Guyana Times -- Sunday, July 10, 2022

“My mother would cook rice and dhal, and wait for meat” – businessman recalls celebrating Eid as a child Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 5065 guyanatimesgy.com

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THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

Guyana’s doors open for transformative investments – Pres Ali tells Saudi investors – country can tap into Saudi Fund for Development – Head of investment delegation Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Feast of the Sacrifice”: P13 Commemorating one of the greatest prophets of Islam

P30 Armed bandits storm construction site, rob workers

President Dr Irfaan Ali telling Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Investors Outreach, Badr Al Badr, and his 60-member delegation that Guyana is ready for business during an event at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Saturday

“I will hunt you like Police hunt thief” – ex-soldier allegedly tells injured girlfriend

Guyanese food producers already supplying Middle Eastern markets – Finance Minister – updates Saudi investors on progress across economic sectors

Police launch investigation after car goes up in flames Page 10

375 youths were incarcerated within last 18 months – Top Cop

Page 2

Guyana records 3 more COVID ...142 new infections deaths detected in 1 day

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– meets with AmCham to collaborate on youth development

Page 31

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Making a living: Aishalton widow uses business to support P17 village farmers GA-FDD recalls some HäagenDazs ice cream products P29 following presence of pesticides

2 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A 60-member investment delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrived in Guyana on Saturday to advance talks with Guyana with the possibility of investing. Upon their arrival, President Dr Irfaan Ali met with the delegation at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where he stated that Guyana is developing rapidly and would be able to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s expertise and experience.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, July 10 – 00:30h – 02:00h and Monday, July 11 – 01:00h – 02:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, July 10 – 13:20h – 14:50h and Monday, July 11 – 14:25h – 15:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Guyana’s doors open for transformative investments – Pres Ali tells Saudi investors – country can tap into Saudi Fund for Development – Head of investment delegation

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and light rain showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 13:41h reaching a maximum height of 2.4 metres.

Low Tide: 07:09h and 19:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.71 metre and 0.82.

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President Dr Irfaan Ali during the investor forum

Deputy Minister for Investors outreach, Badr Al Badr

aking it clear that Guyana’s doors are open for investments that are of a transformative nature and will benefit the people of Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday headlined a Guyana-Saudi Arabia investment forum.

The Guyana-Saudi Arabia Investment Engagement was held in the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Saturday.

While President Ali led a team of his Cabinet Ministers and agency heads, the more than 60-person Saudi Arabian investor delegation was led by Deputy Minister

North-East, North-West, or wherever. Our only objective is to get the best possible outcome for the people of this country because they deserve it. So, you are really pushing at open doors.”

“We cannot wait to catch up with anyone. If you want to be our partner, and you’re ready to be our partner, let us take the conversation forward. Let us not go in circular motions. Let us establish what is it we want to partner on and how we can support that partnership,” President Ali said.

Guyana established diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 2012. The People’s

for Investors Outreach, Badr Al Badr.

In his main address, President Ali stressed that his Government is ready to move the conversation forward. He noted that the presence of Al Badr and his team offers Guyana and the local private sector a chance to find partners and unlock Guyana’s full potential. He urged the private sector not to let the opportunity pass them by.

“Let me be very, very clear. This Government that I am in charge of, is not wedded to any preferential partner. Whether they are from East, West, North, South,

Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government has sought to strengthen those relations and one of the announcements coming out of Saturday’s investment forum, is that land will be made available for the construction of a Saudi Arabian embassy in Guyana.

“Within the next quarter, we must have movement on this. We are ready.

We are ready for you to have a permanent footprint here,” President Ali further said, adding that Guyana is also making progress in setting up an embassy of its own in Saudi Arabia.

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

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

One Guyana:

Unity in diversity

I

t has been said that we “inherited a state, but not a nation”. With the vast majority of Guyanese arbitrarily dumped into Guyana over the last few hundred years, to join the Indigenous peoples already here, we simply do not have the collective wherewithal to imagine a nation “looming out of an immemorial past”, as one writer proposed. We will just have to deal with the bricolage that we are. But in the meantime, what do we do about the demands for a “national culture” implied in such a vision of a nation? President Irfaan Ali has called for a “One Guyana”, and we propose one grounded in “unity in diversity”.

This question about our “nation” has occupied centrestage in the political arena for quite a while: it has formed the site of a contestation of power in civil society as well as the state. It has therefore precipitated a wider struggle than merely the “political”. Ever since the beginning of European colonisation, the model of the “nation” imposed upon the Guyanese population - notwithstanding some rhetoric to the contrary over the past few years - has been for our peoples to “assimilate”. This stance totally privileges “unity” over “diversity”. It has been the dominant model over the past three hundred years, and still undergirds the policies of most of the states of the world, which now routinely define themselves as “nation-states”. Its premises, which are accepted as common sense, are that the people within a state must all share a common culture and values, so that they would feel a sense of oneness, so as to better work towards achieving the “national” goals. The sixty-fourthousand-dollar question, of course, is who decides on what constitutes the “national culture” into which everyone is to be assimilated?

There have been several variants of the assimilationist school – ranging from the demand that individuals entering such a society jettison their “old” cultures and live practice the new – to such individuals being told that they should intermarry with others from the “mainstream”, so that they physically disappear. The American “melting pot” remains the most famous example of the assimilationist school, even though that state, especially through its school system and its very explicit “Citizenship” examinations, couched its values to be assimilated in ideological, rather than cultural” terms. This was feasible because the WASP cultural ideal was so deeply imbedded in the state structure that there was no need to emphasise it. In reality, for American citizens to enjoy the full rights of citizenship, they had to conform to the “societal” culture - which was overwhelmingly British.

Sadly, the assimilationist project has only worked at the price of great suffering; and even then, never very successfully. America has had to concede that, instead of a “melting pot”, it has had to accept that it can only be a “salad bowl”. Britain has had to grant autonomy to Scotland and Ireland in cultural as well as political terms. In Guyana, while everyone was told to assimilate into British culture, there were always snickers from whites when “natives” talked about Britain as “home” – as was very common as recently as the sixties. Modern international norms of 'equality', 'self-determinations’ and “cultural citizenship” of peoples militate against cultural hegemony being accepted by even “subordinate” groups. Witness the new militancy of our Indigenous peoples.

It is an ironic fact about the world, however, that multicultural societies are actually the norm in the socalled “nation-states”. Each individual in such states is also a member of a particular cultural group, who will have different experiences from another belonging to a different cultural group. This is because our culture shapes and gives meaning to our life-plans. And the mere participation of each member helps to change the culture itself. Out of this relationship between people and their cultures arises a sense of identity and belonging.

The question as to whether “unity” or “diversity” should be privileged is partially a semantic one, caused by the conflation of “state” and “nation”. But, at the bottom, the dispute has to do with power, as it almost always does.

Political unity and cultural diversity do not have to be mutually exclusive.

We can have One Guyana with unity of diverse cultures.

President Dr Irfaan Ali joined worshippers at the Queenstown Jama Masjid on Saturday as Muslims observed Eid-ul-Adha, The Festival of Sacrifice

GECOM must finalise vacancies and its schedule of activities for holding LGE this year!

Dear Editor, The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must hold Local Government Elections this year! The lack of definitive related communication regarding such decisions allows for uncertainty and speculations concerning what might be, and also creates a general perception that administrators of GECOM are treading softly to avoid the proverbial hot coals.

This conflicts with the legal basis and core constitutional mandate of GECOM regarding conducting free and fair elections, and highlights the need for the CHAIRWOMAN and COMMISSIONERS to be assertive in driving the scheduled steps of a plan towards a targeted delivery premised on the existent legal framework.

One is well aware of the procedural abuse by Opposition Commissioners, who use delaying tactics at meetings of the Commission.

An apt example is the recent resubmitted petition regarding GECOM conducting an investigative review of occurrences related to the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, although the core context matter was already responded to at the level of the High Court, as well as by the Chairwoman of the Commission.

The frequent deterring approach of irrelevant motions is frequently and conveniently used to digress from the focal issues of the Commission. Given that the Commission is legally empowered to set its own rules,

the time has come for the Chairwoman to deny these abuses.

As it stands, the Commission is in an excellent position to move forward after a highly successful period of the Continuous Registration cycle. Our citizens anticipate that GECOM would advance the necessary follow-up steps to produce an updated List of registered persons for further validation by way of a short Claims and Objections period. The final legal cleansing of the List by GECOM, with the involvement of relevant political stakeholders, is necessary to produce a Voters List that would facilitate the holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs).

Guyanese are extremely interested in the holding of the overdue LGEs, due to the important role they play in the regularisation of service to citizens and the development at the Municipal, Village Community, and Local Authority Levels.

In various instances, the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the Municipalities are not functioning properly due to attrition, where elected members died, migrated, or others have become lethargic and less efficient.

As a consequence, there are too many vacancies, contributing to the justification for these elections to be held without further delay, as GECOM must also ensure the proper background interrogation of applicants to these key positions.

From the outlook, GECOM is doing well con-

cerning many issues at the Secretariat level under the guidance of the new proactive Chief Executive Officer Mr. Vishnu Persaud.

However, there are several vacancies in the Secretariat, the filling of which seems to have lost its traction of urgency after the initial advertisement and subsequent indication that consideration was being given to some applicants.

Notably, there have been public responses to GECOM’s notification of sidelined persons, and it is hoped that the Commission members would not further subdue the necessity of filling these vacancies by advancing other frivolities on the agenda.

Editor, Guyanese are well aware that another tactical delaying manoeuvre being pushed by Opposition Commissioners concerns the completion of electoral reforms. We must, however, recognise that the important LGEs cannot be pushed out of the window, stymieing the progressive advancement of thousands of citizens and Local Government Areas because the PNC/APNU/AFC representatives feel is convenient to suppress.

Phased corrections and urgent ones are quite acceptable along the way, since, after all, it was the same mechanism that the APNU/AFC used without complaints for the 2016 and 2018 LGEs under their control while they were holding the Government. It must be done in phases. The nation is looking at the creation of an elections machinery that is stronger, transparent, ac-

countable, and would produce free and fair elections.

Editor, it would be remiss not to observe the similarities of the Opposition’s Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse election petition challenging the results of Guyana 2020 National Elections’ results, which most likely would be thrown out by the Caribbean Court of Justice. Only recently, the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court dismissed a similar case that was brought against/challenging the results of the last general elections in Dominica.

In Guyana, we have been struggling with the performance of the Judiciary on too many matters rejected at the CCJ level that have contributed to significantly heightened tensions that must also be looked at. However, we will have to live with the final decision, and put a system in place to stop all rigging of elections.

In Guyana, it is clear that the GECOM staff before, during, and after the elections were involved in highly questionable performances, which caused some of them to be before the court for fraud.

However, the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the President must be thorough in its investigation of what took place at the March 2020 elections that caused the APNU/AFC-PNC to put their knees on our people's necks for five months. While all investigations, reviews, and inquiries are taking place, GECOM must hold LGEs. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

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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

Renaissance in Guyana’s agriculture sector

Dear Editor, No one can doubt there is an agriculture renaissance in Guyana, which is marked by the renewed understanding and recommitment to the fundamental role of agriculture in the nation’s development process by the PPP/C Government, and driven by the most competent Agriculture Minister ever.

There are several different approaches underway that indicate the continued upward progress of the agriculture sector is guaranteed. This is so despite the many challenges which faced the sector - especially the regular, damaging floods experienced since last year - and which continue to plague the sector.

In retrospective, during the Coalition’s tenure in office, this sector suffered immensely when they embarked on several preposterous and vindictive acts, such as cutting of the budgetary allocation, placing fortune-seekers in top po-

sitions, and positioning the worst and most visionless Agriculture Minister ever to ensure that the downward decline is rapid and devastating.

This has been dealt with by many intellectuals. This period was a replication of what the sector faced under the PNC during its 28 years of dictatorial rule.

Fortunately, it came to a screeching halt in 2020.

This Government is investing heavily in all areas of the agriculture sector, and not only in the traditional areas such as rice and sugar. A sum of $28.7 billion was budgeted this year to further spur development in the agriculture sector. Some of these new projects pursued by the Ministry of Agriculture are outlined below, and these will see major increase and opening up of new markets, not only locally, but regionally and internationally.

The President has recognised the importance of brackish water shrimp pro-

1/3 of oil revenue equally distributed Dear Editor, His Excellency, during the recent religious holiday speech, spoke of the importance of the one-third and the equal distribution of the sacrifice, regardless of economic status.

Cooperative Republicans of Guyana political party finds it appropriate for the public to also expect His Excellency to apply his strong position in the distribution of our country’s oil wealth. Putting aside one-third of the revenue from the oil sector for

equal distribution among all Guyanese would be putting into practice what His Excellency speaks of.

One-third of our oil revenue equally distributed among Guyanese would be our nation’s sacrifice towards the improvement of the lives of all of our citizens. His Excellency has graciously and correctly set the expectation of a just, peaceful, and prosperous Guyana.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

VICE News misled audience

Dear Editor I am one of the characters in the so-called documentary produced by VICE NEWS under the name of Undercover in Guyana: Exposing Chinese Business in South America, which has been a controversial topic among local media. Here I would like to make clarifications.

I never said that Chinese enterprises “use middlemen to pay bribes” in Guyana.

In the video clip subtitled “CHINESE STATEOWNED ENTERPRISE”, they were talking with me about the project execution in some place other than Latin America and the Caribbean.

What I would like to ex-

press is that it is very important to find the right person to communicate, with and to get his understanding and support, who may help you be understood by others.

At that time, the topic was not about project negotiation or winning contracts.

Both myself and my company respect the laws and regulations of Guyana and abide by them.

I condemn the behaviors of VICE NEWS’ journalists for disguising identities, setting language traps, secretly filming and maliciously editing to mislead audiences, and I reserve the right to sue them.

Leo Li

duction, which has “a very huge potential in the diaspora”, and this project is intended to move production from 450,000 kilograms annually by 300%. This project is already underway, and will be an outstanding foreign exchange contributor.

Added to this is the fish cage project, which has already commenced at Mainstay/Whyaka in Region 2. It is estimated that this has the potential to produce 11 metric tonnes of fish every 9 months, and each cage can earn a profit of $10 million per year. We are a pioneer in this regard in the Caribbean.

Another lucrative project is the corn and soya bean production at Ebini, along the Berbice River, and this has all the signs of success. Minister Mustapha stated that, “The trial was very successful”, and there are plans to increase production from 125 acres to 3,000 acres by this year, and 25,000 acres by the next 3 years. Guyana will not only be self-sufficient, but will be an exporter. This will be another foreign exchange earner.

