Guyana Times - Sunday December 5, 2021

Arlyne Ramdatt: Versatile woman embracing importance of women’s empowerment

P21 Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4852 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

Guyana discusses Silica City, Corentyne River bridge with Mexican investors – visiting team pitches housing, oil refinery, airport-enhancement projects See story on page 10

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyanese P27 fisherman feared dead after falling overboard during scuffle

Soesdyke man found with illegal gun, ammo P28 Aviation accidents increased in P27 2021 – Col Field

President Dr Irfaan Ali and a team of Government Ministers in discussion with investors from Mexico for potential investments, including housing, hospitals, bridges, airport and the oil and gas industry

Ghanian VP arrives for 3-day visit, to sign bilateral agreement with Guyana

Speeding P8 motorcyclist hospitalised after colliding with tractor

See story on page 3

– as African nation continues to support Guyana’s draft Local Content Bill

ExxonMobil completely on board with cost oil audit – Min Bharrat – delay to ensure local auditors’ involvement Page 27

Page 7

2 unvaccinated men among 3 dead from COVID Page 28

– Death toll now surpasses 1000

Police destroy $37M in ganja at Fort Nassau

Citizens to pay 18% simple interest on P28 property taxes in 2022 – GT Mayor P23 Making sacrifices for his tourism passion: The story of Sloth Island’s Claude Benjamin

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Dec 5 – 14:00h – 15:30h and Monday, Dec 6 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Dec 5 – 16:45h – 18:15h and Monday, Dec 6 – 05:40h – 07:10h.

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 light rain showers at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Westerly to Northerly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.87 metres.

Low Tide: 10:44h and 23:15h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metre and 0.34 metre.

Ghanian VP arrives for 3-day visit, to sign bilateral agreement with Guyana – as African nation continues to support Guyana’s draft Local Content Bill

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hanian Vice President, Dr M a h a m u d u Bawumia, in Guyana on a three-day visit to advance bilateral cooperation, is expected to sign several bilateral cooperation agreements that will further improve relations between the two countries.

The Vice President arrived in Guyana on Saturday, and was greeted by a military guard of honour and Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips. Dr Bawumia, who will be in Guyana from December 4 through 7, also arrived with an 18-member official delegation as well as members of the Ghanian Private sector.

“While in Guyana, His Excellency Dr Bawumia

Prime Minister Mark Phillips in discussion with the Ghanian Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, after his arrival at the CJIA

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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$257.67/ton

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Attorney General Anil Nandlall and staff during his meeting with Professor Joe Amoako-Tuffour

and delegation will engage in high-level bilateral discussions at both the Government and Private Sector levels, including engagements with President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips (retired), Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and other Ministers of Government.

Vice President Bawumia will also meet with members of the Ghanaian diaspora and pay a visit to the University of Guyana,” a press release revealed.

“The two sides will also sign a framework bilateral cooperation agreement and further advance the conclusion of agreements in areas of mutual interest.

Prior to departing Guyana, Vice President Bawumia is expected to co-host a press conference with his Guyanese counterpart, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,” the release added.

Vice President Bawumia’s visit follows on the heels of the three-day visit Jagdeo paid to Ghana in October, where he had held talks with his Ghanian counterpart.

Following these discussions, he had announced that Ghanian experts would be reviewing Guyana’s draft local content legislation.

During Jagdeo’s meeting with the Ghanian Vice President, they had also

spoke about the initiatives that Ghana implemented to further its industrial agenda and develop its non-oil economy.

According to Jagdeo in a subsequent interview, Guyana with its vast arable lands in the savannahs and the prevalence of fresh water, is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the agricultural sector and the global demand.

The Vice President was accompanied on his visit to Ghana by Floyd Haynes, a member of the Advisory Panel on Local Content in Guyana; Gopnauth Bobby Gossai Jr of the Ministry

of Natural Resources, and career Diplomat Hamley Case.

Local content

True to the talks Jagdeo held with Bawumia, Ghanian experts have been helping with Guyana’s local content efforts. In fact, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has said that Ghanian support and influence is proving integral to Guyana as it crafts its own Local Content Bill that draws on the experience of those who have walked that road before.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

The mediatisation of Politics

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uite recently, we heard about the “Judicialisation of Politics” - that is the situation in our country, where the political players are increasingly unable to settle political disagreements between themselves, and resort to the courts to do so. In one instance - when the constitution was pellucid on the process by which the GECOM Chair was to be appointed - the CCJ was forced to return the matter to them.

The politicians are unwilling to concede that their roles, as determined by the votes of the citizens of Guyana, are not only different in substance from those of the judiciary, but that the political process is intended to confer legitimacy to decisions reached on nettlesome issues.

Our situation is different from some jurisdictions, where the “judicialisation of politics” arises from judiciaries that insert themselves into certain issues that are meant to be within the bailiwick of the elected politicians. That is rightfully called “judicial overreach”.

But there is a similar phenomenon of confusion of institutional roles that has developed in the relationship between the media and politics over the past few decades, which has morphed from “mediation” and then “mediatisation”. This needs to also be factored into our consciousness about societal changes. From the very beginning of the media, as pamphlets in the 18th century, the practitioners were called the “Fourth Estate” and were considered as an indispensable aspect of modern governance. The press, which would be joined eventually by radio and TV, would “mediate” the activities of the Government and state to the “people”. The media then, in curating what they considered “news” for the next two hundred years, engaged in “mediation” of what the people were to know. This is a tremendous power, and it obviously has far-reaching consequences.

One consequence was the ongoing feedback effect between media and political logics. As one scholar pointed out, there is “the distinction between ‘politicised media’, seen as an imbalance in the direction of a circumscribed media system, and ‘mediatised politics’, seen as a situation in which politics has ‘become colonised by media logics and imperatives’. The challenge is that politics also has its own internal logic - the drive to agglomerate ever greater support for one’s party’s position, to secure their votes at elections. The question is: to what extent does the present media logic trump and colonise political logic?

According to one theorist, “Media logic consists of a form of communication; the process through which media present and transmit information. Elements of this form include the various media and the formats used by these media.” These formats are constantly changing as the medium develops and proves McLuhan’s point that “the medium is the message.”

The mediatisation of politics can be seen from four aspects. The first aspect of the mediatisation of politics is the degree to which the media constitute the most important or dominant source of information on politics and society. A second aspect is the degree to which the media are independent from political institutions in terms of how the media are governed. A third aspect is the degree to which the media content is governed by a political logic or by media logic. A fourth aspect, finally, is the degree to which political actors are governed by a political logic or by media logic.”

Politicians are fully aware of the power of the media, and therefore customise their message to satisfy this media logic. For instance, “if conflict has important news value when journalists produce news content, then clearly outlining an enemy becomes part of the rules of the game for a politician who is seeking visibility in news media.”

With the rise of social media and its free-wheeling, personalised style that direct its attention to specific audiences, no holds are barred, as there is no appreciation of overarching societal obligations in this new media logic.

In Guyana, we have already seen politicians who would cater to this common lowest denominator logic of mediatisation of politics, which will inevitably further fracture our society.

His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, taking the salute upon his arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Saturday. Also in photo are Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Elizabeth Harper

GECOM must win the trust of our people through its exercise of transparent and accountable policies Dear Editor, An abundance of evidence from the March 2020 Elections supports the overwhelming and imbued negative impact of contaminated electoral staff on our democratic process.

Indeed, Justice (retd) Claudette Singh, the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), has had a baptism of fire at the helm of the organisation during the period leading up to, and when these elections were held.

Notwithstanding, as the Chairperson of the Commission, her principal role is to ensure the organisation’s mandate of delivering free and fair elections.

From the myriad occurrences related to major fraudulent attempts at the last General and Regional Elections, our nation almost collapsed under the deliberately created and associated stress fractures. As such, the Chairperson must now ensure all systems are in place to clean up all the rogue elements in the employment of GECOM, or be called out for being less than radical enough to address some of the core problems.

The need to employ men and women of integrity, who will be held accountable for ensuring free and fair elections, cannot be over-emphasised. The Commission must therefore improve on, or follow, the established principles for recruiting staff with clean and unblemished records, which would remove risks and suspicion.

The political situation in Guyana has for decades been

characterised by ethnic sensitivities, which emphasise the need for strong, transparent procedures and oversight for acceptable results.

It is not easy to win the trust of our people, and decades of flagrant bullish frauds at the hands of the Peoples National Congress still serve to realise much apprehension about another round of perpetuated thievery. Without any doubt, it is at elections time that demonic manifestations normally show their ugly faces. One must admit, however, that there were a few strong and genuine Chairpersons, such as Rudy Collins, Doodnauth Singh and Joseph Singh, whose real effort and assertiveness made a positive difference.

Admittingly, the present Chairperson, Justice Claudette Singh, was appointed to control a moving train, and made an effort to complete and provide this country with free and fair Elections.

Her efforts were not without major fault lines and criticisms of management at the various levels of the organisation. The experiences learned demand radical and urgent overhaul of the organization, since history confirms that it took the steely leadership along with the will of the staff who exercise strong levels of integrity, to produce free and fair elections.

The failure of GECOM has to be aligned to the failure of the leadership, where too many things were taken for granted. The appointed APNU/PNC Commissioners also proved their intolerable indecency by attempting to stretch the applicable laws

beyond their implicit elasticity threshold, while realising unacceptable delays. In so doing, corruptly targeted imbalances contributed to the oneman show in the Secretariat, breakdown in the system that allowed the balanced hiring of staff, key operations and administration monitoring oversight of the staff, and the loss of control by the Commission.

It was here that the wicked operators of the Secretariat were allowed an almost free lease to manipulate and put in place their rigging plans for the elections.

The haemorrhaging started after the 2006 National and Regional Elections. The hiring of staff, the purchasing/procurement of items for GECOM went out of control.

The then GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally allowed the role of the Commission and the Secretariat to be one of the same. The Commission at that time allowed the Secretariat to assume powers to train and employ staff, and exercise almost sole control of purchasing. The situation led to exacerbated financial non-accountability as well as strong calls for Police investigations by the Auditor General from 2015 to 2018.

For these fiscal periods as well as 2020, the audited financial statements seem in a special place that this nation is waiting to see.

Our citizens suffered billions of dollars in losses during the memorable five months, March to August 2020 elections’ hiatus. This massive loss was contributed to by the corrupt dictates that could have been avoided.

It is the reason why

GECOM now is in search of a Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Deputy CEO, Assistant CEO, Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Logistics Manager, Civic and Voter Education Manager, along with many more vacancies after persons ran away from their employment in fear of being exposed for corruption.

This nation must be fully cognisant of the reality and role play when former President David Granger took on himself to employ his unilateral choice, the unfit and improper James Patterson, as the Chairman of GECOM. It was indeed another glaring attempt to fully take over, while the partisan and imposed staff selections made all the mischief-makers feel that they were untouchable.

This country must put an end to rigging, and ensure the March 2020 debacle never recurs. The proposed legislative amendment of the RoPA is an incremental approach to deterring some of the glaring fraudulent practices. The Chairperson and Commission should recognise the support and work to improve GECOM’s image and citizens’ confidence. As for Electoral Reform, this will only come with the willingness of the politicians to appreciate that we have to work together to win the trust of this nation.

Let us wait and see the results of the PNC congress.

The rigging must stop there.

And we must have a better opposition that has the interest of this nation for a better Guyana.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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

Stand up and take it like a man!

Dear Editor, The PNC, PNC/R, APNU, or even The Coalition - whatever the form of metamorphosis you would want to call them are rooted in the dogma of dictatorship and bullyism, the last word “bullyism” being their modus operandi.

Over the years, they have ruled with an iron fist, doing whatever pleases them, whether in or out of office. It was a horrible time for this nation as their bullying and despotic ways knew no bounds. These were the despicable conditions Guyanese were made to endure: The treasury was treated as their personal bank account, while those who dared question were either incarcerated or you know what; you can fill in the blanks.

The Burnhamite teachings that you be a bully and strongarm your way through the public office was considered just and good. As a consequence, the main Opposition saw its leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan, being incarcerated for speaking up on behalf of the people. As he was coming out of prison, his pregnant wife, Mrs Janet Jagan, was going in to serve her time.

Those were the days when the PNC reigned supreme.

These are occurrences that the party gloats over, acts some in the party would welcome the return of. To this day, you can hear some of their supporters utter the chilling words, “We wish the return of the Burnham days.” They were not answerable to anyone nor any established system of governance. Audits of Government spending were unheard of, nor was there any tracking of their accumulation of wealth. Even the Judiciary had to be subservient to their wishes and commands. Nothing or no one could stop them, as they blazed a trail of blatant bullyism and theft.

Now, at this juncture, one might be tempted to ask the question: What does all of this have to do with governance and the state of affairs as it is in Guyana? But I would just like you just to bear with me and follow the logic of my argument. Like I said before, the PNC, when in power, governed as they pleased, and when that was brought to a halt in 1992, that party continued the trend of violence and subversiveness. This undoubtedly undermined this country to its very core.

The picture I would like you to get is: if they could not get their way, it was certainly no way; so, when they got back into power in 2015, some thought that there might have been some change for the better.

But this did not happen, it was as if it was a continuation of the Burnhamite principles and policies of yesteryear. I am talking about the triumphalism, bullying trend that continued unabated.

