flights from Guyana to New York P

NEWS 29 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM CAL resumes flights from Guyana to New York

Just about one week after the Government of Guyana formally reopened the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has announced that it will be resuming commercial flights between CJIA and JFK Airport in New York.

The first flight is scheduled for Monday and will depart Guyana at 09:00h and arrive in New York at about 14:50h. Meanwhile, the return flight from JFK is departing at 16:20h on the same day and will arrive at the CJIA at 22:00h.

On Saturday, the airline said it will roll out its entire flight schedule for Guyana next week.

“2020 has been an unprecedented year for aviation. Our customers in Guyana and North America can count on Caribbean Airlines to reconnect them with their family and friends. We attach tremendous importance to our valued Guyanese customers and their loyalty to the airline. The full schedule will soon follow,” CAL’s Chief Executive Officer, Garvin Medera, said in a statement Saturday.

Medera continued, “We assure you that Caribbean Airlines observes safety protocols which are aligned with the highest international standards for the protection and well-being of our customers and employees.”

The non-stop return service for Monday, October

19, between Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Guyana, and JFK International, New York, is open for sale.

Medera further assured that Caribbean Airlines will observe all safety protocols which are aligned with the highest international standards for the protection and well-being of customers and employees.

Increased passenger traffic

Meanwhile, the CJIA management in a statement on Friday said with the reopening of the airport, it is expected that passenger arrivals will double over the next month. The airport cor-

poration noted that already the main carriers operating in Guyana – CAL, American Airlines and COPA Airlines – have applied and have been approved to resume

commercial flight operations.

According to CJIA, “This is a promising start to the reopening process, especially since the airport experienced a 95 per cent drop in passenger traffic and 1.4 billion dollars in revenue losses, over the last six (6) months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The CJIA has attained the Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) from the Airports Council International, Latin America and the Caribbean Region (ACI-LAC). The ACI Airport Health Accreditation programme provides airports with an assessment of how aligned their health measures are when compared to the ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) recommendations as well as with industry best practices.

This, CJIA believes, will give the airlines and passengers alike the confidence that the safety measures implemented are in line with international standards. In the meantime, passengers arriving into Guyana are required to obtain a negative PCR test taken within seven (7) days, prior to their arrival.

Passengers with tests within four to seven (4-7) days prior to arrival at CJIA will be subjected to a second PCR test. As it relates to the on-site PCR testing at the airport, CJIA reported that all the passengers who have since been tested on arrival have been negative for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Eastern Airlines, which has been operating repatriation flights over the past few months, has already commenced commercial operations be-

tween Guyana and the US. (G2)

30 NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Guyana should move towards zero-flaring – energy specialist

…says short-term flaring has minor impact on environment

Professor Dr Morgan Bazilian

Payne Institute Director and Public Policy Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, Professor Dr Morgan Bazilian has urged that Guyana should conduct a study on the environmental impacts of gas flaring, while noting that the country’s focus should be moving towards zero flaring as soon as possible.

Professor Morgan made this disclosure on Friday at a webinar during which he provided a short presentation on global gas flaring. While Professor Morgan admitted that he was not in a position to say how the amount of gas emitted by ExxonMobil has impacted the environment in Guyana, he said that flaring thus far by the US oil giant has been short-term with minor impacts.

He reasoned that for long-term flaring, there are going to be impacts on green life and air quality. “But you [Guyana] have not so far have a long-term flare, it is relatively new,” the US Professor explained. He continued, “Those flares in Russia, Iraq and Texas have

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

been going on for decades.” He explained that gas flaring has significant impacts on the environment, especially if it is long-term.

He added that in very short-term cases, like in Guyana, the impacts on the environment are minor. He, therefore, advised that the only way to make an environmental impact statement on the effects of flaring in Guyana is to actually do a detailed study on it with weather patterns, forest and human health…”

“That is why I say the focus should be moving towards zero flaring as soon as possible,” said Professor Morgan, who was the Lead Energy Specialist at the World Bank.

Recently, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said that a comparison with the Payara licence and the licence for Liza Field 1 and 2 will show that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) were able to secure far improved terms compared to the former APNU/AFC Government. He pointed out that a major difference is the prohibition of routine flaring, which has negative effects on the environment.

According to Jagdeo, ExxonMobil cannot flare gas for more than 60 days. Thereafter, he noted that the oil company can face fines from the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for flaring that does not fall under special circumstances. This, Jagdeo said, is a vast improvement from the Lisa production licence that the former Government issued to Exxon, where routine flaring was not prohibited.

“In the last licence, flaring was permitted because there was no prohibition. In this licence, flaring is prohibited and there is a fine thereafter. Because you cannot enforce a prohibition unless you have a fine,” Jagdeo explained.

He added that there will be two components of the fine. He explained that one will be by EPA which will do it based on carbon pricing and pollution. “And that has to be put in place shortly, a system of fines pursuant to the permit. And the second component is the part we insisted on, on the usage of the gas. We’re entitled to half of that gas.”

The Vice President, therefore, said that if Exxon flares gas and is at fault for doing so, it will have to pay a fine for the burnt gas.

NEWS 31 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Govt offers Success squatters shelter

Squatters are yet to remove from the flooded lands

The PPP/C Government application process for uncontinues to reach out lawful occupants. to the squatters on the On Friday, President East Coast of Demerara and Irfaan Ali in addressing the has even offered to provide issue urged those persons shelter for them. squatting at Success to ac-

This was related to per- cept the lawful method of acsons squatting at Success, quiring home-ownership. ECD, by Prime Minister, “Let me say to my brothBrigadier Mark Phillips, ers and sisters at Success, who visited the area along who we’ve reached out to with the Civil Defence on many occasions, it is not Commission (CDC) on that we want you to be disSaturday. lodged in the area. We want

Many squatters have re- you to own your own homes fused to remove themselves too. That is why we sent the from the lands owned by housing team to see you. But the National Industrial and there’s a right way in doing Commercial Investments things and a wrong way. In Limited (NICIL), even Guyana, we have to get acas the Central Housing customed to doing things the and Planning Authority right way. Otherwise, we’ll (CH&PA) has visited the be developing communities area to commence the land that are not successful. We

want to help you. We are going to move as fast as possible in this programme,” the Head of State noted.

The area, which has been overtaken by squatting, would have already seen 17,000 varieties of sugarcane being damaged in the process.

Despite new developments, persons have been asked to vacate but some are still non-compliant, thus refusing to cease the illegal inhabitance of State lands.

A few weeks back, the CH&PA was tasked with registering squatters, so that they could be eligible for a house lot. It was previously reported that lands in 22 areas on the East Coast, East Bank, and West

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and officials from the CDC at Success on Saturday

Bank Demerara; Linden; Berbice and Essequibo were approved in the 2020 Emergency Budget and this publication understands that allocations for the residents will fall under this project.

However, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was ordered to restart operations at the Enmore Sugar Estate by early 2022, which has prompted the commencement of work at Success.

GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Sasenarine Singh was quoted as saying that while the squatters have been affected by these steps, the Ministry of Housing and Water had urged them to relocate and as such, arrangements were even made for other parcels of land to be made available.