This Government is also cognisant of the importance on non-traditional crops such as carrot, broccoli and cauliflower. These are imported into Guyana, and command high prices in the market. There is huge demand in Guyana and the Caribbean.

In this venture, President Ali is targeting youths, and works have already commenced

to construct 25 shade houses for the cultivation of the 3 crops. This is rolled out under the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP). The long-term plan is to produce 7,000 tonnes. This is a direction which will not only benefit farmers, but consumers as well. Already there are some small farmers producing broccoli and cauliflower, which was showcased at the Farmers Markets held across the country.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture is supporting small farmers who are cultivating strawberries and grapes. But this project has now grown to more than 54 shade houses, and it is expected to increase to 300 because of its success, according to Minister Mustapha. Already, the produce is sold to leading hotels. Moreover, shade houses are now introduced in schools across the country, ensuring that the knowledge of this new project becomes embedded in our young people early in life, and that a career in agriculture is just as rewarding as any other.

Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture is providing the necessary marketing support to enhance the value chain. Minister Mustapha earlier this year explained this, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders: farmers, middlemen, agro-processors, sellers and exporters, to discuss the issues facing their particular value

chain and how to support the improvement of the chain with support from the Agriculture agencies”.

The Government would also invest heavily in agro-processing, which would ensure that produce do not perish, but increase in value. We have seen the vagaries of demand and supply wreaking havoc on farmers. The increased production would take care of the prices, which would be stabilised.

In addition, poultry farmers and prospective ones are given Black Giant birds, each of which can produce approximately 200 eggs per annum and 4.5 kg of meat. These birds would greatly increase the supply of both eggs and chicken to meet the local demands.

We have also seen the introduction of Black Belly sheep in Regions 5 and 6, which would boost the production of mutton locally and for the international market, especially Caricom. At the launching of this project in Region 5, the President emphasised the lucrativeness of this market.

The list of new and pioneering projects in agricultures will continue to grow and expand. There is a renaissance in agriculture, and Guyana will be the champion of food security in the Caribbean, as envisioned by the PPP/C Government.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

6 FEATURE

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MISCELLANEOUS CONDITIONS EXHIBITED BY THE NEWBORN PUPS Undescended testicles

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General comments

ven prior to birth, when the pups are still in their mother's womb (after conception), the testicles would have developed. They are quite visible and palpable at birth. If both testicles remain in the groin and do not emerge into the scrotum, such a condition is known as cryptorchidism.

If the caregiver cannot see or feel the testicles, there is no need to panic. On occasion, the testicles will not "drop" (descend) until 5-6 months after birth.

Sometimes only one testicle can be seen/felt. It is possible that the other testicle may emerge in the scrotal sac later. If not, discuss the matter with your vet. It is not a unique occurrence for a caregiver to present to the vet a young dog (or even one that has reached the age of maturity) with no visible and/or palpable testicles.

The salient message here is that one should not accept (even as a gift) or purchase a male pup unless a thorough physical examination is conducted on the

animal. In addition to a comedic situation, it prevents a lot of embarrassment.

N.B: Testicles of young male pups can in fact retract into the groin if a hyper puppy becomes super-excited during play with its siblings.

gical removal of the undescended testicles, which are still within the young dog's abdomen/pelvic area, or are in the inguinal canal.

During the discussion with the vet, he/she would remind the caregiver about the following: i. The retained testicles can develop tumorous growths (cancers) within the abdomen. ii. The dog, as it reaches the age of puberty/maturity, may begin to mark its territory with urine discharge all over the house and immediate environment. iii. The dog may exhibit aggression as it grows older. iv. The retained testicle(s) can twist, which is painful, requiring corrective surgery. v. The surgery (removal of the testicles) is neither difficult nor complicated. The success rate is high. vi. The surgery would remove the genetic defect from the dog's blood (breed) line.

Q: Must the descended testicles be of the same size?

A: The testicles, even of a young pup and one approaching puberty/ maturity, should be of equivalent size and firmness. Actually, the sperm-producing tissue is that which determines the eventual size of the testicle. Consequently, if one or both of the testicles is/are soft and/or small, one can expect a lower sperm production and a decreased libido (sexual desire and activity), even infertility. Such a dog should not serve as a stud. In fact, the caregiver may wish to discuss neuter-

ing (castration) of this dog.

Q: What if only one testicle has descended?

A: Such a condition is called monorchidism (or unilateral cryptorchidism). Again, such a monorchid dog should not serve as a stud. Also, what complicates matters is the occurrence (not seldom) of the second (undescended) testicle being functional - even if only with a diminished capability.

As an aside, it may be worthy of mention that the testes (testicles) develop within

the male dog's abdomen (near the kidneys) and progress towards the passage through the abdominal wall into the groin area. If both testicles are retained, the male dog may still produce some testosterone (the male hormone), but he would usually be unable to produce viable sperm. Therefore, he will be infertile.

Q: Are some breeds more prone to having cryptorchidism?

Q: What is the treatment for undescended testicles?

A: The literature on this defect is not conclusive relative to breeds. However, there is some consensus that smaller breeds tend to exhibit undescended testicles more often.

A: Veterinarians could introduce hormonal treatment. But why would we want to go that route?

The caregiver should take the advice of the veterinarian and neuter the animal. This entails sur-

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese food producers already supplying Middle Eastern markets – Finance Minister – updates Saudi investors on progress across economic sectors O

n Saturday, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh used the occasion of the GuyanaSaudi Arabia Investment Engagement, to give the visiting Saudi investors a perspective of the country’s economy, in particular, the state of its agriculture sector which has grown to the point that Guyana counts the middle east amongst its export markets.

According to the Finance Minister, Guyana aims to take its place as the food basket of the Caribbean through investments in mega-farms and also boosting the supply chain systems and transport networks, while promoting climate-smart agriculture.

“Our strategy is aligned with the Caricom agenda to reduce, by 25 per cent, the Caribbean’s food import bill by 2025. And this will require significantly ramped up food production within Guyana.

Our target is not only the Caribbean market but in fact markets further afield.”

“And there are already producers of food commodities in Guyana, some of whom you may meet later, who are already supplying some food commodities to countries in the middle east, Europe and elsewhere,” Singh said.

The President Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government has been at the forefront of an aggressive campaign to dismantle regional barriers to agricultural trade. President Ali has said that in the next four years, with the assistance of more diversified crops, Guyana would

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh (left) greeting Deputy Minister for Investors Outreach, Badr Al Badr

aim to reduce Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Months after assuming office, President Ali had charged the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry to assess and address the hurdles related to exporting food and agricultural products to markets within the Region. As such, concerns about barriers to trade in some Caricom markets were raised with the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) earlier this year.

The Ministry subsequently formed a National Working Group on Barriers to Trade against Exports from Guyana.

According to the assessment of market access by the

Working Group, most of the challenges found were related to technical measures including sanitary and phytosanitary measures. It also found several technical and administrative regulations that were all hampering the export of Guyanese products.

Other sectors

When it comes to other sectors, including transport and infrastructure, Minister Singh noted that work has already been advanced on a number of key projects including the new US$261 million modern high-span bridge across the Demerara River.

“A US$190 million Linden to Mabura road, which is the first phase of the road that will

link our capital Georgetown to the Northern states of Brazil, thereby unlocking the tremendous potential of hemispheric integration. A bridge across the Corentyne river to improve trade and access between Guyana and Suriname and transport infrastructure to improve access throughout

Guyana.”

“In the area of housing and urban development, our plans include the development of a new city. Here again, is something you will recognise in Saudi Arabia. We’re not doing it on quite the same scale as you are doing it. Our scale is quite modest. But we plan to develop a vibrant, sustainable new smart city, that will be designed to be energy efficient, interconnected, and sustainable.”

Silica City, for which designs for the first phase are expected to commence this year, is a new city planned along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway that the Government envisions will, over the next two decades, grow to hold more than 12,500 households.

The new city is intended to be one of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s climate change mitigation strategies. While the city will eventually grow to house more than 12,500 households, Housing Minister Collin Croal had explained that it will initially cater to just over 3000 households in the first five years. Additionally, a whop-

ping 3800 acres of land have been earmarked for the new city.

Nor will Silica City be any ordinary city. According to the Minister, the city will be a smart one, powered by renewable energy and developed with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which speaks to building sustainable cities and communities, in mind.

Silica City is a development the PPP/C Government had initiated talks on prior to leaving office in 2015, but which was never continued under the succeeding A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government.

In his first year in office in 2020, President Ali revealed that Government had begun discussions on Silica City as a secondary city. He had explained that the Government was looking at an area on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway that would be connected to the new four-lane bypass road.

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GFS promotes 209 ranks

Senior officers of the Guyana Fire Service and some of the promoted ranks

T

he Guyana Fire Service on Friday conducted a simple yet monumental ceremony at the Central Fire Station which saw the promotion of 209 ranks.

The ceremony saw the promotion of 39 Subordinate Officers, 60 Section Leaders, and 110 Leading Firefighters.

During brief remarks, Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham congratulated the ranks and expressed how proud and happy he is about the pro-

motions.

He charged the newly promoted ranks to be strong, great leaders and to improve themselves to suit their new rank.

The Chief highlighted that they should aim to lead under two main pillars - education and discipline.

Further, he stated that the recent collaboration with the Guyana Technical Institute has allowed for the advancement of academic qualifications for all ranks and encouraged

them to capitalise on the opportunity.

The CFO further noted that discipline goes hand in hand with education and told the ranks to ensure that discipline is maintained at all levels.

In closing, Wickham quoted Gandhi and told the ranks to be the change they want to see in the world.

He encouraged them to be upstanding individuals and to give their best in order to bridge the gap between senior command and the ranks under their command, with the goal of enhancing the image and quality of the Guyana Fire Service.

Reform…

…the Police Force?

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here’s talk once again about “reforming” the Police Force. Yep…again!! This has been going on so many times that the real question is: why the task’s never been completed?? Your Eyewitness has expatiated (ad nauseum!!) as to why there’s the NEED for reform. There are the colonials, who wanted to keep us as loyal Kikuyus, and Burnham, who wanted to keep us as loyal bowers and scrapers! They ensured the Police were trained to keep their knees on our necks. Well, on the necks of most of us!!

So where do we begin to count the ways why Police reform never got nowhere?? Let’s start with the Government in question that succeeded Burnham and his successor Hoyte – the PPP. Now, if there’s ANY Government that should’ve wanted – no, yearned! – to straighten the Police, it would be them. After all, hadn’t the Police hounded and harassed them for the (in)famous 28 years?? Well, Rodney and the WPA did draw the fire away from them between 1974 and 1980. But yet!!

So, what went down?? Some say Laurie Lewis, the Head of Police they inherited, might’ve had “files” on them. But your Eyewitness don’t buy that! While there had to’ve been some amount of peccadilloes committed, they couldn’t have amounted to much. Jagan was Mr Clean, and he’d showed that if any of his underlings stepped off the straight and narrow, he made sure they took the rap.

Others say they might’ve been afraid they were going to be overthrown by the Police, which the 1992 elections showed 92% of them supported the PNC. Yes…dear reader – they used to announce how the Disciplined Forces voted!!

But let’s get serious, shall we?? Have you EVER heard of a Police Force overthrowing a GOVERNMENT?? A hot-dog stand, maybe - but NOT a Government!! Police are trained to think very LOCAL level – like hustling motorists for a fried rice - but not hustling a head of state out of office!!

Your Eyewitness believes there’s a much simpler answer.

Jagan never liked firing people: Hoyte had been ordered by the IMF to slim down the bloated Civil Service, and had started to do so. But Jagan refused to continue the axing.

Not that he got any credit for that…but that was him and his “working class”!! His successors – Janet and Jagdeo - however, might’ve been more hard-nosed - but they were confronted immediately by a rampaging PNC under Desmond Hoyte’s “slow-fyaah; mo fyaal” strategy!! They desperately needed the Police to keep the peace by any means necessary, and they weren’t about to poke no ants’ nest!!

Then, after the Police came under fire and suffered the most losses EVER in their 163 years’ history, a shakeup became harder.

But how about now?? …the PNC After democracy was restored in 1992, the PNC riggers were given the bum’s rush as their “Committee to RE-Elect the President” (CREEP) failed to gain traction, they faced a dilemma. NO…not how to explain how they actually went to the polls backed by CREEPs!! Nah…but how to tell ANYBODY they were supporting DEMOCRACY!!? After all, nobody heard any booming voice from the heavens to suppose there was a Damascene Conversion!!

Well, Hoyte set the ball rolling with the PNC-Reform (PNC/R) in 2001 by imitating the PPP’s “CIVIC” with a welter of new, fresh faces. Didn’t work, and he passed on. Corbin then had the bright idea of creating the PNC/Reform/One Guyana. But the acronym came out PNC-R1G!!! Couldn’t live it down at the 2006 elections. By 2011, they linked up with 4 paper “parties”, dumped their name, and called themselves APNU – and did better!!

For 2015, they hitched up with the AFC as APNU/AFC and took Government!! Then Granger had APNU try to RIG!!

Back to square one, Aubrey!! …the AFC WE all know you can’t cash the same cheque twice, don’t we?? So what is Ramjattan gonna be doing with the AFC now that he’s announced they’ll be going solo come 2023??

Claim he was possessed after 2015??

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

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pres Ali pays tribute to Shinzo Guyana’s doors open for transformative...

Abe’s astute leadership, push for better relations with Guyana – in letter of condolence following former PM’s assassination P

FROM PAGE 3

Saudi Arabia

aying tribute to Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his astute leadership on the world scene and the efforts he made for better relations between Guyana and Japan, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday joined in the outpouring of condolences from world leaders following Abe’s assassination.

The former Prime Minister was in power from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020. In President Ali’s letter of condolences, he noted that Abe was held in high esteem by the people of Guyana.

“During his years in office, relations between Guyana and Japan were taken to a high level, particularly through his interest in the implementation of bilateral programmes for cooperation geared to support our climate change agenda.”

“He will be remembered for his astute leadership and his relentless pursuit of strategic economic policies for the enhancement of the livelihood of the people of Japan,” President Ali also said in his letter.

The President also ex-

Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

President Irfaan Ali

pressed the hope that the loved ones of the former Prime Minister and the people of Japan, would be comforted by the knowledge that they remain in the thoughts and prayers of the people of Guyana during this difficult period of mourning.

Former Prime Minister Abe, 67, died on Friday hours after he was shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election outside a train station in the City of Nara. Japanese media reported that the weapon appeared to be a homemade gun.

According to international reports, the shooter opened fire on Abe, Japan’s

longest-serving leader, from behind as the former premier addressed members of the public on a drab traffic island in the western city of Nara.

It is a shocking killing in a country where gun violence is rare amid strict gun control. In the wake of the killing, security has been beefed up for the current Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, who is also campaigning.