First, they rounded up all PPP/C Parliamentarians and those whom they branded as affiliates of the party, and brought them in for questioning. Bogus charges were laid, and they were taken before the court. Thankfully, all of those charges were eventually dismissed.

Now, as they got on their governing trend, one could not help but see the glaring instances of theft and corruption permeating the administration. It was right from the very start that we became aware of the secret whereabouts of the US$18M ExxonMobil Signing Bonus. Of course, that was only made public through the sleuth-like probe of the PPP/C. At first Jordan feigned

President Ali has to tread carefully with this rice miller

Dear Editor, Season’s greetings to you and all Guyana! We, the people of Essequibo Coast, have taken note of last week’s meeting between President Irfaan Ali and five rice millers from Region Five (West Berbice) and Region Two (Essequibo Coast).

We read that also present at the meeting was Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha.

It is assuring that His Excellency is taking time to be updated about our rice industry. All is not well.

The pandemic, weather, and crippling bank loans, along with the young generation shying away from farming, have not been good news for Guyana.

Many owe the bank, and it is bleak news, with farmers unable to restart.

We must find solutions and work together to tackle the many challenges. We note that one of the millers present at the meeting owes farmers millions of dollars, yet the Guyana Rice Development Board, in clear breach, has been issuing mill licences to his company. The laws say that licences are only issued if the miller complies with a number of conditions, including not owing farmers.

Everybody on the coast

knows that this miller boasts of his connections, and has badly mismanaged his operations. He has taken loans from a bank, and instead of paying farmers, has built a mansion.

He has been taking paddy from farmers and promising to pay within the time frame, but has reneged time and again.

Editor, I am a farmer who was present at the recent meeting President Ali had with rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast. The plight of the farmers with this miller was raised with the President. Tonnes of paddy, worth millions of dollars, were left to spoil on the wharf.

It is therefore puzzling that this very farmer could have the audacity to ask the Government to assist to fill a hole that he dug for himself. Poor farmers are now shedding their tears bitterly.

The bank had taken him to court to seize his vehicles, he was able to have them returned. Yet farmers continue to wait for their money, and are being told today and tomorrow. GRDB is silent, and doing absolutely nothing.

We, the farmers, are calling on the President to be careful, and not dole out money and assistance without having the full

facts. Our people deserve more, and the President appears sincere in promising not to allow these corrupt practices to continue.

Sincerely, A Khan

ignorance of that first oil money, stating that he was oblivious that an account ever existed, it was after some intense pressure that he finally revealed to us that the money did exist. But the explanation he gave still lacked clarity, because he further explained that he thought it was a gift.

The next question is a gift to whom? Was it a gift to his party or to the people of Guyana? Which was

it? These are some of the questions we would like clear answers for as the former Finance Minister goes to court.

Soon after that infamous response by Mr Jordan, there was a follow-up charge with that “war break” cry of his. So, with someone exhibiting such belligerence, I am at a loss as to why there should be these sudden medical complications of a heart attack and high blood pressure

just at the mere thought of being called in for questioning? One would expect this “war break” gentleman to stand up and take it like a man; this is not a game for the faint-hearted.

In like manner, I sound the alarm to “Mr Gold Bangles” and the other Mr “Bonded to thief”: Please take note, you are next in line!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Clarifying incorrect statement in the press Dear Editor, In observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) issued a press release which was disseminated to all media houses.

However, GCOPD wishes to clarify an incorrect statement published in Kaieteur News under the headline, “Stop providing lip service to people with disabilities and implement structural changes – Advocacy group to government” dated December 4, 2021.

It seems that our statement, “The key stakeholders including policymakers need to stop providing lip service to the community of PWDs and implement structural changes that will be sustainable and positively impact the lives of PWDs”, was either misconstrued or deliberately sensationalised in an attempt to make the Government of Guyana appear as though they are not doing anything for persons with disabilities.

In our press release, we

at no time specifically mentioned Government or singled out Government to implement structural changes. What was said is that “all stakeholders”, including policymakers, need to stop providing lip service and implement structural changes.

In our advocacy, when we use the term “stakeholders”, we are referring to members of the public, members of the Private Sector, civil society, donor agencies, and policymakers (both Government and Opposition politicians and bureaucrats).

GCOPD has an excellent partnership with the current Government of Guyana, and

has partnered on a number of initiatives to improve the lives of PWDs. These include the training of PWDs through the Board of Industrial Training, grants to PWDs through the Small Business Bureau, the allocation of house lots to PWDs, training of PWDs through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, among other initiatives. We know that the Government has a plan to improve the lives of PWDs, and we pledge our continued partnership in this process.

Ganesh Singh Programme Coordinator, GCOPD

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Feature

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aregivers and animal lovers, would you believe that already two years have elapsed since the "PET CARE" weekly column commenced in December 2019? Over the past few weeks, we have been addressing the issue of preventing pregnancies in our companion animals. As the Christmas season approaches, I would deviate temporarily from the more technical aspects of "Pet Care" and provide some insights into the pet care issues that emerge during the festive season, to ensure that you, your family, and your veterinarian have peace, joy, happiness and goodwill during the most wonderful time of the year.

Today, however, it is imperative that we postpone the more Christmasoriented "Pet Care" columns, simply because I have been advised, not least by some of my colleagues, to discuss a canine disease which currently seems to be infecting animals and leaving a swathe of deaths in its wake, especially among pups and young adult dogs.

That disease, CANINE PARVO VIRUS (CPV), I had written about one year ago, which illustrates the seasonal nature of its incidence.

Question: What is CPV?

Answer: CPV is an easily transmitted, lethal, viral disease affecting unvaccinated dogs as well as other species (eg, foxes) globally. Although dogs of all ages/breeds can be infected with CPV, puppies

WORLD SOIL DAY

CANINE PARVO VIRUS ALERT! (6-20 weeks old) seem to be more susceptible.

Please note that the virus causing CPV is closely related to, but is yet quite different from, a virus affecting cats. In older books, you may even find the name "Feline Parvovirus" listed.

That disease in cats goes under a more correct name of "Feline Panleukopenia".

We must not confuse the two diseases, even though the symptoms may be similar.

QUESTION: HOW IS CPV TRANSMITTED TO THE PUP/DOG?

Answer 1: From dog to dog - by direct and indirect transmission, usually via faeces, but also from a contaminated environment in which the pups (dogs) live.

Ingesting faeces which contain the virus shed by other dogs is a major source of infection. Even sniffing an infected dog's anus can facilitate transmission of the virus from one dog to another.

2: Animals moving from kennel to kennel, or any physical environment wherein the virus is present, can transfer CPV to clean surroundings.

QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CPV?

ANSWER 1: Since this virus primarily attacks certain structures of the intestinal (gut) wall, an initially soft, watery diarrhoea soon becomes a bloody discharge from the anus.

2: As a result of the loss of fluids (due to the diarrhoea), the animal quickly becomes dehydrated, and loses essential elements

needed for growth and general wellbeing.

3: Since the intestinal wall is weakened by the onslaught of the virus, bacteria (germs) secondarily invade the gut, causing further infection, septicemia, and deterioration of the health of the puppy (or adult), and creating a condition of shock just prior to death.

4: Vomiting 5: Loss of appetite 6: Listlessness 7: Fever (especially in the first few days, at the beginning of the ailment).

Other important questions posed by caregivers: QUESTION: CAN HUMANS GET CPV FROM THEIR DOGS? Answer: No. Also, a dog/cat cannot be infected by a type of Parvovirus (B19) carried by humans.

QUESTION: CAN THE PET AILING WITH CPV BE TREATED? Answer: This is one canine disease for which the caregiver needs to have veterinary involvement as early as possible. Please note that the symptoms could exhibit themselves as early as 3 days after the animal has been infected.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE TREATMENT REGIME? Answer: The treatment has to focus on alleviating/ removing the symptoms.

The vet will prescribe/administer

medications to counter the vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, bleeding, dehydration and listlessness, etc.

It may be better for the caregiver to leave the sick puppy/young adult dog in the vet's hospital facilities.

Where these do not exist, the vet would explain to the caregiver what he/she can administer at home, and how often the ailing animal needs to return to the clinic for treatment. The pet owner/ caregiver must recognise that not only is this viral infection lethal, but the symptoms (once they appear) are devastating.

Vomiting and diarrhoea leads to serious dehydration. The owner might find great difficulty in hydrating an ailing pup which regurgitates even water and surely food. The ensuing "oral liquid intake/vomit" cycle is something even the vet would have difficulty controlling, especially if he/ she is seeing the sick animal only once or twice daily.

Actually, the best (only) way to encounter dehydration, while offering energy supplements and treating secondary infections, is to place the animal on an intravenous drip for extended periods.

We shall continue the discussion on CPV next week. If any of your pets is exhibiting symptoms of CPV as described above, please urgently seek veterinary care.

Please continue to support the generous and well-established humane societies, whose objective is to minimise suffering of animals.

“E

ssentially, all life depends upon the soil… There can be no life without soil, and no soil without life; they have evolved together.” - Dr. Charles E. Kellogg, Soil Scientist and Chief of the USDA’s Bureau for Chemistry and Soils

What is soil?

Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land.

It consists of inorganic particles and organic matter. Soil provides the structural support to plants used in agriculture, and is also the plants’ source of water and nutrients.

Soils vary greatly in their chemical and physical properties.

Processes such as leaching, weathering, and microbial activity combine to make a whole range of different soil types. Each type has particular strengths and weaknesses for agricultural production.

Why is soil important?

Healthy soils are essential for healthy plant growth, human nutrition, and water filtration. Healthy soil supports a landscape that is more resilient to the impacts of drought, flood, or fire.

Soil helps to regulate the Earth’s climate, and stores more carbon than all of the world’s forests combined. Healthy soils are fundamental to our survival.

How to conserve and protect soil fertility

There are ways we can conserve and protect our soil: - Plant trees to secure topsoil. Simply planting trees is a good conservation method, as it secures topsoil and erosion is prevented.

- Practise crop rotation. This process prevents overgrowth of pathogens and a lack of fertility in the soil.

- Water the soil. This helps to not only nourish the soil, but to protect it.

- Add earthworms. They increase the soil’s ability to absorb nutrients.

- Add fertilisers. Not all fertiliser products are effective for conservation, therefore it is important to note its composition.

World Soil Day

An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand, and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness-raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013, and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5th December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day. World Soil Day (WSD) is a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil, and for advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. It is celebrated annually on December 05. This year’s theme is “Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity", which aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinisation, increasing soil awareness, and encouraging societies to improve soil health.

Soil salinisation and sodification are major soil degradation processes that threaten ecosystems, and are recognised as being among the most important problems at a global level for agricultural production, food security, and sustainability in arid (receive little precipitation) and semi-arid regions (25 to 50 centimetres of rain per year).

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil completely on board with cost oil audit – Min Bharrat – delay to ensure local auditors’ involvement

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

O

il giant ExxonMobil is completely on board when it comes to the cost oil audit that has to be done into its expenses post-2017, even though the timeframe for it has elapsed.

This assurance was provided by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Bharrat was asked about the cost oil audit and whether ExxonMobil will be cooperating in getting same done.

According to the Minister, however, Exxon is completely on board in this regard and he is also hopeful that the process can be wrapped up in a timely manner.

“Exxon is completely on board with us… we’re hoping we can wrap up the process as quickly as possible so that that process can start,” the Minister explained, adding that notwithstanding what is reported in sections of the media, the Government is very much committed to doing the audit.

He explained that with a

Local Content Bill to be laid in the National Assembly and with all the emphasis being placed on making sure Guyanese benefit from the oil industry, having such an important audit without local participation simply was not an option for the Government.

“We went out, (for) expressions of interests from companies to audit the expenses of Exxon. However, in keeping with our Local Content Policy because soon we’ll be tabling the Local Content Bill in the National Assembly. And we cannot do so at a time when we don’t have local companies engaged in such an important activity as an audit. We wouldn’t be building capacity had we gone to an international company again, as opposed to a local company.”

“As you’re aware, we have competent auditors in Guyana. Because I would have engaged several of the auditing companies, separately and together, as instructed by Vice President.

And we know we have the capability and the capacity in Guyana. We may lack a little experience in terms of oil and gas,” Minister Bharrat said.

According to the Minister, local companies have the option of partnering with international audit firms in order to carry out the audit. This will not only ensure local participation in the cost oil audit, but also go towards building capacity.

“And that is why Vice President has advised that the local companies coming together can also engage an international company with

the requisite technical skill, to enable them to conduct the audit.”

“So, we will go ahead with the audit, as opposed to what is being said in the media that the Government is not interested in the audit and will not do the audit.

That is totally not true. We are committed to the audit and the audit will be done,” Minister Bharrat said.

According to Annex C of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Exxon, pre-contract cost “shall include four hundred and sixty million, two hundred and thirty-seven hundred thousand and nine hundred and eighteen United States Dollars (US$460,237,918) in respect of all such costs incurred under the 1999 Petroleum Agreement prior to the year ended 2015.”