The CEO explained that to have successful outcomes from the sugar mills at Enmore, there must be a supply of one-year-old matured sugar canes. As a result, land tillage needs to commence next January.

It was against this backdrop that the sugar corporation on Thursday flooded the field, including the area where the squatters are occupying.

Singh believes that the sugar company is not being unreasonable, since it had previously parcelled off and transferred high-value lands to the Housing Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority to

facilitate 28,000 house lots.

Nevertheless, the inundation of the plots at Success on Thursday led to an escalation of the situation as armed men pounced on a security guard stationed at the Success Backlands, disarmed him and shot at a drainage pump before escaping on a motorcycle.

Meanwhile, there has been outrage from some quarters over the treatment of those persons at Success. In fact, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Board member, Nigel Hinds has since reportedly tendered his resignation over his disagreement with the decision to flood the lands while persons were still occupying same.

32 NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM 2 nabbed, 1 on the run for Albouystown teen’s murder

Asecond teen has been arrested and Police are searching for one more in connection with the murder of 16-yearold Jumal Parks of Non Pariel Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, who was brutally beaten and stabbed to death by three teenagers on Tuesday last.

This was confirmed by Regional Commander Simon Mc Bean, who told this publication that the case file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP) for advice.

Parks was killed on Front Road, West Ruimveldt, while he was at his place of work - Wanita’s Wash Bay. Police said the act was committed by a 19-year-old labourer of Hunter Street, La Penitence; an 18-yearold unemployed male of West Ruimveldt along with a 17-year-old unemployed male of East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Reports are one of the suspects, who was armed with a piece of wood, visited the car wash and reportedly called out to the now dead teen. The teen did not pay heed but the suspects advanced towards him, thus resulting in him running into a nearby house where he was stabbed to the left side chest and his right upper arm.

The stabbing was reportedly done by the 19-yearold while the others dealt him several blows about his body with pieces of wood.

Dead: Jumal Parks

Following the incident, the teen was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead. (G9)

Sluice door at Number 52 Village collapses

The sluice door at Number 52 Village Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Bebrice-Corentyne) collapsed

Asluice door at Number the National Drainage and eas in the backlands. 52 Village Corentyne, Irrigation Authority (NDIA) “That area drains from Berbice, Region Six transported planks from Number 49 to Number (East Bebrice-Corentyne) Georgetown to assist with 51 which falls under the collapsed on Friday evening. reducing the flow of water Number 51/Goodhope NDC With the highest tide for the coming from the Atlantic. as well as from 52 to 64 year expected on Sunday, “We were also able to get Village which falls under both residential and farm- some from the Sea Defense the 52/74 NDC. Additional lands are under threat. and some from a sawmill at to that it drains the cat-

The incident occurred at Crabwood Creek.” According tle pasture between 52 and about 19:00h as a direct re- to the chairman, most of the Number 66 as well as the sult of the current spring flow has been blocked and area that they refer to as the tide, this newspaper was the sluice door will be at- Number 52 Scheme where told. tended to at the end of the we have about 8000 acres of

However according to spring tide. rice there.” Regional Chairman David However, Regional DeRoop further exArmogan mechanisms have Agriculture Coordinator plained that rice has already been put in place to reduce Dennis DeRoop explained been harvested hence any flooding as efforts are being that residents from Number flooding to the rice farms made fixed the sluice door. 46 Village to Number 65 would not have a devastat-

He added that the re- Village could be at risk since ing impact. gional administration was the sluice was used to drain The current spring tide able to install stop blocks all of those villages in addi- has a five-day forecast with on Friday evening while tion to some cultivation ar- Sunday being the highest.

DR TARIQ JAGNARINE

Family Medicine, Endocrinology & Diabetes

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in males, but it is highly treatable in the early stages. It begins in the prostate gland, which sits between the penis and the bladder.

The prostate has various functions, including: • Producing the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. • Secreting prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein that helps semen retain its liquid state. • Helping aid urine control.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect males in the United States and Guyana.

Around 1 in 9 males will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer at some point in their life. However, only 1 in 41 of these will die because of it. This is because treatment is effective, especially in the early stages. Routine screening enables doctors to detect many cases of prostate cancer before they spread.

CAUSES

Prostate cancer develops when specific changes occur, usually in glandular cells. Cancerous or precancerous cells in the prostate gland are called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Nearly 50% of all males over the age of 50 years have PIN. At first, the changes will be slow, and the cells will not be cancerous. However, they can become cancerous with time. Cancer cells can be high or low grade. High grade cells are more likely to grow and spread, while low grade cells are not likely to grow and are not a cause for concern

RISK FACTORS

Doctors do not know exactly why prostate cancer occurs, but the following risk factors may make it more likely: • Age: The risk increases after the age of 50, but it is rare before the age of 45. • Race or ethnicity: It is more common in black males than white males. Asian and Hispanic males have a lower risk. • Family history: If a male has a close relative with a history of prostate cancer, they have a higher chance of developing it themselves. • Genetic factors: Inherited features, including changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, may increase the risk. Mutations in these genes increase the chance of breast cancer in females, too. Men born with Lynch Syndrome also have a higher risk of developing prostate and other cancers.

There is some evidence to suggest that other factors may play a role, but research needs more evidence to confirm their involvement: • Diet (fatty foods) • Obesity • Smoking • Exposure to chemicals, such as the herbicide agents • Inflammation of the prostate • Sexually transmitted infections • Vasectomy

SYMPTOMS

There are often no symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer, but screening can detect changes that can indicate cancer. Screening involves a test that measures levels of PSA in the blood. High levels suggest that cancer may be present.

Males who do experience symptoms may notice: • Difficulty starting and maintaining urination • A frequent urge to urinate, especially at night • Blood in the urine or semen • Painful urination

• In some cases, pain on ejaculation • Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection • Pain or discomfort when sitting, if the prostate is enlarged

Advanced prostate cancer can involve the following symptoms: • Bone fracture or bone pain, especially in the hips, thighs, or shoulders • Edema, or swelling in the legs or feet • Weight loss • Tiredness • Changes in bowel habits • Back pain

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, among other factors.

Early stage prostate cancer

If the cancer is small and localised, a doctor may recommend watchful waiting or monitoring by checking PSA blood levels regularly, but taking no immediate action. Prostate cancer grows slowly, and the risk of side effects may outweigh the need for immediate treatment.

Surgery

A surgeon may carry out a prostatectomy. They can remove the prostate gland using either laparoscopic or open surgery.

Radiation therapy

A doctor will implant radioactive seeds into the prostate to deliver targeted radiation treatment. Conformal radiation therapy: This targets a specific area, minimising the risk to healthy tissue. Another type, called intensity modulated radiation therapy, uses beams with variable intensities. Treatment will depend on various factors. Doctors will discuss the best option for the individual.

Advanced prostate cancer

As cancer grows, it can spread throughout the body. If it spreads, or if it comes back after remission, the treatment options will change.

Options include:

Chemotherapy: This can kill cancer cells around the body, but it can cause adverse effects.

Hormonal therapy: Androgens are male hormones. The main androgens are testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Blocking or reducing these hormones appears to stop or delay the growth of cancer cells. One option is to undergo surgery to remove the testicles, which produce most of the body’s hormones. Various drugs can also help. Most doctors do not recommend surgery in the later stages, as it does not treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. However, some experts have suggested that it may help in some cases.