Meanwhile, President Ali has declared that all flags in Guyana are to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, July 9, to honour the Former Japanese Prime Minister.

In his presentation to the attendees of the investment forum, Al Badr gave the various selling points of the investors that came with him. He noted Saudi Arabia’s expertise in areas ranging from oil and gas to construction, as well as the fact that these companies are backed by assets and capital.

According to Al Badr, partnering with these Saudi companies, who bring with them “a strong and proven set of capabilities and assets”, can help local companies to grow bigger, faster and with great profitability.

“Our companies can also bring you, a knowhow, in the introduction of technologies and supplies needed for your transition to becoming a major oil producer and for doing this in a way that minimises emissions and in place, new technology like carbon capture, utilisation of storage. They also have valuable know-how in navigating the complexities of dealing with major oil companies, major constructions, major distributors, and major surface providers.”

“In addition, we have investors in Saudi Arabia who are now a major patron, internationally, including Governmentbacked funds such as public investment funds.

A section of the Saudi Arabian delegation of investors

And we also have the Saudi Fund for Development. I believe there are so many projects that can be tackled by these Saudi funds for development,” he also said, adding that the Saudi Export-Import bank was also present among their delegation.

When it comes to the Saudi Arabian Development Fund, President Ali has said that Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh has already been asked to engage with the Saudis on this. President Ali urged that a project be developed around the fund.

It was only in February that Prince Adel Ahmed al-Jubeir was in Guyana, with the intention of further strengthening ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Guyana.

President Ali had hosted a working lunch for the Prince at State House.

The visiting Saudi Arabian Minister had led a delegation that included Counsellor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norah Mohammed Al Bassam; First Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdullah Al Muaiqil; Secondary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Naif Abdulaziz Alnuwaiser and three others.

Also in February, President Ali had hosted a meeting with another visiting team from Saudi Arabia at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, following the opening day of the inaugural International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana, which was held in Georgetown.

10 NEWS Police launch investigation Surinamese businessman’s car after car goes up in flames broken into, valuables stolen SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Surinamese businessman who is currently visiting Guyana was on Thursday evening robbed of his valuables after his car was broken into while parked in the vicinity of Umana Yana, Georgetown.

The incident occurred sometime between 21:00h and 23:00h.

Reports are that the businessman, 53-yearold Rakeesh Kalloe of Paramaribo, came to Guyana in the company of

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action to extinguish the blaze. The fire was subsequently extinguished but the vehicle and its contents were destroyed.

It is suspected that the fire may have been the result of a malicious act.

“However, when questioned, the presumed owner/driver was uncooperative and refused to provide firefighters with information regarding the vehicle and the fire, highlighting that they had not called the fire station nor made the report,” the GFS added.

windshield was broken.

Further checks were made, and it was discovered that several articles were missing.

Police said the man was robbed of one brown leather bag which contained one vaccination paper, one black wallet, one entrance visa, one silver grey Lenovo laptop valued at €800, and one bottle of Hennessey whiskey.

A report was made to the Police, and an investigation was launched.

Teenage mechanic attacked, stabbed by masked men

The car on fire in Eccles on Friday evening

he Guyana Police Force is investigating an incident of suspected arson after a motor car went up in flames on Friday evening at Lot 162 Hibiscus Avenue, AA Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The Guyana Fire Service in a release to the media stated that it received a report at about 20:17h and a water tender from the Eccles Fire Station immediately went to the location.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed a vehicle on fire and quickly sprang into

another Surinamese businessman, to transact business. At the time, they were using a motor vehicle owned and driven by Kalloe.

On the day in question, the businessman parked the vehicle on High Street in the vicinity of Umana Yana after which he and his friend went into the Pegasus Hotel where they had dinner.

Upon returning to the vehicle at about 23:00h, they observed that the rear

As such, the matter was referred to the Police for further investigation.

Further, the Guyana Fire Service stated that it is mandated to respond to all fire reports and is therefore appealing to citizens to cooperate with ranks in providing the required information.

“All fires must be reported to the GFS, which is the sole agency with the responsibility for preventing and extinguishing fires within the country.”

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19-year-old mechanic is currently hospitalised after he was attacked and stabbed by two masked men in the wee hours of Friday between Lodge Housing Scheme and Meadow Brook Drive, Georgetown.

The injured teen is Nichlous Niles Greeves of Stevedore Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt.

Based on reports, Greeves was in the company of three friends walking

in the vicinity of Meadow Brook Drive. However, as they approached Lodge Housing Scheme, the teenager stopped to urinate while his friends walked ahead.

At that time, the two perpetrators approached him from behind. He reportedly put up a fight during which one of the perpetrators, who was armed with a pair of scissors, dealt Greeves two stabs – one to his face and one under his arm.

The mechanic then raised an alarm and his friends rushed to his rescue. The two perpetrators managed to escape in an unknown direction.

Greeves was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and admitted as a patient in the male ward.

His condition is regarded as stable. The matter was reported to the Police and an investigation was launched.

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Power and Ethnicized State Institutions

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here have been calls for “power-sharing to reconstitute the Executive Branch of our Government, which directs the state institutions constituted to achieve our overarching goal of a harmonious, prosperous and secure nation. However, the “powersharers” stubbornly ignore the trees for the forest: that Ravi Dev the state’s power is exercised through administrative, legal, extractive, and coercive institutions such as tax bureaus, armies, Police, bureaucracies, judiciaries etc. to direct the activities of “we, the people” – ultimately through coercion of one form or another. And that these institutions might not be passive reservoirs of power, but, in acts of self-reflexivity, can influence and even direct the performance of the Government. Sort of the tail wagging the dog. The powersharers’ neglect of the state institutions and their operations in our political debates hinders our search for a just political order: they disingenuously want to share executive authority, but not state power.

We have to concede that in our ethnically polarized nation, due to historical circumstances and Burnhamite interventions, most Guyanese state institutions are predominantly staffed by African/ Mixed Guyanese supporters of the PNC. And that this poses a challenge to PPP Governments that draw their core support primarily from Indian Guyanese. Many a time a PPP Government official may press a button, but nothing happens at the other end.

In terms of the Disciplined Forces in general and the Police Force in particular, one Opposition figure expressed in a 2011 “Riot Act” speech that he was confident that they would not intervene if Africans were to riot. He proved prescient in 2020 and 2022. And this concern is not confined to the coercive apparatus: in the case of the bureaucracy, for instance, their power lies in their ability to craft, shape, hinder or apply policy initiatives of any Government.

I posit that the coercive power immanent in our state institutions and their relative autonomy might be crucial to appreciating the nature and performance of Guyanese Governments of the day.

Take the case of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) - which gives expression to the classic Weberian definition of the state itself as “a human community that (successfully) claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory”. The Ethnic Riot at Mon Repos last week and in West Berbice in 2020 brought home the failure of this state institution that is mandated to maintain “order” in our country.

The goal of all state institutions should be to serve the interest of all the people: this is the criterion of their fundamental legitimacy.

They should be Hegel’s “universal class”. But there will always be the question about their relative autonomy: who or which group controls or has undue influence over the state? To Marxists, it is “the capitalist class owning the means of production”. In Guyana, however, with our ethnicised politics, CLR James’s observation is very apt: “The race question is subsidiary to the class question in politics…but to neglect the racial factor as merely incidental is an error only less grave than to make it fundamental.”

In Guyana, then, we cannot ignore the ethnic composition of the state institutions when we evaluate the Government’s efficacy.

This is not to say that Governments are of no consequence, but to recognise that the Government of the day only has “authority” to direct the state institutions in which power resides, but not the actual power: this is a distinction that is invariably ignored in Guyana.

Representative and professionalised state institutions, such as we have been calling for since 1988, would go a long way towards securing the fair and equal treatment all Guyanese expect from the state. I have been amazed at the refusal of African representatives not to accept this truth. Do they believe that the manoeuvres of the PPP to work around the ethnically (and inevitably politically) skewed institutions bequeathed by the PNC regime are in any Guyanese (including their constituency’s) interest?

Lee Kwan Yu’s singular innovation in transforming multiethnic Singapore into a First World power was because he first addressed the contradictions of his inherited colonial state. In re-staffing his state institutions, he used the facially neutral criterion of merit – even, as from the results, he also had ethnic targets - not quotas.

By ignoring the relative autonomy question on monoethnic staffing, we have created our rightfully much-maligned “weak state”, that will ensure the best laid plans of any Government – shared or otherwise – would go awry.

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

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$2.5B expansion project announced for Madewini Villas

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$2.5 billion expansion project has been announced for Madewini Villas on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, featuring a whopping 300 private residences.

The Madewini Waterfront Villas project is an addition to the current facilities in the Splashmins Fun Park and Resort, a statement from the company indicated.

It will be executed within the confines of 150 acres of land and will create some 300 jobs throughout the different phases of its execution.

Among the features are five artificial lakes, a shopping centre, mall, outdoor space, recreational amenities, bridges and roads. The aim is to create a luxury community destination.

In a statement on Friday, the company said Madewini Waterfront Villas will ensure a harmonious blend of the environment that respects the true ecological properties of the project area.

An artist’s impression of the Madewini Waterfront Villas project

“The development is a prime indication of the magnitude of investor’s confidence that prevails in the current Guyanese economy and Government’s developmental drive as a whole,” the release added.

As Guyana attracts continuous and deepened interest from different countries around the world, locals are taking advantage of the windfall of opportunities

and investments presented through the budding oil and non-oil sectors. Several other major projects were announced with the past few weeks - all in an effort to boost Guyana’s hospitality sector.

These include the Sheraton and Elementbranded hotels in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

It was only a few months

ago, the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), in collaboration with various Ministries and supporting agencies, updated and reinforced the Sector Investment Prospectus to focus on critical investment areas such as agriculture, energy, mining, forestry, information and communications technology, tourism, manufacturing, and services.

The Prospectus highlights and promotes Guyana’s eclectic portfolio of the most auspicious and lucrative investment opportunities to local and foreign investors.

Enclosed in the Prospectus was the attractive fiscal incentive regime that investors can benefit from throughout the various sectors as well as data on the key sectors, sector overviews, the economy, why they should invest and comparative advantages.

The year 2022 is the next phase in President Dr Irfaan Ali’s masterplan for Guyana’s economic transformation into a regional powerhouse. This plan is driven through Budget 2022, which lays the foundation of the President’s vision for Guyana.

Guyana’s economic growth is projected to skyrocket in 2022 as the World Bank has since amended the country’s initial growth projection from 26 per cent in June of 2021 to a jaw-dropping 49.7 per cent despite

the current constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investments are already commencing in healthcare, education and other social services and will improve the living conditions of Guyanese. New hospitals are being built across Guyana’s regions to provide state-of-the-art services to people.

Guyana has been advertised as open for investment, but the outlook is far beyond oil and gas, as it includes expanding to the Low-Carbon Development Strategy, natural beauty, and the value of our forests and human resources which existed long before the discovery of oil. Tremendous opportunities are already being sought in agriculture, tourism, the new Silica City, infrastructure, manufacturing, industrial development, and agro-processing.

To this end, the country is poised to become the most exciting investment destination in the Western Hemisphere.

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

By Shane Marks

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n Saturday, Muslims around the world celebrated Eid-alAdha, known as the “Feast of the Sacrifice” in the English Language – the second of the two Eid festivals in the calendar for our Muslim brothers and sisters.

The “Feast of the Sacrifice” (dubbed the holiest festival in the Muslim calendar), according to the Director of Education at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Shaykh Moeen Ul-Hack, is a Muslim festival that brings the family together as it reminds us of the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son when ordered by God. The entire Eid-al-Adha festivity honours the famous story of the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim – known in the Christian Old Testament as Abraham – to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.

“It is basically commemorating one of the greatest prophets of Islam,” Ul-Hack said in an interview with Guyana Times.

Director of Education at the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), Shaykh Moeen Ul-Hack

Ul-Hack, whose responsibility is to oversee the education of the Muslim community, as well as sharing information

with the non-Muslims on topical issues, such as racism, independence, and national issues as they arise, said that prophet Ibrahim is highly admired and worshiped in the Muslim religion for his commitment and dedication to sacrifice his son for his unwavering love for the almighty God, though the sacrifice was not seen to the end.

“His commitment and dedication to sacrifice his most prized possession, for the love and for the sake of almighty. Of course, it was an attempted sacrifice because the sacrifice did not carry through.

He is held in high esteem, in the religion of Islam, [and] in the Holy Quran, he is referred to or described as the friend of God,” Ul-Hack explained.

According to Muslim beliefs, Ibrahim drove away the devil – who was trying to persuade him to disobey God and let his son live – with pebbles and prepared to sacrifice his son who is believed to be Ishmael.

Ul-Hack explained that Prophet Ibrahim had a dream that he must sacri-

fice the thing he loved the most. Ibrahim then turned to his son, Ishmael, and informed him about the dream he kept having. Ishmael then told Ibrahim that if this is the command of God, then Ibrahim would find him at steadfast.

After seeing Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, the almighty produced a lamb for him to sacrifice instead.

“I think the important lesson to learn from this, in addition to the sacrifice is that he was family-oriented,” Ul-Hack said.

To remember Ibrahim’s willingness and love for the almighty God, Muslims ritually sacrifice animals – normally sheep – on Eid al-Adha. A third of the meat is eaten by the family who performs the sacrifice and the rest is given to the poor.

Ul-Hack said that this year, CIOG received over 30 animals for the sacrificial ritual.

“So, I think this year, we have received 30-something animals,” he said.

TURN TO PAGE 15

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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MANAGING YOUR WASTE – COMPOSTING PART II

ast week, we talked about composting and its many benefits to the environment and plant health. We also shared the basic items that you’ll need to start your compost, which include your kitchen and yard waste and a turning device such as a shovel or a pitchfork. This week, we’ll go into detail about making and harvesting your compost, and share a few tips on how to fix common issues with your pile/heap.

How to compost

1. Start your compost pile on bare earth. This allows worms and other beneficial organisms to aerate the compost and transport same to your garden beds.

2. Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches deep. This aids drainage, and helps aerate the pile.

3. Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry. Moist ingredients are food scraps, tea bags, seaweed, etc. Dry materials are straw, leaves, sawdust pellets and wood ashes. If you have wood ashes, sprinkle same in thin layers, or the ashes would clump together and be slow to break down.

4. Add manure, green manure (clover, buckwheat, wheatgrass, grass clippings) or any nitrogen source. This activates the compost pile, and speeds the process along.

5. Keep compost moist. Water occasionally, or let rain do the job.

6. Cover with anything you have – wood, plastic sheeting, carpet scraps.

Covering helps retain moisture and heat, two essentials for compost. Covering also prevents the compost from being over-watered by rain. The compost should be moist, but not soaked and sodden.

