a moment with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo would match gloves in a four-

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr, alongside Elton Dharry; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad; President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control Peter Abdool, and Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle

another ‘W’ to his record when he takes on Barbados-based Charwin Estwick for the local junior middleweight title.

Dharry, a skilful 36-year-old orthodox fighter, knows that Father Time is perusing his career, and he plans to put on a show in front of the local boxing-starved fans.

“My main aim is to win big fights and get another crack at the world title”, said Dharry, who was scheduled to arrive in Guyana yesterday.

Dharry has been calling out world champions in his division, and has fought for the WBA Super Flyweight title in 2019.

However, he lost to Andrew Maloney in the latter’s hometown of Melbourne, Australia in a controversial ninth-round stoppage, after the ringside doctor stopped the fight due to an eye injury when, Dharry said, he was dominating.

Dharry has improved his record to 25-61 with 15 KOs with a first-round stoppage of his last opponent last July. He says his ultimate dream is to win a world title for Guyana.

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