New treatments

Some newer approaches aim to treat prostate cancer without the side effects that other treatment options can bring.

These include:

• Cryotherapy • High intensity focused ultrasound

After surgery, a doctor will continue to monitor PSA levels.

Effects on fertility

The prostate gland plays a role in sexual reproduction. Prostate cancer and many of its treatments affect fertility in several ways. For example, if a male has surgery to remove either the prostate gland or the testicles, it will affect semen production and fertility. In addition, radiation therapy can affect prostate tissue, damaging sperm and reducing the amount of semen for transporting it. Hormonal treatment can also affect fertility.

However, some options for preserving these functions include: • Banking sperm before surgery

DR TARIQ JAGNARINE

• Extracting sperm directly from the testicles for artificial insemination

However, there is no guarantee that fertility will remain intact after treatment for prostate cancer. Anyone who would like to have children after treatment should discuss fertility options with their doctor when they devise their treatment plan.

STAGES OF PROSTATE CANCER

Knowing the stage of prostate cancer can help a person understand what to expect, and it will inform decisions about treatment. 1. Stage 0: Precancerous cells are present, but they only affect a small area and are slow growing. 2. Localized (stage 1): Cancer is only present in the prostate gland. Effective treatment is possible at this stage. 3. Regional (stages 2–3): Cancer has spread to nearby tissues. 4. Distant (stage 4): Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.

DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER

If a male has symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer, doctors indicate the following: • Review symptoms • Explore personal and medical history • Conduct a blood test to assess PSA

levels • Carry out a urine test to look for other biomarkers • A physical examination, which may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) During a DRE, the doctor will check manually for any abnormalities of the prostate with their finger. • A PCA3 test: This looks for the PCA3 gene in the urine. • A trans rectal ultrasound: This involves inserting a probe with a camera into the rectum. • A biopsy: A doctor will take a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. Only a biopsy can confirm the presence and type of cancer.

PROGNOSIS

Males with early stage prostate cancer have a good chance of effective treatment and survival.

LIFE STYLE CHANGES TO HELP PREVENT PROSTATE CANCER

The adherence to the new World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) lifestyle recommendations has been found to significantly reduce the risk of developing highly aggressive prostate cancer. • Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight. • Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day. • Avoid sugary drinks and limit the consumption of energy-dense foods. • Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans. • Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats. • If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to two for men and one for women a day. • Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium). • Do not use supplements to protect against cancer.

The best way to detect prostate cancer in the early stages is to attend regular screening. Anyone who has not yet attended screening should ask their doctor about their options.

34 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 Regional

In a pandemic year, Mexico’s Day of the Dead will be more subdued

Marigolds, known City. She said only about Cemeteries, public garin Mexico as “the half as many of the flowers dens and houses light up in flower of the dead” are being grown this year the bright, orange colour as for a scent believed be strong as would have been planted marigolds are planted evand sweet enough to attract normally for the annual hol- erywhere in October. souls and draw them back, iday. In their homes, Mexicans are generally all around by Ratcheting back the cel- build altars adorned with mid-October as the Day of ebrations is a sacrifice that photographs of the deceased, the Dead approaches. must be made if Mexico is to marigolds, candy sculls, pa-

But with the country curb the spread of the pan- pier-mâché skeletons and exceeding 85,700 official demic, said Columba Lopez, chocolate coffins. deaths from the coronavi- director of Mexico City’s The dead are also offered rus pandemic this year, the Commission for Natural their favourite food, pasbright, orange colour has Resources and Rural tries, tequila and cigarettes not been as prominent as Development. - or whatever might entice Mexican authorities have “People have to stay at them to return from the unsaid cemeteries will remain home,” he added. derworld. closed for the Nov 2 celebra- The Day of the Dead tra- With cemeteries closed tion. dition blends Catholic rit- but more dead to remem“There have been a lot uals with the pre-Hispanic ber this year, Mexicans are of losses this year,” said belief that the dead return planning more private reConcepcion Cruz, who cul- once a year from the under- membrances for their loved tivates marigold in Mexico world. ones. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Haitian Police, protesters clash; President calls for unity

Haitian Police on Saturday fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse anti-Government protesters who blocked roads and set fires in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Several people were injured.

It was the latest unrest during more than a year of protests calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse over corruption charges. Haiti is currently experiencing a political impasse without a Parliament An idled floating oil facility off Venezuela’s eastern coast is undergoing repairs, according to a person familiar with the matter, as images showing the crude-laden vessel at an incline have raised concerns about possible environmen-

and is now run by decree under Moïse. The President marked Saturday by appealing for A protester walks past burning barricades during a protest demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moise in Portau-Prince, Haiti, Saturday, October 17, 2020 unity and laying a wreath offered economic support for gunfire with Haitian solon the 214th anniversary those who lost work due to diers outside the nationof the death of Haiti’s first a national lockdown aimed al palace where Police were independent ruler, Jean- at preventing the spread of protesting working condiJacque Dessalines. COVID-19 in the impover- tions. Many Haitians criticise ished country. Earlier this year, a scaththe Government’s pandem- The police have held ing United Nations report ic response, alleging that their own protests this accused Haitian Police of authorities have not done year, demanding better pay corruption and failing to proenough to provide treat- and working conditions. In tect the population. (Excerpt ment for those affected, or February, Police exchanged from Jamaica Observer)

Bolivia readies for longdelayed presidential election

Amid a pandemic and American and Caribbean quires at least 40 per cent of months of political studies at the University of the votes in the first round, turmoil, Bolivians Georgia. and a 10-point lead over the say a tense calm has tak- “This is going to be a closest competitor. en over the nation as voters close election,” Derpic said. Mesa, 67, was Vice prepare to head to the polls The leading contenders President back in 2003. He on Sunday. in the October 18 vote are became President after naThe fraught rerun of former Economy Minister tional protests, led in part Bolivia’s presidential elec- Luis Arce, the Movement for by Morales, forced the restions comes at a time of Socialism party (MAS) can- ignation of then-President deep divisions in the South didate who led an extended Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada. American country and ex- period of boom under oust- Continuing unrest forced perts say the contest will be ed former President Evo Mesa to step down. He then hard-fought – and may be Morales, and Carlos Mesa, oversaw elections in 2006, decided in a runoff before a centrist former president. which Morales won in a the end of the year. Trailing behind in all landslide. “There’s a fear that the polls is Luis Fernando Mesa, a historian and whatever the outcome of the Camacho, a conservative an intellectual, is considelection, there is going to protest leader, and Chi ered a political outsider, but be violence, and we have to Hyun Chung, a Korean-born he commands substantial be prepared for that,” said evangelist. support, especially among Jorge Derpic, assistant pro- In Bolivian elections, to Bolivia’s urban middle class. fessor in sociology, Latin win outright, a candidate re- (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

St Lucia Govt says no to shutdown, but schools remain closed as island records another COVID case

Health Minister Mary Isaac, flanked by Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (left) and other Government Ministers, making a point

during the news conference. (Photo: CMC)

The St Lucia Government who he said have not been adsaid it has no intention hering to the various protocols of shutting down the and measures put in place to country, even as the island re- curb the spread of the virus. corded yet another case of the Chastanet said he would coronavirus on Friday. not be intimidated by peoSpeaking during a tele- ple claiming that their rights vised news conference, were being taken away and Chastanet said that shutting warned that the letter of the down the island was not an law will be imposed on anyoption. one who does not comply with

“We do not want to get to COVID-19 protocols. the point where we have to The country has 33 close down. If we have to be- COVID-19 cases. come more draconian, we will It said that the individudo it,” Chastanet warned, al is a 62-year old female who making reference to people works at the educational in-

stitution where the previous case of the virus had been detected. Isaac said that many people were going about life as if it is business as usual, adding that she did not know whether it was because the Government and frontline workers have done such a good job in containing the virus that people do not recognise the danger.