7. Turn. Every few weeks, give the pile a quick turn with a pitchfork or shovel. This aerates the pile. Oxygen is required for the process to work, and turning “adds” oxygen. You can skip this step if you have a ready supply of coarse material like straw. Once you’ve established your compost pile, add new materials by mixing them in, rather than by adding them in layers. Mixing, or turning, the compost pile is key to aerating the composting materials and speeding the process to completion. If you want to buy a composter rather than build your own compost pile, you may consider buying a rotating compost tumbler, which makes it easy to mix the compost regularly.

Managing your compost

Air - Air is necessary for organic matter to decompose in an aerobic environment. This will result in fast, odour-free decomposition. If there is a lack of oxygen in the compost pile, it will begin to smell like rotten eggs.

Aerating would eliminate odours and speed up the decomposition process.

Air can be incorporated into your pile in a couple of simple ways: Turn your pile with a pitchfork or shovel, or use a special aerating tool. Turning the pile would also help the composting by mixing in new material.

Heat - If a compost pile has enough water and oxygen, a good balance of material, and enough volume, temperatures in the pile may reach above 55 degrees Celsius. The optimum range is between 30 and 60°C. This heat is the result of the work of the micro-organisms that are decomposing the organic material. Higher temperatures mean more work is being done. The compost pile should feel warm or hot to the touch when you dig into it. Temperatures of 55C are desirable because they kill weed seeds and speed up the composting process. The temperature will rise to its highest at the beginning of the decomposing-process, and then eventually drop to approximately 30°C. Moisture - Moisture is needed to maintain composting activity in your pile. The micro-organisms that decompose the organic matter need moisture to move around and break down the material. A good rule of thumb is to keep your pile about as moist as a well-wrung sponge. A good way to test the moisture level is to take some compost and squeeze it in your fist, you should get a couple of drops of water coming through your fingers.

If the pile becomes too dry, composting activity will slow down and eventually stop. Adding moisture to the pile is easy: use a hose or watering can. Turn the pile as you add water to allow for even distribution of moisture.

Troubleshooting your compost

Are unpleasant odours emanating from your compost pile?

This can be a concern in urban and suburban areas, with small lots and neighbours living close by. Reduce or eliminate odours by following two practices: first, remember to not put bones or meat scraps into the compost; second, cover new additions to the compost pile with dry grass clippings or similar mulch. Adding lime or calcium would also neutralise odours. If the compost smells like ammonia, add carbon-rich elements such as straw, peat moss, or dried leaves.

Are flying insects attracted to your compost?

Small fruit flies are naturally attracted to the compost pile. Discourage them by covering any exposed fruit or vegetable matter. Keep a small pile of grass clippings next to your compost bin, and when you add new kitchen waste to the pile, cover it with one or two inches of clippings.

When is the compost ready?

Even though material is constantly added and the pile is often turned, a layer of finished compost will be formed towards the bottom. This finished layer can be harvested by removing the unfinished layer from the top and setting it aside. The finished layer can then be taken out, and the unfinished layer placed in the bottom of the bin.

In order to remove materials that have not completely decomposed from the finished layer, sift the compost through a framed piece of metal screening.

The screen may be 7mm-21mm (1¾ inches) depending on the desired coarseness of the compost. All of the incompletely decomposed materials can then be thrown back into the composter.

Using compost before it is ready can damage plants. Undecayed “brown” materials in the soil can temporarily reduce plant available nitrogen.

Undecayed “green” materials can harbour pests and diseases. Immature compost can also introduce weed seeds and root-damaging organic acids.

Compost is ready when:

* it smells earthy, not sour, putrid, or like ammonia; * it no longer heats up after it is turned or wetted; and * it looks like dark soil, being crumbly and not identifiable as food items, grass, leaves, etc.

Give composting a try and do your part to save the environment. We guarantee that you’ll also enjoy seeing your plants bloom.

For more information, visit https://www.epaguyana.org/epa/resources/ booklets/download/12-booklets/135-composting-booklet-updated.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, 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.

Sources

https://learn.eartheasy.com/guides/composting/#howtocompost

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

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FROM PAGE 13

He revealed that the organisation itself coordinates the sacrifice of the animals that were donated by various organisations and individuals. Once the sacrifice is completed, the slaughtered animals are then distributed to the Guyanese people, specifically the poor.

Ul-Hack said, “The organisation itself coordinates the sacrifice of animals, which were donated to CIOG and have been distributed across Guyana, the three counties, Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo and we pay more attention to the vulnerable areas.”

He added, “And so international organisations, as well as individuals, are financing the sacrifice of animals here in Guyana.

And so, they have requested CIOG to oversee this on their behalf.”

COVID-19 and Eid

He said that the Eidal-Adha celebrations were not the same over the last two years, due to the widespread COVID-19 pandemic that forced many persons to customise the way they celebrate significant holidays, like the “Feast of the Sacrifice.”

He noted that due to the COVID-19 restrictions, only those who were involved

with the sacrifice were allowed to be present at the place of sacrifice, everyone else was not allowed.

“We were affected in the sense that they were, we had to abide by the COVID-19 protocols of the Ministry of Health. And so those restrictions meant only the persons who were involved with the sacrifice were allowed to be present. At the place of sacrifice, everyone else had to be removed from that area.”

He said that the pandemic also affected the distribution of meat to the poor.

“It also meant following the safety regulations as it relates to the mask during that exercise, and even in the distribution of meat. We did not encourage during COVID for persons to come for meat at the place of sacrifice. It was packaged and taken to them at their respective places,” he revealed.

However, this year, the

celebration of Eid-al-Adha will resume its normal celebration with the congregational prayer at sunrise and then the sacrifice of animals.

Caring and sharing

CIOG, during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-COVID, has been conducting outreaches across the country, helping the poor and needy with both medical and personal assistance, thanks to partnerships with other businesses, non-governmental organisations, and Government institutions.

Ul-Hack shared that the organisation will continue to give to the vulnerable people of Guyana, as their motho is “Caring and Sharing.”

“CIOG’s motto is caring and sharing. And as I indicated about the great prophet Abraham and about reaching out to others with our kindness, with whatever resources the almighty has

entrusted us with is part of our religious obligation and our civic responsibility.”

He added that irrespective of race, CIOG is committed to reaching out to persons in need.

“That is, irrespective of your religion or your race, we must reach out to every human being, as every human is a creature of God Almighty. And we have to be kind to every creature of

the Almighty, then we will receive the generosity and kindness of the maker,” he said.

And so, with parting, Eid Mubarak.

16 FEATURE

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“My mother would cook rice and dhal, and wait for meat” – businessman recalls celebrating Eid as a child A

s Muslims around the world observed Eid-ul-Adha – the festival of sacrifice - the Muslim community in Guyana celebrated the observance in grandeur.

Muslim brothers and sisters were seen in their traditional garb attending mosques to seek the blessing of Allah and, more importantly, to seek forgiveness and ask Him to guide and protect them.

After worshipping, they indulged in the sacrifice of animals, after which the meat was divided into three equal parts - the family utilising one-third, another third being given to other relatives and friends, and the final portion being given as a gift to the less fortunate.

Nazar Mohamed assisting to prepare the meat for distribution

The annual sacrifice in Islam is not an end in itself, but is only a means towards an end. It is the external symbol of an internal dedication.

On Saturday, Guyana Times caught up with prominent Guyanese businessman Nazar Mohamed, who was extremely happy to be part of the observances, more so giving back to Guyanese.

He stated that, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, his family had never stopped assisting the less fortunate, and added that his family does not wait for a special occasion, such as Eid-ul-Adha, to assist the less fortunate.

The businessman explained that, after being cleaned and prepared,

the meat was distributed to residents of several communities along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara, and in Georgetown. In fact, the meat, totalling thousands of pounds, benefited thousands of households.

“For us, (it) is about giving back to the communities… We have acquired wealth with blessings and mercies of Allah, and through Him we share…

We believe that one should not hold on to wealth, but use it to better the lives of others who are in a situation,” Mohamed added.

On this note, he recalled growing up with his other siblings as a child in a poor family in Essequibo during the Eid celebrations.

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Aishalton widow Genevieve Nario at her small business

Genevieve Nario (right) standing alongside her sister-inlaw Mavis Gomes. The former decided to start her business soon after her husband died some 15 years ago

S

ome fifteen years ago, life changed for Genevieve Nario when her husband died suddenly. With six children to raise on her own at their home in the Deep South Rupununi village of Aishalton, she had to find a means to create a bright future for her offspring.

After years of working with persons within the community, Nario, fondly known as “Aunty Genny”, worked on a plan which entailed making several sacrifices along the way.

“When my husband died, I had to find a way to make things happen for my children,” she said.

As time passed, she said she decided to save her earnings from jobs that she did within the community. She said she started working with the hot meal project at the primary school and she did that for three years. Then she found a job with a businesswoman, and according to the determined woman, she started to save her earnings while working on her plan.

“My plan was to start a business,” she said. As time passed, she managed to buy the materials needed to build a snackette, and according to her, it was no turning back after she started the business.

She said she started by selling beverages and these included homemade juices among the popular aerated beverages and snacks. Then as the business evolved, she decided to invest in groceries but according to her, she observed that many farmers, mostly small cultivators, would visit her shop with their produce. "They would bring ground provisions, like plantains and yams and so, and vegetables and they didn’t have a market for it,” she added.

“I told them I know what

it is to have produce with no one to buy, so I decided to buy it and sell back,” Nario said.

Nario said she has no regrets about the decision. She said many times she would consider what would happen if the farmers had no one to sell their produce to. “I don’t know if I am the only one but I think I am the only one who buys their produce,” she said.

Nario said that she started the business with the intention of taking care of her family, adding that her two sons and four daughters were always a priority. "For this business, I saved $10,000 and I used the money to build a stand,” she said. As time progressed Nario enclosed the area and converted it into a shop.

Aside from selling the produce from the farmers, Nario said she also does catering and according to her, it is also a viable means of making a living. “I do it at the side, it helps me get by with my business,” she added.

She said that the business is evolving and she noted that the time has come for her to urgently expand the business.

“Many people would come with goods such as ornaments, hammocks, handcraft items so I need to have more space,” she added.

In addition, she said that she plans to invest in finger foods and snacks, adding that the foods are always in demand. But Nario said she has a little concern.

She said thieves have been on the prowl within the village and she noted that she even decided to spend time at her shop at night. Accompanied by her children, the woman would sleep at a section of the business in order to

secure her goods. She said she is working on a plan to make her business more secure from thieves.

The soft-spoken woman noted that she is determined to ensure her business expands, adding that as a single parent, she believes that there is always a future in opening and operating one’s own business. As for the farmers, Nario said she will continue to support them since according to her, it is always good to assist others.

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“My mother would cook rice and dhal and...

“My mother would cook her rice and dhal, and sit and wait for persons to share the meat… She would collect about 2-3 pounds, and she would make a good curry, and we would all sit and eat that one meal… In the area, several persons would pool their monies to buy either a cow or a sheep, and that they would divide equally… From that they would share to persons in the community.”

He recalled coming from a humble beginning at Johanna Cecelia on the Essequibo Coast. His father was a sawmill worker, and the family lived in a two-bedroom apartment in a logie.

Although the roof leaked and there were holes in the wall; although there was no running water, no electricity, and they had to use a latrine, the Mohameds had what mattered most, and that was: love and happiness.

Poverty was the way of life in the earlier days, with their fishermen neighbours assisting the family with fish for a meal, and even with financial assistance.

Now that he is in a place where he can provide assistance, he has pledged to assist as many people as possible before he returns to Allah. Further, as the auspicious holiday is observed, he

called on Guyanese to put an end to the division, and unite as a nation.

“We have one life to live.

Let us live it without violence and hatred for each other…

Let us promote peace and harmony…,” he appealed.

He took the opportunity to express Eid Mubarak to the entire nation, especially to the members of the Muslim community, whom he wished peace, prosperity and happiness.

Eid-ul-Adha is the latter of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide on the 10th day of the 12th month (Dhul Hijjah) of the lunar Islamic calendar.

Members of the Queenstown Mosque on Saturday

FROM PAGE 16

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MoH hosts vaccination drive for children aged 5-11 T he Health Ministry on Saturday hosted a drive-through/walkin vaccination initiative at the Natural Culture Centre Tarmac targeting the 5-11 cohort.

Despite the inclement weather, a number of children received the jabs in the presence of their parents. In addition, vaccines were also available for other age ranges.

A health official explained that the initiative had a decent turnout of persons in general, especially in the targeted age range.

The initiative was scheduled to commence at 9:00h

but due to the early turnout, it started at 8:00h.

One of the attractions was the face painting exercise which was opened to those children who took the vaccines.

Nadia De Abreu who brought her 7-year-old daughter told Guyana Times that she is aware of the importance of getting her family vaccinated since COVID-19 is still circulating.

“I think it’s important that we take all the responsible steps, we know COVID is real. I’ve had all my doses, I’ve ensured that my bigger daughter as well has

had her dose and so when I saw the notice this morning that they were giving 5 and above I thought that I should get her prepared, of course, I want to do the best for her and I think it’s the best thing to do for in the event of anything happening, her body is able to fight off anything,” De Abreu.

De Abreu encouraged other parents to have their children vaccinated in order to protect them.

“People say COVID is gone but for her I would do anything to make sure that my family and loved ones are protected. I know the children find it difficult to

Nadia De Abreu and her 7-year-old daughter at the initiative

keep their mask on all the time and so I think is the next best thing.”

“I would definitely encourage other parents to have their kids vaccinated, I

think if you have a child, especially if the child is back at school, we don’t want to rob them of the opportunity to socialise and all of that… us big adults don’t responsible for our actions we still walk around carelessly and so the children you it’s difficult for them and so the best thing to do is bring them out and have them vaccinated,” she added.

The Ministry of Health, after trying for some time, on June 6, acquired 52,800 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses from the Government of Spain for children aged 5-11, which was expected to benefit 26,400 children.

Some children of the 5 to 11 cohort are now eligible for their second dose of the vaccine as the vaccine was first distributed on June 11.

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HEALTH TIPS BAD BREATH

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

B

ad breath affects an estimated 25 percent of people. There are a number of possible causes of bad breath, but the vast majority comes down to oral hygiene. It is also known as halitosis, or fetor oris.

Halitosis can cause significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety, but it is relatively easy to remedy.

* Bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally. * The most common cause of bad breath is bad oral hygiene. * If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds. * Keeping the mouth hydrated can reduce mouth odour. * The best treatment for bad breath is regular brushing, flossing, and hydration.