There is an additional sum of approximately US$400 million from 2016 to 2017, which it is believed will also come under the rubric of cost oil. When the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government assumed office in 2020, it took over the shepherding of audits for ExxonMobil’s pre-contract and other pre2017 costs. The pre-contract cost audit was conducted by the UK firm, IHS Markit, which was hired by the previous Administration four years after oil was first discovered offshore.

Based on the bids that were opened earlier this year when Government went out to tender to audit the post2017 cost oil claims, four international audit firms and one local firm had submitted

The Liza Destiny FPSO

bids for the project.

The international firms were Bayphase Limited of

the United Kingdom (UK), Rosa Correia and Associates of Portugal in partnership

with Swale House Partners of the United States and Squire Pat, Gaffney Cline and Associates Incorporated of the UK and Calendar Law Firm. Eclisar Financial and Professional Services, the fifth firm that submitted a bid, is a local company.

Recently, Vice President Jagdeo had said at a press conference that the audits were unable to be completed on Exxon’s post-2017 expenses, due to the lack of local capacity or participation in the audit. However, he had subsequently assured that the audits would be done.

Ghanian VP arrives for...

Earlier in the week, Nandlall met with Professor Joe Amoako-Tuffour of the Economic Management Team in the Office of the Vice President in Ghana.

In a press release following the meeting, Nandlall noted that strenuous efforts are being made to pilot the Local Content Bill.

According to him, the bill must be simple yet be able to set up an effective framework to protect Guyana and its people.

Nandlall explained that the bill draws heavily from the examples set by Ghana and other countries who set up local content policies.

Additionally, crafting the bill received the support of the Professor himself. When it comes to the Sovereign Wealth Fund, Nandlall explained that the

emphasis is on creating a transparent, accountable and rigid framework.

For his part, Professor Tuffour shared lessons that were learnt by the Ghanaian Government when drafting legislation of this nature. He shared the experiences of eight oil producing countries which he studied and explained the strategies and mechanisms they used.

Ghanian support for Guyana’s local content efforts was garnered through the bilateral efforts of the Guyana Government. In October, Vice President Jagdeo visited Ghana where a commitment was made to provide this support. Before that, President Ali had held discussions with Ghanian President Nana AkufoAddo.

FROM PAGE 3

On behalf of the Government of Guyana, the Attorney General expressed his gratitude to Professor Tuffour and the Government of Ghana, for offering Guyana their experience, guidance, and expertise.

Also present at the meeting was a team from the Ministry of Natural Resources. Ghana has been producing and exporting crude oil since 2011, having discovered the resource in commercial quantities back in 2007. Guyana begun producing oil in December 2019 in the Stabroek Block offshore, where there is said to be some 9 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The two countries officially established diplomatic relations on May 14, 1979.

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Speeding motorcyclist hospitalised after colliding with tractor

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23-year-old motorcyclist is now hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he collided with a tractor along the Hague Back Access Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Friday.

The injured man is Surendra Jeewan of Hague Back, WCD. Based on reports received, the tractor, driven by a 58-year-old man of Vreed-en-Hoop, was proceeding along the western side of the Hague Access Road without a right-side front light.

The driver, upon seeing the motorcycle which was proceeding in the opposite direction at a fast rate of speed, stopped the tractor in the corner to allow passage but instead, Jeewan collided with the right front wheel of the tractor.

As a result of the collision, the motorcycle along the motorcyclist fell onto the roadway where he received injuries to his body.

He was picked up in a conscious condition and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was treated for internal injuries. He was later transferred to GPHC in a stable condition.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the tractor driver but there were no signs of alcohol in his system.

Investigations are continuing.

Man busted after respraying stolen motorcycle belonging to cop

A

25-year-old man is now in Police custody after he reportedly stole a black 125 Honda motorcycle bearing registration number CF 8892 belonging to a Police Constable.

The incident occurred on Saturday last at Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Police stated that the Constable went into a cookshop to make a purchase, leaving his motorcycle parked outside of the establishment. However, as he exited the shop, he discovered that his motorcycle was missing.

Enquires were made in and around the village and based on information re-

ceived, it was related that the suspect was seen riding off with the said motorcycle.

The motorcycle was discovered at a mechanic shop, sprayed in another colour, but was identifiable by the seat, rims, and the chassis number.

The suspect was arrested and charged pending further investigations.

Moving on…

T

…from role models

hey say, “Behind every dark cloud there’s a silver lining”. And there certainly have been dark clouds over Guyana after Minister Ramson dared suggest there needs to be more role models in the AfricanGuyanese community when it came to “money-making”.

He situated his remarks within the context of an AfricanGuyanese business partnership being given a contract in a new area of expertise. Which led to criticism from the same community that the partners were being favoured to gain an entry into the Opposition “constituency”.

Now, such criticisms displayed an ignorance of the business “conglomerate” model - where one entity runs businesses in totally different specialties - being the norm in Guyana. Have they forgotten that our first world-renowned business - Bookers - was such a conglomerate, with operations in every sector of the British Guianese economy that the country was called “Bookers Guiana”!!

Didn’t D’Aguiar follow suit with sweet drinks to restaurants to “banks” - the beer AND the place that lends money!!?

Anyhow, your Eyewitness followed closely the outraged reactions from sections of the African-Guyanese community. And what did he learn?? That sincerity and good intentions don’t matter - especially when it’s coming from politicians. It was like when Dr Jagan was addressing some ex-pat Guyanese in Canada and he spoke about what could be done about “Blacks who were at the bottom of the social ladder”. For his entire life - which soon ended - he’d fought for the poor, and thought he was merely DESCRIBING a sociological fact that needed to be addressed, not PRESCRIBING one!! But he was hauled over the coals in Guyana and forced to apologize.

Interestingly, some of those same critical Afrocentric groups later held a conference here on “the Plight of the African Guyanese” in those same socio-economic areas!!

For Minister Ramson, the reaction was just as personalised and brutal from the same constituency that bemoans the differential positions of the African Guyanese community in the economy. So, the lesson? Well, even though mentoring, role models, and networking are three key elements of professional personal development, career planning and progression in the modern business world’s culture, in Guyana, these bases are covered for African-Guyanese by African-Guyanese. As Dr Jagan did, the Minister should simply admit he was evidently suffering from a misapprehension, and apologise for his suggestion.

But the larger question remains: how’s PPP Government to fulfill its campaign promise to court African- Guyanese and create “One Guyana”? Since they hold the reins of Government - which controls such a large proportion of the GDP - are African-Guyanese contractors automatically “Uncle Toms” if they get contracts?

And should the Government disavow affirmative action for African-Guyanese in the economy because that implies they need help there?

…with 6th Forms

Well, finally, history was made in the “Cinderella County” - as the tone-deaf authorities insist on calling Essequibo! - when the Minister of Education declared the first 6th form open at Anna Regina Secondary. This is 154 years after Queen’s College was opened in Georgetown with its 6th form - so it could send its graduates to universities in England. We should note that only UG accepts 5 CXC 10th grade passes to be accepted. The GOAL programmes highlighted that all those free degree courses in Indian Universities and UWI also need at least two passes of the equivalent of 12th Grade CAPE. So, just like with Essequibo just having a fixed 33,000 acres of rice to keep them going - guaranteeing a constant out-migration to Georgetown or abroad - the ceiling on education did the same for the young. But now that they have a 6th form, suitable jobs have to be created to keep the bright youngsters there.

Essequibo is ours - let them join the rest of Guyana.

…from rum and coke

Your Eyewitness breathed a sigh of relief when CANU confirmed that the coke intercepted in Netherlands was inserted into the shipment of rum AFTER it left Guyana.

We can’t afford to stain our rum‘s world-class branding.

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

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Guyana discusses Silica City, Corentyne River bridge with Mexican investors – visiting team pitches housing, oil refinery, airport-enhancement projects

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday led high-level talks with a team of Mexican investors and their Guyanese partner during which several major projects of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration were discussed.

The Head of State highlighted the need for investment opportunities in his flagship project – Silica City, and also spoke about the building of the Corentyne River bridge, according to a missive from the

Office of the President’s Press and Publicity Unit.

The visiting team included the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grupo Industrial Omega, Andres Holzer; CEO of Grupo TCO, Federico Martinez; CEO of Cometa, Javier Vazquez, and local partner CEO of Star 10, Dean Hassan.

Saturday’s meeting, which involved several Ministers of Government and other key Government officials, also saw pitches by the investors in ar-

eas such as housing, road and hospital construction and oil and gas.

Further, the investors made presentations on largescale housing projects and small prefab hospitals.

After pitching their uniquely designed, cost-affordable and modern concrete houses, President Ali put the investors on to his team from the Ministry of Housing, including the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, and CEO

President Irfaan Ali led a Government delegation to meet with Mexican investors on Saturday

of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves, for further discussions and a guided tour of communities currently being developed.

Meanwhile, the investors, led by CEO of Grupo Industrial Omega, Andres Holzer, also highlighted several other areas of interest, including an oil refinery and a new terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International

Airport (CJIA). He said that the group of investors also have the resources to pave the road from Lethem and Linden to enhance travel and investments between Guyana and Brazil.

Government has already received partial funding for the Linden to Mabura Hill portion of the road network and is pushing to have the contract signed before the end of the year. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has injected US$112 million via a loan towards the project while the United Kingdom has provided a US$66 million grant and the Guyana Government will put US$12 million for the upgrading of the 121-kilometre road to an all-weather asphalt road.

However, the Government is still looking for funding for the other component of the road from Mabura Hill to Lethem.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

NEWS

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Guyana discusses Silica City...

FROM PAGE 10

The Coloniality of Power

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here is a raging debate on the roles of Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham in Guyana during the Cold War between the USA and USSR. While the latter brandished “Marxism Leninism” as their theoretical weapon, the former proffered “modernisation theory” that was concocted at Harvard

by Talcott Parsons under CIA auspices. JFK, from 1961, pushed the Third World into his advisor Rostow’s “stages of growth” development component.

All were subsumed in the “Liberal” Ravi Dev Paradigm that had produced slavery and Indentureship, but was now fiercely anti-communist. After Burnham’s socialist cooperative experiment ended disastrously, we had to adopt the neoliberal Washington Consensus by 1989 - which collapsed in 2008.

The ideological attempts to peel off the effects of colonialism in the Caribbean ranged from Marxism from the 1940s, and was dominant in Guyana, to Black Power in the 1960s and 70s. But after 1980s, the battles petered out with the end of the Cold War, and we supposedly arrived at “the end of ideology”.

However, that notion was quickly disabused as the old Liberal paradigm showed cracks in the new millennium. One radical synthesising critique was presented then by the Latin American theorist Anibal Quijano, which he called the “Coloniality of Power”.

He demonstrated that while “colonialism” might have ended, its structural features, dubbed “coloniality”, remains firmly in place.

Quijano posits that we were all conscripted by a European-defined “modernity” that began in 1492 with the conquest of the Americas.

It developed and extended the structures of power, control, and hegemony that emerged during the era of colonialism. He posits that the coloniality of power takes three forms: systems of (racial) hierarchies, systems of knowledge, and cultural systems.

Race was created to justify the enslavement of Africans using Christian myths, including a “Great Chain of Being” with God on top, followed by his angels, then mankind, with Whites on top and Blacks at the bottom. Other groups, like Indians and Chinese, were placed in intermediate positions - for which they fought to maintain their subaltern status. Remember the newly-minted lawyer Gandhi insisting that as a “Caucasian” he shouldn’t be treated like a “Kaffir” in South Africa?! Race still matters, and complicates our relationships with other groups wherever we Girmitiyas/ Indentureds were shipped. It is ironic that in Guyana we are still fighting while Whites remain on top.

Quijano asserts, in addition to racial classification and slavery, “The other process was the constitution of a new structure of control of labour and its resources and products.” The global racial/ ethnic hierarchy of Europeans and non-Europeans was an integral part of the development of the capitalist world system. That included transitional forms such as Indentureship, in which the control of labour was guaranteed without the moral opprobrium of slavery. The Girmit/Indentured, then, is an important cog in the extension of coloniality from slavery. We represent the contradictions inherent in the myth of “free labour” from slave labour in the “accumulation by dispossession” stage of capitalism.

The “Systems of knowledge” should be especially relevant to the academics at our local university. Quijano writes, “Europe’s hegemony over the new model of global power concentrated all forms of the control of subjectivity, culture, and especially knowledge and the production of knowledge under its hegemony.”

How do we break out?

The third element of coloniality of power is the creation of cultural systems that revolve around a Eurocentric hierarchy and that enforce Eurocentric economic and knowledge production systems. We all ape Eurocentric norms in which we will invariably be second class.

We therefore all live within a multiplicity of colonialities: Conquest and modernity; Race; the nation; Sexuality; motherhood; the hegemonic mind etc. For us to have a clear idea as to what we hope to accomplish for our people, we need to appreciate the constraints at the individual, group, state/nation and global levels.

For instance, why should we look down racially/ethnically at other groups when we ourselves are suffering from that scorn from others through hierarchies of race? Shouldn’t we fight for equity and equality of opportunity for all groups in each country we live in, plus gender justice and environmental sustainability?

Flight to the metropolitan countries is not the answer: we can see the contradictions playing out in nativism and racism. As the western-dominated world system crumbles after 200 years, “natives” fleeing its contradictions in the periphery would gravitate to the metropoles to face a seething, anti-immigrant machinery that combines racist populism with arbitrary applications of the rule of law. Let us build a just Guyana.