The Ministry said it was advising parents and guardians that instruction will revert to the multi-faceted approach of online learning and safe distribution of instructional packages from teachers, adding: “During the period students are at home, parents and guardians are also asked to note that all necessary information to you on this matter will be communicated by the school of your child or ward”. (Excerpt from

T&T scholar set for top honours in US

When the Georgia who had placed among the ary research. Institute of top-10 students in Physics Almost certain to gradTechnology and Chemistry following the uate ‘Summa Cum Laude’ (Georgia Tech) holds its 2014 CAPE exams, had ap- (with the highest distincgraduation ceremony in plications accepted by pre- tion), Kavir said success in December, a T&T national mier universities around the his studies can benefit T&T will be among those receiv- world, including the Royal and in particular, the enviing top honours. Imperial College in London, ronment. Kavir Jaggernauth, 24, University of Toronto, and “I plan to come back home a national open scholarship the University of Waterloo, to work for a few years (as winner in Sciences, has al- Canada. part of my scholarship agreeready received five distinc- However, he chose ment) and then pursue a tions (Faculty Honours) — Georgia Tech because of its Master’s degree in Energy awards given to students renown reputation of offer- Systems Engineering. I’m who earned a 4.0 academic ing one of the best courses in really interested in the balaverage for the semester— engineering anywhere in the ance between energy generaand has also been on the world. tion and environmental conDean’s List three times for After first considering servation, which I think will achieving above a 3.0 aca- aeronautical space engineer- be of particular importance demic average. ing, he opted to pursue me- to Trinidad over the next deThe Siparia-grown former chanical engineering and has cade,” he said. (Excerpt from Naparima College student been focused on revolution- Trinidad Guardian)

Idled Venezuelan floating oil facility under repairs amid environmental concerns – source

Jamaica Observer) tal hazards. The Nabarima floating storage and offloading (FSO) facility is operated by the Petrosucre joint venture between Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela and Italy’s Petrosucre of its former main crude buyer, PDVSA’s US-based refining subsidiary Citgo Petroleum Corp. Gary Aboud, the corporate secretary of Trinidadian environmental group Fishermen and Friends of vessel is leaning to one side in order to facilitate the repairs. It was not clear whether the crew was hired by Petrosucre or directly by Eni, which has a 26 per cent stake in the venture. Eni. Petrosucre suspend- the Sea, said he was con- PDVSA owns the remaining ed output shortly after cerned about a potential oil 74 per cent. Washington sanctioned spill, which would devastate An Eni spokesperson PDVSA in January 2019. the livelihoods of the coun- said on Friday that the comAbout 1.3 million barrels try’s fishermen. pany was seeking to offof Corocoro crude have re- A crew is currently re- load crude from the vessel, mained stuck on the vessel, placing the vessel’s valves, and had requested a “green which is located in the Paria according to a person fa- light” from the United Gulf between Venezuela and miliar with the matter who States Government “in orTrinidad and Tobago. The spoke on the condition of an- der to prevent any sanctions sanctions have deprived onymity. The source said the risk.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS

Schlumberger books third loss this year as oil crisis bites

The world’s largest oilfield services provider, Schlumberger, reported on Friday its third consecutive quarterly loss this year as exploration and production companies drastically reduced demand for drilling in the US and elsewhere due to the low oil prices and weak oil demand.

Schlumberger booked a loss of US$82 million for the third quarter. The loss was much narrower than the second-quarter loss of US$3.434 billion, which was the second straight quarterly loss on the back of a dramatic revenue slump in US shale and asset impairment charges in what “has probably been the most challenging quarter in past decades,” as CEO Olivier Le Peuch said in July.

While the Q3 loss was much lower than in Q2, revenues at Schlumberger still declined in Q3 compared to Q2. Revenue declined by 2 per cent sequentially, with North American revenue down 2 per cent and international revenue down by 1 per cent.

Compared to the same quarter last year, the revenue decline was dramatic—down by 59 per cent in North America and down by 27 per cent elsewhere.

Schlumberger’s exposure to North America is lower than that of Halliburton, for example. Moreover, Schlumberger said last month it was selling its North American fracking business to Liberty Oilfield Services for a minority stake in a new combined company after the oil price crash crushed the US shale patch’s fracking activity.

Looking to the fourth quarter, CEO Le Peuch commented in the results release said: “In North America, the conditions are set for continued momentum, with improving DUC well completion activity in US land and a modest drilling resumption in the US and Canada.”

“Overall internationally, we view the next two quarters as a period of transition for our industry at the trough of this cycle,” the executive said, but warned that “the near-term recovery remains fragile owing to potential subsequent waves of COVID-19 that could pose a significant risk to this outlook.” (Excerpt from Oilprice.com) Women’s March holds rallies against Trump’s Supreme Court pick

Women's rights advocates say they fear Amy Coney Barrett, US President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, will restrict

abortion access in the US [Erin Scott/Reuters]

Women and their sup- It was the second event porters are rally- organised by the Women’s ing in Washington, March this year after thouDC, and across the United sands rallied around the States on Saturday as part country in January for the of a Women’s March against fourth annual march. President Donald Trump’s Several speakers urged recent nominee to the demonstrators to vote Supreme Court, Amy Coney Trump out of office on Barrett. November 3, and chants

Speaking to a crowd of “vote him out!” could be gathered at Freedom Plaza heard during the march. in the US capital, Rachel Event organisers also O’Leary Carmona, the stressed the need to send a Women’s March Executive clear message of opposition Director, said more than 400 to Barrett and any potential similar protests were organ- curbs on women’s rights. ised across the country. If confirmed, the conser-

“When we come together, vative judge would give the when we take the streets, nation’s top court a 6-3 conwhen we vote, women are servative majority – and the single most powerful po- rights groups have said they litical force in America, and fear Barrett intends to rethere is nothing – not one strict access to abortion and thing – that Donald Trump other civil liberties. can do to stop us,” she said. Meanwhile, a conser-

The crowd in vative women’s group, the Washington, DC – most of Independent Women’s whom wore masks due to Forum, said it was organisthe COVID-19 pandemic – ing a counterprotest in the planned to march to the US US capital on Saturday under Capitol and US Supreme the slogan, “I’m With Her”, Court buildings, local media to show support for Barrett. reported. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 35 Around the World

Armenia and Azerbaijan agree new Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire

Armenia and Minister Sergei Lavrov, Azerbaijan said who mediated the ceasefire they had agreed on talks a week ago, had talked Saturday to a new human- to his Armenian and Azeri itarian ceasefire from mid- counterparts by phone on night (2000 GMT) in fight- Saturday and stressed that ing over Azerbaijan’s ethnic the truce agreed a week ago Armenian-controlled en- must be observed, Moscow clave of Nagorno-Karabakh. said.