Bad breath is a common problem that can cause significant psychological distress. There are a number of potential causes and treatments available.

Anyone can suffer from bad breath; it is the third most common reason why people seek dental care, after tooth decay and gum disease. Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as improved dental hygiene and quitting smoking, can of-

ten remove the issue. If bad breath persists, however, it is advisable to visit a doctor to check for underlying causes.

CAUSES

Potential causes of bad breath include: * Tobacco: Tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odour. Additionally, they increase the chances of gum disease, which can also cause bad breath. * Food: The breakdown of food particles stuck in the teeth can cause odours. Some foods, such as onions and garlic, can also cause bad breath. After they are digested, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs, where they can affect the breath. * Dry mouth: Saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry or dry due to a specific disease, such as xerostomia, odours can build up.

* Dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing ensure the removal of small particles of food that can build up and slowly break down, producing odour. A film of bacteria, called plaque, builds up if brushing is not regular.

This plaque can irritate the gums and cause inflammation between the teeth and gums called periodontitis.

Dentures that are not cleaned regularly or properly can also harbour bacteria that cause halitosis. * Crash diets: Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programmes can produce halitosis. This is due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones.

These ketones have a strong aroma. * Drugs: Certain medications can reduce saliva, and therefore increase odours. Other drugs can produce odours as they break down and release chemicals in the breath. Examples in-

clude nitrates used to treat angina, some chemotherapy chemicals, and some tranquilisers, such as phenothiazines. Individuals who take vitamin supplements in large doses can also be prone to bad breath. * Mouth, nose, and throat conditions: Sometimes small, bacteria-covered stones can form on the tonsils at the back of the throat, and produce odour. Also, infections or inflammation in the nose, throat or sinuses can cause halitosis. * Foreign body: Bad breath can be caused if there is a foreign body lodged in the nasal cavity, especially in children. * Diseases: Some cancers, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can cause bad breath, due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they produce. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause bad breath due to the

regular reflux of stomach acids.

Rarer causes of bad breath

As mentioned earlier, the most common reason for bad breath is oral hygiene, but other situations can also be blamed. *Ketoacidosis: When the insulin level of a person with diabetes is very low, the body can no longer use sugar, and so begins to use fat stores instead. When fat is broken down, ketones are produced and built up. Ketones can be poisonous when found in large numbers, and they produce a distinctive and unpleasant breath odour.

Ketoacidosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. *Bowel obstruction: Breath can smell like faeces if there has been a prolonged period of vomiting, especially if a bowel obstruction is present.

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NEWS

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CID Headquarters holds “Fitness Walk and Run”

I

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and other senior ranks during the Fitness Walk on Saturday

n observance of the Guyana Police Force's 183rd Anniversary, the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters (CID HQ) held a "Fitness Walk and Run" on Saturday.

The walk started from the University of Guyana (UG) Access Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to the CID HQ, Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown.

This activity was held under the theme “Showcasing Teamwork and Partnership through Fitness”.

Ranks stationed within the various departments at Police Headquarters joined with CID ranks and other partners and braved the downpour to turn out in their numbers. The contingent of Police Ranks includ-

CID officers participating in one of the competitions

ed Deputy Commissioner “Law Enforcement” Wendell Blanhum, together with other senior and junior ranks.

At the conclusion of the “Fitness Walk and Run”, Blanhum congratulated all the ranks, partners and participants for turning out in their numbers to support the activity.

The Crime Chief also in-

dicated to the large gathering that there is a need to balance one’s work life with activities that promote and foster a healthy lifestyle.

He also encouraged them to continue to stay active and fit whether by walking, running, or making healthy choices daily.

Blanhum also noted that everyone was able to complete the journey through

the rain due to teamwork which is a testimony to the theme of this year's Fitness Walk and Run in practice.

Thereafter, those who participated in the Fitness Run through some friendly competitions were awarded trophies and monetary prizes as follows: In the male category, the first place went to Constable Kevin Browne

while the second place went to Vaugh Felix and the third place went to Police Constable Wilton Bobb.

For the female category, first place went to Woman Corporal Doris. Finally, special awards for participation in Saturday’s activities went to Inspector Bissoon and Constable Joshua who both received monetary prizes.

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HEALTH TIPS BAD BREATH

FROM PAGE 24

*Bronchiectasis: This is a long-term condition in which airways become wider than normal, allowing for a build-up of mucus that leads to bad breath. * Aspiration pneumonia: A swelling or infection in the lungs or airways due to inhaling vomit, saliva, food, or liquids.

SYMPTOMS

The specific odour of breath can vary, depending on the cause of the problem. It is best to ask a close friend or relative to gauge your mouth odour, as it can be difficult to assess. If no one is available, one way of checking the odour is to lick the wrist, leave it to dry, and then smell it. A bad smell on this area of the wrist is likely to suggest bad breath.

Some individuals are concerned about their breath even though they may have little or no mouth odour. This condition is called halitophobia and can lead to obsessive mouth-cleansing behaviour.

TREATMENT

The best way to reduce bad breath is to practise good oral hygiene. This ensures that cavities are avoided, and reduces the likelihood of gum disease. It is recommended that individuals visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning twice a year.

The dentist may recommend a toothpaste that includes an antibacterial agent, or an antibacterial mouthwash.

Alternatively, if gum disease is present, professional cleaning may be necessary to clear out the build-up of bacteria in pockets between the gums and teeth.

DIAGNOSIS

Often, a dentist would simply smell the breath of a person with suspected bad breath and rate the odour on a sixpoint intensity scale. The dentist may scrape the back of the tongue and smell the scrapings, as this area can often be a source of the aroma. There are a variety of sophisticated detectors that can rate odour more precisely.

HOME REMEDIES

Oral hygiene is the key to most bad breath issues.

Other lifestyle changes and home remedies for bad breath include: 1. Brush the teeth: Be sure to brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal.

2. Floss: Flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque between the teeth. Brushing only cleans around 60 percent of the surface of the tooth.

3. Clean dentures: Anything that goes into the mouth, including dentures, a bridge, or a mouth guard, should be cleaned as recommended on a daily basis. Cleaning prevents the bacteria from building up and being transferred back into the mouth. Changing toothbrushes every 2 to 3 months is also important for similar reasons.

4. Brush the tongue: Bacteria, food, and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. A tongue scraper can sometimes be useful.

5. Avoid dry mouth: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which dehydrate the mouth.

Chewing gum or sucking a sweet, preferably sugar-free, can help stimulate the production of saliva. If the mouth is chronically dry, a doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.

6. Diet: Avoid onions, garlic, and spicy food. Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Eating a breakfast that includes rough foods can help clean the back of the tongue.

If breath odour persists despite controlling these factors, it is recommended that an individual visits a doctor for further tests, to rule out other conditions.

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375 youths were incarcerated within the last year and a half – Top Cop – meets with AmCham to collaborate on youth development

cusp of real growth and major development. I say this passionately because I really believe we need to harness those vulnerable youths and school dropouts and channel them properly and this is exactly what we are doing as an organisation.”

Deputy Commissioner “Administration” (ag) Calvin Brutus, also emphasised the importance of youth development and went on to provide the AmCham representatives with a “needs assessment list” as well as an outline of the programmes that the Guyana Police Force Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Deputy Commissioner “Administration” (ag) Calvin Brutus, along with other officials at the meeting

A

cting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and senior members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday met with representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham Guyana) with the aim of building partnership and encouraging Police-private sector collaboration, especially in the area of youth development.

During the meeting, Hicken expressed optimism that this partnership will aid the vision of GPF and create an atmosphere where other members, associations, and corporate units will come on board in assisting the Force in its long-term vision.

“In this phase of our lives, being mature already, it may be difficult to change the way we think but we are preparing the next generation that will grow up to understand that the Police are an integral and important part of the community,” Hicken asserted.

This partnership will help in the overall effort and commitment to mould and shape the future of our youths.

The Top Cop, a passionate advocate and champion

of youth development, especially in vulnerable communities across Guyana, alluded to the plans and programmes that the Guyana Police Force has for youths – who are our future leaders.

He also encouraged Rajendra Singh and Matthew Phang – the AmCham representatives, to sell the vision of the Police Force, especially as it relates to community development and the creation of training and other opportunities for youths.

He added that within the last year and a half, approximately 375 youths were sent to prison in Guyana.

“So if every year we put 375 youths in the prisons, then who will lead in the future?”

Hicken questioned.

He highlighted this to draw a nexus between what currently obtains and what the GPF is trying to achieve in terms of youth development and giving them a chance to have a better life and stay away from drugs and crime.

“This is not idle rhetoric and politics…this is caring for people genuinely out of concern for the stability of this country and understanding that we are on the

intend to roll out as it relates to youth development, sports and youth empowerment.

Some of the focus areas that the Guyana Police Force will be targeting, in terms of youth development, are life skills, computer repairs, computer training, youth camps, a Cadet scheme, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programme, and the resuscitation of Scout and Youth Groups in every community.

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GA-FDD recalls some Häagen- 375 youths were incarcerated...

Dazs ice cream products following presence of pesticides T

FROM PAGE 27

he Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has alerted consumers of a voluntary recall of Häagen-Dazs Plain Vanilla ice-cream products, manufactured by General Mills and imported by Massy Distribution (Guyana) Inc. These products range from the vanilla pint, minicup, and bulk formats. Only the products listed herein are affected by the product recall, which applies to batches with best before dates up to and including May 21, 2023.

The recall is based on the detection of ethylene oxide in the implicated products. Ethylene oxide is a chemical that in gas form has been found to cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory passages.

Although there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated

with low levels of ethylene oxide, long-term exposure may lead to health issues.

Consequently, the GA-FDD advises consumers not to consume this product.

Ethylene oxide is also used as a sterilising agent for medical equipment and

a fumigating agent for spices. The acute effects of ethylene oxide in humans consist mainly of central nervous system depression and irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes.

Chronic (long-term) exposure to ethylene oxide in

humans can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and damage to the brain and nervous system.

Ethylene oxide is used mainly as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of ethylene glycol (antifreeze), textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, solvents, medicine, adhesives, and other products.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, consumption of ethylene oxide can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts. On the other hand, exposure can result in eye pain, vomiting, headaches, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and blurred vision.

For more information consumers are advised to visit www.generalmills. com/VanillaRecall or contact the GA-FDD on 2228859, 222-8934 or 222-8857 or visit www.gafdd.gy.

Discussions on youth development

According to Brutus, educational and capacity-building programmes will also be offered in a targeted way to vulnerable youths and young adults in a bid to mitigate against crime and provide a better life for the next generation.

Also present at the meeting was Lashaun Williams, a representative of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School who is keen to partner with the GPF in Training, specifically in the area of Home Economics and teaching vulnerable

youths how to cook with the aim that they might be able to not just learn a lifeskill but also earn an income.

Sheryar Hussain of the New York Police Department (NYPD) and a member of the Guyanese American Law Enforcement Association (GALEA), was also present at the meeting, and has pledged assistance to the Force in the areas of Body Cameras and Traffic Wands. Prior to the meeting, he had presented 20 sports uniforms (cricket) to the Guyana Police Force.

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Armed bandits storm construction site, rob workers

F

our construction workers were left traumatised on Friday after they were robbed by a group of armed men at their work site in Annadale New Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to the men, they were robbed of their cellular phones along with the cash they had in their possession. It is still unclear the amount of cash the bandits took, and the value of the phones that were stolen.

During a live video that was posted on social media by a resident, the men related that they were working on a house in the area for the past two weeks. However, on the day in question, they had just taken a break when the four men pulled up on bicycles and approached them. The men were reportedly armed with a gun and cutlasses. One of the victims recalled that after the men stormed the site, they began kicking and beating one of the workers. “They

A few of the workers at the construction site after the robbery

come on four different bicycles, four persons, we deh sit down hay suh and them start beat up abeh. Them search up this one [another construction worker] bag, and them pull gun pon abeh and them man start kick down this one hay [his other colleague],” he said. The men added that after taking their phones, the bandit who was holding the cutlass threatened that he was going to chop off their necks.

They said after hearing that, they began begging for their lives. “After we start beg, them calm down. Then cuff that man [one of their colleagues] to he head and kick am down. Is same time we tek out lil food fuh eat the man run in and pull gun pon we. He put de gun to he [one of the victims] head. They tumble up all in here,” he said. After being robbed at the location on Friday, the men said they will be closing off work at the site for their safety. According to the victims, they were unable to identify the men since they all wore masks.

Following the robbery, the matter was reported to the Police and an investigation was launched.

“I will hunt you like Police hunt thief” – ex-soldier allegedly tells injured girlfriend

F

ormer member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), 26-year-old James Rodwell Cadogan, also known as “Roddie”, of Haslington, ECD, who reportedly stabbed his girlfriend, has now taken his threats to another level by threatening to kill her.

Twenty-three-year-old Zenida April, a GDF rank, remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital while her mother, 48-year-old Nevorn April was discharged.

It was reported that the former soldier and his girlfriend, who were living together, were having some issues prior to the stabbing. In fact, one day before that incident, the couple had a heated argument during which he threatened to stab the woman.

As such, the girlfriend went to stay with her mother but a report was made to the police. However, on Tuesday, the two women along with a relative went back to the man’s Paradise, ECD, home.

As the women entered one of the bedrooms, the ex-soldier locked the door, preventing the relative from gaining access. Soon after, screams were heard and in retaliation,

the relative forcefully gained entry into the house through a window and found the two covered in blood.

The suspect had already made his way out of the house and escaped. The girlfriend was stabbed to her chest, neck, arms, and back while her mother was stabbed once to the shoulder.

Meanwhile, on Saturday the family released a recording to Guyana Times of the alleged suspect telling the injured woman’s mother that her daughter has to die and he will hunt her down “like Police hunt thief”.

“I gon tell you this morning, yah daughter got to dead.

She is wicked and she is not a girl of she word. If you is not a girl of your word, you have to be a girl of the dirt. Me and you [the girl’s mother] reason, I tell you that let we go to this pastor and you say yes we gonna go but you never follow me.”

“I show she that the state I deh in, she is the only person that I thinking about that getting me holding a focus right now and now she gon bail?

When I need she the most she gon bail?

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 3 more COVID deaths ...142 new infections detected

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 9, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

142

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

35

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

731

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

4

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

36,874

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

31,288

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

68,162

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

66,130

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

443,529

FULLY IMMUNISED

343,324

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

T

he current wave of COVID-19 in Guyana is raging on, claiming the lives of three more persons who would have tested

1262

positive thus bringing the toll to 1262.

According to the Health Ministry, a 55-year-old man from Region Seven died on

“I will hunt you like...