During Saturday’s meeting with the Mexican investors, President Ali listened to all their ideas, discussed their possibilities and then spoke about his Government’s plan to develop Guyana’s secondary city – Silica City.

Only Friday evening at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) Annual Awards Ceremony, the Head of State disclosed that Government has been getting overwhelming interests from potential investors for Silica City, which is pegged for the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

“We are oversubscribed with investors who want to come in and build Silica City,” the Guyanese leader revealed.

Nevertheless, the Head of State also asked the Mexican investors during Saturday’s meeting about their potential to build the Corentyne River bridge, which will link Guyana and Suriname by road. He reminded them that the planned bridge will use the design, finance, build and own model.

The Governments of Guyana and Suriname are collaborating to execute the project and have shortlisted eight international companies to

The team of Mexican investors and their Guyanese partner (3rd from left)

vie for the contract. Only last month, representatives from these firms conducted a site visit ahead of the December 21 deadline for submission of project proposals.

The eight shortlisted consultancy firms, including three joint ventures are: WSP Caribbean Limited; EXP Services Inc in association with Pedelta, Arcadia, CEMCO; TYPSA, Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner GmbH and Firm Engineering NV; and Politecnica and Rina JV and sub-consultants ILACO and SRKN’gineering & Associates.

The Governments of Guyana and Suriname have jointly agreed to realise the construction of the Corentyne River bridge using the Public-Private Partnership method of procurement with a DBFOM (Design

– Build – Finance – Operate – Maintain) model contract.

The construction of a bridge linking Guyana and Suriname is a priority project for the governments of both countries. It will not only link the two neighbouring countries, but also open up access to greater economic opportunities beyond them into French Guiana, and through the road network being developed into Brazil, and eventually further into South America.

Reports indicate that the Corentyne River bridge is expected to be a flat bridge from Guyana to Long Island in the Corentyne River and then a high-span bridge from there to the Surinamese mainland to allow for heavy marine traffic.

This bridge is expected to promote the safe movement of people and products.

Additionally, it is anticipated that Long Island will become an economic hub and free zone that will also see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets.

Meanwhile, President Ali used the opportunity during Saturday’s meeting to express to the Mexican investors his desire to see Guyanese products sold in duty-free shops in airports worldwide. Discussions will continue in this regard between Holzer and Ramesh Ghir, CEO of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation.

The Mexican businessman manages duty-free stores in 64 countries across the globe.

The meeting which took place at the Office of the President was also attended by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha; Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd; Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Minister Rodrigues.

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FEATURE

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16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

O

n a night in last September, Evadney decided she had had enough of domestic abuse, and told her husband she planned to move out of the matrimonial home. He grabbed a knife and ran towards her menacingly, but within seconds, she leapt over the verandah and disappeared from the scene.

That was how Evadney spent the last night in her home with her husband of 19 years. The duo had lived at their home in the North West District as a happy couple, but as the years went by, her husband became abusive towards her in the presence of their 5

children.

She told Guyana Times that she had been a school teacher all her adult life, while her husband worked within the community wherever he could find a job.

Over time, the man became so controlling that, when he arrived home, he would verbally abuse Evadney whenever he asked her for his food. She noted that as time progressed, he started to hit her, and on several occasions this year, she had moved out of the home after experiencing such ordeal. “I made up my mind, because I had enough, “she said.

Over the years, the man would use explicit language

on a daily basis whenever he consumed alcohol, and in the presence of the children, he started making threats on the woman’s life.

One night in September last, a similar ordeal occurred, and it was then that Evadney decided she had had enough.

The night of the ordeal

It was after 22:00hrs on a Wednesday night, and the community was quiet, since most persons had retired to bed. A loud commotion was suddenly heard at Evadney’s home, and her neighbours became curious, since, unlike previous occurrences, the wom-

an went out of her home to seek help. Evadney was seen struggling to stand up in her yard, and she cried out in pain as she tried to use her hands.

Evadney recalled that her husband came home late that night, and, as usual, he asked for his dinner.

He was intoxicated, and started issuing threats towards her. She said she looked him straight in the eyes and told him she had had enough of his behaviour, and that she would be moving out. But he paid no attention; he continued to order her to prepare his food, and demanded that she accompany him to take a bath.

“He said if I ever decide to leave, he will kill me, and he also said he can do things to me because he knows people who does obeah,” she said. She said that on previous occasions he would make similar threats, and after he had become sober the following day, he would usually be quiet and peaceful. However, she said, she could not live that life anymore.

“He cannot be doing that all the time and he does not work. So, is not like he going to work and helping me financially,” she said.

The man continued hurling threats at her on the night of the incident, Evadney said. She was in her room when he came towards her and slapped her on her face. She said he then threw her to the floor, but one of her teenage sons

came to her rescue and grabbed his father by the waist.

She said she pushed her husband aside and told him he was “disrespectful” and “unfaithful”, and she also reminded him that he does not take care of her and the children. She said she was angry at that point, but the man continued to hurl threats at her.

Leapt off the verandah

Evadney said she then went into her living room and sat on a chair. She continued to vent her anger towards her husband, and she recalled telling him that they have big children. She told him that he could not be “wrong and strong” in the home, and that she was going to move on and leave him behind.

She said he then ran into the kitchen, and she saw him emerge with a knife.

She said she was still sitting in the chair when the man pushed the knife towards her, but she ducked.

Her son who had come to her rescue earlier grabbed his father, and as she looked up, she saw the blade of the knife once more, but she also saw at a glance that the door to the verandah was open. She then ran towards the door and jumped over the verandah.

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FEATURE

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FROM PAGE 17

“I didn’t hesitate to jump to save my life”, she said, noting that she heard her son tumbling with his father in the bedroom.

She said that both of her hands were fractured. Her left wrist felt the brunt of the impact and a bone protruded from the wrist. She said she felt a numbness in both hands, followed by searing pain.

As she got up from the ground, she said, her neighbours came to her rescue and wrapped her wrists in cloth.

Someone then called for a taxi driver, who took her to the hospital for medical attention. She was admitted at the hospital while doctors X-rayed both of her hands, and according to her, both hands were wrapped in bandage after the doctors had attended to the left hand, which she reiterated was badly affected. She said she is right-handed, and according to her, has no feelings in two of her fingers on that hand.

Family support

She said the family from which she originated came to her aid, and she moved in with her mother, who would cook for and look after her

children. She said her children had to feed her over a two-month period, since both of her hands were wrapped in bandage.

“My mother would ensure they get a meal,” she said, noting that she decided to move out of her home since she was fearful that her husband would kill her. She said the man has since moved out of the area, and the Police have issued a warrant for his arrest. The matter is expected to be called again in court in January.

Being a trained school teacher with years of experience, she applied to the Ministry of Education for a transfer from Region One to Region Four, and her request was recently granted.

Evadney has said she has no intention of returning to her matrimonial home, and at the moment, some of her children are staying with her immediate relatives while some are with her. She is working to bring all of them to the city with her, but she noted that adjusting to life here is difficult, and it is even more challenging since she still cannot use her hands.

She said that earlier in the year, after years of abuse, she made a conscious decision to

move on, and in September, the situation had reached a boiling point. She said that in the moments leading up to the incident, she had decided that her husband was no longer worthy of her.

“I always thought that one day I have to move on with my life,” she said. In addition, she said, she had never thought of leaving the children behind. “I always wanted them to be next to me,” she said.

She said she is currently recovering from the mental abuse, and noted that her children are also recovering from the ordeal. “We need help,” she said, adding that she has marks on her skin to show years of abuse.

She said she is now adjusting to life on the Coastland, including paying bills, and this, she noted, is proving burdensome on her. She said she would also be grateful for counselling sessions for her and the children. “All of them were affected, so they need it,” she said.

Evadney noted that other victims of domestic abuse should pay attention to their own wellbeing, and according to her, the better option is to move on from an abusive relationship.

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FEATURE

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16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Arlyne Ramdatt: Versatile woman embracing importance of women’s empowerment Arlyne Ramdatt

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s a versatile woman who has long embraced the importance of female empowerment, Arlyne Ramdatt, an Education and Outreach Officer with Blossom Inc, can easily be labelled as “more than a special person to Essequibo women” for her many achievements over the years.

From a young age, she was able to distinguish herself at the Abram Zuil Secondary School, where she, as the head prefect, was always actively involved in youth development activi-

tion would be hard-pressed for space to elaborate on all of Arlyne’s outstanding accomplishments, a decision was understandably taken to highlight a cause that she has been championing that has been helping to empower the vulnerable.

This cause is one through which she has been seeking to open the eyes of those in our society to take a stand against many ills, especially domestic violence.

“I graduated with a BSc in Clinical Psychology, attended several training programmes, and presently I am pursuing two Masters, in Metaphysics and Psychology. I must continue to equip myself with skills and use my previous knowledge and experience to continue to empower survivors of gender-based violence and several social ills,” this empowered woman has said.

Women from the hinterland holding a banner

ties. Additionally, the young empowered woman formed her first youth group during her latter years of secondary schooling, and was able to successfully mentor several youths.

As she matured, she was able to secure a significant place in both the region and her country. In fact, she recognised the need for youth and women’s empowerment, and, about a decade ago, started to direct her attention to addressing these important challenges. She ventured into these fields with the conviction that women do not have to limit themselves to customary feminine roles, since they also have the ability to succeed in any area, much like their male counterparts.

Ramdatt believes that it was necessary for her to enhance her academic qualifications in order to build capacity to serve the nation’s youths and women.

However, since this publica-

Ramdatt also elaborated on her journey towards empowering women. She stated that while moving across Guyana, particularly in the hinterland communities, she was afforded opportu-

Arlyne Ramdatt speaking to members of the youth group Fem Power

nity to better comprehend how victims of gender-based violence are affected, and the approaches and interventions necessary to address these challenges.

Ramdatt added, “As a result, several on the ground training programmes and outreaches were conducted since my employment with Blossom Inc. as Education

and Outreach Officer in Regions One, Seven and Eight. Previously, I served the same NGO as a Forensic Interviewer working with (victims)of child sexual

abuse.”

Ramdatt told this publication that social ills are generally interrelated, particularly in a small developing country like Guyana.

It is her strong view that a collective approach is needed to tackle same, which is why she and her colleagues are focusing their interventions on raising awareness as it relates to gender-based violence, strengthening referral systems and multi-stakeholder partnerships especially in the hinterland communities.

In addition, they are also conduct training in other areas, such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Child Sexual Abuse, and Life Skills.

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Arlyne Ramdatt: Versatile woman embracing...

FROM PAGE 21

Arlyne Ramdatt with Youth Group Fem Power

“This year, with COVID and all the lockdowns, we certainly anticipated the challenges this would pose, and so, with the funding provided by the European Union under the Spotlight Initiative and UNHCR, we were successfully able to have a positive impact in the communities served. However, there is still much more to be done.

Empowering families and recognising the fact that young people are assets to be developed and not problems to be solved cannot be underscored,” Ramdatt has said.

“I am committed to sharing my knowledge and working with key stakeholders to enhance lives and build safer communities for children and families in general.” Ramdatt pointed out.

After this vibrant woman had completed her secondary level education, she first started working at one of the most prestigious banks in the world, the Republic Bank, where she served for about 7 years. However, her passion was always in psychology, even before she actually knew what psychology really was. Whether it was at school or at work

site, Ramdatt was always the one her friends and peers would seek out whenever they needed someone to confide in or seek advice from. Adding to that, she was always quite approachable and always willing to help. However, because of her willingness and generosity to people, she later moved on to volunteer with PTAs, women’s, and youth groups. However, her approach to women’s empowerment has always held a strong psychology base, and so she focuses more on self-awareness and strengthening coping skills

Skills to Managing GBV with frontline workers and residents of Batavia, Region 7

in survivors.

“I have provided psychotherapy services for many survivors of GBV over the years, and have seen these women grow and heal themselves. Empowerment, knowledge and employment opportunities, along with access to resources, particularly mental health services, are integral components for a successful solution to gender-based violence,” she disclosed.

Ramdatt told <<Guyana Times>> that her final note and observation is that, of-

ten, persons are not really seeking advice. She noted that what many individuals seek is a safe space in which they can freely express themselves, and where there is someone who actively listens and understands them. In most cases, people know the solution to their problems.

“They just need the motivation. So, I would say whether it’s a family member, friend, or stranger… let’s be compassionate.

Create safe spaces for people to express their feel-

ings without being judged.

Be supportive as they share their experiences, and let them know they are loved, valued and cared for. These little skills can go a very far way in making a positive difference in the lives of so many (who are) coping with several challenges.” said Ramdatt, who is today being recognised by this publication as our motivator and counsellor for her tireless effort aimed at helping to give hope to women experiencing domestic violence in today’s society.

FEATURE

23

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Making sacrifices for his tourism passion:

The story of Sloth Island’s Claude Benjamin him clear across the country to Region Seven.

“I really wanted to be a part of the tourism sector, so I seek for employment with Dragon Tours and that’s where I got attached to Sloth Island and actually working with tourism,” Benjamin related to <<<Guyana Times>>> during a visit to the island last weekend.