Azerbaijan and Armenia Russia, France and the had accused each other ear- United States are members lier on Saturday of fresh at- of the Minsk group, which tacks in violation of a weekold Russian-brokered truce that had failed to halt the worst fighting in the South Search-and-rescue teams work on a blast site hit by a rocket during the fighting over the breakaway region of NagornoKarabakh, in the city of Ganja, Azerbaijan October 17, 2020 has attempted to help resolve the long-running conflict under the umbrella of the Organisation for Caucasus since the 1990s. economically and sends vol- Karabakh, a territory that Security and Cooperation in

Azerbaijan had said that unteers to serve in its army, is internationally recognised Europe (OSCE). 13 civilians had been killed had accused Azerbaijan of as part of Azerbaijan but French President and more than 50 wounded continued shelling. populated and governed by Emmanuel Macron said the in the city of Ganja by a mis- The fighting is the ethnic Armenians. ceasefire must be “uncondisile attack from Nagorno- worst in the region since Both countries an- tional and strictly respected Karabakh. Armenia, Azerbaijan and ethnic nounced the ceasefire in by both sides”, according to which supports Nagorno- Armenian forces went to war identical statements. a statement from his office. Karabakh politically and in the 1990s over Nagorno- Russian Foreign (Excerpt from Reuters)

Police arrest 9 after teacher beheaded in Paris suburb

The French Police have month shown his pupils car- tack in the middle-class and its values of secularism, arrested nine people toons of the prophet in a civ- suburb of Conflans-Sainte- freedom of worship and freeafter a suspect be- ics class on the freedom of Honorine. Five more were dom of expression. headed a school teacher in expression, angering a num- detained overnight, among Tareq Oubrou, the imam broad daylight on the street ber of Muslim parents. them two parents of pu- of a Bordeaux mosque, said in a Paris suburb on Friday, Muslims believe that any pils at the College du Bois of the killing: “It is not a ciPolice sources said. depiction of the prophet is d’Aulne where the teacher vilisation that kills an inno-

Samuel Paty, who had blasphemous. was employed. cent person, it is barbarity.” recently shown students The killing was de- Parents of pupils laid France has over the past cartoons of the Prophet scribed by French President flowers at the school gate. several years seen a series Muhammad, was beheaded Emmanuel Macron on Some said their children of violent attacks, includoutside his school. Friday as a “terrorist at- were distraught. ing bombings and shootings

Police shot the attacker tack”. Muslim leaders con- in November 2015 at the dead minutes after he mur- Four relatives of the at- demned the killing, which Bataclan theatre and sites dered the 47-year-old histo- tacker, including a minor, many public figures per- around Paris that killed ry teacher. were detained in the imme- ceived as an attack on the 130 people. (Excerpt from Al

Paty had earlier this diate aftermath of the at- essence of French statehood Jazeera)

New Zealand election: Jacinda Ardern's Labour Party scores landslide win

New Zealand Prime New Zealanders were New Zealander." Minister Jacinda also asked to vote in two ref- National Party (NAT) Ardern has won erendums alongside the gen- leader Judith Collins cona landslide victory in the eral election. gratulated Ms Ardern and country's general election. The Electoral promised her party would be

With all votes tallied, Commission's final tally a "robust opposition". Ardern's centre-left Labour also gave ACT New Zealand No party had managed Party won 49.1 per cent, 8 per cent of the vote (10 to win an outright majoribringing a projected 64 seats projected seats), the Greens ty in New Zealand since it and a rare outright parlia- 7.6 per cent (10), the Maori introduced a voting system mentary majority. Party 1 per cent (1) and oth- known as Mixed Member

The opposition cen- ers 7.7 per cent (0). Proportional representation tre-right National Party won Ardern, 40, told her sup- (MMP) in 1996. 26.8 per cent in Saturday's porters after the victory: Ardern, who dubbed poll - just 35 seats in the Jacinda Ardern: "We will not "New Zealand has shown the poll "the COVID elec120-seat assembly. take your support for granted" the Labour Party its great- tion", pledged to instil more

The poll was originally est support in almost 50 climate-friendly policies, to be held in September but Ahead of Saturday's vote, years. We will not take your boost funding for disadvanwas postponed by a month more than a million people support for granted. And I taged schools and raise inafter a renewed COVID-19 cast ballots in early polling, can promise you we will be a come taxes on top earners. outbreak. which opened on October 3. party that governs for every (Excerpt from BBC News)

Global coronavirus cases rise by 1-day record of 400,000

Global coronavirus average 140,000 cases a day ported more than 6.3 million by Asia, North America cases rose by more over the past week. cases since the pandemic be- and Europe, according to a than 400,000 for the As a region, Europe is gan. Reuters analysis. first time late on Friday, a reporting more daily cases Major European coun- India is reporting fewrecord one-day increase as than India, Brazil and the tries - United Kingdom, er cases this month commuch of Europe enacts new United States combined. France, Russia, Netherlands pared with September, with restrictions to curb the out- Of every 100 infections and Spain -- accounted for 69,000 cases per day, acbreak. reported around the world, about half of Europe’s new cording to Reuters analy-

Europe, which success- 34 were from European cases in the week to Oct. 18, sis. The numbers have fallfully tamped down the first countries, according to a according to Reuters tally. en by more than 20,400 over surge of infections, has Reuters analysis. The re- Latin America is the the last three weeks, down emerged as the new coro- gion is currently reporting a worst-affected region with 22 per cent from its prenavirus epicentre in recent million new infections about about 27 per cent of total vious peak. (Excerpt from weeks and is reporting on every nine days and has re- COVID-19 cases followed Reuters)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

ARIES

(March 21-

April 19)

TAURUS (April 20-

May 20)

GEMINI

(MAY 28-

June 20)

CANCER (June 21-

July 22)

LEO (July 23-

Aug. 22)

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-

Sept. 22)

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-

Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

(Oct. 24-

Nov. 22) AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-

Feb. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20-

Mar. 20)

Make the most of your day. Steer clear of situations that will lead to trouble. Put the past in its place and focus on future possibilities.

Keep a loved one in the loop.

Embrace change. Look for opportunities and make peace with a loved one. Use your connections to further your interests. Romance is fa-

vored.

Refuse to let anyone talk you into something sketchy. Protect your reputation and status by not sharing personal information. Honesty and integrity will be necessary to avoid an unsavory situation.

Teaming up with someone will test your patience. Set ground rules before you get involved in a joint venture. Don’t give away your ideas prematurely.

A change at home may not be to your liking. Don’t fight the inevitable. Look for an alternative that will encourage new beginnings. A physical challenge will help

you blow off steam.

Say what’s on your mind and find out where you stand. Taking control of a situation will help you resolve unfinished business. Once you’ve established your position, you can enjoy quality time with a loved one.

Plan a quiet day, free from adversity and disruptive people. Don’t let uncertainty create an unsavory atmosphere. Rise above, be positive and do

what brings you peace of mind.