FROM PAGE 30

James Rodwell Cadogan and Zenida April

Anytime she did come humble everything wudda good…I tell she don’t mek I got to hate she because if I hate she meh go hurt she, and she make me hate she,” according to the recording.

Further, the recording revealed “Me go tell you, anytime she survive this…hear what I will promise you, none ah ayo dese cyan’t find me. I is not no easy soldier.

I know soldering…I promise you when you feel all is well, watch me. You’ll hear she in pain because the next time y’all would not be lucky”.

“Is the love and respect me have for you [the injured woman’s mother] mek me in do you nothing…I will hunt she like Police hunt thief, you will see, let she run, let she only recover. She going to de dirt, so start to save her burial money. I promise you,” the

man was heard saying.

According to Nevorn, those voice messages came to her just after the man sent a message to her daughter pleading for her forgiveness.

“He’s claiming that he is sorry and he needs help. I need him to turn himself into the Police and the help will start there. He sent all those messages from his phone. I want him to know that the evil you do lives after you. He needs to ask for repentance earliest,” she said.

The family said it was only last month that they realised that Cadogan had an issue that kept getting worse, hence the daughter was planning to leave him.

So far, all the threatening messages were sent to the Police and the family said they are hoping that the man is arrested soon.

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2617

REGION 2

2980

REGION 3

8284

REGION 4

33,897

REGION 5

2490

REGION 6

6576

REGION 7

2526

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4101

REGION 10

3607

July 7 while on July 8, a 79-year-old woman from Region Two and a 70-yearold man from Region Four succumbed. While the woman was fully vaccinated, the two males were unvaccinat-

ed.

The last reported death was announced on Friday, a 55-year-old unvaccinated man from Region Seven.

However, new statistics that were released by the Ministry showed that 142 new infections were recorded. Consequently, confirmed cases have hiked to 68,162 – a breakdown of 31,288 males and 36,874 females.

A breakdown of new positives showed an increase of five in Region One (BarimaWaini); 13 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); nine in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 78 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); 14 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 14 in Region Six (East-BerbiceCorentyne); three in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 12 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and four in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

In addition, there are four patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 35 in institutional isolation, 731 in home isolation, and two in institutional quarantine. Recovered cases have

reached 66,130 with some 665,612 samples tested for the virus thus far.

Latest vaccination figures show that so far, more than 443,000 or 86.5 per cent of adults have taken a first dose, while some 343,000 or 67 per cent are fully vaccinated.

For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, over 35,000 or 48 per cent of them have received their first dose, and of that amount, some 25,600 or 35.2 per cent are fully immunised.

In the 5 to 11 age group, over 4000 children are inoculated. Administration of the second shot is now due for some persons. Moreover, approximately 68,000 persons have returned for their booster shots thus far.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover completely, especially if they are vaccinated. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.

Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic

respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. To prevent the disease from developing into a severe form, it is recommended that vaccines be taken, as well as follow-ups with booster shots.

This week, the Government of South Korea delivered 40,800 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to Guyana, which will be utilised to continue the Health Ministry’s robust immunisation campaign.

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

Global figures show that 550 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.3 million have died.

In the Americas, more than 164 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

Regional

US imposes fresh restrictions Brazil could face “more severe” on Cuban officials ahead unrest than US Capitol riot of protest anniversary B

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he US State Department announced visa restrictions on Saturday against 28 Cuban officials that it said were implicated in a crackdown on largely peaceful protests in Cuba nearly one year ago.

In a statement, the department said the restrictions would apply to high-ranking members of the Cuban Communist Party and officials who work in the country’s state communications and media sectors.

Cuba´s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez blasted the US measures and policy toward Cuba on social media shortly after the announcement, saying they violated international law.

Cuba has said the US Cold War-era economic embargo, combined with alleged efforts to foment protests on the island, are aimed at toppling the communist-run Government.

Authorities on the Caribbean island sentenced hundreds to jail time on charges from public dis-

The US flag flying next to security guarding the US embassy in Havana, Cuba, January 12, 2021

order to sedition since the protests last July 11, the largest anti-government protests in decades. Other dissidents have fled the island to exile.

The State Department accused the Cuban officials facing new visa restrictions of setting the policies it said led to violent and unjust detentions, sham trials and decades-long prison sentences following the widespread rallies.

Human Rights Watch said this week the Government had “systemat-

ically” violated the rights of those who protested to deter future demonstrations.

Several such groups have called on the Governments of other Latin American and European nations to more closely scrutinise the aftermath of last year´s protests.

The State Department said Saturday the Cuban Government also employed “internet throttling” to prevent people in Cuba from communicating with each other and block communications with the outside world.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentine ex-army officers jailed over “Dirty War” crimes against humanity

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court in Argentina has sentenced 19 former military officers to long prison terms for crimes against humanity during the country’s military dictatorships in 1976-83.

The crimes included forced disappearances, murder, torture and kidnapping of children.

Among those sentenced was Gen Santiago Riveros, 98, previously convicted for other human rights violations.

He received a life sentence after being found guilty of more than 100 crimes.

The sentences were handed down by the federal court in the capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

It ruled that crimes were committed against some 350 victims.

Among them were six auto plant workers at the Mercedes Benz factory who were abducted by right-wing death squads for having union sympathies.

They were then tortured in the notorious Campo de Mayo detention centre run by Gen Riveros outside Buenos Aires.

Although they officially

remain missing, it is believed they were killed some time after the kidnapping.

The investigating judges interviewed about 750 witnesses over the period of more than three years.

After a military junta led by Gen Jorge Videla seized power in Argentina on March 24, 1976, it began a campaign to wipe out leftwing opponents.

Some 30,000 people were killed or forcibly disappeared during the “Dirty War”, as the campaign came to be known. (Excerpt from BBC News)

razil, which is due to hold a presidential election in October, is at risk of facing a “more severe” incident than the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol, according to the head of the country’s electoral court.

Edson Fachin’s comments on Wednesday follow the latest polls that showed Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro trailing behind former leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro has cast doubts on the voting system, without evidence, going as far as threatening to reject an unfavourable outcome in the elections.

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Development of non-conventional energy sources, such as fracking, are controversial in Colombia, where supporters and energy companies maintain the practice is crucial for Colombia’s economy and energy self-sufficiency. Critics say it will damage the environment and bodies of water.

Though the court suspended regulations for developing non-conventional energy deposits in late 2018, it allowed investigative pilot projects to go ahead.

While Thursday’s ruling has no bearing on the pilot projects, it will allow seven contracts for non-conventional energy projects in

Colombia’s Mines and Energy Minister Diego Mesa Puyo posing for a picture in Bogota, Colombia, August 28, 2020.

Colombia’s Cesar province to advance to the next step, Mesa said in a video shared

and must never be interfering, he said.

Earlier this year, the electoral court created a transparency commission with representatives of several public institutions, including the military, to ensure greater security for the voting process.

Military leaders have broadly said the armed forces will respect any election result. Still, some military officials have echoed Bolsonaro’s comments about potential weaknesses in Brazil’s voting system.

“Evidently, we will not accept this type of circumstance.

Collaboration yes, intervention never,” Fachin said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Jamaica’s 1st monkeypox patient flees hospital

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male who tested positive for monkeypox, to become Jamaica’s first confirmed case of the disease, has absconded the health facility where he had been put into isolation pending his recovery, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed.

Reports are that after noon Saturday, the patient – who presented to the public health system on July 5, having arrived in Jamaica some five days earlier from the United Kingdom – left through a bathroom window of the facility and had a car waiting. The Police

have been called in and are investigating.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts are asked to contact the Police immediately.

“Monkeypox is a viral disease that can be transmitted from person to person. It is therefore important that anyone with knowledge of the patient’s whereabouts contact the Police so that he can be returned to isolation, pending the resolution of his illness,” said Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton.

A surge in monkeypox cases has been report-

ed since early May outside the West and Central African countries where the disease has long been endemic.

To date, more than 5000 monkeypox cases have been reported from 53 countries worldwide that don’t normally report the disease, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of monkeypox include skin rash, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion and can last up to two to four weeks. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

US allocates millions to boost security in Haiti

U

nited States’ Under-Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, said the Biden Administration has allocated US$48 million in additional security assistance through the United States

Colombia court ruling on fracking paves way for contracts worth over US$500 million to advance decision by Colombia’s top administrative court, which ruled against a lawsuit seeking to nullify regulations affecting fracking, will allow seven non-conventional energy contracts worth US$517.4 million to move forward, Mines and Energy Minister Diego Mesa said on Friday.

Colombia’s Council of State on Thursday rejected a lawsuit that sought to nullify norms regulating commercial exploration and exploitation of non-conventional energy deposits, including hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, ruling the regulations legal.

“We may experience an episode even more severe than the January 6 [attack] on the Capitol,” Fachin said in a presentation at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC. On January 6, 2021, hundreds of supporters of then-President Donald Trump overwhelmed Police officers as they stormed the US Capitol in Washington, DC, in an attempt to violently prevent the certification of President Joe Biden’s election victory.

Fachin also warned he would not accept any interference in the electoral process.

The involvement of Brazil’s armed forces in the presidential race has to be cooperative

with journalists.

A spokesperson for ConocoPhillips, which has signed two contracts, declined to comment on the court’s decision.

“Those seven contracts go to the environmental licensing stage,” Mesa added.

Anti-fracking activists decried the court’s decision, saying it would endanger the environment, as well as communities near fracking projects.

Colombian Presidentelect Gustavo Petro, who takes office in August, has vowed to block fracking once in office and also promised to put an end to the pilot projects. (Excerpt from Reuters)

United States’ Under-Secretary of State Wendy Sherman (Photo: CMC)

Department of State’s Bureau of Narcotics and Law Enforcement to bolster security across the country.

Sherman made the announcement in a message on Friday, on the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

She also assured the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) member state that Washington is committed to supporting a democratic and prosperous future for the Haitian people.

She recalled that Haiti has not yet recovered from the devastating 2021 earthquake of magnitude 7.2 which devastated the southern peninsula while rising food prices and fuel makes the situation particularly difficult for citizens and based on this, millions of Haitians will need humanitarian aid this year.

Sherman added that the assassination of President Moise has affected Haiti’s political system and reaffirmed the need for worldwide intervention in the midst of the crisis. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

35

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS With world in energy shock, Saudi oil cushion gets very thin

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hen French President Emmanuel Macron whispered in Joe Biden's ear last month that top global oil exporter Saudi Arabia has very little additional capacity to increase output, the US President looked surprised.

Biden is due to land in Riyadh later this month, and he will likely hear the same sobering message – don't count much on Saudi Arabia to help replace Russian oil.

How much Saudi Arabia – seen as the "central bank" of global oil - can really pump is an industry secret and scepticism on this usually grows at times of high oil prices and strained global production. The kingdom, which says it can pump 12 million barrels per day, has regularly proved its doubters wrong in the past.

But as the world faces one of its worst ever supply crises, industry insiders, OPEC sources and other experts are asking whether, with current output of at least 10.5 million bpd, Saudi Arabia really has another 1.5 million bpd up its sleeve that can be brought online quickly and sustained.

Adding to scepticism about spare capacity, Saudi Arabia has been pumping below its OPEC quota despite near-record oil prices, and OPEC figures show drilling of new wells in the kingdom last year remained well below pre-pandemic levels.

A senior industry source who recently sat down with the management of Saudi state oil company Aramco aid he was told the company had at most a further 1 million bpd of spare capacity that was readily available.

"If push comes to shove then Aramco have 1 million bpd that they can get into the market relatively quickly, but that can't be sustained for long," the source said.

At the time of the meeting Aramco was producing 10.5 million bpd, meaning its output could not jump above 11.5 million bpd. The source declined to be identified by name given the sensitivity of the matter.

Another senior source, citing information from private conversations with Aramco insiders, said his intelligence showed Aramco could not pump more than 11 million bpd without drawing on stocks at home and abroad in consuming countries such as Japan, the Netherlands and Egypt.

Aramco doesn't disclose the level of stocks but the industry estimates the firm could release an extra 0.3-0.5 million barrels per day for between 60 and 90 days.

Gary Ross, a veteran OPEC and Saudi observer, said Saudi production capacity might be no more than 11 million bpd because low drilling rates of the past years have failed to replace losses in existing capacity.

"We are running on empty!" Ross said.

Saudi Aramco, in a statement to Reuters, said the company maintains a crude oil maximum sustainable capacity (MSC) of 12 million bpd and had pumped this much two years ago.

"It is worth noting that, in Q2 2020, we set a daily production record of 12.1 million bpd," the company said.

Back in 2020, such pumping rates were sustained for just a few days and oil traders said they saw large stocks withdrawals by Aramco.

OPEC watchers also noticed that with Saudi Arabia unwinding output cuts agreed in the worst of the pandemic, a gap has opened up between what Saudi Arabia says it is producing and what outsiders assess its production to be.

In May, the secondary sources that OPEC used to track its output put Saudi production at 10.42 million bpd, over 100,000 bpd below its quota and what the kingdom said it produced. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia threatens broad Ukraine offensive as US presses China over war stance U krainian defenders battled on Saturday to contain Russian forces along several fronts, officials said, as the United States urged China to align itself with the West in opposing the invasion following an ill-tempered G20 meeting.

A missile strike on the northeastern city of Kharkiv wounded three civilians, its governor said, though Russia's main attacks appeared focused southeast of there in Luhansk and Donetsk.

Those two provinces, parts of which were held by pro-Russian separatists before the conflict began in February, comprise the eastern industrial region of the Donbas.

Ukrainian officials reported strikes in both on Saturday, while Britain's Ministry of Defence said Moscow was assembling reserve forces from across

Ukrainian servicemen ride a self-propelled howitzer, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, July 8, 2022

Russia near Ukraine.

Donetsk regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on the Telegram messaging service that a Russian missile had struck Druzhkivka, a town behind the front line, and reported shelling of other population centres.

Luhansk Governor Serhiy Gaidai said on Telegram that Russian forces were "firing along the entire front line", though a subsequent Ukrainian counter-attack that hit weapons and ammunition stores had forced Moscow to halt its offensive.

Russia, which claimed control over all of Luhansk province last weekend, denies targeting civilians.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed several of Kyiv's senior envoys abroad.

Zelenskiy has urged his diplomats to drum up international support and high-end weapons to slow Russia's advance.

US President Joe Biden signed a weapons package for Ukraine on Friday worth up to $400 million, including four additional high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS).

Zelenskiy said those armaments were priority needs.

In reaction, the Russian Embassy in Washington said the United States wanted to "prolong the conflict at all costs". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa to resign after palace stormed

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ri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has announced he will step down after protesters stormed his official residence and set the Prime Minister's house on fire.