The 35-year-old, after acquiring his dream job in the tourism industry soon worked his way up the chain at Sloth Island. More than a decade later, Claude is referred to as the guy that “knows the most about the island”, a rec-

Claude Benjamin showing one of the plants used as food colouring on Sloth Island Story and Photos by Jemima Holmes

I

n Guyana, there are few persons who would go above and beyond for the cause of tourism and while many have been making

strides to uphold Guyana’s title as one of the best EcoTourism destinations, there are quite a few hidden characters whose dedication to the industry often goes unnoticed.

Hailing from Aranaputa

village in the Rupununi, Region Nine, all that Claude Benjamin knew was the mountainous Pakaraima landscape that surrounded his hometown. However, a longing to be a part of the tourism industry brought

ommendation which becomes proven fact whenever he takes guests on tours of the Sloth Island environs.

While Benjamin’s journey in tourism may appear to be sunshine and rainbows, his fairy-tale is one of major sacrifice, that entailed him moving away from his 13-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter, to take up the full-time job on Sloth Island.

“It’s not a difficult decision but by staying away from home and working here, it’s quite a long distance, yes. Of course, at times you would miss your family, you would miss your chil-

dren,” Benjamin dismally expressed.

Nonetheless, he has remedied the situation, revealing, “So, during the holidays I would send for them to come and spend the time with me here at Sloth Island.”

Life on the island

“Living here, staying here or working here on Sloth Island, in an environment like this surrounded by nature, is one of the best things I ever come across,” Claude Benjamin related to this publication while taking in the familiar view of the Island.

TURN TO PAGE 24

24 FEATURE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Making sacrifices...

FROM PAGE 23

One of Sloth Island’s main attractions (Jemima Holmes Photo)

“It’s so quiet and peaceful. I love the environment; I love the plants and animals that are around us here.”

With an accessible forest and an expansive beach, Sloth Island has much to discover. The island is named, expectedly, after its vast population of sloths. However, in recent times they are only spotted individually or as a mother with children.

Nevertheless, Benjamin shared the guarantee that “At least every time you come to Sloth Island you will get to see a sloth.

And there are also medicinal plants that we can use to treat patients or treat ourselves, to boost up our immune system,” he went on to add, in sharing some interesting bits about the island.

“Like, let’s say we have the capadulla, a simple vine. It is good for those who suffer from low blood pressure, it is also good for diarrhoea.”

Like many other destinations in the Essequibo River, the coronavirus pandemic has severely affected the operations at Sloth Island, with fewer visitors than usual. In recent times, however, Benjamin said that life on the island has been going well.

“Well, it’s been doing great. We still have tourists coming in, we still have visitors coming in the country and visiting resorts like Sloth Island and others as well. I would say that they’re doing a great job.”

During the pandemic, Benjamin has also taken the time to expand his knowledge of the island. When it is said that Claude Benjamin knows every tree on Sloth Island, it’s purpose and poison, it is, by no measure, a joke.

According to the Manager/Tour Guide, he has been able to put the bits and pieces together through careful study and research.

Benjamin disclosed, “Well, on Sloth Island here, it has a lot of useful plants, medicinal plants, lots of birds and animals but it requires study. I did a lot of self-study here, I did a lot of research, you know, that’s how I get to know and I learn the plants that are useful around us here.”

During Claude’s time working at Sloth Island Nature Resort, he has witnessed numerous changes to the island.

One that stands out to him, is a force of nature where the beach requires constant maintenance, owing to erosion.

“We’ve been doing a lot of maintenance. Like the sand; as the years pass by, the tides come up, the water does down, the rainy season comes and the water would take away some of the sand and wash it back into the river. So, time after time we have to keep building up back the land, by pumping up sand back from the river, to keep the beauty of Sloth Island,” the Resort’s Manager explained.

Eyeing tourism in the Rupununi

With over a decade of experience at Sloth Island Nature Resort, Claude Benjamin has acquired a vast number of skills. So much so that he hopes to apply some of that knowledge to his native village, Aranaputa.

“In the Rupununi, there’s lots of tourism sites and sceneries and I would like to continue to embrace the communities. Like for example, Aranaputa, to do more of the tourism there,” the Tour Guide detailed to this publication.

In sharing reasons why the Rupununi is a fitting destination for tourism, Benjamin said, “Because there are lots of products there that people would like to go and see, especially birds and animals”.

Pitching a tourist attraction idea to Guyana Times, Benjamin added, “In the Rupununi, there’s lots of the world’s giants. For example, the Harpy Eagle, we have the Jaguar, the Giant River Otter, the river turtles, the Anaconda; those are giants and endangered species of Guyana”.

At the moment, the coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on Benjamin’s plans to transform the village into a desirable destination. However, the Sloth Island Manager was full of praise for those resorts which have been persisting.

“So, you know, being a part of tourism, I would like to encourage or embrace other tourism communities to continue doing the good work,” he said.

FEATURE

25

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

EFFECTS OF HOOKAH ON HEALTH

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

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hookah is a water pipe used to smoke tobacco.

It’s also called a shisha (or sheesha), hubble-bubble, narghile, and goza. The word “hookah” refers to the pipe, not the contents of the pipe. The hookah was invented hundreds of years ago in the Middle East.

Today, hookah smoking is also popular around the world.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 17 percent of high school senior boys and 15 percent of high school senior girls in the United States have used a hookah. The CDC notes that hookah smoking is slightly higher among college students, with about 22 percent to 40 percent having tried it. This might be because it’s typically a group event, and is done in special cafes, tea houses, or lounges.

A hookah is made up of a rubber hose, pipe, bowl, and smoke chamber. Tobacco is heated on coals or charcoal, and it may have flavours added to it, like apple, mint, liquorice, or chocolate. A common myth is that hookah smoking is safer than cigarette smoking. This isn’t true. Hookah smoking won’t get people high, but it does have other health risks, and can be addictive.

A hookah isn’t designed for marijuana or other types of drugs. Hookah smoking won’t get you high. However, the tobacco in it can give a buzz.

Persons may feel lightheaded, relaxed, dizzy, or wobbly.

Hookah smoking can also make people feel sick to their stomach. This is more common if users smoke too much or smoke on an empty stomach.

The coals used to light a hookah might make some people feel nauseous. Fumes from the coals can cause other side effects, including a slight headache.

HOOKAH AND ADDICTION

Hookah tobacco is the same tobacco found in cigarettes.

This means that when persons smoke a hookah, they are breathing in nicotine, tar, and heavy metals, including lead and arsenic. Smoking from one hookah for 45 to 60 minutes is about the same as smoking a pack of cigarettes.

Nicotine is the chemical that causes addiction when you smoke or chew tobacco.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH),

nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine. When hookah smoking, the body absorbs nicotine. It reaches one’s brain in about 8 seconds. The blood carries nicotine to the adrenal glands, where it triggers the production of adrenaline, the “fight-or-flight hormone.”

Adrenaline raises the heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. It also makes people feel more awake and less hungry. This is why nicotine makes smokers feel good for a little while.

Over time, nicotine can confuse the brain, causing people to feel sick and anxious if it is missed. As a result, smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products with nicotine may make people feel better. This is known as nicotine addiction.

Hookah smoking is often done in social situations. A 2013 survey of 32 people who smoke hookah found that they believed they had a “social addiction” to it. They didn’t believe they were addicted to nicotine.

HEALTH RISKS OF HOOKAH SMOKING

With hookah smoking, persons inhale nicotine and other chemicals from tobacco, as well as chemicals from the fruit flavourings. Tobacco use is linked to almost 5 million deaths around the world every year. Hookah smoking also burns coal. This gives off other fumes and chemicals.

An “herbal” hookah may still contain tobacco. It’s important to know that even if people are not smoking tobacco, they are still inhaling chemicals from coal and other substances.

In a hookah, the smoke passes through water before it reaches the hose and mouthpiece. A common myth is that the water filters out harmful substances. This isn’t true.

*Lung effects

Researchers in New York City compared respiratory (breathing) health in hookah smokers to non-smokers. They found that young people who smoked only from a hookah sometimes had several lung changes, including more coughing and sputum, and signs of inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs.

In other words, even occasional hookah smoking can cause health effects. Like cigarettes, hookahs also give off harmful second-hand smoke.

*Heart risks

The same study mentioned above tested the urine of hookah smokers and found that they had some of the same chemicals as cigarette smokers.

Researchers also found other harmful chemicals, like carbon monoxide. These chemicals likely come from the coal that’s used to burn the tobacco.

A 2014 study tested 61 people, including 49 men and 12 women, immediately after hookah smoking in London cafes. Researchers found that hookah smokers had levels of carbon monoxide that were about three times higher than those of cigarette smokers.

Carbon monoxide can lower how much oxygen the body absorbs. This is because it can bond to red blood cells 230 times stronger than oxygen. Breathing in too much carbon monoxide is harmful, and it might raise your risk of heart disease and other illnesses.

The researchers also found that study participants had higher blood pressure after hookah smoking. The average blood pressure rose from 129/81 mmHg to 144/90 mmHg. Over time, hookah smoking may cause chronic high blood pressure, which can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

*Infection risk

Hookah smokers typically

share one hookah in a group. Smoking from the same mouthpiece can cause infections to spread from person to person. Additionally, some bacteria or viruses may stay in a hookah if it isn’t cleaned properly.

Infections that can spread from sharing a hookah include: * Cold and flu * Cold sores (HSV) * Cytomegalovirus * Syphilis * Hepatitis A * Tuberculosis

*Cancer risk

A 2013 review notes that hookah smoking may also be linked to some cancers. Tobacco smoke has more than 4,800

different chemicals, and more than 69 of these are known to be cancer-causing chemicals.

Additionally, hookah smoking may lower the body’s ability to fight some cancers.

That 2013 review also highlights research in Saudi Arabia that found that hookah smokers had lower levels of antioxidants and vitamin C than non-smokers. These healthy nutrients may help prevent cancer. Several other studies mentioned in the review link tobacco use to mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, and prostate cancers.

*Other risks

Hookah smoking causes other health effects, including: * Low birth weight of babies

whose mothers smoked during pregnancy * Higher blood sugar levels, which can increase one’s diabetes risk * Larynx (voice box) swelling or damage * Changes in blood clotting * Stained teeth * Gum disease * Loss of taste and smell Hookah smoking doesn’t make people high. However, it does have many serious risks and is addictive, much like cigarette smoking. Hookah smoking isn’t safer than cigarette smoking. If persons are considering hookah smoking socially, don’t share mouthpieces. Ask for a separate mouthpiece for each person.

This may help prevent the spread of infection.

26 NEWS “Wish Upon a Star” initiative launched in time for Christmas SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Minister Vindhya Persaud with a young boy during last year’s Wish Upon a Star initiative

Dr Persaud delivered on her promise to make any wish come true as one of the boys met His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali

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ish Upon a Star, an initiative conceptualised by the Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, aimed at fulfilling the dreams of children with special needs during the festive season, was recently launched.

Anyone who would like to partner with the Ministry in making this a reality for the children is welcomed. “We want to be able to ensure that children are very happy for this festive season; we want to make them feel special,” Dr Persaud stated.

The Ministry is focusing on children between the ages of four and 15 years old with special needs, such as

those living with disabilities; children who would’ve experienced some traumatic or psychological incident in their life; who have lost their parents and do not have guardians or caregivers; and who would’ve never had the opportunity to enjoy that one gift that could make them incredibly happy.

“All they need to do is put that handwritten note in the box saying what they want. If they can’t do that and you (parent/guardian) can, that’s also welcome because at the end of the day, we’ll try to make those wishes into a reality,” Persaud stated.

In crafting the initiative, the Minister had especial-

ly taken into consideration how children generally look forward to Christmas and how granting their special wishes can have a profound impact on them.

Having received over 350 handwritten letters last year, the Ministry’s “Santa Helpers” had the difficult task of reviewing the heartfelt requests and determining who was eligible to receive gifts.

Nevertheless, as she wrapped up the event, Persaud stated “There were moments of smiles and tears as I watched these children receive their gifts. There isn’t a price tag for a child’s smile.”

Five-year-old Ayush

Drunken motorcyclist arrested after trying to resist arrest

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motorcyclist, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, was arrested shortly after he had a scuffle with a Police officer, during which

the cop’s cell phone got damaged and the Guyana Police Force’s Intoxilyzer was misplaced.

The incident occurred sometime around 19:45h

on the Hague Back Access Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

According to Police reports, while on an accident scene at Hague Back Access Road, Police ranks stopped motorcycle CE 4009 and conducted a breath test on him. At that time, he was found to be above the prescribed limit of alcohol consumption.

The motorcyclist, Gildharie Rupnarine, then resist arrest thus resulting in a scuffle. He reportedly started to hit the Police Constable, causing the cop’s cellphone and the Intoxilyzer instrument to fall overboard.

The Intoxilyzer is the instrument used to conduct breathalyser tests.

A search was conducted but only the damaged cell phone was recovered. The driver was placed into custody at Leonora Police Station as investigations continue.

Bharat; 12-year-old twins Hafizah and Saleemah Harmon and their eightyear-old sister Shareefa, all met President Ali on Christmas Eve last year at State House.

Hafizah and Saleemah, during their interaction with the President, asked

him to assist them with a scholarship to attend the ISA Islamic School, since their mother cannot afford the tuition fees. Following a brief dialogue, the President announced that their wish will be fulfilled.