An unusual opportunity will come your way. Ask questions to figure out a way to take advantage of an offer. Spending more time doing something you love is encouraged.

SAGITTARIUS Keep your emotions hid(Nov. 23Dec. 21) den from someone who is prying into your affairs. The less information you share with others, the easier it will be to get things done. A physical challenge will be stimulating.

CAPRICORN Make home improve(Dec. 22- ments that will help you save

Jan. 19) time and money. A problem with a friend or relative will escalate if you let it.

Romance is favored.

Refuse to let what others do or say bother you. A pending financial, legal or health matter will leave you feeling anxious. Stay calm and look

for practical solutions.

Do what you can to help others. Volunteer your services, but be reluctant to make a cash donation or pay for someone else’s mistake. Romance is encouraged.

Shikhar Dhawan’s ton and Axar Patel’s late assault power Capitals past CSK

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, reprieved on 25, 27, 50, 79, punished a sloppy Chennai Super Kings and powered a challenging chase of 180 on a sluggish Sharjah track.

He finished unbeaten on 101 off 58 balls, his first T20 hundred. The victory, secured with one ball to spare, moved the Delhi Capitals back to the top of the points table.

It was still anybody’s game at the start of the last over, from which the Capitals needed 17. Sam Curran had just dismissed Alex Carey and executed his wide yorkers to give up a mere four runs off the penultimate over.

With Dwayne Bravo, the Super Kings’ designated death bowler, off the field because he “wasn’t fit”, MS Dhoni turned to Ravindra Jadeja.

Jadeja could’ve had Dhawan earlier in the evening, with his third ball, had Deepak Chahar not misjudged a catch in the outfield. Dhawan then whacked Jadeja for back-to-back fours and out of the attack.

Jadeja vs Dhawan, round 2, began with an off-side wide and a bottom edge for a single. A nerveless Axar Patel, facing his second ball of the night, then clattered 6, 6, 2, 6 to cap a thrilling finish and hand the Super Kings their sixth defeat in nine matches.

CSK start slow, then explode

Tushar Deshpande struck with his third ball, a skiddy bouncer, to get rid of pinch-hitting opener Sam Curran for a duck. Eleven of the first 12 deliveries the Capitals had bowled were all dots - and it included the first maiden in Sharjah, bowled by Kagiso Rabada.

But then Faf du Plessis darted around his crease, manufacturing his own lengths and angles to inject some urgency into the innings. He jumped across off and scooped his South Africa team-mate Anrich Nortje for six, before backing away outside leg and creaming his slower variation, clocked at 128kph, through the covers. Du Plessis chanced his arm against Kagiso Rabada, too, pulling him with great power to the midwicket fence.

At the other end, Watson took on R Ashwin’s carrom balls, and got a move on for himself with a pair of fours. While du Plessis kicked on to a half-century, Nortje blasted out Watson for 36 off 28 balls.

Soon after, du Plessis lost steam, and Rabada had him holing out for 58, becoming the fastest to 50 IPL wickets. When MS Dhoni stepped out and nicked Nortje behind for 3, the Super Kings were 129 for 4 in the 17th over.

However, a scorching 50run partnership off 21 balls from Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja set the Capitals’ 180. While Rayudu kept advanc ing down the track and swiping at balls, Jadeja stood deep in the crease,

Shikhar Dhawan scored a century to take his team over

Axar Patel blasted 3 consecutive 6s in the final over

the line

latching onto any errors in length. Both Rabada and Nortje missed their Yorkers, as Jadeja clouted three sixes over long-on.

Dhawan shows the way

Deepak Chahar found swing in the early exchanges, like he often does. He nipped out Prithvi Shaw for the fifth time in six innings, and got Ajinkya Rahane for the fourth time in four innings.

Dhawan was largely cautious against him, but he tore into both Curran and Shardul Thakur.

Dhoni bowled Chahar out by the eighth over, and the Capitals were 60 for 2. If Dhoni was planning to control the defence with his spinners and Bravo, then Dhawan foiled all his plans. He shimmied out to his first ball against leg-spinner Karn Sharma and spanked it over his head for four. He picked the next ball, a googly, and cut it firmly for four more.

With Dhawan taking all the risks, Shreyas Iyer sat back and simply tried to turn the strike over.

However, when he looked to manufacture a boundary, he was undone by Bravo’s lack of pace, and picked out longon.

Marcus Stoinis then produced a cameo of 24 off 14 balls before Thakur bounced him out in the 16th over. Once Carey holed out in the 19th over, the pressure mounted on Dhawan. However, he didn’t panic, and took the chase deep. And, after having not conceded a six in his four-over spell earlier, it was Patel who closed out the game by smoking Jadeja for three sixes. (ESPNcricinfo)

Faf du Plessis was CSK’s main run-scorer

SCOREBOARD

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM)

SM Curran c Nortje b Deshpande 0 F du Plessis c Dhawan b Rabada 58 SR Watson b Nortje 36 AT Rayudu not out 45 MS Dhoni (c) † c †Carey b Nortje 3 RA Jadeja not out 33 Extras (nb 1, w 3) 4

TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.95) 179/4 Did not bat: KM Jadhav, DJ Bravo, DL Chahar, SN Thakur, KV Sharma

DELHI CAPITALS INNINGS (TARGET: 180 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS)

PP Shaw c & b Chahar 0 S Dhawan not out 101 AM Rahane c Curran b Chahar 8 SS Iyer (c) c du Plessis b Bravo 23 MP Stoinis c Rayudu b Thakur 24 AT Carey † c du Plessis b Curran 4 AR Patel not out 21 Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4

TOTAL (19.5 Ov, RR: 9.32) 185/5 Did not bat: R Ashwin, TU Deshpande, K Rabada, A Nortje

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Sam Curran, 0.3 ov), 2-87 (Shane Watson, 11.4 ov), 3-109 (Faf du Plessis, 14.4 ov), 4-129 (MS Dhoni, 16.3 ov)

BOWLING

TU Deshpande K Rabada AR Patel A Nortje R Ashwin MP Stoinis 4-0-39-1 4-1-33-1 4-0-23-0 4-0-44-2 3-0-30-0 1-0-10-0 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Prithvi Shaw, 0.2 ov), 2-26 (Ajinkya Rahane, 4.1 ov), 3-94 (Shreyas Iyer, 11.3 ov), 4-137 (Marcus Stoinis, 15.4 ov), 5-159 (Alex Carey, 18.1 ov)

BOWLING

DL Chahar 4-1-18-2 SM Curran 4-0-35-1 SN Thakur 4-0-39-1 RA Jadeja 1.5-0-35-0 KV Sharma 3-0-34-0 DJ Bravo 3-0-23-1

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 GUYANATIMESGY.COM 39 Royal Challengers Bangalore snatch victory from Rajasthan Royals in Match 33 of IPL

— AB de Villiers scintillating

Steve Smith scored a half-century

runs in 4 deliveries, as ABD through the leg-side. He closed out the game with six continued to attack as and, in that process, com- he hit a six and a four while

RCB struck twice in the eighth over via Yuzvendra Chahal. First, he had Uthappa caught at the deep mid-wicket after the righthander had scored 41 off 22 balls, and then he got the wicket of Sanju Samson, caught at long-off by Morris. Jos Buttler and Steve Smith then joined forces, and had the job of rebuilding the team’s innings. Buttler was quick to get off the blocks, as he moved to 17 off 13 with a four and a six. Smith also kept the scoreboard ticking, as he and Buttler completed the fifty-run stand in the 15th over with Smith hitting two fours in the over.