Neither the PM nor the President were in the buildings.

Hundreds of thousands descended on the capital Colombo, calling for Rajapaksa to resign after months of protests over economic mismanagement.

Rajapaksa will step down on July 13. PM Wickremesinghe has agreed to resign.

Parliamentary speaker Mahinda Abeywardana said the President decided to step down "to ensure a peaceful handover of power".

Protesters made their way into the house, chanting slogans and waving the national flag

Just hours earlier, Ranil Wickremesinghe's home was on fire after protesters broke in and set it alight.

Videos circulating on social media show flames lighting up the night sky.

Crowds had earlier overrun the official residence of Rajapaksa, lounging in its

state rooms and jumping in his pool.

The country is suffering rampant inflation and is struggling to import food, fuel and medicine.

Large numbers of protesters travelled to the capital from across the country, with officials telling

AFP news agency that some had even "commandeered" trains to get there.

Rajapaksa vacated his official residence on Friday as a safety precaution ahead of the planned protests, two Defence Ministry sources said, according to Reuters.

Protesters made their way towards the President's residence on Saturday morning, before breaking through barricades.

Hundreds of protesters made their way into the house, chanting slogans and waving the national flag.

Footage on social media soon showed people roaming through the house and splashing in the pool. Some could be seen emptying out a chest of drawers. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Wildfire nears famous site in California’s Yosemite National Park

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portion of Yosemite National Park in the US state of California has been closed, officials said, as a wildfire is inching closer to a grove of famous giant sequoia trees.

Authorities blocked access to the park’s largest stand of sequoias and told visitors to leave nearby areas as firefighters battled the blaze, which had burned 101 hectares (250 acres) by 12pm local time (19:00 GMT) on Friday, officials said.

The trees are famous for their size and age, with one known as the Grizzly Giant dating back more than 3000 years, a living symbol of the

state’s rich natural history.

In April, US President Joe Biden signed an order to protect old-growth forests from wildfires after thousands of sequoias were destroyed the previous summer.

There have been no re-

ports of severe damage in this week’s blaze, but park officials closed Mariposa Grove, home to more than 500 of the giant sequoias, on Thursday. The rest of the park is still open.

“There is some torching, but we’re not seeing that on

the named trees that’s been reported yet,” said Nancy Phillipe, a Yosemite fire information spokesperson, referring to when fire kills a tree by igniting its canopy.

“Our priorities are certainly the giant sequoias and the community of Wawona”, which lies within the park, said Phillipe.

Wildfires are fast becoming a feature of life in the western United States as climate change exacerbates factors that have worsened fire conditions, such as prolonged droughts. Of the 10 largest fires in the state’s history, eight have occurred since 2017. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Put more time and effort into your home and relationships. Upgrades will allow you to turn your home into a convenient and comfortable place to hang your hat.

Refuse to let anyone talk you into overspending.

Put your energy where it TAURUS counts.

Getting along with (April 20others and doing things for May 20) the people you love will bring you peace of mind and encourage better relationships. Don’t make a move prematurely.

Discuss your plans and leave GEMINI (MAY 28- nothing to the imagination.

Precision will help alleviate any June 20) misconception someone has regarding your intentions or feelings. Budgeting and saving are encouraged.

Don’t act on impulse; let the CANCER facts guide you. Refuse to bite (June 21off more than you can chew. Map July 22) out the best possible course and begin your journey. Too much too fast will be your downfall.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Dilbert

A problem with authority figures or institutions will surface if you exaggerate or promise something and don’t deliver. Backtrack, declutter and finish what you start.

It’s all about the money. Buying, selling, lowering overhead and investing will help you establish yourself in a higher income bracket and give you a chance to network and use your expertise.

Do your best to stabilize any situation that appears to shift or shows signs of negativity. Consider what you want and the best way to reach your goal.

Discipline will lead to better health.

SCORPIO Use experience and wisdom to outmaneuver anyone who (Oct. 24gives you a hard time. By takNov. 22) ing a unique approach to your research, you’ll discover information that will help you make better investments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Peanuts

Emotions will fester. How SAGITTARIUS you approach and handle oth(Nov. 23ers will be critical if you want Dec. 21)

to keep the peace and gain allies. An open mind and heart will help you gain respect.

CAPRICORN Focus on whatever brings the highest return. Concentrate (Dec. 22on meaningful relationships and Jan. 19)

make your home comfortable and welcoming. Share your enthusiasm and show appreciation and gratitude.

Calvin and Hobbes

Accentuate how you look

AQUARIUS and feel, and engage in func(Jan. 20tions that can help you get Feb. 19) ahead. Stop worrying about what others do or think; focus on what makes you happy. Opportunity knocks.

PISCES (Feb. 20Mar. 20)

A kind gesture will go a long way and the rewards will be plentiful. Someone you meet will have something to offer that encourages you to take a unique path. Don’t let a salesperson lead you astray.

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

37

Bhuvneshwar, Jadeja help India seal series

Bhuvneshwar Kumar bagged 3-15

I

ndia might have made four changes to their side, thanks to the return of the famed old guard, but the new spirit was still intact. Getting to a total of 170 proved to be a bit of a challenge, despite their new allout approach, but they were able to defend it rather comfortably in a 49-run win at Edgbaston.

It also brought them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I Series against England, and this was their fourth series win on the bounce against England.

as an opener ahead of Virat Kohli was a sign. And playing in consonance with their new style, India’s new opening pair plundered runs against the new ball, even if it meant that some of it came through edges and mistimed slogs.

But, clearly experimenting with a different style, the openers didn’t hold back; and, in the process, added 49 runs for the first wicket inside five overs. The batters that came after followed the same approach.

New openers, new style for India

Jadeja to the rescue after wickets tumble

That Rishabh Pant was picked

Wickets are going to fall if you

CID Headquarters holds successful ‘Fitness Walk and Run’ exercise

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he Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters (CID HQ) held a “Fitness Walk and Run” activity on Saturday 9th July, 2022 in observance of the Guyana Police Force’s 183rd Anniversary.

This activity, held under the theme “Showcasing Teamwork and Partnership through Fitness”, commenced at the University of Guyana Access Road at Turkeyen on the East Coast of Demerara and concluded at the CID HQ at Eve Leary in Kingston, Georgetown.

Ranks of the various departments at Police Headquarters participated in the activity with their CID counterparts and other partners, and braved the downpour to turn out in their numbers. Among the senior and junior ranks who participated in this exercise was Deputy Commissioner, ‘Law Enforcement’, Wendell Blanhum. When the exercise was concluding, Crime Chief Blanhum congratulated all the participants for turning out in their numbers to support the activity, and indicated to the large gathering that there is

need to balance the work life with activities that promote and foster a healthy lifestyle.

He also encouraged the large gathering to continue staying active and fit, whether by walking, running, or making healthy choices daily; and noted that, because of team work, everyone was able to complete the journey through the rain, which is a testimony to the theme of this year’s Fitness Walk and Run-in practice.

Thereafter, those who participated in the Fitness Run through some friendly competitions were awarded trophies and monetary prizes as follows: For the male category, 1st place went to Police Constable 24558 Kevin Browne, 2nd place went to Vaugh Felix and 3rd Place went to Police Constable 25269 Wilton Bobb.

For the female category, 1st place went to Woman Corporal Doris.

Special awards for participation in today’s activities went to Inspector Bissoon and Constable Joshua, who both received monetary prizes. (GPF)

play such an attacking brand of cricket. The trick, perhaps, is not to panic.

India did both of that at Edgbaston.

Finding themselves at 89/5 from 49/0 at one point in time, they ensured that they still got to 170, a total that proved more than enough. Getting to that kind of score was also thanks to the team combination, which meant that despite being five down, India had Ravindra Jadeja and Dinesh Karthik at the crease.

Karthik was run out in the 16th over by a throw from Harry Brook, but Jadeja’s 46* off only 29 balls, featuring five boundaries and plenty of 2s even on a small ground, ensured that India didn’t fall way behind. As many as 53 runs came in the last five overs, with Jadeja scoring 34 of them.

Bhuvneshwar too hot for England

Is defending a target of 171 a matter of touch and go for India? Think again! Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck with the first ball of the innings, getting the dangerous Jason Roy caught at slip. And, in the following over, the wicket of big fish Jos Buttler came through an under-edge, which Pant was sharp to spot and force India to go for the review.

T h a t

How did India lose quick wickets at the top?

Thanks to Richard Gleeson, who at 34 years old became the oldest T20I debutant for England, and finished with figures of 4-115-3. On a pitch responding to hard lengths, he broke India’s opening stand by bouncing out Rohit Sharma and, in his next over, went on to pick up two big wickets off successive balls.

Kohli, batting at #3, fell to a topedge to point, whereas Pant went back to an under-edge after coming down the track.

Chris Jordan also shone with the ball, picking up Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav off consecutive balls as he finished with 4 for 27.

SCOREBOARD INDIA INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Rohit Sharma (c)c †Buttler b Gleeson 31 Rishabh Pant †c †Buttler b Gleeson 26 Virat Kohli c Malan b Gleeson 1 Suryakumar Yadav c Curran b Jordan 15 Hardik Pandya c Malan b Jordan 12 Ravindra Jadeja not out 46 Dinesh Karthik run out (Brook/†Buttler) 12 Harshal Patel c Gleeson b Jordan 13 Bhuvneshwar Kumar c Willey b Jordan 2 Jasprit Bumrah not out 0 Extras (w 12) 12 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.50) 170/8 Did not bat: Yuzvendra Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-49 (Rohit Sharma, 4.5 ov), 2-61 (Virat Kohli, 6.1 ov), 3-61 (Rishabh Pant, 6.2 ov), 4-89 (Suryakumar Yadav, 10.3 ov), 5-89 (Hardik Pandya, 10.4 ov), 6-122 (Dinesh Karthik, 15.1 ov), 7-145 (Harshal Patel, 16.6 ov), 8-159 (Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 18.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W David Willey 3-0-35-0 Sam Curran 3-0-26-0 Moeen Ali 2-0-23-0 Richard Gleeson 4-1-15-3 Matt Parkinson 2-0-21-0 Chris Jordan 4-0-27-4

was the fifth time Bhuvneshwar had Buttler’s number.

Bhuvneshwar finished with 3 for 15, and was adjudged the Player of the Match.

England wrapped up in 17 overs

Ravendra Jadeja blasted an unbeaten 46

Bumrah, who was back in the fold after a long Test as captain, followed up Bhuvneshwar’s twin strikes with the wicket of Liam Livingstone, who was undone and bowled by a slow off-cutter.

Liam Livingstone

2-0-23-0

ENGLAND INNINGS (Target: 171 runs from 20 overs) Jason Roy c Sharma b Kumar 0 Jos Buttler (c)† c † Pant b Kumar 4 Dawid Malan c Patel b Chahal 19 Liam Livingstone b Bumrah 15 Harry Brook c Yadav b Chahal 8 Moeen Ali c Sharma b Pandya 35 Sam Curran c Pandya b Bumrah 2 David Willey not out 33 Chris Jordan run out (Chahal/Sharma) 1 Richard Gleeson c Kohli b Kumar 2 Matt Parkinson b Patel 0 Extras (lb 1, w 1) 2 TOTAL 17 Ov (RR: 7.11) 121 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Jason Roy, 0.1 ov), 2-11 (Jos Buttler, 2.3 ov), 3-27 (Liam Livingstone, 4.1 ov), 4-41 (Harry Brook, 6.4 ov), 5-55 (Dawid Malan, 9.1 ov), 6-60 (Sam Curran, 10.2 ov), 7-94 (Moeen Ali, 14.2 ov), 8-95 (Chris Jordan, 14.3 ov), 9-109 (Richard Gleeson, 15.4 ov), 10121 (Matt Parkinson, 16.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-1-15-3 Jasprit Bumrah 3-1-10-2 Hardik Pandya 3-0-29-1 Harshal Patel 4-0-34-1 Yuzvendra Chahal 2-0-10-2 Ravindra Jadeja 2-0-22-0

Bumrah later took the wicket of the dangerous Sam Curran.

Yuzvendra Chahal, into the attack immediately after the PowerPlay, deceived Harry Brook in the air and had him caught in the deep, as India’s bowlers continued to pick up wickets through the middle overs. Both Bumrah and Chahal finished with figures of 2-10, and neither even needed to bowl their full quota of overs in a six-man attack. (Cricbuzz)

Chelsea agree fee with Man City for Raheem Sterling

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helsea have agreed a fee with Manchester City for England winger Raheem Sterling. The deal is worth up to £50m, including add-ons, and Sterling is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge on a five-year contract with an option of a further year.

Sterling would need to complete a medical before the deal is announced.

The 27-year-old has one year left on his contract at City, and had attracted interest from major clubs overseas.

City signed Sterling from Liverpool in a £49m deal in 2015, and he went on to score 131 goals in 339 games. Should the deal be completed, Sterling who has 77 England caps - would become Chelsea’s first major signing since they were taken over by a consortium led by Todd Boehly this summer.

It is expected that the deal would be done in time for Sterling to link up with the Chelsea squad before they leave for their pre-season tour to the United States next week.

BBC Sport understands that decisions by all parties have been amicable, but Sterling wants a fresh challenge and was impressed by Blues manager Thomas Tuchel’s vision and the role outlined to him.

Other major clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, were also interested in Sterling, but the player was swayed by Chelsea’s publicly and privately stated desire to sign him.

City wanted Sterling to stay, and he has no ill feeling towards the club or manager Pep Guardiola. However, he views this as the most important contract of his career, and wants to play a pivotal role at a club challenging for all the major honours. Sterling still has team and professional targets he wants to fulfil, including winning the Ballon D’Or. Apart from Manchester United players, only John Terry and former City team-mate Fernandinho have won more than his four Premier League titles, but he is still to win a

Raheem Sterling

Champions League.

Sterling instigated the conversation about his future with City, and it is understood that he appreciated the space he had been given to make his decision.

Sterling boosts Chelsea’s attacking options

Tuchel was looking to boost his attacking ranks after Romelu Lukaku rejoined Inter Milan on a season-long loan.

The Belgium striker was the

Blues’ top scorer last season, with 15 goals in all competitions, narrowly ahead of Kai Havertz (14) and Mason Mount (13).

Since Guardiola became manager in 2016, only Sergio Aguero (124) has scored more goals for City than Sterling (120).

Sterling scored 13 goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season, as he won his fourth league title, his ninth major honour in seven seasons with City.

But his opportunities were restricted by last summer’s signing of Jack Grealish, while forwards Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez have arrived at Etihad Stadium this summer.