The deadline for the letters this year is December

15, and persons are encouraged to utilise the specially marked boxes at Ministry’s locations all across the country, including at Lamaha and East Streets, Cornhill Street, and the Childcare and Protection Agency, at Broad Street, Charlestown.

GWI surveys land for new well to replace Fyrish well

GWI CEO, technical officials along with an NDC representative, survey a plot of land in Chesney, Berbice

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pproximately 10,000 persons from Albion to Number One Village, served by the Fryish well station, will soon see an improvement in their water service. This is as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) moves to drill a new well.

Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Shaik Baksh; Executive Director of Operations, Jawaharall Ramjug and other GWI technical and regional officials on Friday conducted several site visits with the aim of identifying a location for the new well.

The current well at Fryish is close to 50 years old and has begun to show signs of deterioration.

According to Baksh, this has resulted in the well producing murky water, particularly when the well recommences pumping after a power outage.

GWI is currently seek-

ing financial provision from the Government of Guyana for the new well, as it aims to begin drilling as early as this month.

“So, it is imperative that GWI quickly endeavours to drill a new well for the residents to give them a good quality of water. We want to do this expeditiously,” the GWI CEO stated.

The team looked at a number of plots of land within the Kilcoy/Chesney and Fryish areas, with Chesney showing more potential for drilling.

Also accompanying the GWI officials was Davanand Kasinath, a Councillor of the Kilcoy/ Hampshire Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and Evern Marks of the Fryish/Gibraltar NDC. However, Baksh pointed out that GWI is working closely with the NDC officials to acquire the necessary approval to drill on

the land. A design is also in place for the well.

As a more immediate solution, GWI has started to flush the water prior to distribution, in addition to the installation of a soft starter for the motor.

“When there’s a blackout, we can start without interrupting or shaking up the casing of the well and this seems to be working right now and over the last two days the water has improved and we’re hoping to hold this position within the next two to three months,” Baksh explained.

Following the site visits, Baksh spoke with a number of residents who indicated that they have already seen improvements in the quality of their water, since the temporary interventions.

Drilling is expected to last for a period of three months, after which customers will benefit.

NEWS

27

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Aviation accidents increased in 2021 – Col Field D

irector General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Colonel Egbert Field related that there has been an increase of air traffic-related accidents in 2021 when compared to last year.

“This year has been a very funny one for which we did have some accidents that should not have taken place…We’re in the region of 4 or 5 accidents and I think last year we would’ve had in the vicinity of three. So, yes there was a few more than last year.”

He pointed out that accidents are not only caused

The Roraima Airways plane at the Haags-Bosch landfill site

Field noted.

However, the GCAA Head explained that inspections are done to make sure

that Guyana’s aircraft operations are considered very safe by the International Civil Aviation Organisation

Another Roraima Airways aircraft after an accident

by one factor but rather a string of factors.

According to Colonel Field, the only fatal accident in the aviation sector was back in October when a man died after he reportedly walked into an aircraft propellor at the Kamarang Airstrip, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The DG related that the increase in air traffic-related accidents is due to the increase in Guyana’s fleet.

“What do you expect when the aircraft fleet is increasing, operations are increasing.”

“So, as the trajectory goes up with the increase in aircraft and operations, we’re fighting the curve, we’re trying to keep the accident rates down, it’s a task but my inspectors here are properly trained and they work hard when it comes to the oversight and surveillance of operations,” Colonel

that all aircraft are properly maintained in order to prevent future accidents, and also given the fact that there is no lifespan for the aircraft used in Guyana, its parts would expire.

“With the aircraft operating in Guyana there are no cut-off dates, what you have cut-off dates on, are the various parts and the various pieces of equipment on that aircraft…so every item on an aircraft has a lifecycle when that time meet you change the part.”

“There are a number of inspections, you have the daily inspections which is done by pilots and the engineers…you have the 50 hours inspection, after 50 hours there are certain items that must be checked, you have the 100-hour inspections where other items must be checked and these are done in a rigid way.”

Meanwhile, the Director General further explained

(ICAO).

“As a matter of fact, we are considered very safe in the eyes of ICAO, that’s the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

About 4 months back the ICAO outlined, after they went through their figures and plugged everything into the computers the experts in the office, they had assessed Guyana as being number 1 when it comes to safety in the Americas.”

“When it comes to the air navigation system, that’s our controlling, etc, when it comes to the air navigation we were adjudged as number 2 in the Americas…so this says to you what we are doing and this didn’t take place overnight, it takes time and a lot of training,” the GCAA Director General added.

In July, a registered Roraima Airways aircraft overshot the runway at Aricheng airstrip in Region

Guyanese fisherman feared dead after falling overboard during scuffle

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hirty-three-yearold Vibert Bacchus, a Guyanese fisherman who now resides in Suriname, is feared dead after he reportedly fell overboard during a fight. Bacchus, previously of Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), migrated to Suriname about three years ago where he worked with private fishing vessels.

His mother who remains in Guyana was informed that her son was missing on Friday evening but he actually fell overboard on November 30. The woman, Waneeta Shivgobin, relat-

Missing: Vibert Bacchus

ed that after she received

the news, she immediately contacted his employer who confirmed that the man is missing.

The circumstances remain the same, in that he and another crew member had a misunderstanding which resulted in a scuffle and it was then, both men fell overboard. The other crew member managed to survive but Bacchus never resurfaced.

The grieving mother is hoping that her son is rescued so that he can return home. The man with whom Bacchus had the misunderstanding is reportedly in Police custody in Suriname.

Seven as it was taking off and ended up in a clump of bushes.

Prior that that a Cessna Caravan belonging to Jags Aviation of BK Group of Companies ran off the Eteringbang runway, Region Seven. A similar accident occurred at the Kamarang airstrip due to the disintegration of a Cessna plane’s

propeller upon take-off. The plane’s private operator was Orlando Charles.

In August, five passengers were injured after an aircraft belonging to Roraima Airways crashed at the Haags-Bosch landfill site, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

It was reported that the aircraft was heading

GCAA Director General, Colonel Egbert Field

to the Eugene F Correia International Airport when it made an emergency landing at a swamp-like section of the sanitary landfill site.

Carrying three passengers and two crew members, the flight had initially departed from the community of Imbaimadai, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Police destroy $37M in ganja at Fort Nassau

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nabis at the location.

The camps, cannabis plants, and dried cannabis were all destroyed by fire.

At the time of the operation, no one was present.

In the latter part of November, 450lbs of dried ganja and 120,000 cannabis plants, valued at $115 million was found and destroyed at Fort Nassau on the West Bank of the Berbice.

It was reported that four farms were discov-

ess than three weeks after Police destroyed $115 million worth of ganja at Fort Nassau, Berbice River, the lawmen on Friday destroyed another $37 million of the illicit plant.

Police stated that on the day in question, ranks of the Regional Division conducted an eradication exercise in the Berbice River in the vicinity of Fort Nassau village during which two makeshift camps and two cannabis fields totalling four acres were discovered.

Based on reports received, the fields consisted of 25,000 cannabis plants ranging from five inches to five feet in height. In addition, there were about three pounds of dried canered with approximately 120,000 marijuana plants ranging in height from one foot to six feet along with a drying area and a camp.

In the drying area, the cops uncovered 450lbs of dried cannabis with a street value of $115 million.

28

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021

News

2 unvaccinated men among 3 dead from COVID – Death toll now surpasses 1000

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he Health Ministry on Saturday reported that another three persons died from COVID-19 complications, thus taking the death toll to over 1000.

The latest deaths are a 54-year-old from Region Three who died on December 3; a 62-year-old from Region One who died on December 4; and an 82-year-old from Region Five who died on November 22. Two of these men were reportedly unvaccinated while the status of the third is unknown.

However, new statistics provided by the Ministry showed that another 50 positive cases were reported. To date, 17,996 males have contracted the virus and 20,152 females.

Further statistics showed that there are 18 persons in the specialised Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 56 in institutional isolation, 870 in home isolation and eight in institutional quarantine.

The number of recoveries now stands at 36,170, while 395,990 persons have been tested to date.

Regionally, there were three new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini); three in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); seven in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 16 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); three in Region

Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 18 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

There were no reported new cases in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Meanwhile, latest vaccination figures suggest that Guyana has seen 736,444 doses of COVID vaccines being administered. For adults, 402,751 doses or 78.5 per cent have taken a first dose; while second doses account for 281,455 or 54.9 per cent.

In terms of children aged 12 to 17, some 29,382 first doses and 20,581 second doses have been distributed. Booster jabs account for 2274 of the total number.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand has since postulated that it is a voluntary process and children should not be denied education or access to school if they aren’t vaccinated.

“From the beginning, we said that the vaccination against COVID-19 of persons in this country would be purely voluntary. We went further and were clear that children would not be denied their education because of a failure of refusal to take the vaccine,” said Manickchand.

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

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

Facilities conducting PCR testing includes Eureka Medical Laboratories, Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital, Coastal Diagnostic Laboratory, Sheriff Medical Center, New Vision Labs and the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

Those offering antigen tests include Eureka Medical Laboratories, Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital, Coastal Diagnostic Laboratory, Sheriff Medical Center, New Vision Labs, Anamayah Memorial Hospital, Biotec Medical Laboratory, Dr Leslie Persaud Clinic, Woodlands Hospital Limited, St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Quest Medical Center and Midway Speciality Care Center.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD DECEMBER 4, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

50

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

56

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

870 18

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

8

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,152

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,966

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

38,118

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

36,170

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

1679

REGION 2

1563

REGION 3

5129

REGION 4

17,846

REGION 5

1430

REGION 6

3359

REGION 7

1783

REGION 8

620

REGION 9

2475

REGION 10

2234

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

402,751 281,455

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1004

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.

Soesdyke man found Citizens to pay 18% simple interest on property taxes in 2022 – GT Mayor with illegal gun, ammo G

P

olice have arrested a 23-year-old man after an illegal firearm was found in his possession on Thursday.

The discovery was made at around 08:30h at Bonking Road, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Police said they found a .38 revolver with one live round of ammunition following an intelligence-led operation, which was conducted at Bonking Road, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. As a result, he was told of the allegation, cautioned and arrested.

The suspect was later escorted to his residence where a search was conducted on his premises which unearthed one round of 9mm ammunition.

He remains in custody as further investigations continue.

The firearm that was found in Soesdyke

eorgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine has reminded that in the new year, citizens will be paying 18 per cent simple interest on their property taxes.

At a press conference, he outlined that this is a change from the 21 per cent compound interest that was imposed for many years.

This is applicable to all properties within the confines of Georgetown.

“Since 1994, interest rates were 21 per cent compound. This Council had reduced that to 18 per cent simple interest and that will take effect from January 1, 2022. It will no longer be compound interest of 21 per cent. It will be 18 per cent simple interest,” said Narine.

Speaking on defaulters, Narine pointed out that many were before the courts but some documents were lacking and as such, those matters were shelved.

“I know for a fact that when I took office, there were a lot of defaulters before the court and we received judgements and so forth but nothing was followed up. You can’t find

documents and all these things…It’s just some people don’t want to honour their obligation to the Council. They got an avenue now where they can come forward and benefit.”

In 2019, rates and taxes owed to the Council were pegged at $8 billion.

Presently, he said that number must have grown significantly past this figure and is somewhere in the vicinity of $9 billion.

As such, the Mayor and City Council this week announced an amnesty for taxpayers who have outstanding rates and taxes for the municipality and have failed to fulfil these obligations.

Errant taxpayers have until March 31, 2022, to clear their debts to the Council and some will receive pardons on their liabilities.

According to the Mayor, the intention was focused on improving revenue collection for the city. In recent years, billions have been owed by taxpayers and commercial businesses to the Council.

It was noted that the Council’s staffers are un-

Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

der the guidance of clear instructions when responding and handling amnesty cases in ensuring transparency. Any person, corporation, trust or any other stakeholder that is required to pay their rates in the city is eligible to apply for amnesty during this period.

An applicant will have to submit along with the application form, certified application of transport, title, lease, letter of administration; a printout of arrears statement; copy of official form of identification; updated rate evaluation as may be required among other documents.

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021

ARIES (March 21April 19)

29

Don't let your ego get in your way. Be happy for others, and it will help you excel. Look at what you can achieve, not at the impossible. Stay focused on what pleases you.

Don't overanalyze. Put a TAURUS strategy in place that will help (April 20you achieve your goal without May 20)

taking detours. An organized approach to life, love and responsibilities will help you overcome confusion.

Rethink your strategy. Size

GEMINI up your situation and discuss (MAY 28your plans with a loved one.

June 20) Knowing what others are willing to do to help will make it easier for you to plan your day.

CANCER A change of heart will (June 21- take you down a positive path.

July 22) Show someone how much you care. A kind or affectionate gesture will improve a relationship with a loved one.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Dilbert LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

A steady pace and a willingness to let others do as they please will help you get through your day unscathed.

Stick to the truth. Don't promise more than you can deliver.

Reserve judgment.

Saying something critical will not be well-received.

Offer compassion, hands-on help, love and understanding, and you will bring about positive changes. Romance is favored.