While Smith hit a six and a four in the following over, RR lost Buttler in the same over after Morris picked up his second wicket. RR scored 19 off the 18th over, bowled by Chahal, and Smith brought up his fifty from 30 deliveries. Tewatia then creamed a six and a four in the penultimate over.

Morris then added two more wickets to his account in the final over, and RR posted 177/6 on the board. (IPLT20)

It’s back to the drawing

AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers played yet another stunner as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in Match 33 of the Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Needing 178 runs to win, RCB made a watchful start, before Aaron Finch took on Jofra Archer in the third over, hitting the right-arm speedster for two sixes.

However, Finch got out in the next over, as Shreyas Gopal gave RR their first breakthrough after Robin Uthappa completed the catch.

Virat Kohli joined Devdutt Padikkal in the middle, and between them they hit three fours over the next two overs to take RCB to 47/1 at the end of the powerplay. The Padikkal-Kohli duo completed the fifty-run stand after Kohli tanked a six off Shreyas Gopal in the tenth over; and RCB added 25 runs in the next three overs to move past hundred.

However, RCB lost Padikkal and Kohli on successive deliveries. While Padikkal was holed out at long-on, Kohli got out for 43 after Rahul Tewatia took a fine catch at the deep mid-wicket boundary rope.

RCB, at 104/3 after 14 overs, needed 75 runs in the last six overs to cross the finish line. The next four overs saw RCB score 39 runs, with AB de Villiers hitting two sixes and a four to move to 28 off 16 balls.

RCB had to score 35 runs off the last two overs, and ABD turned on the task, and did it in some style. ‘Mr 360’ hammered three sixes on the first three balls – first one over covers, second one over long-on, and third one over deep backward square.

Gurkeerat Singh Mann also hit a four as RCB scored 25 in the over to bring down the target to 10 from 6 deliveries.

RCB scored those 10

Virat Kholi was among the runs

pleted his match-winning fifty.

Earlier, after electing to bat, RR opened the innings with Robin Uthappa and Ben Stokes. While the two scored only five runs from the first two overs, Uthappa and RR shifted gears in the third over, as the righthander hit four fours off Washington Sundar.

Uthappa creamed a drive through the off side to start the proceedings, and followed it up with three fours Stokes hit his first four of the match, as RR scored 17 off the fourth over to move to 38/0.

While RR brought up their fifty in the final over of the powerplay, they also lost Stokes in the same over, after he gloved one to AB de Villiers off Chris Morris’s bowling.

Meanwhile, Uthappa, who had earlier completed 4500 IPL runs, added two more fours to his account in the seventh over. board for Shai Hope

SCOREBOARD

RAJASTHAN ROYALS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM)

RV Uthappa c Finch b Chahal 41 BA Stokes c †de Villiers b Morris 15 SV Samson † c Morris b Chahal 9 SPD Smith (c) c Shahbaz Ahmed b Morris 57 JC Buttler c Saini b Morris 24 R Tewatia not out 19 JC Archer lbw b Morris 2 Extras (b 1, nb 2, w 7) 10

TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.85) 177/6 Did not bat: R Parag, S Gopal, JD Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi

Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Ben Stokes, 5.4 ov), 2-69 (Robin Uthappa, 7.4 ov), 3-69 (Sanju Samson, 7.5 ov), 4-127 (Jos Buttler, 15.3 ov), 5-173 (Steven Smith, 19.2 ov), 6-177 (Jofra Archer, 19.6 ov)

BOWLING

Washington Sundar 3-0-25-0 CH Morris 4-0-26-4 I Udana 3-0-43-0 NA Saini 4-0-30-0 YS Chahal 4-0-34-2 Shahbaz Ahmed 2-0-18-0

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (TARGET: 178 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS)

D Padikkal c Stokes b Tewatia 35 AJ Finch c Uthappa b Gopal 14 V Kohli (c) c Tewatia b Kartik Tyagi 43 AB de Villiers † not out 55 Gurkeerat Singh not out 19 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 11) 13

TOTAL (19.4 Ov, RR: 9.1) 179/3 Did not bat: CH Morris, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, I Udana, NA Saini, YS Chahal

Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Aaron Finch, 3.3 ov), 2-102 (Devdutt Padikkal, 12.6 ov), 3-102 (Virat Kohli, 13.1 ov)

BOWLING

JC Archer 3.4-0-38-0 S Gopal 4-0-32-1 Kartik Tyagi 4-0-32-1 JD Unadkat 4-0-46-0 R Tewatia 4-0-30-1

Falling like dominoes! Shai Hope is rocked in England

programme in place to help him get back to

By Brandon Corlette

Who executes the sweetest cover drive in the Caribbean currently? Which Caribbean batsman is as technically correct as Shai Hope? Not many names can be proffered in these respects, but after continuous failures in Test cricket, Hope has finally received the axe.

In Hope’s last six Test innings, he scored 105 runs at an average of 17.5. He had similarly failed back in 2018 and in 2019 as well.

West Indies Lead Selector Roger Harper, speaking about Hope’s omission from the Test squad, had this to say: “Shai is a player who I think has a tremendous future in Test cricket; but, at the moment, he needs to reorganise his Test match game and get his batting in the longest version back to its best.”

Hope’s last golden performance in Test cricket came a lifetime ago: back in 2017, when he produced magic at Headingly in scoring twin centuries against England. In 2017, Hope scored 773 runs in 19 innings at an average of 45.5. Thereafter, Hope began to perform strong in ODI cricket, but his Test performances dipped.

Harper added that Hope performed very well in the 50-over version, but, in Test cricket, he’s not been anywhere close to his best, and this has gone on for an extended period.

“Sometimes, by continuing to select a player, you do them more harm So, we’ve given him an opportunity to go away Shai Hope, a n d work on his game. celebrating his century back in 2017 The head coach, Phil Simmons, has put a

than good. his best; he’s not being left to his own devices,” Harper explained.

“He has an important part to play in the future of West Indies Cricket. There’s a tremendous future for him in Test cricket, but he needs to get his batting back to where we know it can be. That’s what this is about: giving him that opportunity to find his mojo again in Test cricket, and come back a stronger and better player,” Harper further detailed.

Harper said Shai Hope is a practical person, and he handled the news of his omission well.

“I spoke to Shai and told him how he needs to work on his game. He is very smart, and he understands that he has not been at his best, and he took it in very good spirits and for what it was; and I expect that he will work hard and return to that high standard,” Harper explained. The class act Shai Hope last played for Barbados Pride back in 2017. Since he is back to the drawing board, he is expected to return to the Pride’s fold when Regional 4-Day cricket returns.