Sterling was on the bench for both legs of the Champions League semi-final defeat by Real Madrid, and the epic final game of the season against Aston Villa. However, he did spark that memorable last-day comeback by setting up Ilkay Gundogan’s crucial first goal as City came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and pip Liverpool to the league title. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

RHTY&SC, Pepsi renew longstanding relationship with Under-19 sponsorship T

he highly successful relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RTHY&SC) MS, and the Demerara Distillers Ltd was renewed last Friday at a simple ceremony at the company’s Head Office at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

The renewal was done under the name of international soft drink brand Pepsi.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster has said the relationship between the club and Pepsi started in 2004 when the popular brand replaced the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd as the official sponsor of the under-19 and intermediate cricket teams.

The Under-19 team has dominated cricket at that level in the county, while the Intermediate team has won all three countywide tournaments organised by the Berbice Cricket Board during that period.

Foster, the longstanding club official, who is also President of the ac-

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receiving RHTY&SC sponsorship from DDL Marketing Executive Larry Wills

tive Berbice Cricket Board, said the relationship between the two organisations has produced several Berbice Under-19 championships, while numerous players have emerged to play for Berbice, Guyana, and the West Indies.

Junior Sinclair, who has recently been drafted into the Guyana Amazon

Warriors team, is a product of both teams, and others include Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Askhay Homraj, Dominic Rikhi, Kelvon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Shakabi Gajnabi, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Jermey Sandia,

Matthew Pottaya and Keith Simpson.

Additionally, these two teams have hosted over 2000 community programmes under the name of the sponsorship. The club has mandated the teams to successfully host at least 50 programmes annually under the Pepsi sponsorship. Programmes are held under a wide range of sub-headings, including educational, coaching, charity, medical, anti-drugs, community development, youth development, awards, social development, and anti-suicide, among other things.

Foster has committed the teams to upholding the highest standard on and off the cricket field.

RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary Jonathan Rampersaud, a national junior player, would lead the under-19 team, while West Indies under-19 player Kevlon Anderson, who is now a member of the CWI Emerging Players programme, is slated to lead the Intermediate team. They would have Jermey Sandia and Surendra Kissoonlall respectively as vice captains.

Under-19 captain Jonathan Rampersaud has expressed thanks to the management and staff of DDL for their continued confidence in the team, and has pledged to continue representing the Pepsi brand

with pride, passion and discipline. He also disclosed that, over the next twelve months, the teams would undertake a total of sixty programmes. These would include the upcoming summer camp for youths and the popular Christmas Village in December.

DDL Marketing Executive Larry Wills has said the company is delighted to renew its sponsorship with the teams, as their performances were very impressive over the years, and the results achieved have been positive.

The RHT Pepsi team would shortly start preparing for the upcoming BCB inter club tournament.

GALEA, NYPD donate 20 uniforms to GPF’s Cricket Team

Mc Gill defeat Barbados Police Force to take tour of Barbados to 3-2

T T

Mc Gill will be hoping to win their next game, so they could leave Barbados with successful tour figures of 4-2

he Mc Gill Superstars Sports Club continued their 2022 tour of

Narendra Persaud bagged 3-5 and top scored with 40

Barbados by registering another win, which takes their tally to 3 wins and 2 losses in their tour matches.

They defeated the Barbados Police Force Cricket Club by 60 runs, and will be hoping to win their final game on Monday and end the tour on a high.

In that 20-over match, which was played at the Police

SC ground, Mc Gill won the toss and elected to bat first.

They found their run flow in jeopardy, with their Police opponents bowling with discipline and employing a variety of strategies to pick up key wickets at regular intervals.

But just when it looked like the Police had every escape route covered, Narendra Persaud came to Mc Gill’s rescue with an innings of 40 runs that included three boundaries and two maximums. He was supported by Prahalad Singh with 29 (4x4) and Abdul Razack with 27 (2x4).

Despite this respite, Mc Gill could muster only 1295 in their allotment of overs.

Bowling for the Police, Karran Bhola took 2-17 from his four overs.

Needing 130 for victory off 120 balls, a seemingly modest total for any team enjoying home advantage, the Police unit found themselves on the wrong side of a Guyanese oven, and were restricted to 70 for 8 in their 20 overs. The only players to make any contribution were Melroy Albert

with 18 (1×4) and Randall Padmore with 11.

Narendra Persaud took 3-5 from his two overs; in the process, showing his all-round abilities by striking at the right times to police the Police innings. Persaud was supported by 2 four-over spells of 2-8 and 1-13 from Ganesh Puran and Travis Persaud respectively, enabling a Mc Gill victory by 60 runs.

The Guyanese side will now look to Monday’s fixture, when they duke it out with the Barbados Defence Force in hope of leaving Barbados with successful tour figures of 4 wins and 2 losses.

Speaking at the end of the match, Mc Gill batsman Travis Persaud said, “Feels good to win back-toback games after the loss to a strong UWI team. We are getting accustomed to the conditions over here now, and it shows in our performances.

We have one game remaining, and we are looking to finish on a high on Monday, so we can come back home on Tuesday with 4 wins under our belt.”

From left: Nicola Kendall, Cristal Robinson, Clifton Hicken, Sheryar Hussain and Tiffany Williams, Colin Boyce, and Ravindradat Budhram

he Guyanese American Law E n f o r c e m e n t Association (GALEA) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) Cricket Team have presented the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with 20 complete cricket uniforms with logos, to be used by the Force’s Cricket Team.

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken received the donation on Thursday, July 7th, 2022, from GALEA member Sheryar Hussain, who is also a member of the NYPD Cricket Team, in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at Force Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Dating back to 2016, the donation of uniforms was made in honour of Guyanese-born NYPD detective Randolph ‘Randy’ Holder, who was killed in the line of duty in 2015.

Hicken has expressed gratitude to the donor for the timely assistance, which will aid the Guyana Police Force’s efforts to boost the Force’s Cricket Team, as well as its morale among players and youths.

The Top Cop noted that this partnership, which be-

gan a few years ago, has grown and is getting stronger, and this augurs well for future collaboration between the two law enforcement bodies.

The Top Cop has also expressed the GPF’s intention to sponsor the NYPD Cricket Team, so that they can be in Guyana on an exchange programme; and they, in turn, can reciprocate as host. This, he said, is the sort of partnership that can greatly aid the process of developing capacity together.

“We can use the opportunity also to explore other areas where we can integrate meaningfully and help develop capacity as part of a Police fraternity,” Hicken has said.

Hussain, in brief remarks, said the goal of his organisation is to make a positive impact on the lives of youths.

“We are hoping that this gesture will solidify the connection with two great law enforcement agencies. It is all about building bridges,” Hussain stated.

GALEA, a non-profit organisation, is comprised of different law enforcement agencies (uniformed and civilian members of Guyanese

descent) who are proudly serving throughout the United States.

Hussain, on behalf of GALEA, also presented Hicken with a congratulatory plaque on his appointment to the helm of the Force.

Ravindradat Budhram, Chairman of the Police Cricket Association and Captain of the Police Officers’ Cricket Team, also thanked Hussain and GALEA for the donation.

Also present were Head of the Community Relations Department, Cristal Robinson; Head of the Corporate Communications Unit, Mark Ramotar; Head of the Strategic Planning Unit, Nicola Kendall; Head of the Sports Secretariat, Tiffany Williams; and Sports Development Officer Colin Boyce. (GPF)

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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

By Jemima Holmes

A

s is customary in the world of Guyanese Sport during this time of year, questions have been raised in regard to the composition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) teams, following the hosting of their Player Draft last Thursday.

Closer to home, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) team, which has been stacked with just the right balance, does not appear to satisfy the taste of local cricket pundits. It appears like many were expecting that international talents the likes of probably Jos Butler would have been included among the

Warriors, but there are many constraints that kept those kinds of players away from the CPL this year.

While it is important to note that teams such as South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand and Zimbabwe would all be involved in varying limited overs tours during the CPL Window, Hero CPL CEO Pete Russell gave come clarity on the international players’ availability, especially considering the impending T20 World Cup in OctoberNovember of this year.

“The International calendar is quite complicated, especially as you lead into a

World Cup. And also, everyone has to understand that the structure of a team, you can only put players in place that you need,” Russell answered Guyana Times Sport’s inquires on Friday last.

He further stated, “So, I believe actually, it’s the best international lineup we’ve ever had across all the teams.”

Speaking to the fans’ independent assessment of the teams, Russell said, “I think everyone is excited about what those teams are going to bring; it’s all very close. I think each team has its strengths and weaknesses.”

Turning his attention to the local franchise, GAW, Russell opined that there ar-

Hero CPL CEO Pete Russell

en’t any missing pieces in the squad.

“I think Guyana has got a very strong side. It (The CPL) is based around Caribbean players, and of course it’s great to see Keemo Paul back here. Obviously, you’ve got Hetmyer, who’s obviously a

big crowd pleaser and quality player,” the Hero CPL CEO explained to this publication.

He continued, “And, of course, if you then take Romario Shepherd and Odean Smith, you know that’s four very talented, high-quality players. I think every team

39

has its strengths and weaknesses, as I said, and I think the Guyanese won’t be disappointed when they start to show their skills and action,” Russell went on to state about the fans who have been paying keen attention to the team’s composition.

Aside from the teams, the CPL Boss is also anticipating the atmosphere in the Land of Many Waters when the time comes for Guyana to host 11 matches, inclusive of the Eliminators, Qualifiers and Finals.

He candidly shared, “We can’t wait to get down here for the final, so we arrived here on the 19th. We’ll play 11 games, and finals will be on the 30th of September. So, there’s plenty to look forward to.”

Pooran says West Indies ready Regional boxing tournament 2022… for Bangladesh ODI challenge Winfield Braithwaite Schoolboys today at Providence and Juniors for August - Rain cancels West Indies’ training session on eve of first ODI …Cayman Islands already registered

A

The grounds staff preparing on the eve of the first ODI (Brandon Corlette photo)

By Brandon Corlette

W

est Indies players did not get to engage in practice at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence on the eve of the first ODI, because there was a deluge of rain on the East Bank of Demerara on Saturday.

The men in maroon have defeated Bangladesh in the Test and T20I series, and will be aiming to record similar performances in the ODI format. West Indies have had their issues in batting 50 overs, but Captain Nicholas Pooran has said the batsmen are up for the challenge.

“We are growing in confidence. We just came from Pakistan and Netherlands.

We felt like we moved forward as a team. We are looking forward to this ODI Series as a team again, to correct our mistakes, learn as fast as possible. Bangladesh is a good ODI team, and we know we are going to be up for a challenge, and we are up for it,” Pooran explained.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal has said they are aiming to

end their tour of West Indies on a high in this three-match ODI Series.

“We all know losing is not fun, and we want to finish this series on a high for sure, and everybody is looking forward to it,” Tamim said. “Look, when you are not winning matches during a series, it is always difficult, but we have to remember this is one format we are very proud of, and we are a very good team, and there is no doubt about it.

“But no matter how well we play, on the day, we have to tick all the boxes, and that is the most important thing.

So far, we could not play good cricket in Tests and T20Is, but I hope we will start well on the 10th, and let’s see; because this is one format I feel we are comfortable. (I am) saying that the other team is also playing really well, and we have to make sure that we bring our A game.”

The Bangladesh skipper added: “We definitely tried our best (in Tests and T20Is), but it is also true that we could not play our best cricket. My message will be that, in the ODIs, we have to try

our best, and no matter what I say, we have to bring our A game to the field; and that is the most important thing.

“I don’t think I have to go and inspire everyone individually, because they all are playing for the country and nothing can be more motivating than this. (I am) saying that if I have to talk individually (to motivate someone), that I will definitely do,” he said.

Apart from this first ODI, West Indies and Bangladesh are scheduled to play on July 13 and 16 respectively.

West Indies (Probable XI): 1 Shai Hope (wk), 2 Kyle Mayers, 3 Shamarh Brooks, 4 Keacy Carty, 5 Nicholas Pooran (capt), 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Akeal Hosein, 8 Alzarri Joseph, 9 Romario Shepherd, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Jayden Seales Bangladesh (Probable XI): 1 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 2 Litton Das, 3 Anamul Haque, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Afif Hossain, 6 Nurul Hasan (wk), 7 Mosaddek Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman.

fter the constraints of the Coronavirus pandemic and the hosting of numerous Under-16 Mike Parris/ Pepsi tournaments locally, youth boxers will now have the chance to test their mettle on the big stage with the return of the Winfield Braithwaite Schoolboys and Juniors Regional Boxing Tournament.

According to a missive from the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), the tournament is expected to be hosted from August 1921, and countries have already signalled their intention to compete.

Guyana has, since January, been hosting bi-weekly under- 16 tournaments across the country; those are sure to come in handy for Guyana’s host-

take the reins of training Guyana’s nursery leading up to the tournament.

About the Pepsi/Mike Parris U16 and its importance to the Regional Championships, GBA President Steve Ninvalle shared, “The last of these competitions is scheduled for July 17 at the National Gymnasium. This will be followed by the selection of a national squad which Mr. Roldan will be in charge of.”

Following selection, encampment of Guyana’s Schoolboys and Juniors team is scheduled for two weeks prior to the tournament.

Meanwhile, the first country to have registered for the Winfield Braithwaite tournament is the Cayman Islands (CI), which has indicated the participation

been assured by Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Bahamas, St Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and Grenada that they will be sending teams. It is heartening news, since we are all coming out of COVID-19 and need such competition,” Ninvalle said about registration and participation that he anticipates from other countries.

The Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Tournament was first hosted in 2016 in Guyana, and was later renamed after Winfield Braithwaite, a Guyanese Commonwealth Games boxer. The brainchild of Steve Ninvalle and his other executives, the Schoolboys and Juniors Tournament is geared at generating and maintain-

Scenes from the last Winfield Braithwaite Schoolboys and Juniors Tournament in 2019 (Jemima Holmes Photo)

ing and participation in this event.

On the leadership side of things, the GBA are confident they “have heightened their chances of retaining the Champion Country title” after retaining the services of Cuban coach Francisco Roldan. It is expected that Roldan will

of one pugilist and two officials. The CI boxer is 16-year-old light middleweight Alec Lopez, who will be coached by Trinidadian National Floyd Trumpet, and managed by Yolande Lopez.

“We have given July 19th as our cutoff date for registration. I have

ing a nursery of boxers in order to develop boxing talent in Guyana and around the Caribbean Region.

This is the fifth hosting of this tournament; Guyana has won the past four editions. This tournament will be contested at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) this year.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Page 39 Nicholas Pooran enjoys playing at Providence (Getty Images)

Page 39 - Rain cancels West Indies’ training session on eve of first ODI

Regional boxing tournament 2022…

Winfield Braithwaite Schoolboys and Juniors for August

…Cayman Islands already registered

Page 39

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