Touch base with people you miss. A conversation will bring you up-to-date and lead to plans that lift your spirits. Travel plans, social functions and home improvements are favored.

Be observant; you'll discover fascinating facts about the people around you. Knowing others' likes and dislikes will help you get along with everyone. Mull over domestic changes and accept the inevitable.

SAGITTARIUS Refuse to be dazzled by someone's pie-in-the-sky plans.

(Nov. 23Be realistic, innovative and inDec. 21) telligent, and you will far exceed your expectations. Believe in yourself and what you can do.

Take the time to reorganize, CAPRICORN take stock and prepare for the (Dec. 22end of one year and the beginJan. 19)

ning of another. Leave nothing to chance or in limbo; address personal matters and size up situations.

Calvin and Hobbes

A change of plans will fa-

AQUARIUS vor you. Consider what you want to contribute, and make (Jan. 20your presence count. The inFeb. 19)

put you offer will help you gain respect and encourage others to give you credit.

You can throw your PISCES (Feb. 20- weight around and make a Mar. 20) difference. Sign up for some-

thing you believe in, and take charge. A change to how you earn your living will give you a new lease on life.

30

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021

India dominate after Ajaz Patel’s historic 10-for SCOREBOARD A jaz Patel made history in a stirring show for New Zealand. Then he watched New Zealand’s batters also make history, of the kind that stirred rather different emotions. Ajaz joined Jim Laker and Anil Kumble as one of only three men who had taken all ten wickets in a Test innings, becoming the first one to do so in an away game. He also faces the prospect of becoming the only bowler of those three whose feat came in a losing cause, with India having amassed a lead that’s quickly becoming outof-sight for New Zealand.

Ajaz’s indefatigable 10 for 119 in 47.5 overs had kept India to 325 all out in their first innings, but that looked north of gargantuan when New Zealand began their reply. They were shot out for 62 in just 28.1 overs, and Virat Kohli opted to give his batters time in the middle, so he didn’t enforce the followon. At stumps on the second day, India were 69 without loss, a lead of 332 and beyond the possibility of anything other than victory.

Ajaz got into the record books, but the only thing that went wrong for India was Shubman Gill copping a blow to his right elbow while fielding close in, and therefore not coming out to open. Mayank Agarwal was instead accompanied by Cheteshwar Pujara. They dealt with a ground down New Zealand attack confidently in the 21 overs they batted, with Pujara moving to 29 and Agarwal on 38.

Agarwal looked like he was merely picking up from where he left off in the first innings, as indeed he was, because New Zealand’s innings was done and dusted in a couple of hours. Agarwal’s 150 was the foundation around which India’s first-innings total was built, an innings of impressive range and temperament.

In its way, it was as valuable to India as Ajaz’s 10-for. Ajaz had regular periods of wrecking mayhem at the other end, but Agarwal continued serenely on. He took on

Ajaz Patel bagged 10-119

the spinners - including Ajaz - particularly whenever he spotted an opportunity, and showed sound judgement on when to leave the ball, as well as excellent patience and shot-selection.

Ajaz had begun the day by sending India from a strong 221 for 4 to a wobbly 224 for 6 in the second over, taking out Wriddhiman Saha and R Ashwin off successive balls. The Ashwin dismissal came via a peach, beating his forward defensive with drift, dip and turn to hit off-stump. The space available to beat bat as well as hit stump was so minute that Ashwin didn’t realise he had been bowled, and signalled for a review, thinking he was caught behind, before he looked back and had to walk off.

India rebuilt from there through a 67run stand, with Axar Patel proving a valuable ally for Agarwal, showing equal patience and great strength square of the wicket and off his legs when the bowlers erred. Ajaz apart, those errors arrived more frequently than captain Tom Latham would have liked.

India were steady on 285 for 6 at lunch, but the Ajaz show resumed soon after. He

showed his skill in getting a well-set Agarwal to follow the ball with his hands, because of the length and the sharp turn, to feather a catch behind, and had taken all eight wickets to fall when he was confronted with the bottom three batters.

The returning Jayant Yadav’s calculated gamble to take him on backfired when he holed out to long-off, and the record books had a new addition when Mohammed Siraj’s slog across the line was sliced up in the air for a catch to mid-off. The ball swirled and hung in the air for a second, a second that seemed a lot longer than it was, as history held its breath until Rachin Ravindra’s safe hands closed around it.

Ajaz achieved his remarkable feat in Mumbai, the city of his birth, but he barely had the time to savour the moment, the pumping fists and roars as the New Zealand team enveloped him in a group bear hug, when he was faced with the prospect of his achievement being sidelined as New Zealand’s batting crumbled.

Siraj was on fire, and every ball that was on target asked searching questions of New Zealand. Will Young nicked off to slip when one straightened; Latham was caught at deep square leg when he couldn’t control his pull shot to a wicket bouncer; and Ross Taylor fell to a ball that rivalled Ajaz’s to Ashwin for ‘ball of the day’ honours, angling in on off and straightening to knock out off-stump.

Ashwin, who seemed to have the ball on a string, struck with his first ball, while Axar and Jayant also had a share of the spoils. The only man who remained not out was Ajaz. He had got every wicket on offer, and didn’t let India get his. It was that kind of day for him.

New Zealand’s chances in this game began and ended with Ajaz Patel, and with nothing forthcoming from either their bowlers or batters, they are facing an abyss from which it seems impossible to climb out.

(ESPNcricinfo)

INDIA 1ST INNINGS Mayank Agarwal c †Blundell b Patel 150 Shubman Gill c Taylor b Patel 44 Cheteshwar Pujara b Patel 0 Virat Kohli (c) lbw b Patel 0 Shreyas Iyer c †Blundell b Patel 18 Wriddhiman Saha † lbw b Patel 27 Ravichandran Ashwin b Patel 0 Axar Patel lbw b Patel 52 Jayant Yadav c Ravindra b Patel 12 Umesh Yadav not out 0 Mohammed Siraj c Ravindra b Patel 4 Extras (b 13, lb 5) 18 TOTAL (109.5 Ov, RR: 2.95) 325 Fall of wickets: 1-80 (Shubman Gill, 27.3 ov), 2-80 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 29.2 ov), 3-80 (Virat Kohli, 29.6 ov), 4-160 (Shreyas Iyer, 47.4 ov), 5-224 (Wriddhiman Saha, 71.4 ov), 6-224 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 71.5 ov), 7-291 (Mayank Agarwal, 99.5 ov), 8-316 (Axar Patel, 107.5 ov), 9-321 (Jayant Yadav, 109.2 ov), 10-325 (Mohammed Siraj, 109.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Tim Southee 22-6-43-0 Kyle Jamieson 12-3-36-0 Ajaz Patel 47.5-12-119-10 William Somerville 19-0-80-0 Rachin Ravindra 4-0-20-0 Daryl Mitchell 5-3-9-0 NEW ZEALAND 1ST INNINGS Tom Latham (c)c Iyer b Mohammed Siraj 10 Will Young c Kohli b Mohammed Siraj 4 Daryl Mitchell lbw b Patel 8 Ross Taylor b Mohammed Siraj 1

Henry Nicholls b Ashwin 7 Tom Blundell †c Pujara b Ashwin 8 Rachin Ravindra c Kohli b J Yadav 4 Kyle Jamieson c Iyer b Patel 17 Tim Southee c sub (SA Yadav) b Ashwin 0 William Somerville c Mohammed Siraj b Ashwin 0 Ajaz Patel not out 0 Extras (lb 1, nb 2) 3 TOTAL (28.1 Ov, RR: 2.20) 62 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Will Young, 3.1 ov), 2-15 (Tom Latham, 3.6 ov), 3-17 (Ross Taylor, 5.1 ov), 4-27 (Daryl Mitchell, 8.1 ov), 5-31 (Henry Nicholls, 13.1 ov), 6-38 (Rachin Ravindra, 16.4 ov), 7-53 (Tom Blundell, 19.4 ov), 8-53 (Tim Southee, 19.6 ov), 9-62 (William Somerville, 27.5 ov), 10-62 (Kyle Jamieson, 28.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Umesh Yadav 5-2-7-0 Mohammed Siraj 4-0-19-3 Axar Patel 9.1-3-14-2 Ravichandran Ashwin 8-2-8-4 Jayant Yadav 2-0-13-1

INDIA 2ND INNINGS Mayank Agarwal not out 38 Cheteshwar Pujara not out 29 Extras (lb 2) 2 TOTAL (21 Ov, RR: 3.28) 69 Yet to bat: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Jayant Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha †, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav BOWLING O-M-R-W Tim Southee 5-0-14-0 Ajaz Patel 9-1-35-0 Kyle Jamieson 4-2-5-0 William Somerville 2-0-9-0 Rachin Ravindra 1-0-4-0

Gibran Sarfaraz gets outpouring of corporate support for Para Tennis C/ships in Costa Rica – John Fernandes Ltd, GO-Invest, Qualfon respond generously

A

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Gibran Sarfaraz

The companies that have responded favourably are John Fernandes Limited; Go-Invest, through CEO Mr. Peter Ramsaroop; and Qualfon Incorporated.

Presenting the cheque on behalf of John Fernandes Limited, Company Secretary Mr. Zach Gonsalves, former national cadet and junior table tennis player and 2002 Pam American cadet silver medalist, indicated that the John Fernandes corporate group, as part of its corporate social responsibility and support for the development of athletes and sports personalities, is

happy and proud to support Gibran financially for this championship, and extends him best of luck in his pursuits.

Go-Invest Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop, himself a former President of the GTTA, said he is very familiar with the sacrifices, commitment and exploits of Gibran as a player, and is happy to invest in his quest to participate in those games.

Gibran, a high-level Paralympic athlete who has represented Guyana at the Pan American Paralympic Games in Lima, Peru in 2019, USA Paralympic Open and other key Paralympic championships, was unable to attend any key events in the last 18 months, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gibran is keen on retaining his ranking position and qualifying for major Olympic cycle games and in bringing honours to Guyana. He outlined that he is working hard in his preparation for these games.

Competitions have been restarted globally in the sport, along with the growth of Paralympic events in international competition and Olympic cycle

John Fernandes Limited’s Company Secretary Zach Gonsalves, former national Cadet and junior table tennis player and 2002 Pam American Cadet silver medalist, presenting JFL sponsorship to GTA General Secretary Linden Johnson

games, in addition to world ranking becoming a major factor in determining qualification for key events given the Covid-19 pandemic. It has become critical that our association is able to have our players such as Gibran participate in key competitions and training camps as a means of having our players continue to

gain the requisite exposure and preparation, in order to position them to gain world ranking points so as to maximise our chances of qualification and success at key international competitions and games, while improving our trajectory at key and major international games such as the

Commonwealth Games South American, Games Central America and Caribbean Games on the horizon for 2022, his participation in these games takes on an even more critical importance.

General Secretary of the GTTA, Linden Johnson, has expressed gratitude on behalf of GTTA and Gibran to John Fernandes Limited, GO-Invest’s Peter Ramsaroop, CEO GO-Invest; and Qualfon Inc For coming on board at this critical time with their monetary contribution and support. He outlined that it is indeed invaluable at this time.

“It is recognised that only through corporate support from companies such as yours that have demonstrated support for the development of sports and sports personalities, which we can make such ventures a reality, and for this we are truly grateful,” he said.

P& P Insurance Brokers also this week made a presentation to Gibran’s quest. The GTTA is still seeking corporate sponsors to meet the budgetary requirement to ensure Mr. Gibran Sarfaraz participates in these key championships.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021

31

Beacons, Potaro Strikers to represent Bartica at GFF’s year end futsal tournament T

hree nights of thrilling action in the BFA Futsal Super-16 Knockout concluded with two of Bartica's top teams earning the right to represent the town at the GFF’s year end Futsal Championship in Georgetown this month.

What started out with sixteen teams came down to a final four on Wednesday night, with Beacons, Almanack Kings, Potaro Strikers and Jones Avenue in the semi-finals. But only two could have advanced to the final. Potaro Strikers defeated Almanack Kings 5 goals to 3 in a thriller, while Beacons overcame Jones Avenue 2-1.

Jones Avenue bounced back with a consolation third place win over Almanack Kings, and Beacons proved they are Bartica's futsal team with a 3-1 victory over

Alden Marslowe

Potaro Strikers.

At the end of the night, both finalists were winners, having secured the right to enter the GFF's national yearend tournament.

In an interview with this publication, President of the Bartica Football Association, Alden Marslowe, when asked his opinion on both teams representing BFA in the year end tournament, said: “Beacon and Potaro Strikers are two of our top clubs at the moment, so it

Beacon FC

is great to see that they can perform in any form of the sport.

“I am confident they will represent us well at the year-end tournament, and we are fully behind them. In terms of their chances, our boys are as talented as any

Potaro Strikers

in the country. So, we don't feel like they are at a disadvantage competing in a national tournament.”

The BFA boss is confident that futsal is always a crowd-pleaser at Bartica.

He noted that the talent of the players on the smaller

pitch, the flair and energy, along with the accompanying spectator atmosphere, make for a really unique and special product.

Marslowe reiterated that the two teams would be representing the local association as well as the gener-

al community. Hence, it is their responsibility to assist them with administration, training, and finances, as they are looking forward to getting the best out of them. Therefore, the BFA is giving the players the best.