SHAI HOPE TEST STATS

In 2015: 162 runs, 10 innings averaging 16 In 2016: 61 runs, 3 innings averaging 20.3 In 2017: 773 runs, 19 innings averaging 45.5 In 2018: 344 runs, 17 innings averaging 20.2 In 2019: 158 runs, 9 innings averaging 19.8 In 2020: 105 runs, 6 innings averaging 17.5

Overall Test stats

Matches: 34 Runs: 1603 Average: 26.2 50s: 5 100s: 2 Highest Score: 147

guyanatimesgy.com

Win $50,000, spa treatments, trophies as GGA joins fight against cancer

Ahost of corporate sponsors, among whom are Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages, and CIMGRO Maraiko Bay Resort, have joined forces to promote the Guyana Golf Association's "Play Golf Fight Cancer" event, to be held during this week at the Scouts Association of Guyana ground on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown.

The intention is twofold: to raise awareness of the game of golf, and funds for the fight against cancer. Lots of prizes (spa treatments, hampers, beverages) and trophies, along with a grand prize of $50,000 cash or GTT phone credit, will be up for grabs, as the event is designed for players of all levels to have fun and display their skills. "Many Guyanese have suffered personal losses, or fight a daily battle with cancer; especially women, who are our mothers, sisters, wives and nurturers of our nation. We cannot simply sit back and let this disease win! Just like we cannot let COVID beat us," Aleem Hussain, president of the Guyana Golf Association, expressed. "Every year since 2017, our golfing community and corporate supporters have been active in the fight against cancer, usually with a tournament to raise funds and awareness. Last year, Banks DIH and Citizens Bank were the main sponsors of the Golf charity event, but this year, due to COVID guidelines, we had to modify the event. As a result, the format is as follows: participants can visit the Academy & Driving Range any day from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th (3-7pm to qualify) with the top 8 players from the women's, men beginners’ and men professionals’ categories scheduled to battle for the top prize of $50,000 cash or GTT phone credit on Sunday 25th at 4 pm.

“Players will each hit 10 balls, and based on skill level, they will have different distances (50, 75 and 100 yards) to score points based on where, in large circles, the ball lands. This is a test of skill and ability to have fun, whilst supporting a great cause," said Rudy Ramalingum, Director of the Nexgen Golf Academy. "The top two finishers in each category will receive a trophy from Trophy Stall," according to Businessman Ramesh Sunich.

Trophy Stall, with locations all over the country, has for many years been a strong

supporter of all sports in Guyana, and owners Ramesh and Devi Sunich have come to love the sport of golf.

Owner of Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, Karan Mehra, said: "Vivaanta is a part of Guyana, and we are pleased to support the fight against cancer and continue our support for golfing, something we started with Mr. Hussain a few years ago. We hope that many players participate and support, and also win a chance to experience our services at the spa."

Assuria General, CIMGRO Maraiko Bay Golf Resort, AR Printery, Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, New Trend Auto, Ming’s Products and Services, Nexgen Global Realty, Guyana Beverages, Karibe Rice, MACORP and GTT are all strong supporters of both golf and the fight against cancer, and have each been an integral part of the growth of the game in recent years.

The Guyana Golf Association has, through sports, been active in the promotion of awareness of a variety of charitable events, and will continue to use golf as a means of improving the lives of Guyanese. "We hope that members of both the local and expat communities will participate in the events, since the Golf Academy & Driving Range is designed to conform with social distancing guidelines and (the event) is for a cause that affects all of us," said Hussain.

Partnerships with the Scouts Association of Guyana and the Guyana Teachers Union has made the creation of a facility in the heart of Georgetown a reality, so that more people can access the game without having to purchase equipment to travel long distances.

With golf being a recognised CAPE subject, the GGA President plans to promote the sport to schools all over the country, hoping to have at least 3,000 players within the next few years and a long-time goal of fielding an Olympic team realised!

The contest is open to everyone who has played golf or wanted to try, and the Golf Academy would give everyone a free lesson and one-hour free play just for participating in the event.

Simply call 645-0944, or visit the Nexgen Golf Academy Facebook page, or stop by the facility located on Woolford Avenue, just minutes away from Marriott and Pegasus hotels.

Next Caribbean Boxing Championships to be held in Guyana, says Steve Ninvalle

By Jemima Holmes

Whenever the coronavirus pandemic loosens its grip on the world, and some semblance of normalcy is returned, the Land of Many Waters will be hosting the lucrative Caribbean Boxing Championships (CBC).

This was disclosed by Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, wherein he discussed this and other pressing issues relating to this association.

While many non-contact sports have been fortunate to resume training or online tournaments, the same cannot be done for boxing, which requires a ring and opponents to get underway. As such, the coronavirus pandemic had taken its toll on this sport, Ninvalle declared.

Sharing on how drastically this pugilistic sport has been affected, and the resulting effect on the Guyana Boxing Association, Ninvalle said, “Well, it’s been extremely difficult; we’ve been able to do almost nothing. When I say almost nothing, I mean in the competition field. We realise and appreciate boxing as a full-contact sport, it’s not like chess or dominoes, but what we’ve been able to do is have some virtual seminars held for our officials; that is: our referee/judges and our coaches.”

Continuing, he said: “We’ve been able to do that on maybe two or three occasions; and maybe, before the year is out, we can have a couple more.”

However, the Association has much to look forward to, as it has agreed to host the highly competitive Caribbean Boxing Championships, of which Trinidad and Tobago are the reigning champions.

“As it is right now, Guyana has accepted an offer to host the next Caribbean Championships, whenever that is. And I say, ‘whenever that is’, because all of our actions are dictated by COVID-19 at this time. But we have accepted that offer, it is our hope that we can host within the first quarter of 2021,” the GBA President disclosed.

This, Ninvalle explained, would be a boost to Guyana, as the country stands a better chance of copping the title when it is the host. Guyana won the championships in 2016 and 2018, in both years of which it was host. Although putting up a fight and contesting several decisions, the team finished 3rd last year.

“We really lost the Caribbean crown in 2017 because we were not able to send a full team to St.

Guyana Boxing Association President, Steve Ninvalle

Lucia, and then we regained it in 2018 after it was held in Guyana,” he explained.

While the GBA boss shared that it is common to have concerns about the fitness of the athletes, he explained that it is a worry being shared by the Caribbean and Latin America. He said, “So we take a bit of solace in that, cause we’re all on the same footing.” This statement is in regard to the training situation in most countries.

“Anyone would be concerned about that, because you’re not getting to do as you should; but, then again, I said this is not unique to Guyana. So, right across the Caribbean and Latin America, we’re all on the same footing, it’s not that Guyana alone is not training, but the entire Caribbean. As a matter of fact, boxing is not being held around the world, other than professionally. So, we know that we stand ready to shift gears once the Ministry of Health gives us the go-ahead.”

He noted that rushing a tournament would not be beneficial if the national ports in other countries are not open, thus hindering regional participation.

“Let’s say, for the simple sake of us hosting a tournament, it’s no use that Guyana is open but Trinidad is not open and Barbados is not open and Jamaica is not open. Then it means that no one can come here, because they’re not getting to leave their island to come here. So, it has to be an allencompassing thing, whereby we check fully what is going on around the Caribbean,” the GBA boss commented.

“If it’s a level playing field, and everyone is open, then the Caribbean Championship can go ahead,” he went on to say, regarding the hosting of the CBC tournament.