HERO CPL partners BCB/UCCA/Vitality Inc 20/20 with Saytv for Tournament continues today live chat app T

Hero CPL’s Head of Marketing, Chris Watson

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have partnered with SAYTV to create a marketleading live chat app for cricket lovers to discuss the Hero CPL and the other cricketing events around the world all year round.

Although fans can use the app to chat with other users at any time, the first feature event taking place in the app will be a Q&A session with cricket legend and Hero CPL Director, International Cricketer Tom Moody. He will be joining CPL chat app users to talk about the India vs New Zealand Test series, the Big Bash T20 tournament in Australia, and the Abu Dhabi T10 on the 5 December 2021, during the Big Bash match between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars which gets underway at 8:15am GMT. SAYTV was launched into the German market in March 2021 with the intention of making an all-in-one social chat platform for everything TV-related, while ensuring an inclusive and friendly chat community welcoming everyone. The company has since begun entering partnerships to create stateof-the-art live chat and entertainment technology for its clients.

SAYTV provides an easyto-navigate app interface with engaging community

features such as Quiz, breakout rooms, loyalty badges and more. A fully developed in-app store gives the opportunity to offer CPLspecific emoticons, avatars, and custom wallpapers to give fans a truly immersive experience.

Paula Raithel, SAYTV’s co-founder and CMO, said: “SAYTV provided the official live chat app for the CPL T20 tournament in August 2021.

The collaboration was a tremendous success. Within a few days, the CPL Chat App gathered an amazing cricket community, sharing their thoughts and celebrating together.

“Now, looking forward to the future, we are excited to announce that the CPL and SAYTV have entered into a long-term partnership to provide CPL fans worldwide with a safe, inclusive, fun experience chat app.”

Chris Watson, Hero CPL’s Head of Marketing, said: “We are always striving to bring our fans closer to the action, and provide a way for them to engage with the league on a year-round basis. SAYTV’s fantastic Chat App allows you to do just that. We were delighted with the success of the live Chat App during this year’s tournament, and we are very much looking forward to this long-term partnership.” (CPLT20.COM)

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last weekend started another cricket tournament in the Ancient County as it continues its restart of the cricket season after an enforced stoppage due to the COVID pandemic.

A total of 26 teams are participating in the BCB/ Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA)/Vitality Inc 20/20 Tournament. The UCCA, headed

by President Dennis D’Andrade, is looking after the organising of the tournament on behalf of the Berbice Cricket Board.

The tournament, which is being played on a knockout basis, would continue this Sunday at six venues in the area.

Results from last Sunday’s matches are as follows: 1: CWC defeated No 69 Red Rose by 38 runs at Red Rose.

CWC Sports Club: 147 for 8 from 20 overs. N Deo 32, Q Khan 28, M Ramkissoon 3 for 22.

No 69 Red Rose: 109 all out in 20 overs. D. Persaud 30, G Sugrim 3 for 22.

2: No 68 Turn Team got past No 48 by 75 runs at No 68 Ground.

No 68 Turn Team: 213 for 2 in 20 overs. Anthony Dourjohdan 133 not out, with 14 sixes and three boundaries. Karran Singh 51, with three sixes and three boundaries.

No 68: 138 all out in 17.1 overs. B Somaroo 30, J Seenauth 35, Anthony Jones 5 for 26, Bhojnarine Sookdeo 2 for 13, and Henauth Ramsarran 2 for 35.

3: No 70 Young Blood defeated No 77 by ten wickets at No 70 Ground.

Batting first, No 70 were bowled out for a meagre 36 from 10 overs, with A Khan top scoring with 10. Mohamed Azoze taking 4 for 9 from three overs.

In response, the home team raced to 40 without loss in 3.4 overs. Mohamed Azoze 22 not out, and Baresh Shamond 12 not out.

4: Rama Krishna Foundation

breezed past No 52 CC by six wickets at No 73 Ground.

Batting first, No 52 made 91 all out in 17.4 overs, as only H. Nandlall reached double figures with 32.

Bowling for Rama Krishna, Vikash Singh took 4 for 11 from four overs, and Tavindra Doobay took 3 for 12.

In response, Rama Krishna raced to 92 for 4 in 14.5 overs, with Khemraj Dhuj top scoring with 32.

5: A brilliant innings from Davanand Chatterpaul led NO 72 Cut and Load to a crushing 150run victory over CWC All Family at the No 72 Ground.

Chatterpaul blasted 89, with four boundaries and nine massive sixes, and received support from Deoprakash Ramdat (30) and Zammer Shaw (30 not out) as the home team reached 216 for 4 from their allotted twenty overs.

R.Hakin took 2 for 36 from four overs for the visitors, who in response were bowled out for 66 in 14.1 over. Z. Mohammed scored 12, while Ramesh Omapersaud took 3 for 22 and Chatterpaul returned to complete a good match with 2 for 11.

6: No 70 A Spartans edged No 64 Marines by three runs in a thriller.

No A Spartans batted first and chalked up 109 all out in 18 overs.

Thameshwar Ramoutar scored 39, while extras contributed a healthy 21. Bowling for No 64, Steve Embrack, Leonard Sandy, Charles France and Ramez Naidoo each took two wickets,

for 17, 7, 30 and 31 respectively.

In response, No 64 were disappointed to fall short by three wickets with five balls still to be bowled. They were bowled out for 106 in 19.1 overs, despite Embrack hitting a responsible 32 and Kumar Chand stroking 31 impressive runs. Bowling for the home team, Omesh Kemraj took 3 for 16 while Shizam Khan and Thameshwar Ramoutar took 2 for 16.

7: No 70 MYO defeated No

69 Eagles by 20 runs at the No 69 Red Rose Ground.

No 70 MYO, batting first, reached 130 all out from 20 overs, with Niazi Khan top scoring with 27. He received support from Salim Khan (21) and Rasheed Rahamatelly (15).

No 69 Eagles, in response, were restricted to 110 for 8 when their allotted overs expired. K Karlo top scored with 20 while Areef Khan took 2 for 7, Mohammed Khan took 2 for 18, and Alim Khan took 2 for 16 as the outstanding bowlers for No 70 MYO. The BCB has plans to host two more competitions for teams in the Upper Corentyne Sub- Association, while clubs in the area could participate in another 30 competitions at different levels over the next twelve months in what is expected to be a packed BCB cricket calendar.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB press conference…

Guyana Jaguars renamed Guyana Amazon Jaguars

– Selector Sarwan hints at major changes in Guyana’s senior set-up – Crandon, Hercules assigned to senior coaching, Moore is Female Coach

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Bissoondyal Singh-led Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has hosted its first press conference and made a host of announcements. Among those announcements made was a name change to the franchise, from Guyana Jaguars to Guyana Amazon Jaguars (GAJ).

Former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, who is performing the role of the GAJ Senior Selector, said the GCB would have major changes in the four-day team. Some of the changes he hinted at are new upcoming players getting the opportunity, the GCB implementing a higher minimum fitness standard of level 45 in the yoyo test, and a new captain for the Jaguars being groomed.

The Jaguars are expected to play the Regional 4-Day tournament in February 2022.

Sarwan, who is currently overseas, appeared virtually and made this disclosure among other announcements at the GCB

Ryan Hercules

Esuan Crandon

press conference on Saturday at the Grand Coastal Inn. Responding to a question from this daily publication, Sarwan disclosed that his selection panel has its eyes on young trio Matthew Nandu, Tevin Imlach and Kevlon Anderson, who are expected to get more opportunities to represent Guyana.

“The young Nandu is one for us to look at, maybe someone we can have in the squad. The young guy from Berbice, Kevlon Anderson, has done extremely well. We are also looking at young

Imlach, who is a very interesting cricketer, a good wicketkeeper who can bat at the top and the middle,” Sarwan responded.

GCB President Singh also highlighted the developmental plans for cricket in Guyana. He noted that 32 academy players would be awarded contracts shortly. Singh also noted that the GCB is working to ensure cricket personnel are paid in a timely manner.

It was officially announced that Esuan Crandon would continue to serve as the Senior Mmen’s Head Coach and Ryan

Some of the members of the Guyana Cricket Board

Hercules as the Assistant Coach. Julian Moore was announced as the Female Head Coach.

Meanwhile, technocrat member Anil Beharry also indicated that major work is expected to be commenced at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) facility, which he hopes would one day compete with the Guyana National Stadium to

host first-class matches.

Beharry also disclosed that electrical works have commenced at LBI, and that cost is estimated at Gy$2 million, and a major overhaul of the plumbing is expected.

“For the last eight months, we were able to do some corrective work, but not to the magnitude of the desired standard. We did some rolling

of the ground, added some dirt and planted some grass.

We at the GCB will continue to work, and we engaged the Minister of Agriculture to seek assistance. For us to reach the desired standard, there are a few things we need to act on in the near future. The outfield has too much sand, resulting in the lack of growth of grass,” Beharry added.

ExxonMobil Indoor Hockey Championships…

Intriguing final day set, after action-packed week T he two Masters teams, Guyana 40s and 50 Not Out, both featuring players preparing for next year’s Masters Indoor Hockey World Cup, squared off on Friday evening in the ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships.

Huge bragging rights were at stake in addition to a semi-final berth in the men’s first division competition.

Former national captain Devin Munroe set the tone of the match from the opening minute, signalling that the Guyana 40s meant business when he caught the 50s defence unsettled and slammed home the first goal of the match in the opening minute.

50s Captain Philip Fernandes drew the game level two minutes later via a penalty corner strike that whizzed past the left ear of former national goalkeeper Tony Cole.

The superior pace of the younger Guyana 40s side, coupled with a solid defensive performance by Robert Fernandes and Dwayne Scott, took a toll on 50 Not Out, and despite heroic goalkeeping by Alisa Xavier, Munroe added a

Misfits, however, as they both scored doubles to pull ahead in the second half.

Seasoned former national player Maria Munroe produced a pair of goals from penalty corners that resulted in a 4-2 win

second and Chris Low-Koan and Devin Hooper one each before the half, to give the Guyana 40s a 4-1 lead.

Munroe secured his hattrick in the second half, Brian Asregado added one with a diving finish, and John Abrams rounded off the victorious seven-goal haul for the 40s.

50 Not Out gave it a genuine effort, with two second half goals

by Damon Woodroffe and Dexter Wyles leaving the final score as 7-3 for the Guyana 40s.

Bounty GCC made light work of YMCA Old Fort in the other

men’s first division clash, winning by 6-0. The Sargeant brothers, Mark with 3 and Meshach with 2, were top scorers, with Kevin Spencer’s opener completing the six-goal count.

The Misfits had their best game of the tournament thus far, and held the favoured GCC Spartans to a tied score for most of the first half, which arrived with the scores level at 1-1.

The Spartans’ duo of Marzana Fiedtkou and Gabriella Xavier proved too much for the

for the Spartans.

Saints executed their game plan with precision as they defeated GCC Ignite by 3-1. Kezia Chinian, national player Clayza Bobb and Charlyn Elliott each scored for Saints, while Captain Aliyah Gordon managed the lone GCC goal.

In the men’s second division competition, the Hikers Cadets cruised to a 9-1 victory over the youngest side in the competition, the GCC War Dogs, while YMCA

drew 2-2 with the GCC Pitbulls.

Points standing going into the final pool round day were as follows: Men First Division: Pepsi Hikers 12, Bounty GCC 9, Guyana 40s 7, 50 Not Out 3, Saints 2, YMCA Old Fort 1 Women’s Division: GCC Roulettes 9, GCC Spartans 6, Saints 6, GCC Ignite 6, Misfits 0 Men Second Division: Hikers Cadets 10, YMCA Old Fort 7, Saints Sensations 6, GCC Pitbulls 4, Saints Scorpions 4, GCC War Dogs 0 Full results are as follows: MALE Division Guyana 40s defeated 50 Not Out 7-3 Goals: Guyana 40s (7) – Devin Munroe 3, Chris Low-Koan 1, Devin Hooper 1, Brian Asregado 1, John Abrams 1 50 Not Out (4) – Philip Fernandes 1, Damon Woodroffe 1, Dexter Wyles 1 Bounty GCC defeated YMCA Old Fort 6-0 Goals: Bounty GCC (6) – Mark

Sargeant 3, Meshach Sargeant 2, Kevin Spencer 1 FEMALE Division GCC Spartans defeated Misfits 4-2 Goals: GCC Spartans (4) – Marzana Fiedtkou 2, Gabriella Xavier 2 Misfits (2) – Maria Munroe 2 Saints defeated GCC Ignite 31 Goals: Saints (3) – Kezia Chinian, Clayza Bobb 1, Charlyn Elliot 1 GCC Ignite (1) – Aliyah Gordon 1 MALE Second Division Hikers Cadets defeated GCC War Dogs 9–1.

Goals: Hikers Cadets (9) – Orlando Machado 3, Sherwyn Caesar 3, David Williams 2, Devin Munroe 1 GCC War Dogs (1) – Seth Jeffrey 1 Bounty GCC Pitbulls drew with YMCA Old Fort 2–2 Goals: Bounty GCC Pitbulls (2) – Meshach Sargeant 2 YMCA Old Fort (2) – Shaquon Favorite 1, Daniel Woolford 1

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